Read Online Embracing Change by Debbie Roome - Free Book Online

again. She towelled off quickly and put on the track pants and soft T-shirt she’d fetched from the motel.
    Joel came through when he heard the door open. “You’re looking a little pale again.”
    She nodded. “I’ll be alright once I’m lying down.”
    He extended a steadying arm and led her down the passage. “You can use my bed. I promise I wash the sheets at least once a year.” Laughing at her expression, he continued, “I’ve left a glass of water and some apple juice on the pedestal. Do you feel like anything to eat?”
    She pulled a face as she sank onto his bed. “Not yet, thanks.” She just wanted to lie down and relax. The bed was a double with a navy sheet and a lightweight duvet. The cover was patterned with navy swirls and green rectangles and the cotton felt smooth and cool. He tucked her in like a baby and she caught the scent of his cologne from the sheets. “Just call if you need anything. I’ll be in the room next door.”
    Sarah’s eyes closed but thoughts lingered in her mind for a long while after. Thoughts about how good it felt to be in Joel’s arms.

Chapter Ten
I can’t believe I actually called Joel last night—I must have been more desperate than I remember. But I’m so glad I did. He really went the extra mile and the feeling of being cared for was just what I needed. His home suits him—comfortable, with a soppy dog!
From the journal of Sarah Johnson
Wednesday 19th March
     
    Sarah woke at noon, feeling washed out but better. Joel had left a note on the pillow and she read it with sleepy eyes. Gone to the shops. Be back soon. Joel. She stretched carefully. Her tummy was a little tender but she felt hungry, which was a good sign. She drank half a glass of apple juice before pulling the duvet back and letting her feet touch the floor. Spotting her bag on the floor near the bed, she picked it up and checked her cell phone. One missed call .
    She dialled voice mail and Ms Pauling’s voice greeted her. “Hello, Sarah. Good news. The company I mentioned likes your CV and wants to interview you on Monday. It’s more a formality than anything and if they’re happy, you’ll be able to start within a week. Give me a call to set up the appointment.”
    A few minutes later, she peeked out the window and, seeing no sign of Joel, decided to have a quick look around his home.
    The room next to his bedroom contained two desks, one covered with an assortment of cameras and equipment and a computer with a large screen. The other desk held a stack of papers and files as well as some colour prints. What really caught her attention, though, were the photographs covering the walls, some on stretched canvas, some professionally framed. Sarah felt drawn into each picture as she gazed at them. Fluid lines of lakes and sunsets, close-ups of a butterfly on a child’s finger, a feather in emerald, violet and gold. Each shot was a masterpiece. He has an amazing gift , she thought, feeling guilty for being nosy.
    She opened the door that separated the passage from the living area and was met by an exhuberant mass of golden fur and a wet tongue. “You must be Shelley!” She knelt down and scratched the dog behind her ears, running her hands through her thick fur. “You’re gorgeous. No wonder Joel loves you.” She stood and wandered through the kitchen into the lounge, dog following at her heels. “Let’s sit for a while, Shelley. My legs are feeling wobbly again.” She chose a comfy padded armchair next to a recliner she guessed was Joel’s favourite spot. It had a notebook and pen on one side of it and a Bible on the other. He’s really into his religion , she thought as she sank into the cushioned chair, leaning her head back as she did so.
    Joel arrived a few minutes later and dumped some bags on the kitchen counter. “It’s good to see you up. How’re you feeling?”
    “Much better, but still weak and a little sore.”
    “You looked awful last night.”
    She nodded. “I felt