Holiday Havoc Read Online Free PDF

chairs. In the center of the table sat a bouquet of flowers. White-and-blue gingham curtains hung at the window above the sink. Morning or evening, the sun would make the place cheery.
    Lauren had built herself a nice life. A life he didn’t belong in. “What am I doing?” he muttered.
    He leaned his forehead against the cool door of the refrigerator. Lord, I can’t do this. I can’t help her. I can’t help anyone. I’ve already proven that.
    Grace.
    His breath caught. The word reverberated in his head.
    He gave a soft, wry laugh. “Yes, Lord, You’re big enough to forgive me, but I can’t forgive myself.” Guilt rode him hard, making him turn away from everyone, even God.
    But he couldn’t abandon Lauren. She shouldn’t have to suffer because he couldn’t deal with playing caretaker for a couple of days. He’d help her out. He’d promised.
    Just a day or so. Fix her a few meals, see that she was comfortable and safe, until her mother arrived. Not that hard to do. Then he could go back to what he’d come to Cannon Beach for—solitude.
    â€œYou can come back in,” Lauren called out.
    Taking a bracing breath, Sean reentered the living room.
    â€œI should call my mom. Would you mind bringing me the phone?” Lauren asked. “It’s on the entryway table.”
    A light blinked on the phone’s square base. “You have a message.”
    Lauren’s eyes widened. Was that panic darkening her gaze?
    â€œDo you want me to play it?”
    She nodded.
    Sean pushed the button with the play symbol. A woman’s voice filled the room. “Hi, dear, it’s Mom. Just wanted to remind you I’m leaving on the cruise for the week, but I’ll be back in time to come to Cannon Beach for Christmas.”
    The air left Sean’s lungs in a swoosh as he stared at the beautiful stranger he’d rescued and realized there was no getting out of his promise anytime soon.

THREE
    â€œY ou didn’t know your mother was leaving?”
    The unmistakable surprise in Sean’s voice made Lauren shrug, as she tried not to let on how uncomfortable she was. Having a visitor wasn’t something she did often, or ever, really. Other than her mom. “I’d forgotten about the cruise. She told me about it a while ago. I’m not my mother’s keeper. She comes and goes as she pleases.” At least ever since Lauren had struck out on her own and Mom hadn’t been encumbered with taking care of her. “She’ll call when she’s on her way here.”
    He considered her, his thoughts veiled. “Then you’ll have to come with me back to Aunt Mary’s.”
    Lauren scoffed. “No.”
    He mimicked her scoff. “Yes.”
    â€œI’ve been enough of a burden to you, I’m not going to trouble your aunt as well,” she stated firmly.
    â€œWhen I called Mary from the hospital to tell her what had happened, she issued the invitation. I didn’t bring it up because you said your mom would be coming. But since that’s not the case, I know Mary would insist on you staying with us. She’s looking forward to meeting you.”
    Lauren’s dander rose. She narrowed her eyes. “You can’t just come in and start planning my life.”
    He held up a hand. “No one’s trying to plan or run or control you. This—”
    â€œI disagr—”
    â€œJust hear me out,” he interjected, as she had. “It makes more sense for you to stay in the bed-and-breakfast while you’re waiting for your mother. I’ll be there working and Mary will love the company. She’ll never admit as much, but ever since Uncle Bill passed on, she’s been lonely. I think you two will hit it off. So, actually, you’ll be doing me a favor by distracting my aunt.”
    Lauren shifted her aching foot on the pillow. Sean sure knew how to turn things around. Lauren