Holiday Havoc Read Online Free PDF Page B

wasn’t sure she was buying his lonely aunt story. The only lonely people in friendly little Cannon Beach were those who chose to be. Like her.
    Worry chomped through her. Staying with him put her at risk. Not physically, but emotionally. If she stayed with him and his aunt, if she began to care about them and became attached, she’d only be opening herself up for more hurt because eventually she’d leave and go back to her world. She doubted they’d stay in touch. So guarding her heart would have to be paramount.
    She had to admit—never to him, though—that she wasn’t too keen on staying alone while slightly incapacitated, both physically and now mentally, if the hospital episode tonight was any indication. Whoever that man on the beach had been, he could know where she lived. Even with the police patrolling the area, she didn’t feel completely safe.
    And the kicker was that if she did agree to stay at theB and B, then there’d really be no need for her mother to even know she’d been injured. Once she heard, she’d insist that either she move here or Lauren return home to L.A. Two equally unacceptable options. And that was all the reason Lauren needed to agree to Sean’s offer.
    â€œAll right.” She nodded. “For your aunt.”
    He squared his shoulders. “Okay, then. That’s settled.”
    â€œI’ll need to pack a few things.”
    â€œPoint me in the direction of your suitcase and we’ll have you packed in no time.”
    Waving toward the hall, she gave him instructions. “In my workroom, on the shelf in the closet, there are two small bags.”
    It was so unlike her to willingly let someone else take control or to let someone so emotionally close. She felt both agitated and relieved. How could that be?
    Watching Sean walk from the room, she was struck by his gracefulness. No lumbering or swagger. Just long, purposeful strides. She tried to analyze how she felt about having a man in her house.
    On the one hand, it was nice to have someone around. Plus, he seemed generous and caring. She hadn’t allowed anyone through the door, literally or metaphorically, in a long time.
    Of course, this situation was unique.
    But that didn’t make letting Sean into her life any easier. She’d ensconced herself in this small town for a reason. The tourists came and went, the locals minded their own business after their initial overtures were rebuffed and she could exist without pity or sympathy because no one was allowed to look beyond the surface.
    No one would ever see beneath her scars.
    Lauren leaned back on the couch. She had to admit she liked Sean. There was something soothing about him. Something that made her want to rely on him, to relinquish her troubles and worries into his strong, capable hands. And that was why she couldn’t allow herself to become dependent on him. Not even for a few days. Because he was just a passing ship in her stormy life. Sooner or later, he’d leave, so the sooner he was gone, the better.
    Relaxing, she closed her eyes and let her body sink into the cushions. The pain medication they’d given her at the hospital was finally taking effect. The throbbing in her ankle receded and her head no longer pounded. In the quiet moment, she finally relaxed enough to express her gratitude to God.
    Dear Lord, thank You for sending Sean out to the beach this evening. I know You have some purpose for our lives to intersect. Whatever it is, I’m grateful. If only… She bit her lip.
    There was no use wishing or praying her life was different, that she would be a whole woman again. A woman who could attract a good-looking, thoughtful man like Sean and be free to see if a relationship developed. Longing hit her with the accuracy of a champion archer.
    The medicine must be stirring up such crazy thoughts. She’d resigned herself to never having an intimate relationship because of her scars. She