Holiday Havoc by Terri Reed Read Free Book Online

display tacky renditions of the mythical creatures. Rather, the room was done tastefully in shades of muted greens and white. The four-poster bed, covered with a sea of quilts and pillows, beckoned with comfort.
    In the corner stood a two-foot-tall Christmas tree decorated with seashells and starfish ornaments. Next to the tree sat a plush sage-colored chair and ottoman and a floor lamp casting a soft light to illuminate theroom. A window overlooked the garden. A perfect spot to read.
    An antique white vanity with a gilded mirror beckoned with a display of trinkets from the sea. Sean set her suitcases on the floor.
    â€œThere’s a private bath.” Sean gestured past the matching dresser and sliding closet doors to a closed door.
    â€œThis is lovely,” she remarked.
    Mary beamed. “Can I help you get ready for bed?”
    Lauren shook her head as she sank into the chair by the window. “I’ll manage.”
    Nodding, Mary said, “Rest well, young lady. We’ll see you in the morning.” Mary shooed Sean out before gliding from the room and quietly shutting the door behind her.
    Lauren eased her head back and closed her eyes, grateful to Sean for his thoughtfulness for bringing her here. She was glad she hadn’t allowed her stubbornness to keep her from accepting the invitation to stay here. Aunt Mary had such a welcoming way about her. Lauren really liked Mary. And Sean, too. She thought back to their conversation in the truck. When she’d asked him about church—a look of such utter sadness had flashed across his face. She’d wanted to ask what was wrong, but then they’d arrived at her house and the moment passed.
    A line of scripture floated into her consciousness. “Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.”
    What burdens did Sean carry?
    â€œI can’t bear any more burdens, Lord,” she whispered.
    Â 
    A loud bang jarred Lauren awake. She jerked upright, the bedding impeding her movements, causing pain to shoot up her leg from her ankle.
    She groaned and a shiver of apprehension tightened her shoulders. Shrouded in darkness, she strained to listen.
    What had she heard? An intruder? Someone trying to get in through the window?
    Her mind flashed to the horrible night that had changed her life. She’d been alone then, too. Her attacker had jimmied a window and silently entered her studio. But she’d survived. Barely.
    Helplessness and vulnerability swamped her. Terror set off alarms through her mind. No, wait.
    Memory flooded in. She wasn’t alone. She was safe in Shannon’s Bed and Breakfast with Sean and Mary. Releasing the hold she had on the soft comforter, she took several deep breaths.
    Rain batted against the windows. Thunder rolled through the night.
    A crash of thunder must have been what she’d heard.
    She was panicking for nothing.
    Letting out a sigh of relief, she settled back against the fluffy pillows and tried not to shiver with residual fear. Storms didn’t usually bother her, but tonight the dark seemed oppressive and the howling wind outside fueled her imagination.
    Between the attack on the beach and the scare at the hospital, it was no wonder she was jumpy.
    But she wouldn’t have to relive the Nightmare again.Adrian Posar was securely locked up in prison, where he’d never be able to hurt her again. The police would find the beach attacker and all would be well.
    Closing her eyes, Lauren forced her mind to concentrate on a blank canvas. She fell back to sleep with a sketch of Sean’s handsome face etched in her mind, even as a lingering sense of dread gripped her heart.
    Â 
    Morning came with a rush of sunlight gliding into the room. Lauren opened her eyes and stared at the scene above her. A mural of frolicking mer-people in a blue and green sea covered the ceiling. She hadn’t noticed the painting last night. With a critical eye she assessed the work. Not bad.