Holiday Havoc by Terri Reed Read Free Book Online Page A

Some of the proportions were off, but painting upside down had to be a difficult feat so she decided to just enjoy the view.
    Turning her head, she glanced at the side-table clock. Her eyes widened. It was almost noon. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept in so late. The cushy bed cradled her body, the comforter kept the December chill out, making it far too easy to sleep deeply. Even now, she didn’t want to leave the safety and warmth of the bed.
    But laziness wasn’t acceptable. With a soft groan, she rolled to her good side and then slid her feet from beneath the covers to land on the floor. Gingerly, she tested her foot. Her ankle throbbed. She shifted all her weight to her uninjured leg.
    Dressing and using the facilities proved exhausting, but she hadn’t wanted to ask for help. By the time she emerged from her room, sweat trickled down her neck and she was shaking. The hallway was empty. A distinct pounding from above told her Sean was working. Shecontemplated calling for him, but decided she could make it to the kitchen on her own steam.
    She hobbled down the hall, using the wall for support. When she entered the beautifully appointed kitchen, she found Mary Shannon at the stove. Today she wore another nautical-themed outfit in yellows and blue. She even sported tassels on the hem of her sweater.
    â€œGood morning,” Lauren said, though her voice sounded winded.
    Mary whipped around, a hand going to the base of her throat. “Oh, my. This time you startled me.” She smiled and wiped her hands on a towel. “Did you sleep well?”
    â€œVery,” Lauren replied as she eased into a cane-back chair at the breakfast nook table. “You?”
    â€œI kept hearing noises. Must have been the weather,” Mary stated. Concern flashed in her delicately-lined face. “You don’t look so good.”
    Lauren didn’t feel so good. Nausea roiled in her empty stomach. She needed food and more painkillers. “Could I bother you for something to eat? I shouldn’t take my medication on an empty stomach.”
    â€œNo bother at all,” Mary said. “I was just fixing Sean’s lunch. Seafood gumbo.” A frown furrowed her brow. “It’s a bit spicy. Would you care for some? Or would you like something a little milder?”
    Though the gumbo smelled delicious, Lauren wasn’t sure she could do spicy. “Milder, please.”
    â€œEggs and toast?”
    â€œPerfect.” Lauren tried to rise from the chair. “Let me help.”
    â€œNonsense,” Mary scolded. “You’re my guest andyou’re injured. You sit, relax. Food will be up in a jiffy.”
    â€œThank you.” Lauren sat back down, grateful to take the pressure off her foot. Overhead, she heard a power saw start up. “It was nice of Sean to move here to help you with your renovations.”
    Carrying a plate of fluffy eggs and buttered toast to the table, Mary nodded. “Yes. It’s been good for him to be here. He needed a change.”
    â€œIs he a carpenter by trade?”
    A slight smile tugged at the corners of Mary’s lips. “That’s a question you’ll have to ask him.”
    She’d tried, but he’d sidestepped the question, turning the conversation back on her. Interesting. She ate the meal and took her medication. By the time Sean entered the kitchen for his lunch, she was drowsy again. And didn’t even protest when he carried her back to her room and tucked her back in bed.
    As she drifted off, she felt the soft touch of a kiss on her forehead. She smiled and surrendered to sleep.
    Â 
    Night fell with a fresh winter storm coming ashore. The windows rattled with gale winds barreling off the ocean and rain tapping on the glass. As far as Sean was concerned, it was a perfect night for a cozy fire, hot chocolate, Christmas music and a beautiful woman by his side. Lauren.
    All day, he’d been looking