Holidays at Crescent Cove by Shelley Noble Read Free Book Online Page A

her sorrows in tears, maybe a few muffled screams into her pillow. Leave it to dear old dad to find the perfect time to screw up her life.
    She began fumbling for her keys before she even reached her door. She could only think about escape.
    But Jake followed her up the stairs; he eased the keys from her fingers and opened her door.
    â€œSorry about that. Thanks for—”
    He pushed her inside and shut the door.
    â€œJake, I’m sorry, but could you just go?”
    â€œI will, but not until I know you’re going to be all right.”
    â€œI’m—I’m— How dare he come here?” She spun away from him and began to pace. She knew she should cool it. He probably thought she was a nutcase. But she’d been holding this all in for years and she was finished letting it rule her life. Starting now. “What does he want from me?”
    Jake stepped toward her, took both her shoulders. You could ask him.”
    â€œI wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. I’m sorry he ruined the evening. And I had such a nice time.”
    He pulled her close. “He only ruined the last few minutes, and what might have happened later . . . who knows? Are you going to be all right?”
    â€œYes, I really am sorry, Jake.”
    â€œDon’t be.” He lifted her chin. Kissed her, this time longer and harder, and she let her emotion flow out into that kiss. They were both breathless when she pulled away.
    â€œGood night. Gracie.”
    He made her smile and that hurt even more.
    She followed him to the door. She didn’t even think about asking him to stay.
    â€œLock your door. Call me if you need . . . anything. I mean it.”
    â€œThanks.”
    He waited until she closed and locked the door, then she listened to his steps on the stairs until they echoed away.
    She leaned her head against the door. Angry and hurt and turned on, and feeling like she’d missed another chance for happiness. Which was ridiculous; it had been dinner and a kiss. She tried to hold onto the memory of that kiss, but the image of her father standing in the shadows shattered it.
    She hoped like hell he wasn’t waiting to waylay Jake or that he’d wait until Jake was gone and creep up the stairs like the devious creature he was.
    Her phone buzzed and Grace gave it up. “Hi, Mom.”
    â€œGrace, your father hasn’t come home. I’m worried sick. He—”
    â€œDon’t be. He’s in Crescent Cove. I assume he’ll be driving back to Hartford tonight.”
    â€œWhat’s he doing there? Did you talk to him? Did he come to see you?”
    â€œI don’t know. We didn’t talk. I have nothing to say to him. I suggest you ask him yourself when he gets home.”
    â€œIf he comes home. He isn’t answering his cell. He evidently hasn’t been to the office in several days. Where has he been going when he leaves the house?” Her mother’s voice climbed the scale. “They have some big case starting in a few days and the partners are worried and angry. He’s the linchpin of their defense.”
    â€œMom, I love you, but I don’t want to hear about any of this. He’s fine. He’s probably on his way home. He should be there in an hour. And life goes on. And another murderer will go free.”
    â€œGrace, you’re not being fair.”
    â€œThat’s a matter of perspective. I have to go. Good night.” She hung up. Her father was a brilliant lawyer. But Grace didn’t care about brilliance. She cared about the truth.
    Suddenly uneasy, she hurried to the window, carefully pulled the drapes aside and peered down into the street.
    The street was empty. They had both gone.

Chapter Six
    V INCENT H OLCOMBE WAS still downstairs when Jake came out of the building, and Jake didn’t know whether to ignore him or go back upstairs until he left. The second option was definitely the best, but he