Holiday Illusion by Lynette Eason Page B

needed. Unfortunately, she had no idea if she would have to disappear with no notice or not. And she certainly didn’t want to put Paulo in any danger if de Chastelain and his crew decided to come after her again. Which she fully expected to happen, and because she expected it, her nerves stayed stretched tight—waiting.
    Things had been awfully quiet. However, with no news from Justin, and Shawn de Chastelain’s incessant gloating, via his spokesperson, on national TV about being released from prison soon, Anna felt goaded into action. Somehow, she had to find a way into that house.
    With the weird tingling in the pit of her stomach and an aching longing in her heart, Anna watched Lucas make his way toward her wearing a navy-blue fisherman’s sweater with a matching knit cap pulled over his ears. Frost greeted each breath he took, mimicking the steam from the twin cups of steaming coffee he held, one in each hand. Blue jeans rode snug on his lean frame and the hiking boots assured him of a steady step.
    Anna had on a new heavy coat, zipped to her chin. Later, the morning would warm up and she would most likely discard it to the bottom of the boat.
    â€œReady?”
    â€œFor coffee, sure.” She took the proffered cup and sipped, letting the warmth of the steam wash over her frozen nose.
    â€œVery funny. Ready to ride?”
    â€œYep. I think it’s getting colder each morning, though.”
    â€œDefinitely. Christmas will be here before we know it.”
    â€œDo you think we could make time for some shopping? I need to get a few things.”
    â€œWhat are you doing for Thanksgiving, Anna? It’s only a couple of weeks away.”
    â€œNo plans as of today, why?”
    â€œWhat about your family? Friends? You must have somebody somewhere.”
    She shrugged. “Nope. After my grandmother died, I spent two years of my life in foster homes and was on my own from the age of eighteen. I told you that.”
    A frown creased his forehead. “I know. I guess it’s just hard for me to fathom that you have no one.”
    â€œSounds pretty pitiful when you put it that way.” She headed down to the boat. “After my parents were killed in a car accident when I was twelve, my grandmother took me in. And all I can say is the woman was incredible.” The wind off the water whipped her dark curls around her face. She brushed them back thinking she’d soon need a haircut. “Anyway, she got me through the beginning of the horrid teen years. A year before she died, I accepted Christ. He’s been my rock ever since. As for friends, we’ve lost touch. At first because of my job, then later I was in Brazil, of course.” She shrugged. “Making friends here could get them killed. It didn’t seem worth it.”
    Lucas trailed a finger down her cheek, the longing in his eyes causing an oxygen shortage in her lungs. She pulled back and he gave a resigned smile, but didn’t address her skittishness. He climbed on board the luxury craft. The first time she’d seen it, she’d dubbed it the floating house. He turned and held up a hand to help her aboard. She placed her hand in his, relishing the feel of his rough calluses against the smoothness of her palm.
    He said, “Well, I know one friend you’ve got.”
    Anna shivered at the gentle sweetness and resisted the urge to lean in closer to him. She’d just backed away a minute ago, no sense in sending conflicting signals.
    Safely on board, he gave her hand a last squeeze then headed to start the boat, leaving her wishing for more.
    The engine rumbled quietly, a mere vibration under her feet, as Lucas steered the craft out into the cove away from the pier. Anna stood on deck shivering with delight as the cool morning air rushed over her. Goose bumps pimpled her flesh, but she didn’t mind. Sharing this time with Lucas had become a special treat.
    Waves slapped the sides of the craft