Holiday Havoc Read Online Free

head to Sean as the two men rejoined her in the exam room.
    â€œYes, of course.”
    Lauren had heard the slight hint of reservation in Sean’s voice. She shifted uncomfortably in the wheelchair to peer up at him while keeping her bound leg propped up. A gymnast she wasn’t. “Count on him for what?” she asked.
    She didn’t like that they’d apparently discussed her outside the exam room.
    Dr. Sorensen flashed a patient smile. “Mr. Matthews has agreed to help you out for the next few days while you stay off that ankle.”
    A rock dropped in the pit of her stomach and her gaze flew to Sean’s guarded expression. He’d kept his promise to stay with her at the hospital, but he obviously wasn’t happy to be asked to tend to her further. A reluctant Good Samaritan for sure.
    How could she blame him? Why would he wantto help a stranger? Especially someone as hideous as her. Sure, covered up she looked normal. But Sean had already glimpsed some of the horrible scars that made her look and feel ugly. He’d be repulsed if he saw the rest. Just like Greg had been. Her former fiancé had taken one look and turned green. He’d tried to hide his repulsion at first. Tried to stay positive, but when the doctors had finally declared she was as healed as she would be, Greg had bailed. All of his promises turned to dust in the wake of his exit out of her life.
    Even her friends’ visits had dwindled to the point where she knew the relationships hadn’t been deep. Not deep enough to withstand her ugliness.
    And Sean probably thought she was a little nuts as well, after the way she’d acted in the X-ray room.
    Besides, depending on him would only set her up for more heartache. She couldn’t depend on anyone.
    â€œI don’t even know him,” she told the doctor. “Besides, the police officer said they’d provide protection.”
    â€œI know Sean’s family. They’re good people. And the officers will still do their part,” Dr. Sorensen said in a firm tone, “but you’re going to need some care, since you’re not going to be very ambulatory for at least a few days.”
    Familiar protective barriers went up all around her heart and her mind. Her gaze shifted to Sean. “I don’t need your pity any more than I need your help.”
    Sean arched an eyebrow. “How does my helping you constitute pity?”
    She frowned, struggling for a logical answer and just as quickly gave up finding one. “It just does.”
    Amusement entered Sean’s clear blue eyes. “Are you always so stubborn?”
    â€œAre you always so annoying?” she countered, even as she realized how awful she sounded. She was tired, freaked out and ready to just be alone in her own space with the doors tightly locked and a police car outside.
    He grinned. Lauren’s breath caught in her throat. He definitely belonged in a fairy tale, not her nightmare. What was he doing dashing into her dark corner?
    Dr. Sorensen’s chuckle reminded her to let out the air she’d trapped in her chest.
    â€œI’ll let you two work this out. Lauren, I expect to see you back here in a few days.”
    â€œI’ll make sure she comes,” Sean said.
    Surprised by the determination in Sean’s voice, Lauren stared.
    Dr. Sorensen excused himself and walked out.
    Lauren forced herself to focus. This was her ordeal and she’d go it alone, just as she had all along. “I don’t need your help.”
    â€œYou have a friend we can call?”
    She pressed her lips together, hating to admit that she’d kept to herself since coming to Oregon. It was better that way. Safer. The silence stretched and she knew she had to give some sort of answer. “I don’t know very many people here.”
    â€œFamily?”
    â€œMom lives in Los Angeles. Dad’s dead. No siblings.”
    A flash of sympathy clouded his eyes.