Page 45 of Halstead House

My jaw dropped as a wave of worry washed over me. “Nothing, Ana. Nothing will happen next. I lied to him, I said rude things to him, and he dropped his perfect tackle box because of me. If he didn’t hate me before, he does now.”

“It’s called teasing,” Ana soothed.

“I don’t think I’m the type who does good with teasing,” I said as we entered the elevator.

“Sure you do. I’ve done nothing but tease and push you since the moment we met. You’re stronger than you think.”

The comment warmed me as the elevator doors opened to the large foyer on the top floor. Ana put her arm around my waist again, and I around her shoulders, as I hopped down the hallway to my room. Ana said nothing until she’d helped me change into pajamas and pull up the covers. It was such a comforting gesture.

Instead of leaving, she sat on the edge of my bed. Her face was serious and kind. “Look, I know you’re upset about what happened tonight, so I apologize for messing with you about it. You going to be okay?”

I pushed up to a sitting position against my headboard. A cheerless smile tugged at my lips as I met her gaze. Ana, my first true friend. I was caught off guard by the emotion that welled up at the thought.

“I acted so out of character tonight, and I feel sick about it. I don’t find myself in these types of scrapes and it makes me feel... like I’m spinning out of control.”

Ana nodded. “Well, I wasn’t there, but I’d say you were due for a spin. Thanks to my efforts you had one.”

I laughed, which was her intention. “Your efforts?”

“Obviously. Would you have ever dared to stand up to Lucas Halstead if you hadn’t had practice standing up to me? You’re turning into a real nice lady.”

“How does speaking my mind make me a real nice lady?” I asked.

“I’m not sure, but that’s not the point.”

I laughed while she pulled a face. “Honestly, Ana, I don’t have the faintest idea what goes on in his head.”

“Who does? Still, when it really mattered, he was a gentleman.”

“Does it still count as gentlemanly behavior when it was done grumpily?”

“All the best heroes are broody.” She nodded.

I rolled my eyes. “I’m not sure I totally agree, but I will agree that he didn’t leave me stranded.”

“Lucas just protects himself the same way you do.” Ana stood and yawned. “Now it really is the middle of the night. I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep well.”

“Thanks, Ana, for everything,” I called as she crossed my room.

“All in a day’s work for the Great Island Therapist.” The door closed on the sound of my laughter.

CHAPTER 12

Sitting in the conservatory several days later, my injured foot resting comfortably on an ottoman and my laptop on my lap, I allowed myself a moment to ponder over that fact that even after five weeks, give or take a bit, of living at Halstead House, it all still felt magical. I felt safe here in a way I’d only dreamed of.

“You’re looking rather pleased with yourself,” Eliza remarked cheerfully as she came into the room carrying what looked like an overnight bag.

“Being here is a dream come true,” I replied.

“For us as well, dear. How is your foot?”

“It’s feeling much better. Ana did a wonderful job bandaging it, and her healing ointment has to be worth millions. The doctor was pretty impressed.”

It was true. My foot was healing much faster than I’d imagined possible. I hadn’t ended up needing stitches, but skin glue and surgical tape had been used to pull the skin back together. I’d been instructed to stay off of it for the first few days and was looking forward to being able to start walking a little tomorrow. Another day or two after that and I should be getting back into my groove.

“I’m so happy to hear that. Ana is definitely an asset to us.” Eliza nodded. “What are you working on this morning?”

“I’m finalizing the plan for Lucas’s business luncheon next week. I hope it’s okay with you if I work in here. I love this room.”

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