Read Online Love For Hire: The Helena's Grove Series Book 2 by Ivy Alexander - Free Book Online Page A

and made their way to a classic diner that served the best breakfast in town. Marcus held the car door open as Annie got out. Closing it he held out his hand and she took it, feeling for a moment like they were a real couple. Breakfast was nice as the five of them conversed and enjoyed each other’s company. As the meal came to a close, Aunt Gabby announced she had other things to do that day so it was decided that Zack would drive her to where she needed to go while, Jen, Marcus and Annie walked the two blocks to the movie theater. They started down the street, pulling their scarves around their necks as the coolness surrounded them. Marcus held Annie’s hand, fingers entwined loosely as they walked, and she realized she loved the feel of his hand around hers.
    They reached the theater and bought their tickets. Zack arrived shortly after and they headed in. The movie was a holiday romantic comedy. It was entertaining and fun but Annie noticed when the lights went out, Marcus’ hands returned to himself. The realization that he only touched her when there was someone there to see it stung Annie. You’re such an idiot, she chided herself silently; you can’t be hurt by the lack of something that was never yours, or by the lack of feelings that never existed. Get a hold of yourself or tomorrow is going to be harder than you ever imagined! Annie suddenly realized she didn’t want to think about going back to school or back to real life. She liked being here, with her family and friends. She never wanted it to end.
    Later that afternoon, Zack and Jen dropped Marcus and Annie off at Aunt Gabby’s, telling them to be ready to head to the Christmas Farm Festival at seven that night. Aunt Gabby was already home and waved at them from the kitchen.
    “How was your day?” she asked as Annie and Marcus took a seat at the table. Aunt Gabby was actively putting a one-thousand-piece puzzle together.
    “It was fun,” Annie told her.
    “I am so upset at Roger for just picking up and leaving this morning. The least he could have done was stopped in to say goodbye.”
    “I’m sorry Aunt Gabby.” Annie squeezed her hand.
    She looked up at her and shrugged her shoulders. “He’s always been a selfish boy. I was just really hoping to have him around for a couple more days.”
    Annie took a deep breath, realizing she hadn’t told Aunt Gabby how long her stay was going to be. “Aunt Gabby, Marcus and I are leaving tomorrow morning.”
    Aunt Gabby looked at her with furrowed brows. “Why ever for?” she asked, clearly confused.
    Annie looked at Marcus for help but he was leaning over some puzzle pieces, obviously not wanting to get involved.
    “That’s just how long we had planned,” she explained.
    “When do your classes start again?”
    “Mine don’t actually start until the second of January,” Annie admitted.
    “And yours?” Aunt Gabby motioned to Marcus.
    “Mine begin January third,” he told her honestly.
    “Well then why in the world are you leaving so early? It’s only the twenty-sixth. You might as well stay until New Years.”
    Annie looked again at Marcus who didn’t say anything. She looked back at Aunt Gabby, trying desperately to think of a reason why they would have to leave. Aunt Gabby sat, waiting patiently. “You can’t think of any reason not to, can you?” she asked with a confident nod.
    Annie conceded, “No, not necessarily, except Marcus has work…”
    “My boss closed up shop to go on vacation. He’ll be back on the fifth,” Marcus interrupted.
    Annie glared at him and he went back to the puzzle. “Um, we’ll have to talk about it, I guess.”
    Aunt Gabby nodded and they spent a few minutes with her before going up to their room to change. “You don’t have anything to get back to Penn State for?” Annie asked once the door was closed.
    “Not that I can think of. Unless Todd has another job for me but if that was the case he would have called me by now.”
    “So you’d be okay