Read Love For Hire: The Helena's Grove Series Book 2 for Free Online

turned his attention back to window, watching the snow covered earth as they passed by. It was the first time since they met that Annie had a glimpse of the real man she sat next to, instead of Marcus, the man she hired. They continued in silence the rest of the way and soon the taxi pulled up in front of Aunt Gabby’s house. The sun had gone down and night was settling in fast. The lights from the house glowed softly as a light snow began to fall. Annie could see the seven foot tree in the living room window, lit up for the entire world to see. She paid the taxi driver as Marcus got their luggage out of the trunk. The taxi drove away, leaving them standing in front of the house, the snow gathering on their shoulders and hair.
    “Are you ready?” Marcus asked as he stood next to her.
    “I don’t know,” she said honestly. She looked up the stone pathway to the beautiful little house that she loved so much. “What am I doing?” she asked aloud to more herself than him.
    Marcus set the suitcases down and put an arm around her shoulders. “The holidays make us all do things we wouldn’t normally do.”
    “I suppose it’s too late to back out now.”
    “Do you really want to?”
    She looked up at him. “No, yes, maybe.”
    He laughed and took her hand in his. “Come on babe, let’s go meet the fam.”
    They picked up their suitcases and walked into the house without ringing the doorbell.
    “Hello?” Annie called as she hung up her coat and scarf. “Aunt Gabby?” she called again. The house was spotless and smelled of Christmas, with decorations to match. They walked into the kitchen where a cinnamon apple candle burned softly on the counter.
    “This place is like a real life Christmas card,” Marcus commented.
    “Yeah, it really is.”
    “Annie! Is that you?” Aunt Gabby called from upstairs.
    “Yes it’s me!” They made their way to the staircase just as Aunt Gabby was coming down. Annie hugged her tightly. “I missed you so much!”
    “Oh I missed you darling. And I see you’ve brought a guest… a very strong and good looking guest.” She hugged Marcus and winked at Annie who blushed slightly.
    “Aunt Gab this is my boyfriend Marcus. Marcus this is my Aunt Gabby.”
    “I’ve heard so much about you Ms. Berkley,” Marcus said politely.
    “Oh my good heavens,” Aunt Gabby said waving her hand, “I’ll hear none of that Ms. Berkley stuff. That makes me feel old. Call me Aunt Gabby like everyone else.”
    “Of course,” Marcus smiled.
    “What’s your last name honey?” Aunt Gabby asked.
    “Everett ma’am,” Marcus told her smiling brightly, and then added, “Annie didn’t tell me what a beautiful woman you are.”
    “Oh my, well thank you Marcus. And Annie didn’t tell me she landed such a handsome catch!” She winked at him and he laughed.
    Annie blushed with embarrassment. “Aunt Gabby,” she whispered.
    “What? I may be old but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate.”
    “Age is just a number,” Marcus agreed.
    “Exactly.” Aunt Gabby passed Annie and whispered, “I like him very much.” She headed into the kitchen. “Well you guys look starved. Come in and get yourselves something to eat.”
    They followed her back into the kitchen and sat down, chatting about their flight and how crazy travel was during the holidays.
    “Where are Jen and Zack?” Annie asked when there was a lull in the conversation.
    “They’ll be here sometime tomorrow morning. Roger is coming with them and he couldn’t leave until then.” Aunt Gabby looked at Marcus. “Roger is Jennifer’s dad, my little brother.”
    “Oh I see,” Marcus nodded.
    As Aunt Gabby pulled some food out, she filled Annie in on what was going on in the town. She turned to Marcus from time to time to let him know who was who and how they were connected to them. Annie was glad she refrained from asking him any personal questions.
    “Well,” Aunt Gabby said finally. “It’s time for this old gal to get in