Free Night's Promise by Amanda Ashley Page B

head. “You know, she might still be in danger from those two thugs. Just because you beat them off once doesn’t mean they won’t come back.”
    Derek nodded. “Yeah, I thought about that.”
    “You should probably keep an eye on her.”
    “I thought about that, too. It’s not a problem at night, but during the day . . .” He shrugged. “She’ll be going home soon.”
    Rising, Mara stretched her arms over her head, then took her husband by the hand and pulled him to his feet.
    “Don’t worry, son. I’ll keep an eye on the girl during the day,” Mara said. “Good night.”
    Derek watched the two of them climb the stairs.
    What had prompted his mother to volunteer to look after Sheree? It was another good question for which he had no answer.

Chapter Fourteen
    Sheree slept late, her dreams filled with images of men chasing her, catching her, of a handsome knight in shining armor riding to her rescue, then leaving her behind. She shivered, remembering how terrified she had been when those two men had dragged her down the street. There was no telling what they would have done to her if Derek hadn’t shown up when he had.
    With an effort, she got out of bed, showered and dressed, and then decided to go out for an early lunch. She couldn’t just stay home and worry about what might have happened, and she refused to sit around and mope over a man who didn’t want her. She was probably better off without him. Yes, lunch and a movie and maybe a manicure. If that didn’t cheer her up, nothing would.
    Leaving the house an hour later, she drove to her favorite restaurant, where she ordered half a tuna salad sandwich, a cup of vegetable soup, and a glass of iced tea. Comfort food, she thought, that was what she needed. So she asked for a hot fudge sundae with double hot fudge and extra whipped cream for dessert.
    She was leaving the restaurant when she saw Derek’s sister walking toward her. The woman was even lovelier in the light of day. Sunlight glistened in the wealth of her ebony hair, her flawless skin seemed almost radiant, her green eyes were bright and clear.
    “Sheree!” Mara said, smiling. “What a nice surprise.”
    “Hi. It’s nice to see you again.”
    “Thank you.” Mara glanced at the restaurant. “Are you going in for lunch?”
    “No, I just ate. I’m on my way to a movie. It starts in a few minutes.”
    “I haven’t been to the movies in ages. Would you mind if I join you?”
    “Not at all,” Sheree replied, pleased to have company. “I’d like that.”
    “Shall we walk?” Mara asked. “It’s such a lovely day.”
    “Good idea,” Sheree said, thinking it would give her a chance to walk off a few of those calories she’d just eaten.
    “So, tell me about yourself,” Mara said, falling into step beside her. “We didn’t get to talk the other night.”
    “There’s not much to tell. I came out here to spread my wings, I guess you could say, but it hasn’t worked out. I’m going back home in a week or two.”
    “Oh? I thought you and Derek were . . . never mind, it’s none of my business.”
    “Yes, Derek.” Sheree bit down on her lower lip, wondering how much she should share with Mara, and how much, if anything, Derek had already told his sister. “It just didn’t work out.”
    “That’s too bad. He seemed very fond of you.”
    Sheree was searching for a reply when they reached the theater. Inside, she bought a small popcorn and a soft drink, then glanced at Mara, who stood beside her.
    Mara shook her head. “Nothing for me.”
    There were only two other people in the auditorium, a teenage boy and girl sitting in the last row, their arms wrapped around each other. Sheree grinned, thinking they were probably cutting class so they could neck.
    “If you need someone to talk to,” Mara whispered, “I’d be happy to listen.”
    Sheree shook her head. “There’s nothing to say.” Sighing, she stared at the bag of popcorn in her hands. “I was hoping he was the