Free Holiday Illusion by Lynette Eason Page B

the hall. Probably to talk to the family of the deceased.
    Lucas looked at Anna. “Are you ready?”
    â€œI feel I should stay with him.” Sorrow darkened her eyes; she’d heard Mark.
    â€œHe’ll be fine. Ella will be here and Lindsey will call if we’re needed. And you need to get some proper rest or your head isn’t going to feel good tomorrow.”
    She lifted a hand to her wound. “I’d forgotten all about it, but now it’s starting to throb again. Okay. You’re right. Let’s go.”
    Â 
    First thing the next morning, Anna came downstairs to the smell of breakfast. Scrambled eggs, toast, ham, bacon, orange juice, fresh strawberries and toasted bagels. Her mouth watered as she followed her nose into the dining area. Lucas, already seated with Godfrey across the table from him, looked up when she entered the room. “Good morning,” he said.
    He stood and pulled out a chair next to him. She stepped past him, and he placed a hand at the small of her back, causing shivers to chase up her spine. Mentally, she fussed at herself for her attraction. She looked around to distract herself and her eyes landed on the petite blonde next to Godfrey. She assumed she was his wife, Dahlia. Anna hadn’t met her yesterday as the woman had been otherwise occupied.
    â€œGood morning. I hope I’m not too late.”
    â€œI told Maddy to let you sleep in as late as you could. How’s your head feeling?”
    â€œIt’s fine, Doctor, ” she teased as she sat. Actually, it still ached a little, but nothing she couldn’t deal with.
    â€œAnna, this is Godfrey’s wife, Dahlia. I’ve told you a little about her, but I don’t think I mentioned she’s the president of her own company now. She started Scents of Beauty, a cosmetics company, about six months ago and it’s already doing quite well.”
    â€œWith my help, of course,” Godfrey chimed in with a smile. “I’ve got the business head and Dahlia has the product smarts.”
    Anna greeted the pretty woman. “Hi, nice to meet you. And congratulations on your success.”
    â€œThank you.” Dahlia flashed a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes as she dipped her knife in the butter and made the act of spreading it on her toast an exercise in elegance. She seemed sad, possibly depressed. Anna would certainly recognize the symptoms if she had enough time to analyze the woman. Giving a mental shrug, she decided maybe she was wrong and Dahlia was just reserved. Anna would have to give it time to get to know the woman a little better before making a judgment.
    Serving herself, Anna listened to the conversation around her. “So you design fragrances and the like?”
    Dahlia looked up at Anna as though surprised at her interest. “Yes,” she said slowly, “and a line of makeup that cleanses your skin even as it covers up the flaws.”
    â€œThat sounds fascinating. How did you come up with the idea?”
    A spark of animation flashed in those dark, pretty eyes and a genuine smile lit her features. Wow. No wonder Godfrey had fallen for this woman. Her smile revealed dimples a mile deep. “Oh, I have a Ph.D. in chemistry, and I love makeup. It was a natural fit.”
    Anna nearly choked on the last bite of eggs she’d just put in her mouth. Okay, she wouldn’t have guessed that one. “I’d love to see some of your products.”
    Before Dahlia could answer, Thomas Bennett entered the room. Conversation immediately ceased and Dahlia’s expression closed up just as quickly. He walked stiffly over to the end chair to seat himself without a word of greeting. Since no one seemed inclined to speak, Anna took the initiative. “Good morning, Mr. Bennett.”
    â€œWhat’s so good about it?”
    Anna bit her lip. Had she made a faux pas? Lucas looked amused. She quirked a brow at him in silent communication. He