Free Rescued: A Festive Novella by J'aimee Brooker Page A

Christmas that served only as a reminder of her how one split-second of her father’s selfishness cost him, her mother, and her two younger sisters their lives.
    If only her father hadn’t been so selfish, hadn’t put his own desires ahead of the family’s safety. If only she’d been at home with her family instead of out partying with Sophie and their friends. If only she could turn back the clocks and take away all the destruction and pain…
    If only, if only, if only… those two words were the ones that haunted her everyday, every night when she tossed and turned quietly sobbing herself to restless and tormented sleep. If only…
    “Anya, come on!” Sophie called, interrupting her thoughts. She’d talk to Sophie about moving but right now, nothing was happening until Soph got her hit of sand, salt water, and surfers.
     
     

Chapter Two
    “He’s gorgeous” Sophie purred from behind her glasses, “don’t you think Anya? ”
    “Ah, yep, I guess so…”
    “You guess so? Anya Thompson, you have to be kidding me—look at him, he is the ultimate specimen of man! Ooh, and look at the guy next to him… my gosh I’m glad we made this move! What I wouldn’t do to have them both at my beck and call…” she trailed off.
    “Oh Soph, seriously, too much information” Anya sighed, rolling over to rest on her stomach giving her back a much needed slathering of the intensely warm sun rays but throwing a quick glance over her shoulder at the two lifeguards all the same. They were hot, but then again that was hardly a surprise, she hadn’t seen any that where less than Adonis-like since moving to Sydney.
    “Right. Like you’ve never had a lifeguard fantasy Miss Goody-Two-Shoes?” she replied mockingly.  “Oh, gosh, Anya they’re looking over here” she whispered before stilling completely.
    “Big deal, some hot lifeguards are checking out girls on the beach. Now tell me something that should surprise me, Soph? ”
    “Oh, that’s nice don’t ya think Jack—this one thinks we’re hot” came a strong male voice from above her sending her into a frenzied scramble to kneel and cover herself.
    “Hey…” she shouted accusingly, looking up at the two lifeguards introducing themselves as Finn and Jack. Finn, the outwardly cocky personality of the pair instantly grabbed Sophie’s undivided attention as she jumped to her feet, appreciative of the attention. Jack stood back almost apologetically before stepping forward and offering Anya his hand as she struggled to her feet.
    “I’m sorry” he spoke gently, pulling her to her feet effortlessly, “I did try to convince Finn not to be so rude, but, well that’s easier said than done” he laughed, turning their attention toward Finn who’d settled in close to Sophie and had her undivided attention, one hand resting casually on the small of her back.
    “Aren’t you working?” Anya asked spying Finn’s hand working it way further south before resting it across Sophie’s backside. Realizing instantly how rude and direct she sounded, “Sorry, that came out all wrong—I didn’t mean it like that” she backtracked, taking in the surprised look on Jack’s face.
    “Nope, I probably deserved that, though it looks like your friend isn’t too annoyed” he smiled. “I’m Jack, and yes I was working but I've just finished my shift” offering her his hand once again.
    "Anya. It's nice to meet you, Jack. I haven't seen you down here before, do you work here often?" she asked, the warmth and strength of Jack's hand holding hers encouraging a slight blush to stain her cheeks.
    "Does he work here often?! Geez Anya, you couldn't have chosen a cornier pick-up line if you'd tried" laughed Sophie playfully patting Anya on the back. "Finn's taking me for a swim out in the back breakers" she winked conspiratorially before the slap of Finn's hand on her backside and Sophie's flirtatious squeal broke the silence.
    Anya sighed vocally, if only she had just a tiny