Free Saving Grace by Kimberly McKay Page B

the path to his home, forgoing any niceties. 
    “Keep a better eye out next time.”  He growled over his shoulder.
                  “Next time?”  Grace’s voice trembled.  He noticed her tone and turned back.  This time he had the chance to truly look her. 
                  He’d been studying her back for half an hour, prior to the purse incident but never took her in.  Burke was taken back by how his gut reacted to the sight of her. 
    She was stunning – even with the dark bruise under her left eye.  He could see that she tried her best to cover it up, but it was too fresh to hide. 
                  Burke also noticed that her long legs were shapely, but firm.  If he had to guess, he’d bet she was a runner.  And, her long dark hair, which had been whipped around from sitting on the beach, still beautifully framed her oval face.  She was young but her eyes told him she’d seen much pain, and his heart went out to her.  He knew pain too.
                  Burke gritted his teeth.  Don’t get involved, he inwardly warned himself.  He didn’t listen very well.
                  “Just what are you doing sitting out here all alone?  This isn’t a touristy area – and you’re obviously not from around here.”  He frowned.
                  “Geez! Is everyone out here this nice?”  She laughed to keep from crying.  She cocked her head and took a step back. She gave him a look of disappointment and said, “Thanks for getting my purse back.  Do I have your permission to sit out here?”  She waved back to her spot on the beach.
                  “Suit yourself.” He turned back to his projects, and muttered under his breath, “Women.”               
    “Ugh.  Men,” she whispered and took her spot back next to her belongings, except this time she clutched her purse and drew her carryon next to her.
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 11
     
    It didn’t take Mercy long to find bio information on Anne LaSal.  The details about her reality show, Broadcast Affair, was on every social media she could find.
    As Mercy scoured through the many links that held precious information about Grace’s sister, she was amazed at just how public Anne had chosen to take her life after Lilah had done everything in her power to keep both girls under a strict protocol.  Sighing, she leaned back against the overstuffed pillows on her couch, wondering how Grace would feel when she saw her sister’s face for the first time after all these years.
    Phillip leaned over the couch, and placed his chin on her shoulder to see what she found and chuckled.
    “Don’t you watch that show?”
    Mercy turned and grimaced at him.  “I did last year, but with our wedding plans I’ve been too busy to worry about it.” 
    She looked down to the computer screen.  Anne’s photo was largely displayed, showing her genuine smile.  The lighting showed off her dark almond eyes, which were framed with thick long lashes.
    “She and Grace look like they could be sisters.”  He cocked his head and rounded to couch to settle in next to her. 
    “That’s because they are, dork.”  She laughed and tossed a pillow at him.
    “Hey!”  Phillip put up an arm and shielded himself.  “I just meant - that I see the family resemblance.”
    Mercy laughed and fell back on the couch, into her fiancé.  She set the laptop to the side and curled into his side.
    “She looks like I remember her.  She was always such a kind person … always looking out for Grace and her best interests.”  Mercy frowned, and leaned back into her fiancé’s chest.  “Man, look at her.  She’s gorgeous.”
    “She looks really nice too,” Philip said softly, kissing the top of Mercy’s head.
    “I guess that’s why I found it hard to believe she cut all ties from Grace completely. It makes sense now though considering the information Grace uncovered.