Free Trevor (A MacLaughlin Family Novella) by Krystal Shannan Page A

and blankets. Though she’d laughed to see several pair of flip-flops still inhabiting space on the floor next to the back door of her parent’s house. Her daddy hated shoes as much as she did.
    “What are your plans, hon? I heard you talking to your mother. You know we are leaving for our cruise tomorrow.” He paused from his work, and looked up to meet her gaze. Soft brown eyes twinkled with curiosity. One of his silver eyebrows arched questioningly.
    “I didn’t really have any, and yes, I know you are leaving. But, Lizzy MacLaughlin called this morning and her brothers need some help in the office last minute. Karen Ramsey went into labor two weeks early and had a little baby girl yesterday.”
    “So you’re going to help in an office?” The other eyebrow rose.
    Lorelei giggled. “I’m capable of a lot of things. I’ll have you know, my desk is completely clutter-free at the moment.”
    “I don’t doubt you are capable, sweetheart. I just worry Karen will hunt you down after-the-fact for destroying any semblance of order.”
    A chuckle shook through her body. “It will be fine. Lizzy said she’d help too. When she has time between assignments.” She had no intention of telling her father the whole thing was a set up. Lizzy was trying to help her get Trevor to notice her.
    He hadn’t when she was younger, but maybe now that she was grown things would be different. He and his brothers had always been nice to her, like the brothers she never had.
    Lorelei had always wished for siblings, but her parents were never blessed with more children. Complications with her birth left both her parents wary to even try for another child. She craved what Lizzy had with her brothers, and spent as much time at the MacLaughlin house as humanly possible growing up. Soaking in the sibling adventures.
    The boys hadn’t disappointed.
    All three had accepted her into the house like their own sister and doted over her just like they did Lizzy. But that was how the MacLaughlin’s were. If you were friends with them you were part of the family.
    The only problem was, she’d fallen in love with one of the boys and never said a word. Only Lizzy knew how she felt about Trevor and she’d sworn her to secrecy years ago.
    Well, all bets are off now.
     
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    His sister was trying to torture him. That was the only explanation. Why else on earth would she have called Lorelei Ward to fill in at the office for Karen? He’d told Lizzy he could manage the office himself until they found a temporary replacement. It was the week before Christmas. They weren’t busy.
    She didn’t listen. Even his mother had added her two cents, saying it would be nice to have Lorelei around again. She’d just graduated and moved back to town last week.
    That was the problem. It would be nice.
    Too nice.
    He’d been in love with her in high school, but tried to stay as far away as possible. She was his little sister’s best friend. He’d have never forgiven himself if something happened between them and ruined the girl’s relationship.
    He leaned back in his chair and put his feet up on the corner of his desk. Images of a young Lorelei flashed through his mind. Her sweet smile and infectious laughter had always brightened his day. Even though she and her sister made it their mission to try and annoy him constantly. Secretly, he’d enjoyed the attention.
    He wondered how she’d changed. She hadn’t been to a MacLaughlin get-together since she and Lizzy both left for college. At least not one he’d been present at.
    Would she still have the same glistening brunette curls that hung halfway down her back like a silken waterfall? Would her cute little smattering of freckles still show? Or would she cover them with makeup?
    Then there were those luscious curves she’d developed in high school. Damn! He still had it bad. She’d been beautiful then. He couldn’t imagine what a gorgeous woman she’d turned into.
    Trevor shook his head. There was