Chasing Memories: The Forevermore Series, Book 2 by Anna James

eyes snapped open, and heat invaded every inch of her body. Good grief, what had she been doing? They didn’t have a personal relationship. He’d offered a measure of comfort, but she’d added a layer of intimacy he hadn’t intended. Idiot, idiot, idiot.
    He’d lied to her, too. By omission, and it pissed her off. A lot. Enough to go straight to the airport yesterday afternoon. She’d been about to purchase a one-way ticket back to San Francisco and get away from Lucas Morgan, and all his half-truths, once and for all. Then, her cell rang. Victor’s number flashed across the screen, and reality came crashing down on her like a meteor plunging through the earth’s atmosphere, scorching everything in its path.
    If she returned now, Victor would continue to pester her. No, his constant attention crossed the line from annoying to downright harassment. The media would continue to circle her, like a buzzard ready to pounce on its prey.
    Going home was the absolute last thing she wanted, and she needed this job. Had to complete the renovations on time and under budget to receive a glowing reference, in order to expand her business into the commercial design field.
    The truth was she’d been embarrassed more than angry at Lucas for not telling her they’d crossed paths before. Yes, they’d had a couple of dates, and shared some kisses. No big deal, at least not to him, anyway. He’d gotten over it. Gotten over her. Why couldn’t she do the same?
    And he did save her life. It blew her away that he’d endangered himself to help her. Most men would not have gone out of their way.
    Lucas’s actions spoke of bravery and courage, and well, a generally good person deep down inside, and maybe, just maybe, he could tell her what happened the night of the accident. “You have an interior designer, but I want some answers.”
    He stiffened. “If you’re referring to when I pulled you from the car, I won’t be much help. I arrived at the scene after the crash and didn’t see what caused the CTS to go over the edge.”
    Damn. So much for him providing any useful information that might spark her memory. Lucas dropped his tall, lanky frame down into the armchair across from her. An emotion flickered in his eyes. Sadness maybe, or grief? He glanced away, then his steady gaze settled on her once more and she wondered if she’d imagined the fleeting sensation. “How is it you arrived when you did?” While the accident hadn’t occurred in a remote area, one wouldn’t travel the road without a reason. What twist of fate put them in the same place and at the same time? Coincidence?
    His eyes flashed again and he stayed silent for long moments, then he spoke in a soft, quiet voice.
    “I had dinner plans. At a restaurant not far from where it happened.”
    His words made sense so why did it seem as if the admission was torn from the depths of his soul?
    “Why I happened along when I did? I was running late.”
    “Oh.”
    “I called 911. Then heard a loud groan.” His short clipped sentences sounded as if he was reliving the scene. “I went to investigate, found you inside and got you out. The EMTs arrived a few minutes later and they took over. That’s all I know.”
    She nodded. Her cell buzzed. Grabbing it from the nightstand, she glanced at the screen. Victor. For the tenth time in less than two days. Shit . Enough was enough. Grabbing the phone from the nightstand, she answered. “Please, stop phoning me.” India lifted her thumb to cut the connection.
    “Wait! Don’t hang up, baby, please. I’ve been worried sick. Where are you?”
    She exhaled a sharp breath. “I’m fine. I appreciate the concern, but I want you to leave me alone.”
    “Tell me where you are and I’ll come get you.”
    What the hell was his problem? “I said no. This has to stop once and for all. I won’t take any more of your calls.” She hung up before Victor said more.
    Lucas sent her a speculative glance. “Is everything all