Page 4 of Chasing the Past

“Okay, you don’t want to talk about it—fine, but I will get it out of you one way or another.”

He had no doubt she’d try and maybe he’d tell her because this anniversary was really eating at him.

“You’re right.” He shifted toward her and debated how much to say. They’d reached the bridge that led to the mainland. By October, the summer tourist season had gone away. There were only a few vendors peddling their wares.

A few people milled about the stands. A woman grabbed his attention right away . . .

Sashi?

“What is it?” Janine’s attention turned toward the stand that sold souvenirs with the island’s logo emblazoned on them. “Who is she?” Janine jerked her head to Eli, her keen eyes searching his face.

Eli couldn’t take his eyes off the woman who resembled Sashi down to her raven hair, olive skin, and slender build. “A ghost,” he muttered to himself. “She’s a ghost.”

Janine faced the woman. “That’s no ghost. You’d better explain.”

“Stop the car, Janine.”

She hesitated a moment before pulling off the road.

She put the car in Park. “What’s going on Eli?”

Eli didn’t answer. He got out and headed toward the woman with legs that had never felt so unsteady before.

Janine jumped out of the vehicle. “Eli, where are you going?”

He reached the stand. The woman turned. Their eyes met. Breath seeped from his body. He struggled to drag one in. Find his voice.

Her brow furrowed as she continued to stare.

“Sashi? Is that you?”

She studied him as if she was trying to figure out how he knew her.

“My name isn’t Sashi. Who are you?”

Eli jerked back as if she’d struck him. She didn’t recognize him. His gaze skimmed her face. A scar ran down the left side of her face. She tugged her dark hair over it in a self-conscious gesture.

“It’s Eli. Eli Warren,” he said because he couldn’t believe there was another woman in the world who looked so much like Sashi.

“I don’t know you.My name isAsal Noor. I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not Sashi.”

Those hazel eyes looking back at him without recognition broke his heart. “I’m sorry. You look so much like her.”

She searched his face. “She meant a lot to you.”

He jerked his head in a nod because he couldn’t manage a single word. How could life be so cruel as to have this woman cross his path at this time of the year.

“I should go.” She glanced over her shoulder. A black sedan had pulled up a little way from the stand.

Eli couldn’t see the driver. “Are you from Afghanistan?” The question blurted out when she appeared ready to leave because he couldn’t get over the feeling that she was connected to Sashi.

She shook her head. “No, I’m Egyptian.” Another look at the vehicle. She appeared nervous.

“Is that your husband?” He pressed her for answers.

“My fiancé. I must go. He’s waiting for me.”

She turned to go. Eli couldn’t let her leave—not when his brain was flooded with questions. He reached for her hand. “Please, wait.”

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