Page 29 of Saving it with My Best Friend's Brother

For once, both men agreed, united by a common enemy.

“We need a plan,” Michael said, lawyer mode engaging.

“No,” I stood, still holding Dad’s hand. “We need proof. Actual proof, not just threats and implications.”

“I might have something,” Hunter whispered. “But it’s dangerous. If they find out—“

“I don’t care.” I met his eyes, remembering the taste of his lips, the way he’d held me like I was precious, the promises we’d made. “They came after my family. Make them pay.”

He nodded, then did something that made Michael gasp—he pulled me into his arms, right there in front of my brother and unconscious father, and kissed me. It wasn’t like our first kiss, soft and exploring. This was a promise sealed with desperate intensity.

Michael was staring at us like we’d grown extra heads when we broke apart.

“Well,” he said faintly. “That’s new.”

A nurse came to shoo us out while they ran more tests on Dad.

In the hospital waiting room, Michael paced while Hunter made calls, his voice low and intense. I sat staring at my cold coffee, the events of the morning swirling in my head—Hunter’s kiss, Dad’s revelation, those threatening texts.

“Want to explain what I just witnessed?” Michael dropped into the chair beside me, his voice carrying that big brother tone I’d known all my life.

“Not particularly.” I couldn’t deal with his protective routine right now.

“Amelia.” His voice softened. “After everything, I told you about him—“

“You were wrong about him.” I met my brother’s eyes. “Or at least, not entirely right.”

“Was I?” He glanced at Hunter, still on his phone across the room. “Because from where I’m sitting, getting involved with him has put this whole family in danger.”

“They were coming for Pine Haven anyway,” I argued. “At least with Hunter, we have a fighting chance.”

“A fighting chance?” Michael’s laugh was bitter. “They just put Dad in the hospital. What’s next? Another ‘accident’ like Janet McKinley? Like Hunter’s father?”

I flinched. “That’s not fair.”

“No, what’s not fair is watching my little sister fall for someone who—“

“Who what?” Hunter’s voice cut in. He stood over us, phone forgotten in his hand, eyes dark with something between hurt and anger. “Go ahead, Michael. Someone who what?”

The tension crackled between them. I stood, placing myself between my brother and... whatever Hunter was to me now. The memory of his kiss still tingled on my lips even as fear churned in my stomach.

“Stop it, both of you. This isn’t helping Dad.”

Hunter’s expression softened as he looked at me. His hand came up to brush my cheek, the tender gesture sending warmth through me that left me momentarily speechless.

“Derek found something. About Wheeler’s wife’s investment in Crystal Ridge.”

“And?” Michael stood, too, forgetting his animosity as the lawyer in him considered potential evidence.

“And it traces back to an offshore account. One that’s made similar investments in other ‘acquired’ properties.” Hunter’s eyes held mine. “If we can prove the connection—“

“It won’t be enough,” Michael cut in. “These people don’t play by normal rules.”

“No,” I said slowly, an idea forming. “But they care about their reputation. Their other investors...”

Hunter caught on immediately. “If word got out about their methods...”

“Exactly.” I turned to Michael. “You still have contacts at the Securities and Exchange Commission?”

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