Page 39 of Saving it with My Best Friend's Brother

“Like I’d let you handle this mess alone.” Claire’s laugh was warm and confident as she hugged Amelia back, their embracespeaking of years of shared history. “Besides, someone needs to rescue your marketing strategy.”

I straightened from where I’d been reviewing security plans, clearing my throat. “The marketing strategy is fine.”

“Hunter!” Amelia turned, her smile making my heart flip despite my unease. “This is Claire Thompson, my roommate from college. She’s brilliant at digital marketing.”

Claire’s assessing gaze swept over me—the look I recognized from boardroom battles. “So you’re the famous Hunter Miller. Amelia’s told me...” She paused. “Quite a lot about you.”

Something in her tone made me wonder what Amelia had shared. Before I could respond, Amelia was already pulling Claire toward the conference room, chattering about social media strategies and influencer partnerships.

“You should join us,” Amelia called over her shoulder, but Claire was already commanding her full attention again, their heads bent together like they were sharing secrets.

I watched them disappear into the conference room, trying to squash the irrational surge of jealousy. A wave of contentment washed over me. Pine Haven needed all the help it could get. And Amelia deserved to have moments of normal friendship amid all the chaos—moments that didn’t involve threats or danger or watching over her shoulder.

Still, when their laughter drifted through the door an hour later, I couldn’t help but feel like an outsider. Like I was intruding on something I hadn’t earned the right to be part of yet.

“Mr. Miller?” Sophie’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. Something in her tone made me tense. “Mr. Wheeler is here. He’s insisting on speaking with Ms. Horton.”

My blood ran cold. “Where is he?”

“Main entrance.”

I found James Wheeler in the lobby, looking expensive and dangerous in his tailored suit. His smile didn’t reach his eyes—the same cold look I remembered from photos of my father’s business rivals before the end.

“Miller,” he nodded. “Quite the operation you’re running here.”

“Wheeler.” I kept my voice neutral, though my hands wanted to clench into fists. “What do you want?”

“Just a friendly chat with Ms. Horton.” His gaze shifted past me, and his smile widened into something predatory. “Ah, there she is.”

I turned to see Amelia approaching, Claire close behind her. Something protective flared within me at the calculated way Wheeler watched them.

“Mr. Wheeler,” Amelia’s professional mask slipped into place, though I caught the slight tremor in her hands. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”

“Can’t a public servant check on one of the county’s most valuable properties?” He spread his hands innocently, but there was nothing innocent about the gleam in his eyes. “Especially with this festival of yours coming up. Lots of permits to review, safety regulations to consider.”

The threat was apparent beneath his smooth words. Amelia’s spine straightened—the same way she’d stood when defending our debate team’s championship.

“Everything is in order,” she said firmly. “But you’re welcome to review our paperwork.”

“Oh, I intend to.” Wheeler’s eyes glittered. “Carefully. Would hate for any accidents to happen during such a large public event.”

I stepped closer to Amelia, not caring if it looked possessive. My body angled slightly between her and Wheeler. “Is that a threat, Wheeler?”

“A concern,” he corrected smoothly. “Speaking of concerns...” He pulled out his phone and showed us a photo that made my stomach turn. “Isn’t this your father’s hospital room? Shame about that break-in. Makes one wonder about security around here.”

Amelia’s sharp intake of breath was the only sign that his words had landed. I felt Claire move protectively to Amelia’s other side, forming a barrier between her friend and Wheeler.

“If you’re quite finished,” Claire’s voice was ice, every inch the federal judge’s daughter, “we have work to do.”

Wheeler’s eyes narrowed at being dismissed. Something dangerous flickered across his face. “Indeed. But Ms. Horton?” His smile turned predatory. “Do consider what’s at stake here. Family is so precious.”

After he left, Amelia sagged slightly. Without thinking, I pulled her into my arms, needing to feel her solid and safe against me.

“He will not touch you or your family,” I promised, the words carrying echoes of promises I couldn’t keep for my father.

“We won’t let him,” Claire added, her hand on Amelia’s shoulder. The protective instinct in her voice matched my own.

I caught Claire’s eye over Amelia’s head, seeing my determination mirrored there. Maybe I’d been wrong about her arrival. This wasn’t about territory—it was about keeping Amelia safe.

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