Page 54 of Erik's Salvation
“Gorgeous,” Hannah finished for her.
Everything looked spectacular, from the floating candle centerpieces on the tables to the huge heart foundation signage on the wall.
“It’s a shame James is missing this,” Henry said, side-eyeing Brigid.
Hannah tried not to cringe. The man had pulled out this afternoon, claiming he wasn’t feeling well. It was bullshit, and Henry had made sure to let Brigid know. This wasn’t the first time James had canceled a social commitment last minute.
Brigid rolled her eyes. “If you keep going on about him, I’m going to throw wine in your face.”
“If you’re going to throw alcohol at me, at least make it hard liquor, woman.”
Henry and Brigid continued to squabble as they moved toward the bar. Hannah followed, unable to stop from searching the ballroom for Erik. They hadn’t talked since he’d stormed over to her house and basically told her she was too young to recognize a threat. She’d barely seen the man, either.
And unless he approached her with a big-ass apology, they’dkeepnot talking.
She stopped at the bar and ordered her usual vodka soda before turning to glance around the room. That’s when she spotted him. He was standing on the other side of the dance floor with the same man she’d seen leave his house a few weeks ago. The one who looked so similar to Erik. He had to be his brother.
Her brain short-circuited at the sight of the two men together. Both were incredibly tall, at least six foot five. And both filled out their suits in exactly the right way.
When Erik’s gaze fell on her, his beer stopped halfway to his mouth. He didn’t even try to hide the way his gaze slowly moved down her body. The hot look made her feel naked all over again. And what was more, she didn’t want to cover up.
Brigid leaned over so her mouth was near her ear. “I told you that dress would be a hit.”
Suddenly, Andi stood in front of Hannah, blocking her view.
“Hi, Hannah! I saw you from across the room and thought I’d pop over and check in. Also to tell you how freaking hot you look.”
“Told you,” Brigid repeated.
Hannah grinned. “Thank you, Andi. And I’m doing well.”
“It’s good to see the bruises have faded.”
Mostly… “Makeup can work wonders. Andi, these are my friends Henry and Brigid. Guys, this is Erik’s sister, Andi. The doctor who checked me over after the break-in.”
“Oh, we’ve met,” Henry said with a smile. “Dr. Hunter helped with that nail in my hand a few months ago.”
Hannah’s stomach turned. Henry had shown her a photo of that nail. She’d nearly puked.
“How’s that hand doing?” Andi asked.
He held it up. “Good as new.”
“Great.” She smiled at them. “And thank you all for coming tonight. All ticket proceeds and money made from drink purchases go toward the American Heart Association, which is so close to my family’s hearts.”
“Is everyone in your family okay?” The words were out before Hannah could stop them. She wanted to cringe and tug them back.
Andi didn’t blink. “My dad had a heart attack several months ago. He pulled through, but his heart still isn’t great.”
Immediately, Hannah wanted to seek out Erik. No wonder he’d moved back.
“God, I’m sorry,” she said gently, touching the woman’s elbow.
“Thank you.” She tilted her head. “And thank you for keeping an eye on Erik for us. Ignore him when he’s an ass, though. It comes freakishly easy to him.”
She laughed. God, she liked this woman.
Hannah spent the next hour moving around the room and talking to people she knew, which was basically everyone from their small town. Even Rita and Norman were attending. She found a few people she’d sold homes to, and a few more homeowners she’d sold houses for. Her small purse remained with her at all times, but then, her purse was always on her. It had everything she needed inside—her insulin, blood sugar meter, candy, and a Glucagon. Even setting it down to go to the bathroom felt wrong.
