Page 8 of Erik's Redemption
“So, tell me how you came to be such a popular real estate agent,” Leo said as they walked down the street. “You have more houses listed than any agent I know.”
She almost cringed at the question. If she told this man the truth—that a rich businessman had mistakenly sent a hit man after her and was now trying to right his wrongs by sending work her way—he’d probably think she was crazy. Hell, he might even run for the hills.
Leo knew that his job had become vacant because of James’s drug issues. He also knew that, because of said issues, the man had stepped into the office with a gun and shot their boss, Reuben—almost shooting Hannah too. But that was all he knew.
She lifted a shoulder. “I guess people just know my name around here and trust me with their properties.”
He looked at her as if he knew there was more to the story. “I’ll pretend I believe you.”
“What about you? How did you come to sell here in Redwood?”
“That is a very short and simple story. I live in Leavenworth, so only a five-minute drive from here. Saw the job ad. Decided I needed a change of scenery. Luckily, I charmed the pants off Reuben and he hired me.”
Hannah laughed as they approached the entrance to Black Bean. And man, it felt good to laugh.
“Erik Hunter.Stop walking right the hell now.”
Erik’s body locked at the angry words. He turned to see his sister climbing out of her car. He cursed under his breath at the look on her face. It was one that told him she wasn’t going to allow him to blow her off again.
Dammit, he’d almost made it to the coffee shop.
She stopped in front of him and shoved his shoulder. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
He opened his mouth, but apparently the question didn’t require an answer, because she was talking again before he could get a word in.
“You come back to town aftereight yearsof barely talking to your family, promise us you’re a changed man, but now you’re back to ignoring us?”
He wasn’t sure he ever promised he was a changed man. “Andi—”
“Youtold meyou wouldn’t do this again. Yousworethat you were here to stay.”
“Iamhere.”
Her brows rose to her hairline. “Really? Then where have you been, Erik? Because you haven’t been coming to Mom and Dad’s for Sunday night dinner. You haven’t been answering my calls or responding to my texts.”
“I’ve been busy.” The excuse sounded as weak out loud as it did in his head.
“No. You haven’t been busy. Something’s wrong. And when something’s wrong, you shut yourself away from the world.”
He wanted to argue with her, but it was true. Hiding was something he’d become infinitely familiar with. “Can we not do this here?” He noticed a couple of people covertly watching them and scanned the rest of the street.
“Where else can I do it? I can’t get through to you, and I need to know that you’re okay.”
“I’m okay.” The words came too damn quickly, and if the look on Andi’s face was anything to go by, she knew it.
Something akin to fear darkened his sister’s hazel eyes. It made Erik’s gut knot. His sister never showed fear. She was a doctor and one of the bravest people he knew.
“I can’t lose you.” She stepped forward, her voice lowering as she touched his chest. “If you’re not okay, I’m here to be whatever you need me to be. You’re not alone. You’veneverbeen alone.”
Her words dug their claws into his chest. They were true, but they also felt like a damn lie. Because all he’d felt was alone this last month.
“Thank you.” It was all he could manage, and by Andi’s short sigh, she didn’t like it.
“Where are you going?” Her gaze skirted around him.
“To get a coffee.”
“Great. I need caffeine. Let’s go.”
