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"I was sure there was something going on between the two ofyou," Mom told Duncan.
"Fuck no!" I exclaimed. The room went completely silent. “There is nothing between Duncan and Hannah.”
"Brother, we all know you're a man of few words, but I don't believe you've ever said more with just two words," Wyatt said with a smile.
"All right. I don't need more information." Mom was grinning from ear to ear.
"What? Why not?" Knox asked. "Come on. I thought you'd pester him."
"No, I'm not." She looked at the keys again. "Can we go see it right away?"
"Of course," I replied, glad that we were getting back on track.
“I’ll take you,” Knox offered. “Still want a tour of the company before?”
“Yes!” Dad exclaimed. “Haven’t been here in a while. I’d love to take a look.”
“All right, let’s go,” Mom said.
She, Dad, and Knox left right away.
"Is it just me, or are our parents suspiciously friendly with each other?" Griffin asked once they were gone.
"I think it's just because they were surprised," Wyatt replied.
"I don't know. They seemed friendly with each other the last few times I saw them," Griffin explained.
Duncan looked straight at me. “Mom was like a dog with a bone when she heard about Hannah. Think it’s smart to let her and Knox just roam about?”
“Mom won’t do anything,” I assured him.
Finn pointed at me. “Famous last words, brother.”
***
Hannah
I loved my job. When I first started at Sterling Investments, I'd done so out of need. But I realized I was enjoying this more than my previous job, possibly because the atmosphere at the office was a lot less stressful. Everyone seemed more relaxed, and that was mostly because of the management, aka the Sterling men.
The only downside of the job was that I had zero time for the inn. Several contractors had emailed me with quotes based on the pictures I sent them and the inspector’s report, but the repair costs were astronomic—which made the insurance deductible too far out of my budget. I simply didn’t have enough savings. But I wasn’t going to let that deter me. I was a fighter.
Which was why I was considering something I’d flat-out refused to before: I was on the lookout for an investor. I’d discovered a web portal where I could set up a profile for the business, and investors could get in contact if they were interested. It was like speed dating for businesses. But I didn’t have time to do anything yet.
I startled when my phone vibrated in my pocket.
Pulling it out, I was surprised to discover a text from Knox. I'd forgotten he even had my phone number. I gave it to him at the wedding, and he must have kept the listing. The only Sterling brother I'd been communicating with wasmine. A feeling of giddiness overcame me every time I thought about Chase.
Was I a bit foolish jumping into this with both feet and my heart? Possibly, but there was nothing I could do about it. I sure as hell didn't want to hold back—not when everything felt so delicious and so right.
Knox: Can you come in the break room on the third floor next to the stairs? I need to introduce you to someone.
I frowned but immediately got up. When one of the bosses asked something, you didn't question them. Well, unless it was Chase. I could always question and tease him.
I shot Chase a quick text on the off chance that he could give me some insider information.
Hannah: Knox wants to introduce me to someone in the break room next to the stairs. Any idea what it’s about?
He didn’t reply, and I headed to the break room. Knox was there standing alongside an older couple I’d never met.