Page 24 of Stolen Kisses

"Because I know you, Chase. You don’t do relationships, and I don't want you messing around with my sister-in-law. Do you know how shitty that would be? If my best friend hurt her?"

"No," I admitted. "I only realize it now. I don't want to hurt her," I said truthfully. "I'm just wondering why she's going through a rough phase."

Josh groaned. “You won’t let this go.”

I could smell victory. “No.”

“You know she’s running that small inn on Point Loma.”

“She mentioned it, but I don’t know any details.”

“It’s a financial fiasco.”

"Why doesn't she sell it, then?" My business brain turned on instantly. "Point Loma is a popular spot, and the location would be appealing to someone. She’d get good money on it.”

"Loma House has sentimental value," Josh said. "It belonged to their grandmother. It actually could turn out to be a moneymaker, but it needs thorough renovations. I offered to invest, but Blair, Hannah, and their Mom shut me down quickly, saying they don't want to take money from family. They're a very proud bunch. At least that's what Blair says. I just find them stubborn. But maybe I'll wear them down eventually."

"All right," I said.

"Now, back to you and Hannah."

"There's nothing going on," I assured him.

"Can you give me your word that it’ll stay like that?"

I hesitated. I gave my word very rarely because I never broke it.

"Yes," I said eventually.

"Good. Thank you. The last thing Hannah needs is to be in a relationship with someone who doesn't want one."

"Right. Say hello to your wife."

"She likes you, by the way."

"Who? Hannah?"

"Fucking hell, Chase!"

"Not Hannah, then," I concluded.

"No. I was talking about Blair. Though if I tell her that you've got the hots for her sister, she might change her opinion. So do me a solid and stay far away from Hannah."

"I already gave you my word that nothing will happen. Now, I'm about to start my workday. Enjoy your honeymoon."

"Will do."

I sat down behind my desk, but instead of opening my email inbox, I looked up Loma House. I reviewed the website and even looked at it through Google Maps. It was a large Victorian house.

I could see why Hannah was having trouble keeping it afloat. There was a difference between charming and run-down, and this was teetering toward the latter.

I couldn't turn off my business brain. Right off the bat, I came up with three short-term solutions that could help Hannah out.

I needed to find out her phone number. I couldn't ask Josh or he'd be on my case, but I was confident enough that I'd get her number by the end of the day.

You made a promise to your best friend. Don't be a jerk.

I’d promised Josh that nothing would happen... not that I wouldn’t see her again.

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