Page 67 of The Hermit on the Hill

George and May didn't look happy.

"There's a rumor around town about you, man," George said. "I'm willing to hear your side, but I have to warn you, Noah's fired up for revenge."

"What rumor?" Jenna asked.

I was glad she could speak. All the air had left my lungs.

"Supposedly, there's been a couple of men in suits around town claiming they're working with Sam and are planning to redevelop the town." May's tone was all gentleness, but only for Jenna. She wasn't looking at me.

Jenna looked at me, though, worry and doubt clear in her eyes. "Did you know about this? What's going on?"

Shit. I wasn't ready for this conversation. And why the hell were investors walking around town talking to people? Everything was supposed to stay secret until we'd decided on a buyer.

"Jenna, could I talk to you alone for a minute?"

"Wait," George said. "This was actually a thing you were planning to do? You had investors on the hook to buy up the town?"

"How is that even possible?" May asked.

What I wanted to do was turn around and leave, but Jenna hadn't let go of my hand. She hadn't spoken up, either. She was waiting for me.

I scrubbed a hand over my face. "Some shit happened here when I was a kid. I came back planning to get revenge. I bought up as many properties as I could and invested in as many businesses as would allow it."

"You invested in mine," Noah said, appearing from seemingly nowhere. "You were planning to sell me out?"

Shit. Shit. Shit. I was so not prepared for this situation.

I met Noah's gaze head on. "Yes, I was. You're a recent transplant to Catalpa Creek and therefore not responsible for the shit in my past, but I was a bitter asshole, and I didn't care about collateral damage."

"You still don't if your investors are nosing around town," George said.

I stared him down. "They aren't supposed to be here. Nothing's been finalized yet." I looked at Noah. "And you don't need to worry about your business. It's no longer on the table."

"And you expect us to just believe that?" Noah asked. "This is my livelihood we're talking about."

"I don't give a fuck if you believe it or not," I said. "I don't live my life to make you feel good."

Jenna gasped, but I was beyond caring. They were all glaring at me, even Jenna now. I pulled my hand from Jenna's lest my exile become hers as well.

I looked down at her, the chasm between us yawning wide. "Just talk to me, Jenna. Let me explain."

"You lied to me," Jenna said. "At the very least, by omission. I'm going to need some time, before I'm ready to listen."

"You haven't even heard my side of the story."

"I can't right now." Her eyes went glassy. "I've got to help my family. I think it would be best if you don't stick around, Sam."

I walked away from her, and I didn't look back.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Jenna

"What the hell?" George asked, in a gentle tone.

Next to me, Noah vibrated with fury.

"Do you know what happened to him when he was a kid?" May asked George.

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