Page 53 of Coming Home to Hope Street

‘But I thought this house would belong to you and your sister?’ Kieran frowned.

‘It would never be mine. I can’t put a claim on it after staying away for so long.’

‘You’re entitled to half the value at least. How much did they sell it for?’

‘I don’t know, and it’s not my place to ask.’

Kieran smirked. ‘He doesn’t seem the type to take advantage.’

‘Yeah, he’s not as gullible as me,’ she muttered.

‘What was that?’ Kieran had already turned back to the TV.

‘I said, I’m going to bed. Switch that down a bit if you’re watching a film.’

‘Will do.’

Livvy watched as he took his boots off, lay out on the settee, and crossed his legs at his ankles. One arm rested behind his head, and he was flicking through the channels again.

She sat there for a moment, wondering if she would ever understand him.

She decided not and headed upstairs. At least he wasn’t going to be around for long.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Doug was busy clearing the table and putting dishes into the washer when Hannah rejoined him in the kitchen. She wondered if he’d sensed a change in mood halfway through the evening or if she’d picked up on something and nothing. To her, the atmosphere seemed to shift once they’d had pudding.

‘That didn’t go too badly,’ she said, passing an empty wine bottle to him as he popped up the bin lid. ‘What did you think of Kieran?’

‘I’m not sure.’

‘Me neither if I’m honest.’ Hannah sighed, her shoulders dropping dramatically, glad she wasn’t overthinking.

Doug stopped what he was doing for a moment. ‘Has Livvy told you anything about him yet?’

‘I know he’s staying for a week while he’s off work on holiday, and that Livvy has been with him on-and-off since she was eighteen, and not at all during the past six months.’

‘There’s something about him, but I can’t put my finger on it.’

‘That’s how I feel.’

‘Did you see his face, and the way he was staring at me after we’d chatted about business?’

‘Yes. Perhaps he was a bit intimidated by you.’

‘Really?’ Doug looked perplexed. ‘You know I’m always down-to-earth about my wealth. It came as a product of following my heart and doing what I love.’

Hannah paused. ‘You’re rich and successful. Most people are in awe of you, even though you don’t lord it about. You have an incredible aura. I can see how men are drawn to you – women too, but we won’t go into that.’ She smiled to show him she was trying to lighten the mood.

‘No, it wasn’t that.’ Doug didn’t take her bait. ‘It was as if he resented me for it.’

‘Well, there is that. I expect you could make a man envious too, that they hadn’t worked as hard as you. Not everyone can have your success.’ She walked towards him and wrapped her arms around his waist. ‘You’re a shrewd businessman and he’s a brickie. Look at it from his point of view.’

‘Why? If he’s not interested in bettering himself, then that’s nothing to be proud of.’

‘Nor ashamed of.’

‘What do you mean?’

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