Page 54 of Coming Home to Hope Street

‘Some people don’t know how to do that. And to be fair, you were shown by your dad. He instilled a work ethic in both you and Alex, and he gave you the business background to succeed.’

‘It’s not all down to family genes.’ Doug disagreed. ‘There are lots of entrepreneurs who started from nothing. He just seems to me to be a likely lad, someone who will take advantage of a situation or person for his own means.Ishe even working at the moment? I’m not sure I believe him. I think he’s come to charm his way back into Livvy’s life.’

‘Maybe but that’s up to them. They’re both grown-up enough to sort things out.’

‘So you’re happy that he’s come back?’

‘No, but it’s nothing to do with me. And besides, I think Livvy will send him packing if he plans on staying.’

Hannah said this without conviction. She hadn’t got a clue what her sister was thinking right now. When Livvy had come across upset after Kieran had arrived, Hannah had seen how much she cared for him. She had also noticed how much Livvy was torn, knowing she’d probably be better off without the worry of Kieran leaving again.

Yet she wasn’t sure Livvy would be able tolethim leave.

Although she wasn’t certain her sister would let him stay either.

‘It’s up to Livvy,’ she added. ‘She came here because she needed somewhere to stay and now Kieran has turned up, if they start again she’d have to go with him and she’s only just got here. I don’t want to lose her.’

‘He’ll stay here then.’ Doug’s brow furrowed. ‘He’ll stick with Livvy for as long as he needs to and then he’ll break her heart again.’

‘You don’t know that.’

‘I can sense it, that’s all.’

Hannah nodded, wishing it wouldn’t happen, but realising the likelihood of it. ‘He does seem like a chancer to me, but like I said, it’s none of our business.’

‘You shouldmakeit your business. They’re staying in your house.’

‘It’s not mine.’

‘You know what I mean.’ Doug sighed. ‘You really have some weird loyalties.’

‘If you’re so annoyed about him turning up, why don’t you charge them rent?’ she snapped.

‘That’s not fair on Livvy.’

‘But if it will make you feel better that someone isn’t taking advantage of your good nature, then—’

‘Hannah?’

‘Yes?’

He pulled her into his arms. ‘I’d like to take advantage ofyourgood nature.’ He kissed her gently on the forehead. ‘No more talk about Livvy and Kieran. Let’s go to bed.’

Hannah smiled; that sounded good to her. She didn’t have to worry about everyone else all the time. And it certainly wasn’t worth getting into an argument and ending the day on a sour note. Things would sort themselves out.

Wouldn’t they?

Chapter Thirty-Three

It was half past eight. Doug had gone to work without another word about the night before, but it was still playing on Hannah’s mind. In the end she’d resorted to ringing Phoebe, telling her what had happened, amid gripes about why she’d had a restless sleep.

‘I can’t believe him,’ Hannah exclaimed.

‘Who? Doug or Kieran?’

She sighed in exasperation. ‘I’m talking about Doug. He’s a millionaire and yet he doesn’t seem to realise how intimidating that can be.’

‘Does Kieran know that?’

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