Page 9 of Erik's Redemption
He opened his mouth to tell her he didn’t want company, but her eyes narrowed on him as if she dared him to send her away.
So instead, he turned and headed toward Black Bean, not surprised when Andi slipped her arm through his. “So…you remember that it’s my thirtieth birthday party in a week, right?”
Shit. He’d forgotten. “Yeah.”
Her eyes narrowed on him. “You’re coming.” It wasn’t a question. “No. You don’t have a choice,” she said before he could respond. “So I’ll see you there.”
“How’s Finley?” he asked, needing a change in subject.
Andi’s best friend had gone on a Christmas work trip to Canada and been targeted by a stalker. The guy had tried to kill her, and if it hadn’t been for the bodyguard their brother, Nate, had organized for her, a former SEAL friend of his, she might not have survived.
Andi’s smile softened. “She’s great—living with Nixon and so in love. She’s coming to my party, so you can ask her yourself then.”
“I’m glad things worked out. Have you heard from Nate?”
“Nope. He’s too busy saving the world.” She cast a quick glance up at Erik, and her expression softened. “You should call Mom. She’s worried. So is Dad.”
The muscles in his forearms bunched.
She tilted her head. “You know they won’t ask any intrusive questions, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
It wasn’t. What he worried about was them seeing just hownot okayhe was. Because they would see it. They’d see right through his “I’m fine” mantra and fake smiles. “Maybe.”
Her arm tightened on his. “Please think about it. They’re not getting any younger, and they miss you.”
Guilt slashed at his chest like a knife. He knew they weren’t getting younger. That, in combination with his father’s heart issues, meant he needed to do better.
“Hey,” Andi said as if she heard every internal thought he had. “Don’t do that. Just…visit them.”
“When did you become so…”
“Wise?” She grinned. “I’m surprised you’re only just seeing it. I’ve always been the smartest in the family.”
He laughed and shook his head. “And the least humble.”
“Eh. Humble’s overrated. Besides, I prefer to refer to myself as confident.”
They stepped inside Black Bean, and immediately Erik stopped, his muscles turning to stone at the scene in front of him.
Hannah, sitting at the long counter with some blond guy in a suit. His hand was on her forearm, and her head was thrown back as she laughed at something he said.
How long had it been since he’d seen her laugh like that? So free and uninhibited?
Erik was moving before he could stop himself. He vaguely heard his sister call him back, but he ignored her, seeing nothing but Hannah.
The second he reached her side, her gaze shot up, eyes widening and the smile slipping from her face. “Erik…what are you doing here?”
“Grabbing a coffee.” He looked at the blond. At least he’d taken his hand off her.
Hannah wet her lips. “Oh, um, well, you’ve heard me mention Leo before. He’s the new agent in our office. Leo, this is my…partner, Erik.”
She stumbled over the word partner, and he hated that. He wanted everyone in the goddamn world to know she was his.
“Erik! I’ve heard so much about you. It’s good to finally put a name to the face.” The guy stood and held out his hand.
Erik didn’t shake it immediately. It took an elbow to the ribs from Andi, who was now standing at his side, for him to finally hold out his own hand.
“And who’s this beautiful lady?” Leo asked, looking at Andi.
