it, so please don’t worry.”
“I’ll try not to, if you’ll send me a few texts just to let me know how you’re doing.”
“Deal. Now get home to that grumpy old cat. And, Ivey?”
“Yes?”
“Love you.”
Oh, if Hope had been her sister, a whole lot of people would have been demolished. “Love you, too.” They parted with smiles.
With luck, Ivey thought as she made her way to her car, the move would be good for Hope. Just the fact that she planned to live so close to Corbin was a good sign.
Had Corbin noticed Hope’s apprehension? Ivey would bet yes. He wasn’t an obtuse man. Still, maybe she’d have a little talk with him, just to ensure he understood the way of things. Perhaps he’d keep a close eye on Hope? She’d give that idea some thought, maybe discuss it with Hope tomorrow.
And then on Sunday, she’d see Corbin again. Crazy how much she already looked forward to it.
Chapter Four
Hope smiled as she pulled into the long drive to the guesthouse—now her house. After work she’d done a little shopping for necessities, like coffee, cereal, milk, lunch meat, condiments and bread. She was incredibly excited to settle into the new space.
Even the driveway was beautiful. Tall trees of every variety offered welcome shade. Honeysuckle left a sweet scent in the air. And the birds, so many birds, sang their little hearts out. The privacy, the beautiful setting... God, it made her heart happy.
For so long it seemed she’d struggled to make ends meet, to gain her true independence. Leaving home at seventeen, especially in the emotionally devastated shape she’d been in, had thrown her priorities out of whack. Anger had vied with fear, but luckily that kept her determined to keep going.
With Ivey’s help, she’d gotten her two-year degree while working at the clinic, too. Soon she’d be able to continue her education so she could eventually be a veterinarian. Ivey’s clinic could really use the help.
Who needed the social scene when she had her work, a friend like Ivey and wonderful goals? She didn’t. She didn’t need her family, either. Could she forgive them? Yes. But four years had passed and not once had they said they were sorry. Why would they when they’d never acknowledged that she was a victim?
The stroll down memory lane lasted right up until she turned the curve in the drive and saw the man looking around her house. She hit the brakes so hard, dust and gravel spewed up around her, drawing his attention.
Shading his eyes, he looked toward her.
Her heart jumped into her throat and lodged there, making it difficult to draw a breath. Backing out in a quick escape seemed like a good idea, but he smiled and waved to her. When she didn’t drive forward, he started to approach.
He was as tall as Corbin, a little bulkier with strength, and from what she could see of his face, very handsome.
She didn’t care.
Holding a white ball cap and wearing reflective sunglasses, he could be anyone. His clothes looked like the typical summer T-shirt and cargo shorts with sneakers, except that the body beneath was different. More honed with muscle.
Locking the doors, Hope put the car in Reverse in case she needed to speed away. Didn’t matter how idiotic she might look, not when fear ran rampant inside her, urging her to flee, making her fight hard to remain in control.
“Hello,” he called out, pulling off the glasses, showing friendly light brown eyes and dark lashes. Yep, very handsome.
And it still didn’t matter.
When he reached the side of the car, he leaned down to look in. For a second, he just stared, then his smile warmed even more. “I’d about given up hope of finding anyone home.”
Hand shaking, Hope opened the window a tiny bit. Knowing she frowned, that she didn’t look the least bit welcoming, she asked, “Who are you?”
“Lang Meyer, Corbin’s brother.” He waited for her to introduce herself, to maybe open the window more, and when she didn’t, his smile slipped. “I wanted to surprise him with a visit, but he’s not home and not answering his cell. Any ideas?”
Yes, she had ideas. Like maybe he should go wait at Corbin’s house instead of hers. “He lives in the bigger house over the path in the woods.”
Bracing a hand on the roof of her car, he nodded. “Right. I have his address and I tried there first. When I didn’t find him, I went down to the lake in case he