lives will be ruined,” as in his and Henry’s. What would Henry care if his married brother had an affair? That wouldn’t affect his life in any way.
“Savannah, are you sure?”
“I’m pretty sure he’s not married. Hold on, let me think about his exact words, and you can tell me what you think.”
“Okay, hold on a few minutes. I just got back home. Going to take the elevator up to the apartment, give Jolene some water, and then I’ll be ready.”
“Okay.” I nodded absentmindedly as I walked out of my room and down the hallway. The house was quiet, almost ominously so, without Wade in it. I held the phone to my ear and thought for a few seconds before heading to the library. It was the only space that really felt like mine on this estate. Even more than my bedroom. Maybe because I spent so much time there.
Sounding a little breathless, Lucy came back on the line. “Okay, I’m back. Now tell me everything.”
“Well, I’ve essentially told you everything, but these were his words as best as I can remember them, ‘I never should have hired her, she can ruin everything.’ That’s what he said.”
“Is that all he said?”
“No, he said, ‘I’ve fucked up, Henry. I can never let her know the truth. This whole thing was a mistake. A huge mistake. I never should have created that ad. She can destroy everything. Absolutely everything. I never should have let Savannah Carter into our lives. If she learns the truth, our lives will be ruined.’” I paused and bit down on my lower lip. “Can’t remember if I told you before, but Henry is his little brother.”
“Yeah, you mentioned him.” Lucy’s voice was low. “What can you destroy?”
“I don’t know!”
“And you’re alone? He left you?”
“Yes.”
“I’m coming up.”
“What?”
“I’m catching the train, and I’m coming up with Jolene.”
“Are you sure?”
“Savannah, my best friend took a job on a country estate with some hot weirdo. He has proceeded to take her virginity, disappear, and now he’s telling his brother that she could ruin everything. There is no way in hell I’m leaving you there alone, and I know I can’t convince you to come home right now.”
“You don’t know that.” Though of course she did. If I’d had any intention of going home, I would have called her from the train. Instead, I was sitting at a chair in the library, wondering what I’d find if I continued searching through the rest of the books.
“Savannah Carter, I have lived with you long enough to know how your mind works. Will you be able to collect me from the train station or do I need to hire a car?”
“I can pick you up. Are you sure you can come? What about work?”
“You’re more important. Plus I’m sure Jolene would love to see you.”
“I miss my little baby. I hope she hasn’t been too bad.”
“If by bad, you mean she peed on my towel and ate half of my burger last night, then no, of course not.” Lucy’s voice was dry. “You know that dog, Savannah. I’m not going to list the reasons why Jolene is on my shit list right now.”
“Oh no, I’m so sorry, Lucy. But I’m excited to see you and Jolene. I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you as well. I’m excited for us to get to the bottom of this mystery, and I want to meet all these hot guys you keep talking about.”
“I wouldn’t say hot guys plural.” I laughed. “I mean Wade is hot and Henry is also hot, and Gordon is really good looking too, but I mean—”
“You mean what?” She laughed. “You can’t have all three of them. What about me?”
“Do you really want a Hart brother? After what I’ve just told you?”
“Most probably not, but it could make my life really exciting.” She giggled. “I want some excitement and hot sex as well.”
“True, the sex was hot.”
“Oh, I just can’t believe it. Savannah Carter, you’re a woman.”
“What was I before? A dog?” I paused. “Don’t answer that.” I laughed. “I know what Wade’s answer would be to that.”
“I hope I get to meet him.” Lucy sounded thoughtful. “Also, when I come, we’re going to play detective. I think we need to figure out just what Wade was talking about before you become anymore invested in him.”
I sighed. “I’m already invested, Lucy. I’m scared I’m going to get my heart broken.”
“That’s why it’s much better for me to be there than not.” She paused then and