Charming Hannah (Big Sky 1)

It happens.

Sadie scratches at the back door, and I let her in. We walk upstairs to the bedroom and she settles on her bed in the corner, ready for sleep.

But despite being tired, I’m restless. I take a long, hot shower which helps to calm me down. I slip into bed and think of a sexy redhead as I fall to sleep.

***

“Come in,” I call when there’s a knock on my office door. I’ve been doing paperwork all damn morning, and the distraction is welcome. I’m surprised when it’s Max who walks through the door.

Sadie immediately jumps up from her bed by my desk to greet him.

“Hey, gorgeous girl,” Max says and kneels to rub her head and give her kisses. “Aren’t you the prettiest girl?”

Sadie falls on her back in elation, exposing her belly.

“You’d think she never gets any attention,” I say and lean back in my chair. “Did you come to love on my dog?”

“Yes. And to see what you’re up to.”

“Just maintaining law and order,” I reply. “What are you up to?”

“I have to go back to LA,” he says with a frown. “I have some work that needs to be done in person.”

Max is a highly successful software engineer. So successful that he’s sold a few things to Google for a shit ton of money.

“How long will you be gone?”

“A month maybe,” he says with a sigh. “Which sucks because this is my favorite time of year here.”

“You don’t have to work,” I remind him. “You have more money than God.”

“Probably not,” he says with a laugh. “I mean, he’s God. And maybe I don’t have to work for the money, but I have to work for the sanity. What am I going to do, Brad, retire at thirty-two? And do what?”

“I don’t know, it would drive me nuts too,” I say and offer him a shrug. “When do you leave?”

“This afternoon.”

I just raise an eyebrow, and he cringes. “I know, it’s last minute. Jenna’s dealing with the tree house architect. I was supposed to be there for the meeting, but I don’t think she needs me. She’s awesome at this, and can handle herself.”

“Agreed,” I reply. “Did you give her a heads up?”

“Yeah, and she said she’d be okay. But I told her to call you if she needs you.”

“Okay, sounds good.”

“Her meeting with them is Saturday morning. That’s the only time they could meet this week.”

“I’m not free Saturday morning,” I reply.

“Why? Are you working?”

“No, I have a date.”

He’s quiet for a moment, and then he leans forward and I know I’m about to catch hell.

“With whom?”

“Hannah Malone.”

“Nice. I like her.”

“Do you know her?”

“It’s a small town, big brother. Of course I know her. Not well, but she’s hot as hell and seems nice.”

“Don’t make me break your arm again.”

He smirks. “Don’t worry, I’m not hot for her. Jenna probably won’t need you, but if you could be in cell range just in case, I’d appreciate it.”

“Not a problem,” I reply and pet Sadie when she sits next to me and rests her head in my lap. “Need anything else?”

“Just keep an eye on my house for me.”

“I’ll have my guys drive by throughout the day.”

“Thanks. I’ll try to get home sooner. We’ll see how it goes.”

“Taking your jet?”

“Yeah, it’s convenient.” He watches me for a second and then smirks. “Hey, you’re the one who said I have more money than God. What’s the use if I don’t spend some of it?”

“I didn’t say anything,” I insist. “Spend it all, I don’t care.”

“Let me pay off your house.”

“Fuck you.”

It’s the same argument about every four months. Max wants to help. To share what he’s built with those he loves, and I get that. But I don’t need him to pay off my fucking house.

“This tree house project is going to cost you plenty.”

“And I’ll make the money back when Jenna puts her magic on it,” he replies with a nod. “Okay, I’ll see you in a few weeks.”

“See you.”

He leaves my office, and I immediately call Jenna.

“Oh good, you called to tell me about your date.”

“No, nosy girl, I called because Max just left my office. He’s leaving for LA today.”

“I know. I told him I’d get his mail for him.”

“He said you have a meeting with the architect on Saturday?”

“Yeah, but I told him from the beginning that he didn’t have to be there. This is a preliminary meeting where they’ll show me what they have so far and I’ll hate it, and then they’ll have to rework it.”

“You sound so optimistic.” I smile and glance outside to see one of my officers talking to a kid with a skateboard. It’s getting heated.

“It’s just how it works. So it’s really not a big deal that Max can’t make it.”

“I’ll have my phone on me that morning, so just call if you need me.”