The Playboy (Chandler Brothers 2)

Hannah merely glanced at her warily, as if she didn’t trust Kendall’s word that she wanted to do anything with her.

Well, Kendall would just have to convince her. “I’ve seen your artwork and I know you’ve got talent.”

“Whatever.”

Hannah’s words sounded indifferent but her gaze clung to Kendall, giving Kendall hope that all her sister needed was time and patience before she came around.

“As soon as you make some friends you’ll be fine,” Rick assured Hannah. “I’d be happy to introduce you to some kids your age.”

Kendall shot him a grateful glance.

“As long as they aren’t geeks,” Hannah said and sat back in her seat, arms folded over her extremely cropped top. After commenting on her sister’s hair, Kendall clamped her mouth shut on the subject of her clothes. But there was no doubt her sister looked like a Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera wanna-be.

Rick pulled up to the house and parked. “This is it.” Hannah sat up and grabbed the headrest of Kendall’s seat so she could get a better look out the front window. “Aunt Crystal lived here?”

“Before she had to move to a nursing home.”

“It’s huge.”

Her sister’s eyes opened wide, giving Kendall a glimpse of the young girl she remembered, not the angry teen she’d retrieved from the bus depot. “We’re in the guest house in the back.” Kendall hoped the news wouldn’t burst her sister’s spontaneous excitement.

“A guest house? Cool!” She jerked open the back car door but turned before climbing out. “Who’s in the main house?”

Before Kendall could answer, Pearl and Eldin came down the driveway to greet them, Pearl in all her house-coat glory and Eldin in his splattered painter’s overalls and cap.

“You’ve got to be kidding me?” Hannah rose out of the car and stared just as Pearl began a quicker walk down the drive.

“Oh, Eldin, look,” Pearl said, pointing to Hannah. “Crystal’s other niece.”

She grabbed Hannah in a huge hug, then pulled her back for a good look. Kendall glanced at Rick and winced while Rick just shook his head and groaned.

“I hope Hannah watches her mouth,” Kendall muttered.

“Don’t get your hopes up, sweetheart.” He yanked the keys out of the ignition. “I’m not sure which one of them needs rescuing but we’d better get out there.”

Kendall nodded but grabbed his sleeve first. “Rick?” He turned.

Just his smile lent her a shoulder she hadn’t realized she needed, which made her next words that much harder. “I know you didn’t sign on for this so if you want to bail now I wouldn’t blame you.”

“We have a bargain, don’t we? I’m not one to dishonor an agreement, so you’re stuck with me.”

Her stomach cramped at his words. When had she reverted to a mere bargain in his eyes? After last night, she’d thought much more existed between them.

But you pushed him away, didn’t you? a voice in her head asked. Recalling her reaction to his idea of her staying in town, she realized he had every reason to keep his distance now and to protect himself. From her. She didn’t blame him any more than she liked his sudden shift in attitude.

But whatever his reasons, he was here with her now and had promised to stay. She wouldn’t ask for anything else when she wouldn’t give anything more in return.

She forced a grin. “Okay, well, you had your chance. I won’t offer you an out again.” Reaching for his hand, she held on tight, needing him more than she cared to admit.

“No problem.” His gaze met hers and lingered.

Seizing the opportunity, she leaned over and captured his mouth in a kiss. Meant to reassure who, she wondered. Herself? Or him? Before she could figure out the answer, Hannah screamed.

Breaking apart, Kendall and Rick exited the car and came around to where Hannah and Pearl stood.

“What’s wrong?” Kendall asked.

“Other than the fact that she smells like mothballs and she hugged me?”

“Hannah!” Kendall yelled, mortified.

“It’s not mothballs, it’s violet sachet,” Pearl said, unaffected. “And I told her I’m so glad she’s here. She’s skinny and obviously hasn’t been eating well at school. I have a plate of brownies cooling now.”

Interest flickered in Hannah’s eyes and Kendall saw her fighting not to show her desire for the food and warmth Pearl offered.

Pearl leaned closer to Kendall and in her stage whisper spoke in Kendall’s ear. “You really should get her a bra. She’s young and they’re perky but she really ought to wear a brassiere.”

Hannah started to speak and Rick put a warning hand over her mouth. “Not now.”

Pearl turned to Hannah just as Rick released her. “I’ll go get those brownies and bring them over, okay?” Without waiting for an answer, she took off for the house.

“I’m Eldin,” the older man said, sticking out his hand toward Hannah. “And Pearl means well.”

Hannah stared until Rick gently nudged her arm with his elbow. Taking the hint, Hannah shook his hand quickly, then dropped it again. She was probably afraid he’d grab her into a bear hug like Pearl had done. Instead Eldin shook once and dropped Hannah’s hand. Satisfied, he nodded and started back up the driveway, more slowly than his significant other, probably because of his bad back.