Ean flexed his shoulders, trying to dislodge the tension growing there. “I got tired of the rat race. In seven years, I was home a total of six weeks. That’s less than a week each year.”
“I remember how disappointed your parents were when you stayed only two or three nights.”
That didn’t make him feel better. It only added guilt to the anger and resentment he still felt toward the demands of his previous job. Ean drew a deep breath. The scent of burning wood sweeping out of the nearby chimneys settled him. It was a marked contrast from the stench of trash and exhaust that had assailed him in his former New York neighborhood.
“I worked every waking moment, but still couldn’t keep up. I made partner two years ago. But when I realized I’d been billing hours for the firm instead of spending time with my dying father, I knew I’d made a mistake.” Even as he spoke the words, he knew he’d failed to mask his resentment.
“Your father was proud of you, Ean.” Megan’s tone had softened.
Ean closed his eyes briefly. She felt sorry for him now. That was worse. “I was using my law degree to find loopholes for companies to get out of lawsuits and government investigations. That’s not something to be proud of.”
“He was proud that you’d achieved your dream of becoming a lawyer and working in New York.”
“It was a mistake.” Ean’s tone was flat. “I should have stayed in Trinity Falls. Here people care about me as a person rather than a legal weapon.”
“Are you saying, ‘There’s no place like home’?”
Streetlights lit the small smile hovering around Megan’s full lips and the twinkle in her chocolate eyes.
Just like that, Ean’s tension dissipated. “I guess I am.”
The silence between them was comfortable for several minutes. Ean still hadn’t seen an automobile drive down the quiet neighborhood street. But several townspeople walked past them—elderly couples enjoying an after-dinner stroll, teenagers hurrying home after hanging out with friends, families on their way back from the local ice-cream parlor. Ean exchanged greetings and withstood curious stares from all of them. He hadn’t missed the nosy neighbors. How long would it take before everyone in Trinity Falls knew Ean Fever had walked Megan McCloud home from work?
Megan pulled her key from her purse as they neared her home. “I understand why you’re upset. But if you hadn’t accomplished your goal, you would have had different regrets.”
He couldn’t argue with that. “You’re right.”
“Doreen must be very happy that you’ve decided to stay. She didn’t like your being so far from home.” Megan adjusted the shoulder strap of her purse.
Ean noted the gesture and studied her posture. She seemed uncomfortable. Why? “Mom seemed happier when she learned I was getting my own place.”
“Really?” Megan tossed back her head and laughed. Her demeanor relaxed.
Ean remembered the conversation he’d had with Ms. Helen. For both his mother’s and his sake, he was glad he’d taken the older lady’s advice.
He smiled at the amusement on Megan’s honey-toned features. “Coach George was coming over for dinner when I left.”
Some of her amusement faded. “Ean, you’ve got to give Leo a chance.”
“I will, but not tonight.” Ean followed Megan up the winding walkway to her front door. “Anyway, I found a town house in Quincy’s complex. I’m moving in tomorrow.”
“You have been busy.” She sounded impressed. Her reaction meant more to him than winning any of his multiple high-profile corporate cases.
“Do you believe me now?”
“We’ll see.” She tossed him a grin that warmed his body. “Is that the reason you came to the store today? To tell me you’ve moved out of your mother’s house?”
Ean took the keys from her. He was getting used to her sense of humor. Ignoring the question in her gaze, he unlocked her front door. “Not exactly.”
“Then why exactly?” She spoke over her shoulder as she preceded him into her home.
Ean scanned the foyer, noting the corner light she’d left on again. He locked the door and gave Megan back her keys. “I signed the lease on the office space Tuesday and the rental agreement this morning.”
She hung her coat on the coat tree in the corner of the foyer and held out her hand for his. “You’ve gotten a lot done since I last saw you.”
Ean shrugged out of his jacket and hung it beside hers. “That proves I’m here to stay.” He fisted his hands in the front pockets of his jeans. His palms were sweating like a nervous adolescent’s.
“I hope you are.”