"Okay, so we know you came here because of Aaron's family, but what about yours? Do you see them often?"
I didn't have to think about that one very hard. "Not so much anymore."
Vanessa's eyes held the question she didn't have to voice because I started to explain, "Owen and I are from the same town. We've known each other long before we joined the Marines."
"Okay…”
I knew what I said didn't make much sense but damn did I hate talking about this. "I have one brother, Chase. He's a professional bull rider and has had an on-again, off-again relationship with Owen's sister, Annie."
"Ah." Vanessa looked like she was beginning to understand. "So things are weird back home."
"A little. Owen and I have a very clear understanding. We don't talk about their relationship even though I know Owen doesn't like my brother for what he's doing to his sister."
"And what do you think about their relationship?"
I shrugged my shoulder. "I think my brother's an idiot. He pours everything into his career and doesn't care what it does to others. Annie has tried to make it work with him more times than he deserves, but every time Chase puts his career first. I don't blame her for finally walking away."
"Wait?" Vanessa held up her hands. "Didn't Annie recently move to Willow Creek? How has that been for the two of you?"
I blew out a breath. "It's been fine because she's avoiding me, and to be honest, I've gone out of my way to let her."
"I'm sorry you've had to do that."
"It's okay. I know it won't last forever, but so far it works for us. I think it's too hard for her to see me. Chase and I look so similar despite the few years between us."
"So you remind her of what she lost."
I bob my head. "Yeah, I think so."
"Well, I hope when you do finally talk to her, it goes smoothly. It's not exactly easy to avoid people in such a small town."
Didn't I know it. I was actually surprised I hadn't run into Annie before now. It wasn't like I hid in my place, but I was sure that was what she was doing when she wasn't at the pub. Although the pub wasn't far from my place of employment, so it was even more mind-blowing that we haven't crossed paths.
"No, it's not." I let out a huff of air. "So that's my sibling drama."
Vanessa suddenly looked uncomfortable, and I had to wonder if it was because she knew what I was going to say next.
"Now are you going to tell me about your sister and who's out to harm her?"
CHAPTER TEN
Vanessa
I reared back like he was the one threatening my sister.
"How…" I cleared my throat and placed my food on the coffee table. "How do you know that?" It felt like there was a boulder sitting on my chest all of a sudden.
"Easy now." Nolen was out of his seat and kneeling down next to me within seconds. "Just take a few deep breaths."
I did as he asked. I even made sure to match his breathing. It took a few minutes, but eventually the weight on my chest started to lessen.
"Attagirl."
I didn't know what it said about me that I liked the praise, but it definitely did things to my girly parts.
"You okay, now?"
All I could manage was to nod my head.
