She gasps softly. "You couldn't leave your mountain. Your house. Your family."
"To be with you and make sure you're happy? Sure I could. No question."
Her breath is shaky. "That's…a lot to take in."
"I realize that. But I need you to know that if you want to drop your job this second so you can get out of there, you can stay with me. It doesn't have to be permanent, if that's too much pressure. We could do a test for a few months. We could do whatever you want."
There's a long pause.
"Hanna, I simply cannot stand that you're in such an awful situation."
"Thank you," she murmurs. "Knox, I can't tell you how much I appreciate this."
"Do you want me to come and get you right now? You can tell her you're leaving."
My heart breaks that she hesitates so long. "Maybe I should think about it tonight. Curl up and read, you know?" There's a sad, half-hearted laugh. "Although Aunt Blaire said something just this morning that I won’t even be able to escape into my books."
"That's just cruel."
"I know. But I'm used to it."
My heart breaks again. "Well, you know that I'm just a phone call away, right? Be extra kind to yourself and try to keep away from her."
"I will. Thank you. And…Knox?"
"Yeah?"
"I really do like your house."
"I’m glad. Talk soon, darlin'."
I end the call and lock up the wood shop, glad my sweet girl has implied she wants to live here. As I walk into the house, I notice the wood pile, idly thinking I'll have to chop some more kindling soon.
Fuel. For the fireplace.
Shit.
I almost trip over my own feet as I sprint toward my truck. Then I jump in, heading for West Stoneburg with the gas pedal smashed to the floor.
I think I know what Blaire meant about Hanna's books.
14
HANNA
Idon't want to go home. It's not really home anyway, just a place I'm staying for now.
I run a couple of errands, then pick up a book on hold for me at the library. I read for half an hour, then begin walking back to my apartment as slowly as humanly possible.
It would be different if I were on my way home to Knox’s place. A big part of me is already begging me to just move in with him. I’d want to find a new job as soon as possible, of course, but would there really be any harm in sponging off him for a couple of weeks? He has the resources, and I know it would make him happy.
I’ll do it.
I'm smiling as I turn the corner, then a chill goes through me when I see that only my aunt's car is in the driveway. Uncle Davis isn't home yet. He usually reins her in. Actually, no, he doesn't. She just behaves better in front of him.
Given how angry she is, I don't want to be on the property alone with her. What does that say – a grown woman afraid of her crazy aunt?
I sneak past the front window as quickly as possible, in case she's in the living room. I turn the corner to reach the back stairs, then stop in my tracks. Blaire is in the back yard, with the speaker of her phone set to deafening, as per usual.
