“What’s more, most people around heredolike him.”
“What are you saying?”
“He’s made friends with all the other tenants. They love all the improvements he’s making to this old building. Sam’s playing checkers with him, and you know that he only ever plays with you or me. Rosie loves him—he saved Tia’s life. The girls adore him. His fans are continually stopping by, hoping he’ll make an appearance. Daphne’s crazy about him. The guy has no enemies except me. And if I’m honest, I only didn’t like him because you didn’t.”
Bethany raised a shoulder to nudge a curl that slipped out of her headband. “You like Hank?”
“Yeah, I do.” He laid a hand on her shoulder and squeezed. “But I won’t if he’s not treating you right.”
Her eyes watered, and she looked away but was too slow.
Travis patted her shoulder. “Ah, Bethany. I want you to be happy. You’ve been holding things together ever since Mom and Dad died, but you shouldn’t have to. Losing the building—it’s not your fault. Even if Desmond hadn’t made off with the insurance money, we would still have had a tough time keeping the old place afloat. If Hank makes you happy, go for it.”
Something hard loosened inside her, and she turned to Travis with a hug. “I’m not sure what I want where Hank’s concerned, but have I said you’re the best brother ever lately?”
He patted her back and gave her a twisted grin. “I’m your only brother.”
“True, so let’s just say you’re the best only brother a girl ever had.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Hank slipped the cowboy hat low on his head and squinted through his sunglasses at the checkerboard.
“King me.” Sam let out a bark of laughter, hopping over Hank’s remaining man and taking the board. “You haven’t played checkers much, have you?”
Hank leaned back in the chair. “Oh, I’ve played but never against a pro like you.”
“I’ve had lots of practice. Travis and I pick up a game or two every Saturday.”
Hank glanced at his phone, pushed his chair away from the table, and stood. “That’s enough whooping for tonight. Same time tomorrow?”
Sam chuckled and shook Hank’s outstretched hand. “Sure. I’ll look forward to dishing out the whooping.”
“Them’s fighting words, old timer.”
Sam collected the checkers and returned them to the box. “You takin’ our girl out tonight?”
“Plan to.”
“You’ll take care of her now, won’t ya?”
Hank tipped his hat. “You can count on it, Sam.”
“She and her brother don’t have their folks any longer to look out for them, so I try and do that. You seem gentleman-like to me, and I do believe you care for her, but don’t let me hear of any nonsense now. She don’t need any more heartache.”
Hank almost smiled at the old man’s earnestness. He picked up the empty plates from the calzones and salad Bethany had brought them earlier. “I’ll treat her like a princess, Sam. Promise.” He turned and headed toward the kitchen, while Sam collected Gypsy.
As always, his heartbeat kicked into double-time at his first glimpse of Bethany crouched over one of the cupboards. Her jeans stretched across her tight behind, and she’d replaced her normal T-shirt with a flowery top. She glanced up when he came in, knocking her head against the open door.
“Ow.”
“You all right?”
She stood and rubbed her forehead. Was it his imagination or did she seem nervous?
“Yes, I’m fine. Was just taking an inventory of supplies. Is it time to go already?”
“Not quite. Turn around.”
