“Where is the safe located?”
“In the office behind a panel.”
“Did your mother know about it?”
“I don’t think so, but I can’t be sure. She grew up in the house.”
“Maybe your aunt knows.”
She shrugged.
“How long has the house been in your family, and why is it so big? It seems rather big for just two or three people.”
“My grandmother grew up in it. She had five siblings, but they all left the state and are now dead. She was the only one who stayed. She moved back in with her parents after my grandfather died. My mom was really young at the time, and my aunt was a teenager.”
“That had to have been hard being a widow so young.”
Emma nodded. “She was only in her mid-thirties. She loved him dearly, and although he died right after my mom was born, she never dated another man.”
“So, you’re an only child?”
“Yes. I wish I’d had a sibling. I think it would have helped when I was so lonely. How about you?”
“I have a brother and sister.”
“Really?”
“Yes. My sister is finishing college in Colorado, and my brother is back from overseas. He was in the military, and it messed him up. When he finished with his last deployment, he went off-grid.”
“Why?”
“I’m not sure. Something fucked him up over there. I’ve asked a few of his teammates that are here, and they are very evasive and just told me to ask my brother.”
“That’s so sad. Do you think he’ll come here?”
“Yes. Eventually. He knew about the business and wanted to be a part of it.”
“How long has he been gone?”
“It’s been close to a year.”
Her eyes widened. “He must be really sad.”
“Yes. I’m really worried about him.”
“Hopefully, he’ll come soon.”
“I hope so, too.”
“What will your sister do?”
“I’m talking to her about coming here. She can work with the business, and if she doesn’t want to do that, there are other jobs around. Our parents are gone, so we just have each other.”
“I hope she comes.”
He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I do, too. I worry about her a lot. She’s a tough cookie but is still very naïve and has a lot of sass that I can see that will get her into trouble someday.”
“She’s lucky to have two big brothers to look out for her.”
He snorted. “Tell her that. She doesn’t appreciate it most of the time.”
Emma giggled.
“Let’s get this cleaned up so we can get down to the office. After, we’ll come back here and have dinner and maybe watch a movie.”
“I’d like that very much.”
He smiled at her. “Good.” He couldn't believe how much he liked spending time with her. She was serene and easy to talk to and so fucking hot, his palms itched to get his hands on her. Soon, he thought, because he wouldn’t be able to last too much longer.