He couldn’t let that by without clarification. “I put my house on the market, found a highly lucrative job, got involved with my client, and I assure you no one thinks of me as a hero here. I’m the fuck-up who nearly lost everything. I’m the one who married the wrong woman, who let his siblings become every cliché you can hang on a bayou rat. I’m sure the town is happy the business isn’t getting sold to that massive chain, but I don’t expect them to be happy to see me.”

He should have come back more often, should have done more than send checks.

“Why didn’t you?”

Had he said that out loud? Damn, he hadn’t meant to do that. “I was ashamed.”

She should know. He didn’t want to keep anything at all from her, but these particular stories didn’t show him in a good light.

“Ashamed that you had married poorly?”

His marriage was only part of it. “That I brought us to the point that I had to sell our business. It was my responsibility.”

“You were a kid. You did the best you could. We all make mistakes.” She looked back out the window. “I suppose in some ways I can understand why you did what you did. If my family needed me, I would do just about anything. Except Lila. We’re fighting. I mean I wouldn’t let her drown or anything.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“And yet, here I am.” She was back to staring out the window.

“What did Lila say to upset you? I thought it was something about me, but I’m pretty sure you hated me by then.”

“I don’t hate you.”

“You do a good impression.”

“I don’t hate you,” she said quietly. “I’m angry with you. I’m worried that if I stop being angry with you, I’ll make a fool of myself again. And Lila said a lot of things. She was being very snobby. She has this way of letting me know I’m not living up to her standards. Well, her standards include a disgusting pig of a boyfriend who hits on her sisters.”

“Excuse me.”

“Don’t. That’s not who you’re supposed to protect me from. Trust me. Laurel and I can handle Brock.” She sat back. “I feel bad that I said what I said to her though.”

“She should know who she’s dating, and I am going to protect you from everyone who means to hurt you. Or hit on you.”

“I’ve tried to tell her before. She tells me I’m making a big deal out of nothing.”

“She should believe you. She’s your sister.” His hands tightened on the steering wheel. “I could murder him for you if that would make you feel better.”