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sniffing around Hannah. She wasn’t Matt’s employee. He’d feel free to pursue an interest in her and...
    “Well?” Alex prompted, looking quite intrigued.
    The conflict he was struggling with could not be voiced. “Just leave well enough alone. As Nonna should have.” Holding the key between finger and thumb, he shook it at Alex. “She’s gone too far with this.”
    “I imagine she was just trying to give you a smooth changeover, Tony,” came the bland reply. “Do you have Hannah O’Neill parked downstairs?”
    “Yes, she’s waiting in the jeep.”
    “Then I’ll walk out with you and meet her. Give you my opinion.”
    “That isn’t necessary,” Tony grated, wishing he hadn’t run off at the mouth.
    “I’m curious. As you say, it’s not every day Nonna takes such a personal interest in someone she’s just met.”
    At least Alex didn’t have eyes for anyone but his wife, Tony reasoned, giving up on arguing. This brother probably wouldn’t even notice Hannah’s dimples. He certainly wouldn’t look as far as the butterfly!
     
    Hannah noted the display window of a real estate agency just along the street. As soon as she had some spare time, she’d inquire there about available accommodation for residents. She was tempted to do it right now, but it would probably be a black mark against her if Tony King returned and didn’t find her waiting in the jeep. Besides, her backpack couldn’t be left unattended in this open vehicle. It was not a good move to risk losing what she had, including her new job.
    Tony King’s confusing attitude towards her was very unsettling. She wished she hadn’t accepted his grandmother’s offer of the Coral King apartment, even with the understanding it was only on a very temporary basis. While it was too late today to change her mind on that issue, she would certainly assert her independence as soon as possible.
    Her nerves tightened as she saw him emerge from the building in step with another man who was undoubtedly his brother, coming to check out the unheralded guest his grandmother had insisted on accommodating. Alessandro... Alex...
    He was bigger and taller than Tony, though there was no mistaking the family likeness in their strong facial features. Same thick black hair, too. The way they carried themselves held an innate confidence that somehow exuded success in whatever they did. Both very striking men, Hannah thought, yet it was Tony’s presence that made her heart slip beats.
    Sure she was about to be introduced, Hannah opened the passenger door of the jeep and hopped out, feeling the need to stand her ground in the face of being judged again. The action instantly drew attention from Tony’s brother who took one sweeping glance at her and then smiled, apparently seeing no wrong in her at all.
    “Hannah, this is my brother, Alex. Hannah O’Neill.”
    Alex’s eyes were a vivid blue and Hannah felt warmth and kindness flowing from them as he offered his hand. “Welcome to Port Douglas, Hannah,” he said in a deep pleasant voice that contrasted sharply with Tony’s curt tone.
    She smiled back, relieved at his ready acceptance of her. “It’s good to be here.” The touch of his hand was nice and warm, too, comforting. “I hope I haven’t caused a problem,” she added earnestly. “I can find some other place to stay.”
    “As I understand it, Tony’s rushing you straight into work, so I’m perfectly happy to go along with my grandmother’s arrangements.”
    “Thank you.” Needing to establish she had no intention of becoming a problem, Hannah quickly added, “I promise I won’t impose on your generosity for long.”
    “Don’t worry about it.”
    Alex withdrew his hand and clapped his brother on the shoulder, grinning widely as Tony shot him a sharp look. “You’ve got the key. I’ll leave you to handle everything. Happy days!” he added, saluting both of them as he moved off about his own business.
    “What a nice man!” Hannah