I hop in the other side and start the engine, noting the clunking sound as the engine turns over.
She buckles her seat belt before turning to face me. “Then we can be friends helping each other out. Deal?”
Not exactly where I’d like to be delegated—the friend zone—but I’m the one who said it first. Plus, it’s much safer than poking the bear that is her big brother. “Deal. How about I take my friend to get a bite to eat? I’m starving, and I’m guessing you are, too.”
She shakes her head. “I just want to go home and have a bath.”
I’m trying very hard not to picture her in a tub, surrounded by bubbles. When we reach my truck parked in front of her office, Hannah looks truly exhausted as I hand her the keys. “Are you sure you’re up to driving?”
“I’m fine, Nick. And it’s not far.”
It dawns on me that I have no idea where she lives. “Define not far.”
She scrunches her nose, looking too adorable for my own good. “Are you asking me where I live?”
“I just want to be sure you’re okay.” Because she’s not. She wants me to believe she is, but I can tell. It’s like she’s a muted version of her usual self.
“I will be once I’m in a tub of hot water, salts, and bubbles.”
She’s killing me here. “Then can I make you dinner?”
Hannah lifts a brow in question.
“As a friend. You’re exhausted. You saved a dog today. You deserve some TLC.”
She’s fighting a smile. “You have basic skills in the kitchen, too?”
“Unlike the stereotypical single male, I happen to enjoy cooking.”
She sighs. “Okay, fine. Anything to end this conversation so I can go home.” She rattles off the address of the apartment complex, which I’m familiar with.
Once there, I follow Hannah up the stairs to her place, which looks exactly like I would expect. A soft, cozy couch with a gray and white checked afghan draped over the back. A long table sits behind the sofa, covered in photos of her family. I try not to look at the one of her and Graham together because I’m fairly certain photo-Graham frowned at me.
Her place has the same homey feel I noticed at her parents’ house. Unlike mine, whose current home has more sleek lines, cold metal, and dark colors. I can imagine Hannah snuggled up in that blanket on the couch as she watches her favorite TV show. Problem is, I can also picture myself next to her, putting my arm around her shoulders and cuddling her close to me so I can help her forget the horrible encounter she just endured.
She gestures toward her kitchen. “Help yourself to whatever you find. I haven’t shopped recently, so don’t feel pressured to create a gourmet meal. I’d be happy with a can of soup at this point.”
I cringe at the thought. “I’m sure I can do better than that. Go soak and take your time.”
She mouths a ‘thank you’ before disappearing behind her bedroom door.
I busy myself exploring her pantry and fridge, more grateful than ever for the diversion of cooking. Right now, I need all the distraction I can get.
CHAPTER 12
Hannah
Idon’t know exactly how long I soaked, but the distinct aroma of something savory drew me out of my tub faster than a dog’s tail wagging over his next meal. And I’m so hungry I might as well be like that dog—minus the tail, of course. I can’t remember when I ate last today, let alone what.
After a rush job of getting dressed, I zip out of my bedroom to find Nick setting up our meal on the coffee table. “I have a dining table.”
He glances up as he sets down two plates with some kind of egg concoction on them. “I know, but I figured you’d rather be comfortable on your couch. I cued up a movie for you, too, just in case.”
I snuggle into my preferred corner of the couch. “Dinner and a movie, too? Is this some kind of date?” The words slip out before I can stop them—clearly my weary state of mind.
One side of Nick’s grin ticks up, accenting those eyes that seem to be in a constant state of smoldering. “I didn’t say I was staying for the movie.”
“I was kidding.” I busy myself with checking out the plates to hide the heat I feel spreading up from my neck. The last thing Iwant him to see is me blushing. My face would only blend in with my hair and confirm his effect on me.
