“Probably Bandit’s owner. A witness description seems to fit him.” Liam draws Hannah to him and wraps her in a hug. “I’ll get everything cleaned up.”
“I can help.” All I know is I want to help make this go away as quickly as possible, for Hannah’s sake.
Liam gives me a pointed look, and I think he almost smiled. “I’ll take care of things here.” His eyes dip briefly to the top of Hannah’s head before connecting with mine. He says nothing, but I understand his silent ask to look out for her today.
I reply with a brief nod. Maybe Liam doesn’t see me as big a threat to his sister as Graham does. Either that or he plans to ‘freeze me out’ at a more convenient time.
Hannah pulls away, wiping her cheeks. “Let’s get Bandit to your place, Nick. I can call and reschedule my clients from there.”
Liam hangs back as I walk Hannah to her car, but I know he’s watching us. I hold my hand out for the keys, figuring she’s too shaken up to drive.
She frowns at me at first, as if she’s unsure, but then nods and hands me the keys. Once we get to my place, she insists on helping me carry Bandit in despite my reassurances that my other arm is perfectly capable.
“You’re left arm is already overworked, making up for your right. Don’t overstress it.” That’s the most she’s said since we left her office. Hannah is a vibrant, energetic person. Seeing her this subdued ramps up my concern for her.
We set up Bandit’s crate in a spot in my living room so he can observe what’s going on around him. Hannah sits in front of him with the door open, stroking his head and ears.
And I’m the goofball standing there admiring her as she loves on this dog.
When she looks up from Bandit, her chin quivers, and her eyes appear glassy. “What do you see when you look at me?”
The obscenities scrawled on her door and walkway flash in my mind—some of the worst things you could call a woman, let alone a human being. “Hannah, don’t do that to yourself. Marcus is angry and out of control. The authorities?—”
“Please!” She drops her voice to a whisper. “I need to know.”
I take a deep breath, then crouch in front of her as I exhale. “I see a woman who’s not afraid to step in and do what’s right. Even if it may cost her.”
She blinks, releasing a rogue tear down the curve of her cheek. It’s all I can do to keep from reaching out and brushing it away. But I know if I do, I won’t stop there. Hannah did the right thing, but seeing her in pain like this kills me. I want to hold her and tell her all the wonderful things I appreciate about her. How she’s so committed and caring to her patients. That she’s one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. That on the days I don’t have physical therapy, she’s all I think about.
She tucks her chin while continuing to stroke Bandit. “My brothers say I’m bossy.”
I shrug. “Yeah, that, too.”
“Hey!” She smacks my arm lightly, but it’s her smile that gives me a deep sense of satisfaction in being here for her when she needs someone.
I chuckle. “Just being real.”
“Try being a little less so.” She shoves my knee, sending me backward onto the floor.
I grunt when I land and then deliberately groan for effect. Might as well play this for all it’s worth, so I can keep her mind off what happened.
But I didn’t expect Hannah to take me so seriously. In an instant, she’s next to me, working her hands over my shoulder.
“Are you okay? I really didn’t mean to shove you so hard.” She slides a hand up to the base of my neck. “Are you in any pain? Does that hurt?”
She’s hovering over me. So close… Her hair frames her face in soft curls, and those two little lines between her brows are back because she’s frowning. I want to smooth them away and even lift my hand to touch her but stop myself.
“I’m fine, Hannah.” My voice comes out like a rough whisper.
Our eyes lock and the moment is charged with a heat that’s making it very difficult for me to keep my hands off of her. Her thumb brushes along my jaw in a light caress, but I don’t think she’s even aware of what she’s doing.
Is she feeling the same thing I am? I want to know more than anything because it sure seems like she does.
“Hannah…”
She sits back, dragging her hand across my shirt, which sends another charge through me. Without thinking, I grab her fingers and hold her palm against my chest, loathe to let go of her and desperate for her to feel my heart pounding…for her.
Before I can do anything else, Hannah turns her hand into mine in a grip and pushes up. “I’ll help you up.”
