I take her keys from her hand, unlock her door, then hand them to her. “Good night, Hannah. Thank you for coming with me tonight.”
She hesitates at first, as if she has something to say, but then she leans in and places a small kiss on my cheek. “Good night, Nick.”
I wait to move until she closes her door. In reality, I can’t move. I’m still memorizing the feel of her closeness, the way her lips felt on my skin, and the way every part of me reacts to her nearness, as if she’s the oasis I’ve trekked long and hard to find.
And then it hits me as I practically stumble to my car. I’m in love with my best friend’s sister.
I’m in love with Hannah.
CHAPTER 25
Nick
I’ve stayed busy most of the day, taking Bandit for walks, washing my truck, and cleaning my apartment—yes, even the bathroom. Then I tried to take a nap so I’d be more awake for my Turtle Patrol shift tonight, but inevitably, my thoughts would drift to last night with Hannah. Specifically, our near kiss at my parents’ party.
She’s all I can think about, especially now that I’ve realized how deep my feelings for her run. I know I’ll see Hannah on Monday, but I feel like a fish out of water, desperate for her air.
I pack my cooler and load my truck, ready for a night on the beach. But then, an idea hits me. I load an extra folding chair into my truck and add some extra drinks and snacks to the ice chest. Hannah may take a pass on the idea. I mean, staying up all night to watch for baby turtles is a big ask. But then again, she might say yes.
And maybe I’m tempting fate doing this—or the wrath of the McCarthy brothers—but instead of allowing my fear to run the show this time, I’m listening to my gut…and my heart. They’re both in agreement that Hannah is the missing piece in my life that I didn’t even realize I needed. Somehow, I’ll convince her brothers of that, too.
On the ride to her place, I practice what I’m going to say, which reminds me of how I used to rehearse arguments in law school. Who knew that skill could come in handy in convincing the woman I’m in love with to spend the night on a chilly beach rescuing baby turtles?
I knock on her door, listening for sounds of someone inside, but hear nothing. Maybe she’s out with friends…or maybe she’s on a date with Pete. The thought makes my neck heat up as I start to walk away, but then the door opens.
Hannah’s hair is a wild mess of curls, and her expression appears sleepy. And she’s wearing an oversized pale green T-shirt and matching pajama pants with horses all over them.
Absolutely adorbs. And wrecking me in the best way.
She rubs one of her eyes. “Didn’t expect to see you today.”
“Did I wake you up?”
“I didn’t sleep much last night, so I was taking a nap. Did you want something?”
Yes, you.
“Sorry I woke you. I’ll let you get your rest.” I turn around to head back to my truck. Probably better that it didn’t work out.
“Wait!” Hannah steps out onto the mat in front of her door. “You didn’t tell me why you stopped by.”
I unzip my hoodie so she can see the Turtle Patrol logo on the front of my T-shirt. Kade’s girlfriend, Amanda, designed the shirts for the team with #TeamTurtle across the back to go with the photo tags we post on Instagram. Involving the community has helped enlist additional volunteers, all thanks to Amanda’s brilliant branding and marketing experience.
“I’m on my way to the beach for my shift. Thought you might want to come along, but I understand if you’re too tired.”
She yawns as I zip up my jacket. “Well, I just had a two-hour nap. I probably won’t be able to sleep tonight, anyway.”
“Is that a ‘yes,’ then?” This sudden rush of excitement and anticipation slams me in the chest. If she means yes, I’ll be the happiest guy on earth. Might even give Bandit some competition for the goofiest grin.
“Yeah, just give me a few minutes to get dressed.” She starts to go inside, then spins around. “What should I wear?”
“Something comfortable and warm. It’ll be chilly out there.”
She nods, then dashes into her apartment.
Grinning like an idiot, I stand in her doorway, waiting for her to emerge from her bedroom, which she does in mere minutes, to my surprise. She opted for jeans and a sweatshirt that has a turtle on it and the words ‘Turtle Powered.’
I point to her shirt. “Did you just happen to have that?”
