“You’re that confident in your skills?”
I don’t think I wore enough deodorant for this. “Yes, I am. I’ve helped people—many of them athletes—with injuries worse than his get back on their feet. Or their paws.”
Her eyes widen. “Paws?”
Uh-oh. May have gone too far on that one, especially considering Nick’s parents aren’t fond of pets. “Did Nick not tell you about that?”
“About what?”
I swallow the nervous knot from my throat. “I do physical therapy for animals, too. Sometimes, I treat both the owner and their pet. Right now, I’m treating a retired policeman who just had a hip replacement. His German shepherd recently had one, too.”
She looks at me as if I told her I believed in Santa Claus and had a crush on the Easter Bunny. And it’s not like this is the first time I’ve gotten that reaction. People generally fall into two categories when I tell them this—either they think I’m ‘out there,’ or they think it’s the coolest idea they’ve ever heard. I prefer the latter one, for obvious reasons.
The verdict is still out on Mrs. Lawless, though. CC, I mean.
“O. Kay. I’ll shut up now.” I hold my teacup in front of my mouth, then take a sip to prevent myself from saying anything else that might tinge her opinion of me.
She finally smiles. “I see you’re passionate about what you do, too.”
“I am.” What’s that saying…quit while you’re ahead? I wouldn’t say I’m ahead in this scenario because whatever is going on in her mind is her business. But I hope she’ll share those pages with Mr. Lawless and become an advocate for her son regardless of what she thinks of me.
CC picks up her tea and leans back in her chair. “I hope Nicholas appreciates you, Hannah.”
Okay, maybe this is a win after all.
I smile, but in my heart, I’m hoping Nick’s feeling something much stronger for me.
CHAPTER 29
Nick
The universe must be laughing hysterically right now. And at my expense.
I’d planned a gourmet meal for Hannah. Not something too complicated, but definitely unique. Except it looks more like burnt slush. The carrots and potatoes are almost as black as the meat. And the Dutch oven I bought for the recipe may have to land in the trash, too.
I throw the potholders onto the counter, then push my hands through my hair. Bandit lets out a small yip, which I taught him to use when we’re inside. Since Hannah said he was a cattle dog mix, most likely, I did some exploring on the internet and found a multitude of articles and videos about how smart they are. Only took a few tries for Bandit to get the hang of it.
“Sorry, boy. I don’t think this is edible, even for you.”
A knock draws another soft yip from Bandit.
“Good boy.” I scruff his ears before answering the door. My heart is racing in anticipation of seeing Hannah again and knowing I can kiss her now. The realization is somewhat surreal that our friendship has turned into more. But I still need to have a talk with Graham, so until then, we’ll have to keep things on the down low.
Hannah greets me with a wide grin. “Hi. Sorry I’m late. I got a little tied up with an errand.”
She’s dressed in her scrubs, and a few of her curls have escaped her clip and fallen around her face, making her look even more stunning, if that’s actually possible.
I draw her in and shut the door. “I’m just glad you’re here.”
I’d love nothing more than to keep my plan to kiss her, but I feel the need to take things slow with Hannah. I don’t want her to doubt my feelings, or worse, think I’m anything like that Bryan dude. That guy doesn’t have a clue about what he missed out on.
But that’s my gain, and I have no intention of letting her get away.
She wrinkles her nose. “What’s the smell?”
I tilt my head toward the kitchen. “That would be the meal I ruined.”
“Oh.” She covers the bottom of her face with her hand.
