“Tight quarters.” She giggled nervously. “Listen, that wasn’t your fault. There’s no way you could’ve known. And I’m sorry for flipping out on you. Anyway, I like this place much better.”
Thank God for that.
“Have a seat.” He pulled the tea cozy from the ceramic pot and filled two mugs with sweet, spice-scented tea.
“You don’t seem like the tea cozy sort.”
“Came with the kitchen. They thought of everything, those two. Must’ve scoured every yard sale from here to British Columbia.”
“I’m surprised you even know what it’s for.”
“Aunt Marty had one.” Smiling at the memory, he sat facing her on the dinette bench. “She was a great old gal. Funny, snarky, and her baklava could bring you to tears. She kept Gus grounded. Losing her probably sent him spiraling into…you know.” He twirled a finger at his temple.
“Yeah, she was a character.” Hannah sipped her tea. Her eyebrows flicked up. “Really good.”
“Zora’s special blend.” Garrett sold it in his bakery, a smart idea. When neighboring businesses promoted each other, everyone benefited from the increased exposure. He’d find a way to do the same once he figured out his non-alien angle.
“Speaking of Zora—” Hannah’s eyes narrowed. “Did you sic her on me?”
“Sorry?”
“Never mind.” She reached for the plate of cookies between them. “So, what’s this interesting discovery you promised me?”
Here we go. Gotta hook her good.
“While sorting through Gus’s papers, I found this.” He slid the plastic binder toward her. “It’s—well, I’d love to hear your thoughts.”
For several minutes, Hannah pored over each page, pausing to scribble in her little notebook, silent but for soft grunts and the occasional breathy “Wow.”
Finally, she looked up, her face solemn. “Gus really believed he was communicating with aliens.”
“Yup. Did you see the bit about the probe?”
She shuddered. “Since Gus’s memorial, I’ve been reading up on this phenomenon. Some scientists blame sleep paralysis. Like, if you already believe in UFOs and you semi-wake up but can’t move, your mind automatically goes there, and poof! Another alien abduction.” She wiggled in her seat. “That doesn’t explain the butt stuff, though.”
She held his gaze for a long moment, until the corners of her eyes crinkled, her lips twitched, and they both dissolved in laughter.
Finally, Xander straightened and wiped his streaming eyes. “God, I adore you, Hannah.”
Still giggling, she blotted her cheeks with a paper napkin. “I think you’re pretty cool too.”
Throwing tact and caution to the wind, he clasped her hand, damp napkin and all. “What are we gonna do about this situation?”
She exhaled a long, cookie-scented breath. “Zora says I’m overthinking.”
“Huh. She says I should trust my inner wisdom and be open to a new relationship.” He chuckled. “Think she invents predictions based on what she wants you to do?”
Her playful smile detonated a firework of giddy sparkles in his belly. “Hmm. Let me consult my Magic Eight Ball.” She mimed shaking a sphere. “All signs point to yes.”
She’s giving you an opening. Don’t botch it.
He cleared his throat. “Hannah, we’ve only known each other for a few weeks.”
“Three,” she added. “Twenty-one days today.”
“Always a stickler for facts.” He ran the pad of his thumb over her knuckles. “You’re a hard-charger, but you balance that determination with kindness and generosity. It’s a killer combination.”
She bit her lip, and man, did his dick sit up and take notice of that sexy gesture. Ignoring his horny sidekick, he continued, “You’ve done so much to help me already. I hope that means you care at least a little.”
