God, what the hell am I doing here?I should’ve called first.What was I thinking just showing up?The last thing I want is to make her feel uncomfortable in her own home.Glancing around the room, my eyes land on random things—the mismatched pillows on the couch, a stack of books on the coffee table, and a framed photo of her and Grace.Nothing screams ‘company’ in here.It’s just her.
I run a hand through my hair, mentally berating myself.What the hell is wrong with me?I should’ve stuck to the plan and kept it simple.But no, here I am, sitting foolishly in the middle of her living room.I’m not even sure if I’m supposed to act like a guest or someone else.Whateverthatmeans.I could’ve at least called first.
I glance toward the kitchen, where Hannah is busy with drinks.It’s not as if I’m new to being around people.Hell, I’ve been around people my entire life, but in very small doses.Somehow, with Hannah, everything feels new.With her, it feels as though I’m stepping into something different, something good.
Hannah sets my coffee on the table in front of me, her movements casual, but there’s something in her eyes that hints at curiosity.
She takes a seat at the other end of the couch, putting some space between us.“So, what brings you here?”
I take a deep breath, trying to calm the nerves suddenly swirling in my stomach.“You.”
She coughs, startled, almost choking on her tea as she looks at me wide-eyed.“Me?”
“Yeah,” I continue, my voice quieter now.“I was wondering if you’d like to get a meal?”
She raises an eyebrow, still looking at me as if I’ve sprouted another head.“Dinner?”
I lean forward slightly, reaching for the coffee she made.“Yeah, dinner.”
Hannah crosses her arms, her lips pressed into a slight frown.“What makes you think I don’t already have plans?”
Now it’s my turn to choke on the coffee, not quite expecting the question.“Do you?”
She laughs lightly, shaking her head.“No, although most men do find me irresistible.”
I nod, trying to play it cool, taking another sip of my coffee, though I’m feeling a little out of my element.“I can see why.”
Hannah’s eyes twinkle with mischief, but then she quickly adds, “I’m kidding.That was a joke.”
I stare at her for a moment, trying to catch the shift in her energy.
There’s a hint of uncertainty there, something beneath the humor.“I meant it when I said you were beautiful.”
She waves a hand dismissively, though I can see the faintest blush creeping across her cheeks.“I’ve been meaning to ring you and thank you for the flowers.”
“What flowers?”I ask, genuinely confused.
“The ones on my dining table.”She tilts her head, giving me a look that says she’s waiting for an explanation.
I shake my head, my brow furrowing.“I didn’t send you flowers.”
Her face clouds over, and without another word, she stands abruptly.I watch her as she walks to the flowers on the dining table, her movements sharp and purposeful.She picks them up, opens the trash bin, and drops them inside with a soft thud.
“Of course, you didn’t send me flowers,” she mutters, almost to herself.“Why would I think they were from you?No, you just drop in after five days.”She turns toward me, hands planted firmly on her hips, and her eyes are now sharp and challenging.“Why haven’t you phoned me?Didn’t you have a good time?I had a good time.”
I slowly put the coffee cup down, my throat tightening as I stand.There’s something in the way she’s looking at me as if she’s trying to get under my skin.And dammit, it’s working.
“I’ve had work, and Ididhave a good time.It’s why I’m here.And who’s sending you flowers?”I ask, trying to keep my voice steady, though the annoyance about the flowers creeps in.
Hannah shrugs, the frustration clear on her face.“They’re probably from Travis, but I was hoping he’d left town.”
“The ex,” I state, the words flat but heavy.
She lets out a bitter laugh, rolling her eyes.“He’s nothing if not persistent.”
I clench my jaw.The idea of that guy still hanging around, sending her flowers, makes my blood boil more than it should.
“So, dinner?”The words come out more harshly than I intend, and I immediately regret it, but it’s already out there.
