Page 38 of We Can Forever

“I get that.” I blow out a breath.

Her eyes light up. “You don’t like crowds either?”

“Well…it’s fine when I don’t know the people.”

“Ah. I see.” She nods and hands me the paper.

“So, uh—” I clear my throat. “How was your day?”

“Good. My aunt is coming tomorrow for a visit. She’s going to help around the shop.”

“That’s great.” Unexpectedly, my heart races a little. Will I get to meet this aunt? I don’t know why, but it matters to me. I guess I really want to see this woman who’s been such an integral part of Hannah’s life.

And, what’s more, I want her to like me.

“Have you had dinner yet?” I ask, proud of myself for coming up with an excuse for her to stay. “We have a ton of leftover chili. I was about to heat some up.”

“Sure. That would be nice.” She grabs her phone from her jacket pocket. “I just need to tell Flick to lock up without me.”

While she texts, I pull out the chili, get it going on the stove, and serve Hannah one of the beers Nathan brought. Her presence is one simple adjustment, but it makes all the difference in the world. The room that only a few minutes ago was causing so much stress now feels like a sanctuary, a place where I can hide away with the woman I’m crazy about.

With my back turned to Hannah, I grin as I pour the chili into two bowls. Damn, that’s right. I’m totally crazy for her.

When was the last time I felt this way about a woman?

Was it…ever?

I certainly haven’t gotten romantically involved with anyone since Katie’s mom, and our relationship was more hot and cold than anything else. Before that, I was just a boy, jumping from girl to girl, never thinking beyond what the weekend held.

But now, I’m thinking into the future. Dreaming about what next month, next year, looks like with Hannah in my life. It’s not just taking care of Katie and running this firehouse—though I’m proud to do those things. It’s more.

Life with Hannah is something that’s just for me. A selfish bubble that I get to escape to every time we’re together.

“What are you smiling about?” she asks as I take the seat next to her.

“What’s not to smile about right now?”

She ducks her face, but it does nothing to hide her pleased grin. “Oh. I see.”

The conversation turns to catching up as we eat, though there’s little to catch up on. We’ve been texting almost nonstop, and it’s only our busy schedules that have stopped me from nailing down another date.

But here we are, paths crossed again. You’d almost think it was fate.

“I’ll get the dishes,” she says once we’re finished.

“No, I…”

Her hand has brushed mine, and suddenly, I’ve forgotten all English. We’re standing next to the table, only inches between us. It’s like the color intensity has been turned up on the world. I can see her every eyelash, track her every breath.

Putting down my bowl, I take a small step toward her.

Her gaze locks on mine, and the next thing I know, she’s between me and the wall, my arms on either side of her head. I’m moving like it’s the most natural thing in the world, water following to the sea, my lips dropping to hers.

Her soft mouth welcomes me, opening like petals on the sweetest rose. Heat unfurls from our tongues, and I deepen the kiss, sliding my hands through her hair and down her shoulders. She grips my t-shirt, twisting it in her palms. A primal hunger awakens in my belly, and I shuffle closer till she’s pinned against the wall.

Then someone loudly clears their throat.

Quick as a whip, I step back from Hannah, taking my grabby hands with me. Red and Meg, two of my firefighters, stand in the kitchen doorway.

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