Page 39 of We Can Forever

“If you two are done,” Red says, “we’d love to get our dinner.”

Hannah blushes and presses her fingers to her lips.

“Go ahead.” I gesture to the fridge, then grab Hannah’s hand and lead her into the hallway. “I’m sorry,” I say the second we’re out of earshot.

Fuck, I’m such an idiot. She expressed how worried she was about people being around, and then I went and practically pawed her in a common area.

“It’s okay.” Her voice is breathy, and she presses so close that her hip bumps against my leg. “How much longer are you here for?”

My pulse quickens. “I can leave whenever. My shift is over.”

She bites her lip, already slightly swollen from kissing. “Would you like to come over to my house?”

The question sets off an earthquake that trembles through my bones. Is she asking what I think she is?

I haven’t been with a woman in a few years, though, of course, I’ve thought about what it would be like with Hannah—a lot.

“If you can,” she adds. “I know you have Katie?—”

“She’s at a sleepover tonight, so yes.” I find her hand. “I would love to come over.”

Her lashes flutter. “Perfect. We can walk there.”

“Perfect,” I echo.

But will it be? She’s just asked me to take our relationship to another level. What if I can’t adequately show up? What if tonight just proves that I’m not the man she wants or needs?

Then that’s it. End game for us.

“You okay?” she asks.

“Yeah.” Pulling myself together, I nod. “Perfect.”

That’s right. Maybe if I keep saying that word, the night will end up being exactly that.

Somehow.

Chapter Fourteen

HANNAH

My heart slams against my rib cage, so fast I wouldn’t be able to count the beats if I tried.

Michael is coming over to my house.

My house. With me.

And though I didn’t say it explicitly, I think he knows that I don’t want him over to watch a movie.

Cutting through the empty lot behind the grocery store, we dip down Cedar Lane, a dirt pathway that’s been on the island since the town was established and that runs between two rows of buildings. It’s a charming shortcut to my house, and I usually take it to work unless I’m running late and need to drive.

We don’t speak as we walk, but the air vibrates—and not just between us. The whole island feels charged, the clouds above us churning as dark slips across downtown. Michael’s hand finds mine, and peace washes through me.

This is right. So right.

I haven’t been with a man since Paul. There hasn’t even been anyone I’ve wanted to be with. Until now.

“Hey, Hannah!”

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