Page 74 of Stolen Kisses

Hannah: That's a great idea. I imagine they'll be super happy.

The need to see her slammed into me without warning. I could go to Magda’s office again, but I knew watching her from a distance wasn't going to be enough anymore. Not after I'd hadher. And Magda was bound to get suspicious of my visits to her office.

Chase: Let’s have lunch together.

Hannah: You think that’s a good idea? Where could we go so we don’t run into anyone we know?

My nostrils flared. I had no fucking idea if it was a good idea. All I knew was I wanted to spend time with her.

I googled nearby eateries, and one particular entry caught my eye.

Chase: I heard there’s a place for pancakes in Balboa Park.

Hannah: You always know exactly how to tempt me. Now I have something to look forward to.

Chase: Pancakes?

Hannah: You and pancakes.

Chase: Now we’re talking.

Hannah: Should we meet there?

Chase: Sure.

I didn’t like this. I understood the need to keep it from everyone else, but this wasn't how I wanted to take her out, a quick lunch somewhere that no one would notice. She deserved the best, and I wanted to do that for her. She wasn't going to let me help with the inn, but that didn't mean I couldn't take care of her in other ways.

***

At lunchtime, I arrived at our meeting place near Marston Point in Balboa Park five minutes before our agreed time. Hannah was already there, leaning against a tree. There was no one around, so I decided to surprise her. She looked stunning, wearing a white dress with thick shoulder straps. It molded to her curves.Her blonde hair reached the peaks of her breasts, and my mouth instantly watered.

When I came within earshot, I realized she was talking on the phone and had put it on speaker.

"What do you mean, you've got to pony up all that money by yourself?" Blair asked.

"Look, I don't even know how much it is yet, okay?" Hannah said. "Don't worry. I just told you and Mom so you don't think I'm hiding something from you."

"Hannah—" Blair began, but Hannah cut her off.

"I know what you're about to say. You want to pitch in, but it's not fair. You're taking care of what you got from Gran, and the inn is my responsibility."

"Good Lord, it's impossible to talk to you when you're like this. Anyway, let's change the subject," Blair said.

I was growing impatient. I was about to make my presence known to Hannah, but Blair’s next words stopped me in my tracks.

"I've got you the blind date I promised."

"What?" Hannah asked.

"Yep. I'm not going to say anything except that he's superhot, and he can pick you up from home tomorrow evening."

"Blair, wait. Um...."

I couldn't stay back anymore and stepped around the tree.

Hannah gasped when she saw me. "I'll get back to you, okay?" she said before disconnecting the call. "Oh my God, Chase, you scared me. When did you arrive?"

"Two seconds ago."

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