Page 18 of Love on the Run
Wondering why everyone insisted tea made everything better, including twisted ankles it seemed, Hannah paused before answering. For all she knew, the man before her could be a murderer.
“Don’t worry. I won’t poison it.”
Hannah scowled his way, before looking at her swollen ankle. Doubting she’d be able to feed and water herself for any time soon, she supposed she might as well risk it. “The kitchen is straight down the hall,” she replied, before watching him exit the room.
Listening to Gabe bang about searching for cups and a spoon, it felt weird having a grown man in the house, let alone one Hannah didn’t know. Then again, as she pictured his muscular arms and firm grip as he reached into the top cupboard for the box of teabags, she supposed it wasn’t all bad. She did have a handsome chap making her a cuppa. She envisaged his strong thighs brushing again the base units as he poured boiling water into her cup and she sighed. “Enjoy having someone run around after you while it lasts,” Hannah told herself, aware he’d soon be gone, never to be seen again.
Gabe reappeared with a steaming mug. “I’ve put in plenty of sugar.”
Despite hating sweet tea, Hannah tried to hide her distaste as he handed it over. However, she clearly didn’t hide it well enough.
“You’ve just had a shock,” he said, nodding for her to drink whether she wanted to or not.
Hannah took a sip as instructed, while Gabe sat down on the sofa arm at her feet.
“Is there anyone I can call?” he asked. “To come and look after you?”
Hannah was about to tell him there was no one when she suddenly heard the front door opening. Not expecting any visitors, she cocked her head wondering who was there.
“It’s only me,” her guest called out.
Hannah looked to Gabe in all his Lycra glory and knowing the voice belonged to her mother, felt a slight panic. Janice’s response to her daughter being hit by a cyclist while out jogging, Hannah could cope with. Her mum coming across the Greek God of Cycling in her living room, not so much.
Hannah cringed, recalling every embarrassing moment she’d experienced at the hands of her mum. Whenever Hannah found herself within two feet of a man, Janice mentally booked a wedding and chose names for her non-existent grandchildren. Hannah threw her head back against the cushions. As if her morning hadn’t been bad enough.
CHAPTER13
“Hannah, you do know there’s a road bike leaning against your…” Appearing in the lounge doorway, Janice fell silent. A sensual pout crossed her lips, and she raised her hand and preened her hair. “When we spoke earlier you didn’t mention you were expecting company.” Janice might have been talking to Hannah, but her eyes didn’t leave Gabe.
“Because I wasn’t,” Hannah replied.
A tall thin elderly woman appeared right behind Janice. “Oh my,” she said, also spotting Gabe.
Hannah almost didn’t recognise Aunt Dorothy. Yes, it had been a while since she’d seen her, but Dorothy had lost a tonne of weight and her smile didn’t appear quite as bright. She carried an old-fashioned suitcase in one hand and much to Hannah’s confusion, what looked like a fancy ginger jar in the other. Decorated in a delicate green floral design, Hannah supposed at least it was pretty.
“You didn’t tell me she had a boyfriend,” Dorothy said.
“I didn’tknowshe had a boyfriend,” Janice said.
Hannah rolled her eyes. “That’s because I don’t.”
“Then pray tell who this handsome chap is,” Janice asked.
“Yes, please do,” Dorothy said.
Hannah understood why the two women were so enamoured. Gabe might be a walking accident but he was gorgeous with it.
Gabe rose to his feet. “I’m Gabe.” With his arm outstretched, he shook Hannah’s Mum’s hand.
“Janice,” Janice replied, coming over all coy.
Gabe turned his attention to Hannah’s aunt.
“Dorothy,” she said, equally charmed.
With their gaze firmly on Gabe and his yellow Lycra, Hannah squirmed wishing the man had done a proper job of running her over. If he had, she’d be in a hospital, in a coma, oblivious to her mum and Dorothy’s desperate behaviour.
“I should go,” Gabe said.
