Page 66 of Love on the Run
A part of Hannah felt jealous. She liked the idea of Gabe stroking her hand with his thumb as they chatted. Telling herself she was being silly, she again reminded herself of the fact that unlike her fellow customers, she wasn’t having an assignation.
Gabe reappeared with a tray containing what looked like two soup mugs but, as he grew closer, Hannah could see contained coffee.
She let out a laugh at the amount of caffeine she was about to consume. “I’m obviously not going to sleep tonight.”
“I’d be happy to keep you company.”
Choosing not to answer, Hannah blushed. She liked the idea of that too.
“So, how’s the training going?”
“Good,” Hannah replied, glad to be on safer ground. “The plan you gave me is brilliant. It’s done wonders for my stamina and confidence.”
“Then my job is done.”
Watching him break open a little packet of sugar cubes and pop one into his cup, Hannah took in his easy demeanour. She considered the fact that she probably wouldn’t see Gabe again after that week and his smile was one of the things she’d miss.
“I know I shouldn’t,” Gabe said. He dropped another sugar lump into his drink and stirred. “But I can’t drink coffee without it.”
As Hannah picked up her cup and drank, a little voice told her his smile wasn’t the only thing she’d miss. Hannah took a deep breath, daring to admit the little voice was right.
Gabe looked up. “What?”
Hannah hadn’t realised she was staring. “Tell me about yourself.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m interested.”
Gabe finally put his teaspoon down. “There’s not a lot to tell.”
“Come on. You know all about my boring life. That I’m divorced with two children, and I have a crap job. That I’m about to take part in a charity race that I might not finish, and that I have an aunt from Norfolk.Andyou know I have a batty mother.”
Gabe clearly struggled to keep a straight face. “Janice, yes. How can I forget?”
“You’ve met Mel and Liv, the bestest friends any woman could have. You’ve even said hello to my ex-husband and children.”
“Ah, but I don’t know the things that matter.”
Hannah looked back at him, perplexed. “Such as?”
“Your favourite colour.”
Hannah liked the fact that he thought the little things were important. “Green.”
“Favourite number?”
“Four.”
“Favourite food?”
“Too many to mention.”
Gabe laughed.
“All I know about you is that you’re a personal trainer, friends with Quentin and that you’re Roger’s son. Oh, and as of this evening, that you live in a quaint little cottage.”
“To be honest, that pretty much sums everything up.”
