Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 57908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
I waved my hand. “Everyone is a boy or girl to me these days, Hannah. I’m far too old.”
She laughed, shaking her head. “Please. Did you see the shock on everyone’s faces when I introduced you as my mom? They all thought you were a sister or a friend.” She dipped her spring roll in the spicy mixture of soy and sriracha. “And Dom was certainly transfixed.”
I rolled my eyes, feigning disinterest at her words. “Bossy, that one. Far too forward.”
Hannah grinned.
“And we’re not here to talk about him.” I picked up my teacup, sipping it. “What is going on with you and Chase?”
“He’s my landlord. And roomie. We’re friends—I think.”
I shook my head. “Hannah, baby. I’m your mom. I could see the sparks between you from across the room. You light up like a Christmas tree when he’s around. And he zeroes in on you the second he walks into the room.”
She sighed. “I thought there was something, but since we painted, he’s been…I don’t know…off. We even argued. He apologized, but he is upset about something. I feel like I’ve hurt him somehow, and I don’t know how to fix it. He’s polite and accommodating, but distant.”
“Do you think the whole painting his house was too much? All the people invading his space?”
“I don’t know. Except he adores Charly and Gabby. He’s very close with the guys, and they help one another a lot. The only new faces were us. I think maybe he’s rethinking having a female roommate.” She laughed without humor. “Me, specifically.”
“Has he said that?”
“No. In fact, last night, he looked upset when he wondered if I was questioning the whole thing. He told me he liked me there. He practically begged me not to move out.”
I finished my soup, then pushed away my bowl. “Maybe he has stronger feelings for you and isn’t sure how to express them. You two looked pretty cozy on the weekend.”
“Well, now we’re two icebergs crossing in the ocean. Close but not touching.”
“What is he doing this weekend?”
“Spending the afternoon tomorrow supply shopping, then he and Dom are going to some bar Dom likes an hour away.”
I snorted. “No doubt a great stomping ground for pickups. Not too close to home that you have to worry about a relationship developing.”
She grimaced, and I patted her hand. “Sorry, jellybean. I was thinking more of Dom than Chase. He has that love-’em-and-leave-’em vibe. The whole bad-boy thing. Except he’s a little past that.” I shook my head. “I’m just not sure he knows it.”
Hannah shrugged. “I’ve talked to him a couple of times. He seems genuine. Maybe his ‘vibe’ is something you’re putting on him.”
“Why would I do that?”
“Because you liked him, and it makes you nervous.”
I tossed my hair defiantly. “No, I didn’t.”
“He is pretty sexy with that intense look and the tattoos and all. Lots of swagger.”
“Takes more to turn my head than some swagger, daughter of mine.” I paused. “Although his, ah, swagger is pretty nice. Especially from the back view.”
We both started to laugh, and it felt good to make light of the situation. I didn’t want to think of him any other way, even if he was different from the first impression I had of him. I wasn’t looking for a relationship.
We talked more about Chase, their budding relationship, and her future plans. I got the sense Chase was going to be a huge part of them. I felt pleased, knowing she might have found someone. I liked the fact that she was living in a smaller town. It was safer in so many ways. I had hated the fact that she’d decided to be a cop like her father, but I had chosen to support her rather than drive her away. When she’d been hurt in the line of duty, I was grateful she’d decided to take a job in a smaller place. Lomand and the surrounding area were very low on the crime scale, and even though it meant I didn’t see her as often, it was a good compromise. She was safe. That was the most important thing. She was the most important thing in my life.
And although I missed her being close, the fact that she was more sheltered and happier was far more important.
CHAPTER THREE
Dom
Iwalked into the small diner in Lomand and sat on one of the barstools. The place was busy, but my favorite waitress, Donna, came over, pouring me a cup of coffee. “The usual?” she asked.
“Please.”
I sipped my coffee, contemplating what to do with my day off. I had no errands to run today or things to be handled. I was only taking the day because Maxx insisted. I’d prefer to be at the garage, but I was informed I had to take my time away. Although Chase and I had picked out his building materials, we were in a holding pattern until the supplies came in. He’d been in a far better mood the past while, and I assumed it had a lot to do with his progressing relationship with Hannah. Chase didn’t say much, but his smiles and demeanor said it all for him.