Page 53 of Unhinged

“You.” Her head dipped in embarrassment. “Kind of, I mean. I just wanted to… get your attention.”

He chuckled. “Oh, sweetheart, you definitely have that.”

He could practically feel her blush. “Audrey finally talked me out of hiding behind my old clothes and helped me pick out some new things.”

“Do the new clothes make you feel better?”

She hesitated before nodding. “They do, actually.”

“Then that’s all that matters. There's nothing sexier than a confident woman.”

When she remained silent, he changed the subject, shifting her the tiniest bit closer. “I could get used to this, you know.”

“What’s that?” Her voice was soft and tentative.

“Being here with you. I know we’ve only known each other for a couple weeks, but I have this crazy need to see you, touch you all the time. It’s terrible having to work in the same building as you all day but not be able to pull you aside and kiss you whenever I feel like it.”

He lowered his voice. “I’m glad you asked me to stay.”

“Me, too.”

Pulling her closer, he tucked her against him, so her head rested just below his chin. He dropped a kiss on her hair and splayed his fingers possessively over her back. He had her right where he wanted her, and he wasn’t about to let her go.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-TWO

The potent scent of freshly brewed coffee permeated the air as Luke took a moment to look around while the percolator finished its cycle. The window above the sink looked out over a small, but well-maintained backyard.

The grass was green, but Luke knew it would be hard and brittle to the touch, dry from the intense heat of the sun. It was one thing Luke didn’t think he’d ever get used to. Back in Wisconsin, the grass was lush and soft; here it was like walking across a green Brillo pad.

Unread mail was heaped in a small pile on the corner of the counter, and several plates and glasses, including Luke's own from last night, filled the sink. Hannah took good care of the place, but she wasn’t a neat freak. Luke liked that about her. He wouldn’t have to worry about her losing her temper if he left something out of place.

His mom and two sisters had instilled good habits in him growing up, and what they hadn’t taught him, the military had. He’d been on his own for over a decade, but he couldn’t deny how nice it was to be here with Hannah. He liked the idea of sharing responsibility—taking care of her, and her taking care of him.

“How long have you been here?” Luke asked.

Hannah pulled a small glass container of sugar from the cupboard, then glanced over her shoulder at him. “In Florida?”

“This house.”

“Oh.” She set the container on the counter and strode to the fridge. “About two years now.” Yanking open the door, she pulled out a bottle of hazelnut creamer, then gestured to a jug of milk. “How do you take your coffee?”

“Black, just a touch of sugar.”

With an affirmative nod, she closed the door and set the creamer on the counter. Turning to face him, she crossed her arms over her chest. “You’ve been here for a month?”

“Yep. I bought a little fixer-upper on the outskirts of town. It was cheap, and I figure I can flip it once I find something I really like.”

It was actually only about three miles from the health center, so it was an almost perfect arrangement. Right after he’d accepted Knox’s offer to work for Vantage, he’d contacted a realtor in the area and purchased the small ranch. With a little work, the place could be really nice, and he hoped to turn a decent profit once the renovations were complete. The neighborhood was older and fairly quiet, which suited his needs well.

Given a choice, Luke would rather be in the country where he had a little space to himself. It’d be hard to come by, being this close to the city, but maybe he’d eventually find a little plot of land somewhere more rural.

Although the house was conveniently located, he enjoyed his privacy and would prefer to have some space to roam around. He didn’t want neighbors right next door. He wanted to be someplace where he could walk outside in his underwear because, well… why not?

He stared out over the backyard, at the roofs of the houses just over the fence at the edge of her property. This was ultimate suburbia. Each home sat on a quarter- to half-acre, with only small hedges or trees to separate one lot from the next. Still, it was nice. He imagined it was perfect for Hannah, young and vibrant as she was. She probably attended cookouts and block parties with the neighbors, waved to them as they passed on the street or walked their dogs.

“It’s nice here,” Luke remarked.