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“Man, I was just starting to think that it was warming up a bit, and then this morning happened.”

“Yeah, sometimes we get a little cold front moving through, but it doesn’t really last long.”

Look at them, discussing the weather as if they were just a couple of acquaintances who had absolutely no interest in each other.

Which was complete bullshit, at least on Blake’s end.

He saw her shiver out of the corner of his eye and shook his head. “Why aren’t you wearing a jacket?”

“I just forgot it in the car. I figured I was only walking ten feet, and it seemed like a lot of hassle for just a few-second walk. I didn’t expect to bump into you or find myself standing out here, incredibly nervous.”

“Why are you nervous?” Blake waited, his stomach actually fluttering, for fuck’s sake.

“Well, I know you’re really busy, but I was wondering if you ever teach self-defense classes?”

Blake was blown away. That was the last thing he’d been expecting.

Because I was hoping for something else.

“You want to take a self-defense class? From me?”

Her cheeks turned that pink color he’d grown to really like, and she nodded. “It’s just, the way you handled that gunman the other day . . . Since then, I’ve been jumpy, and my parents are worried, and I just thought if you could teach me a few things to put their mind at ease . . . ” She caught his gaze with her big hazel eyes, and her black lashes swooped over them several times, innocently enchanting him. “Plus, you seemed so concerned for me before, I thought you might be willing to help.”

She paused, studying him, and he had no idea what expression was on his face, but it made her backtrack. “You know what, never mind, it was a crazy idea anyway.”

Hannah started to turn away, but he reached out and touched her shoulder, stalling her.

And setting the protective little shit off with a series of high yips.

“Milo, stop.”

The puppy settled, tiny rumbles emitting from his chest as he turned his head, keeping Blake in his sights.

“I wasn’t going to say no. If you want me to teach you a few things, I’d be happy to.”

Hannah’s warm smile was back, and so were the butterflies. Damn it, he hadn’t had those since high school, since . . .

Since the first time I saw Jenny.

Blake pushed back the rush of guilt, telling himself this was about something important. It wasn’t a date, and it wasn’t about sex or feelings. This was a necessity, to keep Hannah safe and out of trouble.

“My best days are usually Sunday and Monday, although sometimes I pick up substitute teaching jobs on Mondays.” Hannah seemed oblivious to his sudden mood shift, thank God, and he forced a smile.

“Good to know. I’ll figure out where I could train you and give you a call on Monday.”

“That’s perfect. Thanks, Blake.”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Oh, how is house hunting going?” she asked.

“Um, no luck yet.”

“Well, I hope you find something. We’ll talk soon.”

“Bye, Hannah.”

She was already walking toward her car, and this time, he was sure if the puppy had fingers instead of paws, he’d have been flipping Blake off. When Hannah opened up her passenger door and put the puppy on the front seat, he could almost swear he saw a flash of blue lace panties.