Page 76

“Very. Nicki says we’re freaks because we get along so well.”

Blake opened the first-aid kit and pulled out alcohol wipes, Neosporin, and Band-Aids. “That’s a weird thing to say. My parents died when I was twenty, and we were very close.”

Hannah’s hand covered his as he opened up one of the wipes, and he met her kind eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

Blake’s heart squeezed as he thought about his tall, dark-haired mom and goofball of a dad. “It’s okay, it’s been almost nine years, but I still miss them.”

He picked up her right foot and brought it up to his chest. “This is going to sting, but I promise to make it all better.”

She smiled a little at his teasing, but he watched that smile disappear as he started to clean the three blisters that had busted open on her foot. He blew on each one softly and then applied the ointment and bandages.

When the right foot was done, he hissed as he saw the big open, bloody blister on the back of her left ankle.

“Why would you wear such uncomfortable shoes?”

“Because they were perfect with the dress?”

He shook his head, and when he finished the other side, he set both her feet on his lap and gave her a level, serious look. “I am going to burn those shoes.”

“But I just broke them in!” she protested.

“You women are crazy. You would rather tear up your feet and be in pain than wear comfortable shoes.”

“It’s just because they’re new. Once I wear them a few times, no more blisters.”

“Hmm.”

Silence spread over the room as he realized he was stroking the tops of her feet gently.

“I should probably get going. It’s pretty late.”

“Yeah, it is. Do you want some coffee?” she asked.

“Nah, I’ll never get to sleep if I have some now.”

“Okay.” She moved her feet off his lap and cleared her throat. “Do you mind, before you go, loosening the back of my dress? I can’t do it on my own.”

Blake tried to be casual, but his heart was tapping a heavy tempo against his breastbone. “Sure

, turn around.”

She did as he asked, moving her hair out of the way, and his fingers went to the tie, undoing the ribbon slowly. As he loosened one loop at a time, he couldn’t resist brushing her bare shoulder with his lips.

Hannah turned, looking up at him, and he kissed her. Her mouth opened under his, welcoming his tongue as he continued working her stays loose. She twisted and wrapped her arm around his neck, and he touched the straps of her dress, pushing them down her arms slowly.

She pulled away abruptly, grabbing at her straps. “I’m sorry.”

Blake almost groaned but bit it back. “No, I’m sorry. I’ll go.”

“You don’t have to—”

“Yeah, I kind of do. But if it’s okay with you, I’d like to take you out tomorrow night.”

Hannah’s smile was brighter than the sun. “I would love that.”

“Good. Can I pick you up about seven?”

“Yes.”