Page 124

Story: Stolen Kisses

"Fine. We'll make a plan and regroup with you in the morning," Duncan replied.
Everyone agreed, and I rushed out of the room, taking the elevator to the parking garage.
I'd climbed into my car and drove out of the garage before realizing I didn't know where she was. I was about to call her, then changed my mind.
"No, damn it." I didn't want to talk with her about this on the phone. I needed to see her.
I drove to her apartment as fast as I could, parking the car on the street adjacent to her building. A few drunkards stepped out of the steak restaurant as I went to the intercom.
Fucking hell.She wasn’t going to come back here after tonight. I wouldn’t allow it.
But first things first.
I had another battle to win.
I tried the intercom a few times, but I got no answer. I was about to call Blair and ask if she knew where Hannah could be before realizing there was only one place she’d go in a situation like this: the inn.
But I wanted to make sure she was there. Knowing I didn't have any time to waste, I scrolled through my contacts, remembering that I'd saved her neighbor's number after the storm. I found it and called right away.
"Hello?" an elderly voice answered.
"Hi, is this Ms. Adams?"
"Yes."
"Hi, this is Chase Sterling."
"Oh, you're the stud who was with Hannah after the storm."
I jerked my head back at her words."The stud."Not exactly how I thought this conversation would start. The woman was a million years old.
"That's me," I confirmed. "Listen, I wanted to ask, are there any lights on at the inn? I think Hannah might be there."
"Yes, yes. She arrived here about half an hour ago, I think. Want me to go over and tell her you're looking for her? That girl is forever misplacing her phone."
"No, no need. I actually want to surprise her," I said.
"You're good-lookingandthoughtful. She's got herself a winner."
I liked that description much better than "stud."
"Thank you, Ms. Adams. Have a good evening."
"You too."
Hanging up, I got into my car, driving way over the speed limit. I didn't want to leave Hannah with her thoughts for too long. I knew how it looked. I could only imagine what she was thinking. I needed to explain everything as soon as possible, but first I had to make a pit stop.
Chapter Thirty
Hannah
Gran, please send some zen vibes my way.
Ever since I'd arrived at the inn, I'd dusted off my bedroom and put on sheets, then decided I wanted a different set. So I made the bed yet again. But I was still restless. I couldn't remember a time when coming here didn't calm me down. Maybe I needed to stop moving around and simply sit. Ideally, I’d do so with a glass of wine outside on the porch, but I didn't have any. Still, I grabbed one of the cozy blankets and headed outside, sitting on the porch floor since Chase and I had taken the rattan couch back to the basement last time after using it. I didn’t want to leave anything on the porch, fearing another storm.
I took in a deep breath, looking up at the sky. It was clear and gorgeous tonight—exactly what I needed. I could feel the adrenaline draining from my body as I sat here surrounded by the sounds of night and the rustle of trees in the wind.
Does Chase know by now that I know?It was entirely possible. He hadn’t messaged me or anything.