Chapter 18
CHAPTER 18
H annah
I drove to the shop, parked the car, and stepped inside. The loud and repetitive hammering sound filtered through the air, as did the sound of saws cutting wood.
“Morning, Hank.” I smiled.
“Morning, Hannah.”
“Wow. You guys got a lot done yesterday,” I spoke, looking around.
“Mr. Harbor gave us a deadline.” He smiled. “I know we’ve only been here a few days, but this is a great town.”
“It is, isn’t it?” I grinned.
The shop’s door opened, and I saw Alex walk in.
“Morning.” He walked over.
“Good morning, Mr. Harbor,” Hank said.
“Morning.” I smiled. It was the first time I’d seen him since yesterday morning when Lucy got home.
“It’s looking good in here. I hope you’re on schedule,” he said to Hank.
“We’re actually ahead of schedule, Mr. Harbor.”
“That’s what I like to hear. How about we go to Rooster’s and grab a coffee and a muffin,” he said, staring at me.
“I’d love to.”
“Great. We can walk.” He placed his hand on the small of my back.
“I bet Lucy was excited to go to school.”
“She was. Pray she behaves.”
“I’m sure she will.” I laughed.
We stepped into Rooster’s, and a smile graced Delilah’s face when she saw us.
“Hello, you two.”
“Hi, Delilah.” I smiled.
“Good morning, Delilah. Two coffees, please. What kind of muffin do you want?” Alex asked.
“That apple muffin looks good.”
“And two apple muffins,” he told Delilah, pulling his wallet from his pocket.
We grabbed our coffees and muffins and sat down by the window at a small table for two.
“I’m leaving for Chicago tomorrow morning and wanted to see you before I left. Unfortunately, I have back-to-back meetings today with the county commissioners about Athena Harbor, and I won’t be home until late tonight.”
“Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule for wanting to have coffee with me.” I grinned, biting into my muffin.
“You know it’s going to be a great day after having morning coffee with a beautiful woman.” I winked.
We talked for a while, left Rooster’s, and walked back to the flower shop.
“Have a safe trip back to Chicago,” I said, staring into his blue eyes as he held my hand.
“Thank you. I’ll see you when I get back.” He brought his hand up to my cheek, leaned in, and softly kissed me.
I watched as he placed his hand in his pocket and headed toward his car. Walking back into the shop, I smiled at the chaos.
W hen I arrived home, it was late afternoon. After changing into my bathing suit upstairs, I grabbed a towel, headed down to the beach, and entered the water. It was warm and inviting. I turned around and saw Lucy standing at the shoreline, staring at me.
“Hi, Lucy.” I smiled as I made my way out of the water.
“I’m not allowed to go in there without an adult. My dad won’t let me.”
“Do you want to go with me?”
“No.”
“How was school today?”
“It was fine. I don’t like you living here.”
“Oh, I’m sorry you feel that way. Did I do or say something to upset you?”
I had no idea where this was coming from.
“No. I just don’t like you living here.”
“Lucy, I’ve prepared your snack,” Mara yelled.
She turned and ran up the beach and back to the house.
Sighing, I sat down on the towel and brought my legs up. That little girl hated me, and I didn’t know why. After spending some time on the beach, I went back to the guesthouse, put on my silk robe, pulled out a prepared chicken dish I bought from the market, and warmed it in the microwave. It was ten o’clock when there was a knock at the door. Opening it, I smiled when I saw Alex standing there.
“I hope you don’t mind.” He stepped inside.
“Not at all.”
“I’m happy to hear that.” He swooped down, picked me up, and carried me upstairs.
He set me on the floor and untied my robe, revealing my naked body underneath. Our lips met with passion as I lay on the bed. Quickly stripping off his clothes, he spread my legs and ran his tongue up my inner thigh, not stopping until he reached my slick opening—the part of me that had been craving him again.
Moans escaped my lips as my hands tangled through his hair while his mouth explored me, bringing me to an out-of-this-world orgasm. Making his way up to my lips, he thrust inside, burying himself deep inside me. Gasps of pleasure escaped our mouths as he rapidly pounded in and out of me. A second orgasm hit, causing him to explode.
“Ah. Ah,” he moaned, dropping his body on mine.
I lay there, the warmth of his breath tickling my neck. He pulled out and rolled onto his back.
“I couldn’t leave in the morning without a proper goodbye.” He smiled.
“I’m happy you dropped by.” I ran my finger down his chest.
He climbed out of bed and pulled on his pants. “I better get back in case Lucy wakes up.”
I wanted to tell him what she said today but figured I shouldn’t. I slipped into my robe and walked him to the front door.
“I hope the engagement party goes well.” His hand softly stroked my cheek. “I’ll see you when I get back.”
“Have a safe trip.”
His lips pressed against mine. “I will.” He opened the door and left.
I placed my hand on my belly and leaned against the door, letting out a breath. I was quickly falling for this man, and it already hurt like hell.