Chapter Four - Hannah
CHAPTER FOUR
Hannah
HANNAH STIRRED THE simmering sauce, the warm, savory aroma filling the kitchen. She hummed softly to herself, grabbing the wooden spoon to give it another taste.
Needs more salt.
Behind her, she heard the low shuffle of socked feet against the floor. She smiled before turning, already knowing Daniel was coming up behind her.
“Hey,” she said, leaning into him as he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. “Hungry?”
He pressed a kiss against her shoulder, his chin brushing her bare skin. “Always.”
“Good answer,” she teased, lifting the spoon toward him. “Taste.”
He did, humming in appreciation. “Perfect.”
Hannah laughed. “You’re a liar.”
She stirred the sauce again, glancing at him over her shoulder. “That reminds me,” she started, sprinkling in the extra seasoning. “Mia and James have been taking a cooking class together. They love it. I thought maybe we could do one too.”
She saw his shoulders stiffen at her words. “A cooking class?”
“Yeah!” Hannah turned fully now. “It’s one of those really hands-on ones—wine, good food, making a mess together.” She nudged him playfully.
She expected him to grin, to meet her enthusiasm, to at least consider it.
Instead, Daniel frowned. “Sounds like something a retired couple would do to feel young. I don’t think we need that yet.”
Hannah blinked. The air shifted. She stirred the sauce again, her mind catching on his words. She didn’t understand. What part of her suggestion had made him flinch?