Chapter 8
CHAPTER 8
JORDAN
H anna being quiet in the mornings is driving me to distraction. She’s dozing now, her breath heavy and even, her head leaning against the door window. Every time she moves, I can hear the soft rustle of her jacket. Her body is relaxed, but sometimes her face tenses with whatever dreams she’s having.
The truck’s engine hums as we wind along the mountain road. The forest is getting denser as we get closer to King Mountain. Sunlight breaks through the trees in patches, like the world is trying to show off its best face.
I grip the steering wheel tighter, working to control my emotions and my heart. Every few seconds, I glance at her. Awake or asleep, she’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I’d give anything to know what she’s dreaming about and if she’s dreaming of me.
We didn’t talk much this morning as we got ready, and I don’t know what to think about that. Yes, she’s not a morning person. She didn’t pull away when we got up, but everything feels delicate in a new way and I’m terrified if I say something, the perfection we found last night will shatter into a million pieces.
Was I wrong to think last night meant something?
The thought cuts deep. Last night was intense. It wasn’t just about desire; it was about letting go of everything we’d been holding back, of finally giving in to what’s been building between us the last few days. And now I can’t stop thinking about her. About waking up to her every morning, calling her my woman, and hopefully my wife one day. I already know I want to put a ring on her finger and make it official.
Hanna stirs and rubs her eyes. “How long was I out for?”
“Not too long,” I say. We didn’t get much sleep last night, but I’m as wired as if I’ve downed an entire pot of coffee. “We’re not too far out from Silver Pine Ridge.”
We ride a long stretch of highway in silence, and the quiet between us eats at me. All this uncertainty and big emotions have me feeling like an inexperienced teenager. But this is Hanna. She’s the woman I fell in love with at first sight. She’s always been my ultimate dream woman.
What is she thinking about? Last night? Me? Or him?
The thought of Keenan twists my gut. I know she’s still grieving him—I am, too. But last night felt like something new, like a way for both of us to move forward. But is it too soon? How would we know if it’s not?
The silence stretches, heavy and suffocating. I can’t take it anymore. My pulse thunders in my ears as I force out the words I’ve been chewing on since this morning.
“Last night…” My voice wavers, and I struggle to level it. “It wasn’t a mistake for me. I need you to know that.”
Her head snaps toward me, her eyes wide like her mind is in overdrive. “I didn’t think it was,” she says, her voice sure and clear. “Not at all.”
The knot in my chest tightens, hope surging in the deepest parts of me.
She doesn’t say anything else, but I watch the emotions moving across her face. She’s clearly deep in thought, and I know I have to respect that.
Finally, she says, “Let’s talk when we’re back.”
My knuckles ache from how hard I’m gripping the steering wheel. The truck’s engine hums steadily beneath us, but the silence between Hanna and me roars like a storm.
The road ahead twists through the forest, but the beauty of the mountain is lost on me right now. My only focus is Hanna and wanting to know what’s going to happen between us.
I should have kept my distance. I should’ve never touched her, never kissed her. But how the hell do I go back now? I don’t want to go back.
I clear my throat, forcing myself to keep my voice even, not to ask the question burning through my soul. “We’re almost there. You ready for the last stop?”
Her response is soft and filled with emotion. “I think so. I hope so.”
The vulnerability in her voice squeezes my chest. I glance at her. She looks so damn beautiful, even when she’s so far away from me.
“I’m not sure I am,” I admit, my voice quieter than intended.
Her head turns toward me, her brows drawing together slightly, but she doesn’t ask me to explain.
How can I tell her that I’m terrified of what comes next? That if this trip ends with her walking away, I don’t know if I’ll survive it? I’ve lost my best friend, the man who knew me better than anyone. Keenan saved my ass in the Army so many times.
I can’t lose Hanna, too.