CHAPTER TWO #4
She lets me pull into her driveway and park before she speaks.
When she does, I get another glimpse of the strong and smart woman that she is.
“Cade. I’m only gonna say this first part once because I feel like if I have to repeat it, then you aren’t the man I think you are.
I would never let you push me into anything I wasn’t ready for or didn’t want.
I may have limitations in my life because of my sight, but I know my worth and what I’m willing to put up with.
I am strong enough to be on my own rather than be with someone who doesn’t respect me enough to respect the pace that both of us agree upon.
I also wouldn’t be with someone I didn’t want to be with. Life is too short for that.”
I nod, agreeing with everything she just said, and I also love the fact that she’s not afraid to stand up for herself like that.
Tells me she’s probably even stronger than she realizes.
Dad always told me that a real man wants a strong, smart, and beautiful woman.
After all, they aren’t with you because they can’t survive on their own.
They’re with you because they want to be, and that makes a much stronger connection.
Course, if you spent five minutes with my mom, you’d get why Dad thinks that way.
Mom is the strongest woman I’ve ever known.
Though Hanna might give her a run for her money.
Hanna continues, “I agree with you. I feel this connection to you…it’s not something I’ve felt before, and I’d definitely like to see where things go.
I know you have a crazy schedule, but I have one where I can pretty much dictate my work schedule.
My biggest issue is not driving, but I can take the train or get a ride or something.
I also feel like this is something worth exploring.
I remember reading a book once. There was this couple that was just starting to date, and one of them worked weird hours.
I think he worked at a bar or something like that.
I remember the guy was worried that his schedule was going to make the relationship impossible, because it would require juggling and seeing each other just whenever they could.
The line that really stuck with me came from his brother or one of his friends.
He said if it’s important, you find a way.
Everyone has important work responsibilities that they can’t ignore, but this doesn’t mean you can’t have more than one priority.
It’s not about finding problems with our schedules and distance but figuring out solutions.
I think we’re both smart enough to do that. ”
I don’t respond right away, but I get out of the truck and quickly move with purpose to the passenger side door, opening it and leaning into Hanna before she can move.
I kiss her, hopefully conveying everything I can’t put into words.
She lets out a moan, and I know I need to control myself because, fuck, if we’re not in front of her parents’ house again, it is not the place to grope and go beyond just kissing Hanna as much as I’d like to.
I can and will restrain myself so as not to disrespect her family and to show her she’s important enough to me already that I can wait till we’re alone and in private.
Then I most assuredly plan to explore every curve and every inch of her with my hands and my mouth. Fuck me, she can kiss.
I’m not sure how long we’re kissing, but the sound of the front door shutting breaks the moment.
Hanna moves and looks behind me. Her expression changes into a glare, though luckily not directed at me.
Her hands, which had made their way to my shoulders, gives them a squeeze, and she shifts closer to me, but still looks past me.
“I don’t know why you two are standing on the porch trying to look all menacing and shit, but if you try and run Cade off, I’m going to not only pick every little hair off your arms, but I’ll get Logan and Mom involved, and you will both be sorry.
” I start to turn my head, but Hanna stops me by putting her hand gently on my cheek.
She gives me a smile. “Kiss me one more time before I go inside. Apparently, my brothers want to have a word with you. Just know they won’t actually hurt you if you don’t hurt me. They’re mostly just talk.”
I kiss her, and before I back up, I quietly tell her, “I’ve got a sister.
I would think less of them if they didn’t try to intimidate me just a little.
You don’t have to worry though. I don’t get scared that easily.
You won’t get rid of me that quickly.” I must say the right thing because she smiles even bigger, gives me one more quick kiss, and nods as I back up slightly to help her out.
Once she’s on the ground, she pushes up her glasses and looks back at me, still smiling.
“Thank you for the best day. Let me know when you get home. I can’t wait for us to figure out our next date. ”
I watch her quickly walk to the front steps and move as if she’s taken them thousands of times.
She stops in front of her brothers and glares up at them with her finger pointing at them.
“I’m serious. Don’t hurt a hair on his fine-ass, sexy body.
If you think I’m kidding, you better remember I can feed Daisy all the sugar when she’s over or send her home with a musical instrument, and I can get Logan on my side and you sleeping in your guest room in a heartbeat. Don’t. Test. Me.”
I know I was told one of her brother’s names when I met everyone at the clubhouse, but fuck if I remember it. I met so many people that day that their names are muddled together. Her brother with the shorter hair speaks up first. “You wouldn’t do that to Daisy. That’s just mean.”
Her other brother, the one with long hair that’s partly pulled back, chimes in. “Why do you always gotta play dirty, Sis? That’s just evil.” Hanna has her hands on her hips now. I can’t see it, but I’d bet my right leg that she’s glaring at the two of them.
“I’m not evil. I just know the two of you, and I won’t have you scaring Cade off!
Besides, I think if he wanted to, he could knock both of you into next week without even breaking a sweat.
He’s built like Zane, but more.” She turns back and graces me with one more smile.
“I’m gonna let my two idiot brothers here talk to you about whatever nonsense they’ve got rolling around in their heads.
Just remember it’s me who introduced the deliciousness that is Tillamook ice cream, so you wanna stay on my side.
” The chortle comes out without thinking, and I know I’m smiling like a loon.
I seriously think she’s gonna keep surprising me and have me keeping my wits about me, and I couldn’t be more excited about it.
“Noted. I don’t think I can forget that. Spending the day with a woman as smart, funny, and sexy as you isn’t something I’m ever going to forget.”
I get a wink and a nod of her head before she heads inside.
“Remember to text me!” The door closes behind her, and my attention goes back to her brothers, who both have their arms crossed, scowling at me.
If I were a petty, spineless loser of a man, I’d be intimidated.
As it is, I can respect them for being protective of their sister.
I’m also smart enough not to do this whole stare-down thing for forever.
I lean back against my truck and look at them.
“You’ve got me at a disadvantage. Hanna told me your names, but I don’t know who’s who. ”
The taller one, who could be an extra on that show Vikings, speaks up.
“I’m her oldest brother, Asher, and this here is her other older brother, Mayson.
” He sighs and leans against the porch railing.
“I guess I can’t threaten you as much as I wanted to because I know my little sister will make good on her threats. ”
Mayson coughs and adds in, “And then some.”
Asher nods toward his brother but doesn’t break eye contact with me.
“I ain’t stupid enough to think you couldn’t knock both of us into tomorrow, but I’ll just say this.
You hurt her or mistreat Hanna, and our dads will be the least of your problems. She may drive us nuts, but Hanna’s our sister and we won’t stand by and watch her hurt.
” Mayson doesn’t say anything but nods his head in agreement.
I mean, I can’t blame them for protecting her and warning me.
I think they should know where I stand. “I get what you’re saying.
I have a sister, and I would do unimaginable things to someone if they hurt her.
I like your sister. I like her a fucking lot.
I can’t predict what will happen, but if I have my way, she’s gonna be a part of my life for the foreseeable future.
Even if things don’t work out between us, I’m not a cheater, and I won’t intentionally hurt someone.
I’m pretty sure if I became that kind of man, my dad would kill me himself before you could even get close enough to get a hit in. ”
Mayson sighs. “Sounds like our dads. Fuck. We’re gonna end up liking this fucker, aren’t we?”
Asher nods his head. “Fuck, even if I didn’t, Logan’s gonna make me be nice.”
I chuckle at both of their expressions. “Your husband sounds a lot like my sister’s wife. He keeps you in line with just a look sometimes?” Asher glowers, but Mayson bursts out laughing and nods.
“Dude, he totally does. This one is a goner for him, and Logan knows how to use it.” Somewhere between the threats, scowls, and laughter, there’s an understanding that passes between us. I think I’ve got their tentative approval.
Mayson reaches out and shakes my hand, with Asher following suit. I say my goodbyes and get into my truck.
I drive off with something settling inside me. I’m not a philosophical man, so it’s not something I can name. I just know it feels damn right.