Chapter 36
Hannah
Brooke’s hug nearly knocks me off my crutches the second she gets out of the rideshare, her suitcase falling over beside her as she wraps both arms around me.
“Okay, you look annoyingly good for someone who’s been falling down constantly,” she says into my hair.
“I have a very dedicated skincare routine and a doctor on speed dial.” I laugh, pulling back to look at her properly. Same energy she’s always had, like she just walked in from somewhere more interesting. “I missed you so much.”
“Obviously. Show me this town before I lose my mind from the flight.”
I take her to Genevieve’s first. “You have to try the pie.”
She practically melted after the first bite. Then we head to the grocery store for movie night supplies. It’s my last week before LA, and I promised her this trip the second I knew the schedule.
“Okay, what’s our poison tonight?” she asks, grinning, grabbing the basket through the doors.
She fills it with every variety of chocolate we don’t have in LA, along with chips and cookies. I point out the butter pecan ice cream, and she tosses a pint into the cart.
It’s been a hard few days. Zac and I are keeping our conversations to text, and there’s a hollowness where a spark used to be.
“Okay, tell me everything,” Brooke says, looping her arm through mine as we head to the checkout.
But I pause on my crutches, unable to hold back the news I got from Candace this morning.
“I got cast for season two.”
She squeals and nearly drops the basket. “Hannah! I’m so happy for you.”
I grin, her excitement infectious.
“Thank you. They’re filming the next series in Beacon. Same network, bigger budget because of how well this season is going.”
This is proof that I’m not just the girl from the competition show anymore.
“That’s insane, Han.” She squeezes my arm. “You did that. Nobody handed that to you.”
“It’s the same host role with Dain again, though.”
Brooke’s smile falters slightly. “Oh, that sucks.”
“I know.” I sigh. “But it’s another season of experience.
More credit. I keep telling myself that’s how this works.
You put in the reps before you get to the chair you actually want.
” Uneasiness rolls in my stomach, reminding me of the night Zac asked if I’d ever consider directing.
I haven’t been able to let it go ever since.
“As long as you’re sure.”
“I’m sure.”
We pay and head out, Brooke holding the bag as we cross the lot toward the car.
That’s when I see him.
Zac.
He’s coming out of the hardware store, across the street, a bag in one hand, wearing jeans and a navy Henley that fits him way too well. His hair is slightly messy, like he’s been running his hands through it, and even from here, I can see the way he moves with that easy confidence.
I freeze.
“Hannah?” Brooke follows my line of sight.
“It’s him,” I whisper to Brooke. “Zac.”
“Oh, shit.”
He glances up and looks straight at me. His steps slow.
Every rational thought I’ve had for the past few days about giving him space, not making this harder, and waiting for the investigation to end disappears the moment I lock eyes with him.
Now all I can think about is the sound of his voice in the texts I’ve re-read too many times, the pain of not having him on set or at the house, all the times I’ve wondered what he’s doing and whether he’s okay, and if I miss you too meant exactly what I hoped it did.
My heart slams against my ribs.
“Whoa,” Brooke says beside me.
My legs are moving before I can think about it.
I’m walking right up to him, crutches moving faster than they should.
He’s doing the same thing, crossing the street, and we meet in the middle of the sidewalk, stopping inches apart.
I’m a little out of breath, and it has nothing to do with moving so quickly.
His blue eyes hold mine, and there’s relief there, the corners crinkling slightly in a way I haven’t seen since before all of this started.
“Hi,” I rasp, suddenly aware of how breathless I sound.
“Hi. How are you?” he asks, looking over me, as if inspecting for new injuries.
“I’m good. No accidents,” I answer when what I actually want to say is I miss you.
“Good.” His lips quirk before he looks past me to Brooke.
“Oh, sorry. This is Brooke, my friend.” I gesture with my head since my hands are occupied.
She mutters under her breath, “Sexy Sterling.”
He definitely heard that. Fuck my life. His eyes flash with amusement.
“Nice to meet you, Brooke,” he says. As they shake hands, Brooke stands a little straighter, her cheeks pinkening.
“So, you’re the famous surgeon,” Brooke says, smiling. “Hannah’s told me absolutely nothing about you.”
He laughs a real laugh that makes my chest ache. “Is that right?”
“Complete mystery man.” Brooke continues, and I want to die.
They talk for a bit longer, Brooke asking about the town, Zac answering warmly. I just stand there, watching him, memorizing the way his eyes light up when he smiles, the way he gestures with his hands when he talks.
Suddenly, his face shatters, as if realizing something. “I’d better go before someone takes our picture. But I’d really like to see you again.”
“What about the investigation?”
“Do you have plans tomorrow?” There’s something in his expression that is a mix of hope and uncertainty.
“No. Why?”
“What if you both come down to the cabin? It’ll give us time to talk without any cameras around. I’ll have my friends there too.”
I’m smiling before he can finish. “I’d like that very much.”
Brooke takes down the cabin’s address in her phone.
“I’d better go.”
“Nice meeting you.”
“You too.” He flicks his gaze to Brooke briefly before meeting mine again.
“See you tomorrow,” I say softly.
“See you then.” His gaze holds mine for a beat too long, and I forget how to breathe.
We wave, and I force myself to turn away. I walk off with Brooke, my crutches clicking against the pavement, and I can’t help myself. I look over my shoulder.
My stomach swoops when he looks back too. He’s stopped walking, turned halfway around, and when our eyes meet, he smiles.
“Holy shit,” Brooke whispers beside me. “That was intense.”
“I miss him,” I sigh, finally tearing my gaze away.
We head back to the car as Brooke mumbles about how handsome he is. “Like, seriously good-looking. I totally understand the attraction. Does he have any single friends?”
I laugh, but it’s short, because just as we were starting to get to know each other, he was pulled away. I didn’t get the opportunity to ask about his friends. “I don’t actually know.”
“I’ll find out tomorrow.” She winks.
The drive to the cabin takes a couple of hours. I’m navigating maps while Brooke drives a rental car, blasting pop music and singing off-key.
“What if his friends are weird or don’t like me?” I ask for the third time. If his friends’ don’t like me, it would kill this off before it’s even properly started.
“Then we leave. But they’ll like you. Han, stop overthinking.”
The GPS directs us down a gravel road, and then we’re pulling into a clearing. There’s a small parking area, and I can see three trucks already there. My hands are sweating.
“You look hot. He’s going to die when he sees you,” Brooke says, checking her lipstick in the rear-view mirror.
I’m wearing what I planned last night. Denim shorts and a white ruffle top with my hair loose and wavy.
We get out, and I can hear deep voices and laughter. Brooke hands me my crutches, and we follow a path down to the water, where I see them on the wooden pier.
There are three guys. I spot Zac immediately. He’s sitting near the water’s edge, holding a fishing rod, wearing light jeans, a white t-shirt, and his feet bare. His hair is the messiest I’ve ever seen, like no products have been used. He looks happy and young.
He turns, and his face breaks into a smile that makes my knees weak. I have to concentrate on walking with the crutches so I don’t stumble.
“Hey,” he calls out, setting his rod down and walking toward us.
“Hey.” I’m smiling so hard my cheeks hurt. Since the street yesterday, I haven’t stopped thinking about him. But being here now, actually allowed to see him again, without cameras, is everything.
He stops in front of me, close enough that I can smell his cologne mixed with the fresh air and something woodsy. His eyes scan my face, like he’s checking that I’m real. Not checking for any injuries this time. Dr. Sterling isn’t here; it’s just Zac.
A swarm of flutters hits my stomach. No one has ever looked at me the way he does.
“You made it.”
“Told you I would.”
There’s a beat where we just look at each other, the air between us charged with everything we’re not saying.
A throat is cleared in the background, one of his friends, and it breaks our trance.
“Come on, I’ll introduce you.” He places his hand lightly on the small of my back, guiding me toward the group, and the touch sends a quiver all the way to my toes.
His friends are easy to like. There’s Emmett, tall and built. He starts joking with Brooke, asking if she’s ever caught a fish before. Then there’s Jameson, who’s quieter, and he shakes my hand politely. “So, you’re the one who’s been making Zac completely useless lately.”
Zac side-eyes him. “Shut up.”
“It’s true. You’ve been checking your phone every five seconds like a teenager.” Emmett laughs, and I notice Brooke’s eyes lingering on him.
“I have not,” Zac protests, but his ears are red.
“Yes, you have,” they both say in unison.
I’m trying not to smile too wide, but I’m failing. He’s checking his phone... for me.
They’ve set up the pier, and they each have a folding chair, along with a cooler for drinks, I assume. It’s relaxed and perfect. Emmett hands me and Brooke beers from the cooler.
“Do you fish?” Emmett asks me.
“Never.”
“Well, you’re about to learn.” Zac’s already grabbing a spare rod, checking the line. “Come here.”