“They were,” Hannah said as she got into the car and fastened her seatbelt.
Chapter Twenty
In less than ten minutes, they were walking into Hop’s Heaven. Loud voices, laughter, and delicious smells greeted them. Kate led the way, and Hannah followed her over to two tables that were covered with a wide array of food, from trays of sliced turkey, a pile of mini buns, and even a croquembouche for dessert.
“Last year we had a chocolate fountain, but it was filled with caramel instead of chocolate,” Kate said.
“Oh, I bet that was good.”
Kate made room on the savory table and set down the large aluminum pan. She took off the top, and the delicious smell of onions and creamy potatoes wafted out. As if they were summoned by the smell, Jax was suddenly at Kate’s side.
“Thank God, my pierogies are finally here. I’m starving.”
“You haven’t eaten yet?”
“I didn’t say that.” Jax gave Kate a quick hug, and then they turned to Hannah.
“Hannah, you look as good as those magic pockets of carbohydrates taste,” Jax said.
Kate watched a now-familiar blush spread over Hannah’s cheeks. Her heart expanded in her chest. Hannah was breathtaking and all hers. At least she hoped that could be the case.
“You’re too nice, Jax. It’s great to see you!” Hannah and Jax hugged.
“I’m not behind the bar tonight, but what can I get you two to drink?” Jax asked.
“I’ll take a pumpkin ale, if it isn’t sold out,” Kate said.
“We’re on our last barrel. How about you, Hannah?”
“I’ll go ahead and try one of those ales, unless it’s high alcohol?”
“It’s only five percent.”
Hannah pushed up her glasses. “That works. I love pumpkin-flavored anything. Except pumpkin pie. I don’t like that.”
Kate looked at Hannah as if she’d never seen her before. “You don’t like pumpkin pie?”
Hannah made an ick face.
“I’ll leave you two to discuss pies, and I won’t even make any sort of crude joke.” Jax walked away and toward the bar.
“Are you and Jax close?” Hannah asked.
Kate felt like it was out of nowhere, but because their relationship had almost only existed within the four walls of her bedroom, it made sense.
Kate laced her fingers with Hannah’s and nodded. “Jax is one of my closest friends. I came here the same day Brittany dumped me, and Jax gave me a free beer and listened to me literally cry into my beer. We’ve been tight ever since.”
“Cool, cool, cool.” Hannah said, her voice cracking a little.
“You should know that Jax thinks you’re pretty great.”
“They do?” Hannah stood straighter.
“Mm-hmm.” Kate nuzzled Hannah’s neck.
“Hey!” Hannah said.
Kate hopped back, “What’s wrong?”
