“Ty gave me permission. Because we’ll be training, the businesses in town don’t mind me bringing the dogs. Kassie and Leo asked for their approval before I arrived,” he explained.
Hannah sighed, relieved to have her other protector there. “I’ll text them in a few minutes.”
Cole walked around her desk and sat on the edge. Brody moved to her other side. “Brody and I want to ask you on a date. He says pizza. I say an intimate evening at home with a bowl of mac and cheese, with sides of bacon, lobster, chicken, peas, and broccoli. Then a movie with buttered popcorn. To finish it off, a night under the stars.
“Tell Brody mac and cheese will always win,” she said as she played with his fingers. “Skip the lobster for me, I’m a simple girl. All the rest sounds incredible.”
Cole leaned down and he kissed her slowly. His tongue ran along her lip and he sucked on it lightly, teasing her. Butterflies fluttered low in her belly as he pressed his way inside her mouth with his tongue. She moaned, leaning into him. Her hand pressed against his chest as he deepened his exploration.
Brody pawed at her leg, making her pull back and glance down. He whined as he covered his snout, appearing cute.
“What a traitor,” Cole muttered. “I have to start training. Set the meeting with your parents for tonight and tomorrow, we’ll spend the evening at home.”
Home. She liked the sound of the word. Hannah took out her phone, determined not to let her parents get her down. The team showed up for her, which surprised her since Leo only recently hired her. It meant more than they knew.
We can have dinner at Ty’s this evening at six.She texted.
We can’t wait to see you, my sweet girl. I’m happy you have such a great job, but I wish you didn’t have to work. I’d love to see you more.Her mother responded.
Guilt plagued her for a minute before she realized her whole life centered on pleasing them. When her father deployed, she and her mother got along wonderfully. When he returned, Hannah spent most of her time in her room or at the gym, unless he ordered a family night out. As long as she reported for the family dinner and did her chores, she stayed off his radar. With every day that passed, she didn’t feel like the old Hannah. It’s as if she woke up from a dream and found a different version of herself, one she liked. After two years of processing her trauma in her mind, she felt ready for a new beginning.
CHAPTER 32
Cole pulledup to the restaurant and parked. Turning toward the nervous Hannah, he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
“We got this, Hannah. Brody and I promise not to leave your side,” he said softly, reassuring her.
“Having dinner with Dad feels like a prison sentence,” she mumbled.
“You’re strong, brave, and smart. Don’t let him into your head. I really like the woman who kissed me at the community center and drove my truck. If you get through dinner tonight, Brody and I decided to let you drive us to the ice cream shop and home,” he bargained. “What’s your favorite ice cream?”
“Vanilla, with lots of sides,” she said, grinning.
“Duh, I should’ve guessed,” he said, kissing her lightly. “Let’s have a great dinner. I promise to keep it entertaining.”
They entered the restaurant and her mom waved excitedly upon seeing her. She walked toward the booth, feeling Cole’s hand at her back. Brody walked on her left.
Cole glanced around and waved at the server. “Do you mind if we take this table? I’m with Serenity Securities.”
She nodded and Cole held out a chair for her mom and then Hannah, leaving himself to sit beside her father with his back tothe wall. Brody went under the table between her feet and Cole’s. She felt his head on her feet as if lending her support.
Hannah kissed her mom’s cheek. “It’s good to see you, Mom.”
“I can’t believe you’re here. We never thought you’d return to us,” her mom whispered, clasping her hand.
“You’ll have to credit Cole and my friend, Scarlett. They never gave up on me,” she said, peering at him across the table.
“How did you meet?” Hannah’s mom asked.
“It’s a funny story,” Cole began. “May I call you Brenda?”
“Of course,” her mom agreed.
“I signed up as a patient visitor. My dog, Brody, decided Hannah needed company. When I met her, I couldn’t resist trying to figure out her favorite meals. Scarlett mentioned she liked to read, and we bonded over Tad and Vera’s story,” he said, winking at her.
Hannah giggled. Cole made it sound as if they were two characters in a love story.
“This Kassie never mentioned letting men into your room,” her father pointed out.
