Page 36 of Under the Radar

“He’s my landlord. And roomie. We’re friends—I think.”

She shook her head. “Hannah, baby. I’m your mom. I could see the sparks between you from across the room. You light up like a Christmas tree when he’s around. And he zeroes in on you the second he walks into the room.”

I sighed as I finished my spring rolls and wiped my fingers. “I thought there was something, but since we painted, he’s been…I don’t know…off. We even argued. He apologized, but he is upset about something. I feel like I’ve hurt him somehow, and I don’t know how to fix it.” I tugged on my braid. “He’s polite and accommodating, but distant.”

“Do you think the whole painting his house was too much? All the people invading his space?”

“I don’t know. Except he adores Charly and Gabby. He’s very close with the guys, and they help one another a lot. The only new faces were us. I think maybe he’s rethinking having a female roommate.” I barked out a laugh. “Me, specifically.”

“Has he said that?”

“No. In fact, last night, he looked upset when he wondered if I was questioning the whole thing. He told me he liked me there. He practically begged me not to move out.”

Mom finished her soup, then pushed away her bowl. “Maybe he has stronger feelings for you and isn’t sure how to express them. You two looked pretty cozy on the weekend.”

“Well, now we’re two icebergs crossing in the ocean. Close but not touching.”

“What is he doing this weekend?”

“Spending the afternoon tomorrow supply shopping, then he and Dom are going to some bar Dom likes an hour away.”

Mom snorted. “No doubt a great stomping ground for pickups. Not too close to home that you have to worry about a relationship developing.”

Her words didn’t help, and I grimaced. She patted my hand. “Sorry, jellybean. I was thinking more of Dom than Chase. He has that love ’em and leave ’em vibe. The whole bad-boy thing. Except he’s a little past that.” She shook her head. “I’m just not sure he knows it.”

“You liked him.”

She tossed her hair defiantly. “No, I didn’t.”

“He is pretty sexy with that intense look and the tattoos and all. Lots of swagger.”

“Takes more to turn my head than some swagger, daughter of mine.” She paused. “Although his, ah, swagger, is pretty nice. Especially from the back view.”

We both started to laugh.

“You told me on Saturday there was someone else,” she said once the giggles died down. “Is it Chase?” She met my eyes. “Be honest.”

“Yes. I like him, Mom. He’s sweet and sexy. Kind and strong. And he has this vulnerability about him that he tries to hide.”

“Do you know anything about him?”

I paused, then nodded. “He was in jail when he was younger. He was a troublemaker and led astray by his brother, but he learned his lesson. I read his file the day after I met him.”

“Are you sure he is different now?”

“His crime was against Charly, and she has more than forgiven him. She treats him like a son or her little brother. He lost everything when he stepped up to come clean. I think if she can trust him, so can I.”

“Does he know that you know?”

“No. I want to tell him, but there hasn’t been a right time.”

“Does he know about, ah, you?”

“No. He thinks I moved for the job, not because of the job. I don’t have to tell him unless we move forward.”

“Do you want to? Move forward, I mean?”

I hesitated before I answered. “He makes me feel safe, Mom. And cared for. He listens, and he makes me smile. If we can figure it out, I think I do.”