Page 52 of Under the Radar

“Yes. The guy she was talking about to her mom is someone at the station. The someone else she mentioned was me.”

“I knew I liked her.”

I chuckled. “She is pretty awesome.”

“I’m so glad, Chase.”

“Thanks for the advice, Charly. It didn’t happen as organically as you suggested, but I did tell her the truth.”

“I am pretty smart.”

I kissed her cheek. “Yeah, you are. Maxx is a lucky man.”

“He is,” she agreed drolly. She stood, smoothing down her loose shirt. I noticed her outfit was normal. Jeans, sneakers, and an oversized shirt tied at the waist. Probably Maxx’s.

I had to chuckle. “Giving him a break today, are you? No tank tops, shorts, or overalls?”

She grinned. “He’s getting older. I need to throw him a bone on occasion.”

She paused at the door. “Why don’t you bring Hannah for supper one night?”

“Maybe next week. She is on the longer rotation right now.”

“Okay.” She grinned. “I might call her. Have coffee on her break or something.”

“I’m sure she’d like that.”

She left in a much better frame of mind than the last time we talked. There was no door-slamming this time. I saw her stop to talk to Maxx, who smiled at her, bending low to kiss her. I looked away with a grin, enjoying the fact that I didn’t feel that pull of jealousy seeing their affection. This morning, I had woken with Hannah in my bed, still nestled against me. I had kissed her before heading to the shower, and we sat at the table sharing coffee before I left. Neither of us had moved in the night, and she looked well rested and refreshed. I felt that way.

She had shyly handed me a container as I went to leave. “I made you lunch.”

“You did?” I asked, delighted.

“We had lots of leftovers from the chicken we grilled. I made you sandwiches.”

I pulled her into my arms and kissed her hard. “Thanks.”

“Have a good day at work, dear,” she teased.

“Are you home tonight?” I asked.

“Yes. I’m going to finish unpacking and hang the curtains in my bathroom.”

“Don’t fall.”

She laughed. “I won’t.”

“Then I’ll see you later.” I kissed her again. “Tonight.” Kiss. “Here.” Kiss. “At home.”

She laughed and pushed on my chest. “If you don’t leave, you’ll be late.”

She called to me from the door as I got to my vehicle. “I’ll be waiting.”

Those words made me smile all the way to the garage.

Thinking of them now made me smile again.

My phone beeped, and I picked it up, my smile getting bigger when I saw a text from Hannah.