Page 8 of Full Throttle

“Please.”

I sipped my coffee, contemplating what to do with my day off. I had no errands to run today or things to be handled. I was only taking the day because Maxx insisted. I’d prefer to be at the garage, but I was informed I had to take my time away. Although Chase and I had picked out his building materials, we were in a holding pattern until the supplies came in. He’d been in a far better mood the past while, and I assumed it had a lot to do with his progressing relationship with Hannah. Chase didn’t say much, but his smiles and demeanor said it all for him.

I was happy for the kid. He deserved it.

I was brought out of my musings by a voice murmuring my name. I glanced up, surprised to see Hannah Gallagher. Chase’s girl. She was dressed in her uniform, her bright-red hair pulled back from her face, but she was smiling.

“Hannah,” I greeted her, standing and dropping a kiss to her cheek. “How is my favorite officer this morning?”

She laughed. “Good, Dom. You?”

“Never better.”

Donna slid my bagel on the counter. “Morning, Hannah. Coffee?”

I grabbed the chance. “Sit with me for a few minutes.”

Hannah looked pleased. “Sure. I’m on my break. Coffee and a bagel too, Donna.”

“Coming right up.”

We moved to a booth, and she slid in across from me. “Not working today?”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “Maxx is making me take a day off.”

She sipped her coffee. “Chase says you’re the hardest worker he knows.”

I lifted a shoulder. “I like to stay busy. Still finding my place here, so being at the garage fills the time.”

Donna appeared with Hannah’s bagel, and we added cream cheese and ate for a moment.

“How, ah, is your mom?” I asked.

Hannah grinned. “Good. Busy at the salon. I spoke with her last night.”

“She must miss you.”

“Yes. I miss her too.”

I cleared my throat. “She’s not seeing anyone?” I let the question hang in the air.

“No.” Hannah bit into her bagel, chewing as she regarded me thoughtfully. “She doesn’t date much.”

“A beautiful woman like her should.”

She grinned again. “You think my mom is beautiful?”

“Absolutely.” I paused. “In fact, I’d like to take her out, Hannah. Would you be okay with that?”

“Not my decision, but I’d have no problem with it,” she responded. “Mom is really independent, Dom. Stubborn.”

“I figured that much. I liked that about her.”

“She’s never been into casual relationships.”

I met her gaze, seeing the questions in her eyes.

“Neither am I.”