Page 44 of Always Right

I shot her a glare, but it quickly dissipated when I saw Hannah’s shoulders relax.

“Well…there should be enough food for both of you.”

“Don’t be silly. There’s enough for all of us.” Lisa walked to the kitchen and I to the table, setting everything to the side while Hannah watched. I gestured for her to sit and after setting her purse down, she finally did. Her attention turned to the swatches of paint, her curious eyes meeting mine.

“We can’t agree on the paint,” I muttered, taking the seat across from her. Hannah’s lips tilted up, picking up the swatches and scanning over them.

“Well…Hannah is a marketing expert,” Lisa said, setting a plate in front of each of us before sitting on the counter. I hated when she did that, but clearly, she didn’t give a damn. “What do you think, Hannah? What is your professional opinion?”

Hannah bit her lip, completely avoiding our gazes. She didn’t want to give her opinion, not when she had been burned by both of us before. I could almost hear her heart about to beat out of her chest, her apprehension when it came to us palpable in the air. And it fucking hurt.

It hurt to know she was scared to tell me what she thought.

It hurt to know that no matter what I tried, the fucking doubts would remain.

She took a bite of her food and Lisa sighed as we all ate in silence. There wasn’t much to say, and despite at one time being friends, it was clear Hannah didn’t trust Lisa…not anymore.

Hannah took a napkin, wiping her mouth before setting it on the plate and throwing it all away. The sight gave me an odd sense of déjà vu.

“L’Etoile is the name of the restaurant, right?” Her voice broke through the silence.

“Yeah,” I nodded, watching as she picked up the swatches again but this time, held them against one of the paintings we’d bought at the gallery. I forced my attention to the painting, trying to ignore the way her leggings clung to the curves of her legs and her beautiful ass. “Paradis has a more classic feel to it. L’Etoile will be more modern…trendy, is the word Lisa used.”

Hannah hummed, running her fingers over the painting. “From a design perspective, these colors would be better.” She handed me two swatches, a dark blue and a light tan color…the two I had initially suggested to Lisa. “The blue will bring a pop of color but will allow the décor and paintings to shine through and if you keep the chandeliers the same traditional style, like the one at Paradis, it’ll tie both locations together. It’s subtle, but it’s enough.”

“I told you we should use these two colors,” I said to Lisa.

Lisa rolled her eyes, jumping off the counter. “Whatever. I still get to pick the rest of the paintings, deal?”

Hannah laughed. It was quiet, but her eyes lit up in a way they hadn’t in front of me…not since I’d returned, and suddenly, my chest didn’t seem like enough to hold my fucking heart.

“I’m glad you could settle this for us.” Hannah leaned against the table; her lips still upturned while I spoke to her. “Now at least I know I’ll get some sleep.”

“You haven’t been getting much of it, huh?”

I shrugged, ignoring Lisa’s staring. She wasn’t good at hiding it, but thankfully, Hannah didn’t seem to notice. “You know how these things are. Time consuming and draining.”

“It’ll be worth it.” Hannah looked around with a sigh before taking out her phone and glancing at the time. “I should go. I need to pick up the girls.”

“I’ll walk you out.”

I need a few minutes alone with you.

“That’s not necessary,” Hannah replied.

“I know. I’m still doing it, though.”

Lisa grinned, walking up to Hannah and surprising her with a hug. “This was nice, Hannah. I’m glad you brought dinner and stayed for a few minutes.”

I expected Hannah to pull away and shut down but instead, all she did was muster a smile and nod as Lisa walked away. I fought the urge of placing my hand on her back as I guided her out the door and to the hallway. Fought the urge of pinning her against the wall in the elevator and crashing my lips against hers.

But her words continued to echo in my head.

I don’t want you to touch me again.

The brisk cold air did nothing to ease the heat flowing between us though, not when every time she glanced at me, I could see a hint of longing in those eyes.

They begged me to help her forget.

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