Page 33 of Sultry Nights

He squeezed her fingers. "How do you feel being back in Blossom Springs?"

She smiled. "It's weird. It's like being home again and then it isn't. So many things have changed. Even the drive down Main Street showed new stores and, well, for instance, Shannon Canning's Vet Clinic. That wasn't here the last time I was back here. So as much as it's home, it's a different home."

He nodded. "Yup. That's what happens when you leave for a while and then come back. Your memories are of the way things used to be and yet people don't respect that and go ahead and make changes."

She laughed. "I guess you're right there. I didn't think about it."

"When was the last time that you were back here?" He asked.

She shrugged. "Oh, I guess it was about six or seven years ago. I came home for my parents' anniversary. But normally, Mom and Dad would come out by me and we would meet once a year somewhere else for vacation. Mom likes to go to other places, and it had always been kind of a tradition of ours to have a week's vacation somewhere away from both of our businesses and all of our worries and woes.

"So I would meet Mom and Dad and we would go wherever Mom had picked for the year. And we've been to many places. We've tried the mountains, we've been to different beaches, and we've been in condos in the downtown area of large cities. And then we've been in little, tiny houses off the beaten path where we didn't really have much of anything to do but sit around and chat. They've all been nice. They've all been comforting. I love spending time with my parents."

Quinn nodded. "That sounds wonderful, actually. I'm glad you have a close relationship with them."

She sighed. "How about you? Are you close to your parents?"

He licked his lips, and she watched him process his thoughts. His eyes were so expressive. "Well, my parents are both gone. Dad died about ten years ago. He had cancer. And Mom died about six years ago. To be honest with you, I think she just kind of had a broken heart. But the official cause of death was a heart attack."

Hanna squeezed his fingers. "I'm sorry. That's never easy. And I dread the day when I have to live through it myself."

Quinn nodded. "Yes, it's not easy, even if you had the chance to prepare yourself. It's still a finality. But you still have your parents. All I can say, if I have to give some advice, is enjoy them while they're here. There are no guarantees for tomorrow."

She nodded. "You're right. You're absolutely right. And so what is on the horizon for Quinn Kurtz besides repurposing an Army barracks?"

He laughed and leaned back. And she enjoyed watching him, but she missed holding hands with him. His broad shoulders fit his shirt nicely. He wore a button-up short-sleeve dress shirt. And he had khaki pants on.

She remembered how he looked so casual when he walked into the bakery and yet professional. And handsome. But she had the feeling that Quinn was always thinking about what he was going to do next. That was kind of a detriment to most businesspeople. It was hard to get away from it because so much responsibility was required to run a business.

"Well, I'm with this Army barracks project. I'm going to get Jared involved in general contracting, so in a few years, I can start taking some more time off. He's smart. He'll catch on quickly. He can do it. But mostly, I think he's ready. So that's what's on the horizon for Quinn Kurtz and Kurtz Construction."

Hanna nodded. "You know, that sounds pretty good. Nice job planning ahead."

He laughed. "I can't tell you that I've always had the knack to plan ahead this far. But I'm really happy that I'm doing it now."

The waitress came and took their drink and their meal order. They sat quietly, making idle chitchat. But mostly, what was on Hanna's mind was she hoped he kissed her again tonight. She was really looking forward to that.

She leaned back in her chair just as the construction workers jumped off the stage and walked toward them.

Quinn sat up straight. Ever the businessman. "Hey guys, nice work. How are you doing?"

They nodded. "We're doing alright. We just wanted to let you know we should be able to finish up in two days. All the supplies came in. And we're going to work long days tomorrow and the next to get this project finished for Jace."

Quinn smiled. "Thank you so much. We both appreciate that." His eyes met hers. "Have you two met Hanna Valentine?"

The younger of the two men looked her in the eyes and grinned. "She's the cinnamon roll lady."

Hanna laughed, her cheeks heated. She had the feeling this was going to be her new nickname.

"That I am."

He nodded. "I think the entire town knows who the cinnamon roll lady is."

Quinn chuckled and winked at her. "Well, Hanna, you've got a nickname. I hope you love it."

She laughed. "It's good marketing."

"Anyway," he said, "I want to introduce you to Brian and Sam. Both of these guys just started with me about three or four months ago. And they've been fine, fine workers. I'm very happy to have them on board. Brian served in the Army. Sam is a Marine. Both served honorably and I couldn't be prouder to have them on staff."

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