Page 36 of Once Upon a Summer Night

Chase pulled her into a tight embrace, needing her to feel how much she meant to him. To know just how much he needed her in his life. And while a small voice in the back of his mind warned him not to risk his heart a second time, he pressed a kiss to her crown and whispered back, “I promise.”

Chapter Nine

Hannah collapsed intobed that night, her mind too busy for sleep as she replayed the evening over and over in her head. Their summer night with Chase had been amazing all around. Maybe the best evening she’d had since, well, forever.

So, why was she struggling so much with the idea of she and Chase’s relationship evolving into something more?

She was afraid, she decided, lying there in her childhood bed. Afraid of messing up another relationship, scaring off another man because she was too much—too reckless, too independent, too distant. Afraid of ultimately losing Chase if romance wasn’t a good fit for their longstanding friendship.

But also, a little afraid that things between themwouldwork out. After all, right now, the only ties she had to Bourbon Falls were her family; she and Noah could live in Kankakee and come back to visit them anytime. If she started dating Chase, it would either need to be long-distance or convince one of them to move. But she didn’t want to do the long-distance thing, especially not as a single mom. If she was going to be in a relationship, she wanted someone there to lean on, literally. But could she really ask him to walk away from all he had going on here? Heck, he co-owned a business with her sister—where would that leave Del? And he’d spent years prepping himself to take her father’s place once he retired. She wouldn’t broadside his career like that.

Unless, of course, he wanted to make the move.

More than likely, the move would be up to her. A few months ago, that might have been an option. But now, on the brink of getting her dream position? The one she’d worked her tail off to make a reality?

Damn, it just didn’t feel fair.

As fatigue finally set in, she resolved to giving some time to whatever this thing was developing between Chase and her. After all, if it didn’t pan out, then lying here worrying about it would be for naught. And there was still no guarantee she had the safety job back in Kankakee, either, even if recent grapevine comments made it sound very likely.

Until it was official, though, she refused to get her hopes up. Her job here would run for three weeks—that’s all the vacation time she was willing to use, in case she needed more time off for custody hearings. By then she should have a good idea of what direction their relationship was heading. And if things between them were still going well, they’d find a way to iron out the details. Until then, she was going to try to go with the flow.

Goodness knew, being in a loving, supportive relationship would be a nice change. To date, her relationship history included zero super stars. She’d let them walk away each time, telling herself they weren’t meant to be. But this time would be different. Had to be different.

She couldn’t lose Chase, not ever.

Hannah had the afternoon off Thursday, as one of Aunt Faye’s summer college helpers was already scheduled to work that shift. So, with a free afternoon, Hannah decided that instead of sitting around, overthinking, she would spend that time with Noah. Since arriving in Bourbon Falls, they’d spent their usual daily amounts of time together, but being at Brooks Farm with her aunt and a revolving door of local family had diluted their one-on-one time together. Which was fantastic for them both, but it was also important that they do things as just the two of them, to keep their bond strong.

They headed outside after lunch, exploring the property together with Hannah sharing stories from when she lived there as a little girl. Time and time again, Chase’s name came up in conversation. After all, he’d been with her back in those days more than anyone. But the frequent mentions only added to her worry about losing him if this new venture between them went south.

Late afternoon, they rode with Aunt Faye over to Mia’s house for a family cookout. Her oldest sister loved to grill, so burgers, brats, and hot dogs were on the menu. Since Hannah knew Noah would eat all of the above, they got no complaints from her, even though this would be two cookouts in a row.

“How did last night go with Chase?” her sister asked after hugs and hellos had been exchanged, a curious glint in her eye.

“It was awesome!” Noah cried as Mia led them to her back patio, where the rest of the family was already gathered. “We got to meet his kitten and went to the park and had awesome burgers, and then I got to watch cartoons.”

Mia arched a knowing brow at Hannah. Aunt Faye chuckled and guided Noah outside to let the sisters talk.

“Don’t give me that look,” Hannah said softly, shaking her head. “He was worn out from the park. We turned on the TV for him so we could finish clearing the table.”

Mia grinned. “Uh-huh.”

“Come on, Mi, this is me and Chase we’re talking about. It’s not like that between us.”At least, it wasn’t until yesterday.

“Hmm, that red tint to your cheeks suggests otherwise.”

Busted by her fair skin again. And how was she supposed to respond? She and Chase hadn’t talked about whether or not to let the cat out of the bag on this. Heck, she wasn’t even sure if therewasofficially a cat to be let out. She opted for vague over an out-and-out lie. “Thingsarestarting to feel different from before.”

“Different can be a good thing, no?”

Hannah thought for a moment then nodded. Different had been wonderful when she’d first left town. Naively, she’d assumed all the “different” that followed would be just as welcome. Adulting had quickly taught her that there were plenty of thorns among the roses. “I just wasn’t expecting this to happen. Not really sure how I feel about it yet.”

“You know, you’ve got some of the same rebel traits as Delaney, but you also inherited a bit of the same overthinking gene as me. So, I’ll give you some advice, as someone who has spent many years overthinking the heck out of life.”

Hannah smirked. “Oh? What’s that?”

“Sometimes you’ve gotta tell that committee in your head to sit down and shut up so you can give fate a chance to lead you in a new direction. Some of the best things that happened to me came out of left field. And you know what? I couldn’t have planned them better.”

Hannah’s gaze shifted to the back door and a smiling Alex giving Noah a high five on the back porch. Yes, she could relate to some of what Mia was saying. But this thing with Chase was different. She already knew just how much she stood to lose if things didn’t turn out so well in the end because she’d already lost him in a way once before. “That sounds easier said than done.”

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