Page 8 of Saving Hanna
Chapter Seven
AIDEN
I had no clue why I didn’t go after her, but something in my gut told me to let her go. I also had no clue what she meant by her comment.Was she breaking off our deal?There was no way I could let that happen. There was something between us when I kissed her. I could feel it. Turning to face her, I watched her leave through the kitchen door. I knew that I would see her again tomorrow at the diner so there wasn’t any reason to chase after her.
Laughing to myself and shaking my head, I waited a few more moments before heading out of the house. I might be losing my touch. I was sure I had Hanna right where I wanted her. I just needed to be patient. Sooner or later, the only person she would ever think about would be me.
Getting into my car, I headed down the dirt road and back to Houston. Ben must have seen that I was handling Ms. Marsh and left. His truck was nowhere in sight as I traveled further down the short bumpy road. Reaching the main road, I was surprised to find that Hanna’s car was still parked alongside it. She must have been having car troubles based on the way the hood was propped open.
Her car had to be just as old if not older than her. Pulling around the front, it was quite a sight to see her bent over under the hood. Her legs went on for miles as the more she moved the higher her dress rode, revealing more of her legs. Pulling over in front of her car, I would have loved to watch her more, but I could tell that she was struggling to get her car started.
Her expression was one of disgust as she stood, pushing away from the car, crossing her arms as though she didn’t understand why the car wouldn’t start. Enjoying the view, I couldn’t allow her to torture herself further. Cutting the engine to my car, I stepped out to see if there was something that I could do. Her car was ancient, and I had a funny feeling that it was time to put it to rest. Still, I had to see if there was something that could be done.
Standing behind her, I said, “Car troubles?”
“I think so,” she answered. “I don’t know why it won’t start. I’ve never had problems with it before.”
“Mind if I take a look?” I knew a thing or two about cars and from the way it looked, she needed a complete overhaul.
As she stepped aside, I lowered my head to get a better look at the engine, or at least what I could see. There was so much grime and grease on the engine which more than likely added to it not starting. Pulling out each spark plug, I was amazed that they were in good condition. The battery also looked as though it had been recently purchased. Seeing nothing that would determine why the car wouldn’t start. I suggested that she try to start it again.
Waiting until she was behind the wheel, I commanded, “Turn the key.”
When a faint clicking sound could be heard, I knew then she wouldn’t be going anywhere in this car. I wasn’t a mechanic, but I knew enough to know that her starter was shot. Poking my head around the side of the hood, I signaled for her to stop trying.
Her head was hung low, knowing that there wasn’t any amount of praying that was going to make her car start. Closing the hood, I pulled a handkerchief from my pocket and used it to wipe my fingers clean. Hanna stood beside me and asked, “No luck?”
“I’m afraid not. I’ll call my car service and have them send over a tow truck.” I knew it wasn’t what she wanted to hear, but it was her only option. If she left the car parked on the side of the road, it would be tagged and towed and then she would be in a bigger mess. Giving her a sympathetic look, I suggested, “Let me give you a ride. Tomorrow we should know more about what is going on with your car once my mechanic looks at it.”
Even though I could tell that she wasn’t keen on leaving her car, she knew it was her only choice. Safely settled inside the car, she looked over and said, “Thank you.”
With a warm smile, I put the car in gear and turned the wheel to the road. I could tell that Hanna was nervous from the way she was fidgeting with her dress. Even though there was already a lot that I knew about her, I pretended that I didn’t when I tried to make her feel more comfortable. “So, do you enjoy working at the diner?” I asked.
“Not in the beginning. I knew nothing about waitressing, but once I learned it became more enjoyable,” she said, her soft voice matching her nervousness.
“I can’t imagine doing what you do. There is something to be said for people that can wait on others with a smile.” I knew I may have said the wrong thing the way her head turned my way. Digging myself out of the hole I dug, I asked politely, “How about we grab something to eat before I take you home?”
“That won’t be necessary. If you could take me home that would be great,” she replied.
“Don’t misunderstand what I said. I just meant that it takes a special kind of person to deal with customers all day.”
“I knew what you meant.”
“So, what do you think? A steak or seafood?” I asked. Maybe by giving her a choice she wouldn’t refuse me again.
“They both sound very tempting and it's been a while since I had a steak,” she admitted.
“Steak it is then.”
Before she could change her mind, I exited onto 222. Little did she know that I would be taking her for steak at my place. Hitting the hands-free on the steering wheel, I waited for Albert to answer. Forgetting that Hanna was in the car, I pulled my phone from my suit jacket and said, “Prepare two steaks for dinner, medium rare,” I ordered, turning to face Hanna for confirmation. “Ms. Marsh and I will be there shortly.”
~*~*~*~
Pulling into the drive, after a silent ride, I could tell that Hanna was confused. Turning the engine off, her hand was on mine as I tried to pull the key from the ignition. Staring down at our hands, I noticed that her fingernail polish was a soft shade of pink which was chipped on the majority of her fingers. She must have felt self-conscious as she removed her hand and hid it with the other. I wasn’t at all bothered by her need for a manicure like I normally would have been. I knew she was a simple woman and keeping up appearances wasn’t on the top of her list.
“I thought we were going to a restaurant to eat, not your home,” she said.
“Albert’s cooking is phenomenal. It will be the best steak you will ever have.”
