Page 64 of Promise Me Nothing
I quickly push that thought aside, reminding myself that I can’t let my mind wander in that direction.
Friends.
Friends with Hannah.
That’s the focus.
When we finally get to Lucas’ house, I come to a stop in his driveway and glance behind me.
The smile on Hannah’s face could dwarf the sun.
“Wow,” she whispers.
I chuckle, then give her my hand to help her step off.
“Thank you so much for giving me a ride,” she says. And then her mouth opens, like she’s going to say something else. But she doesn’t. She just closes it and gives me a small, lopsided grin.
“Look, Hannah, I want to apologize for how I left things at the auction. I…” I sigh. “I was upset with Lucas about… well, it doesn’t matter what. And I’m sorry if I seemed angry or upset.”
She twists her hands together. “I was a little confused,” she says, her voice sounding small as she looks down at the ground. Something pinches inside of me when I see her like that. “But I also realize life is complicated so… hopefully you and Lucas were able to sort things out.” She ends her statement as if it’s a question, finally looking back at me.
I nod. “We did, yeah. And now that we have, I hope it’s okay if I tell you I’d like to get your number. So we can hang out sometime.”
Her face flushes but I can see the beginnings of a smile.
“I know you’re new in town and are looking to make friends,” I continue, making sure I word myself carefully. “I’d like to be a friend, and I know Ivy would like to spend time with you, too.”
The spark in her eyes dulls slightly.
It’s intentional, telling her I want to be friends. As beautiful as she is, standing there in her work uniform and her bike helmet sitting slightly askew on her head… as much as I’d love nothing more than to… I let out a sigh.
It just can’t happen.
“Yeah, sure. I can give you my number,” she says.
I get out my phone and hand it over, giving her a minute to punch in her digits.
“Thanks,” I say, taking it back when she’s done. “I’ll shoot you a message soon. Maybe we can get together. You, me and Ivy.”
Hannah nods. “Sounds good. Thanks again for the ride, Wyatt.” And then she turns and heads for the side door that leads to the little courtyard off Lucas’ entryway.
I watch her go, appreciating her long stride and the sway of her hips, allowing myself – just for a moment – to imagine things were different.
But they’re not. And I can’t ever let myself forget that. So eventually, I put my helmet back on my head, rev my engine, and ride home.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Hannah
When I finally get off of my lunch shift on Friday afternoon, I make slow work of riding back to Lucas’ house, enjoying the late afternoon sun as it hangs low in the sky.
The walking and running path is mostly straight, but curves slightly here and there as it winds in front of the million dollar homes facing the water, stretching for miles into the distance. I perk up, even in the face of my exhaustion, at the idea of lacing up my shoes and giving it a go.
I’ve been in Hermosa Beach for two weeks and have spent most of my time working, so the idea of finally getting out and going on a run makes my heart sing. Even though I’ve been busy, I know I should make the time to hit the pavement, at least a few times a week. Excuses be damned.
Joshua always used to tell me that you make time for the things in life that are a priority. Clearly I need to work on bumping running back up the list.
When I finally wheel into the front patio at Lucas’, though, I know doing anything physical will be too much for me tonight, and I make a promise to myself to run this weekend.
