Page 62 of The Pink House

“Don’t worry so much. Even when we plan, there’re curve balls. Take it a day at a time. If you’re moving forward, you’re making progress.” Emma paused. “Speaking of moving forward, are you still planning to apply for that position at Collister for this fall?”

Hannah hesitated for only a second. “Actually, I’ve always loved baking, so I’m considering giving that a try.”

Silence filled the air for several heartbeats.

“I know you enjoy baking, but you never said anything about wanting to pursue it as a career.”

Though Emma tried hard to hide it, Hannah heard both hurt and concern in her friend’s voice.

Hannah waved an airy hand. “It’s one of many options I’m considering.”

“You’ll make the right decision.”

“I will.” Hannah only wished she knew the right way to go.

* * *

With so many thoughts swirling in her head, Hannah wondered if she’d sleep, but she dropped off the second her head hit the pillow.

The alarm on her phone had her jerking straight up in bed, her heart pounding. She’d been dreaming. Charlie had been kissing her. And she’d been kissing him back.

Even now, her blood still flowed hot and fast.

Taking several deep breaths, she fought for composure. Today was about fishing. About Brian. Not about kissing Charlie.

Thankfully, she’d laid out her clothes the night before. Not that it took much to pull on a pair of paint-splattered jeans, a T-shirt and an oversized sweatshirt.

It could be cool in the mornings, so she wanted to make sure she was warm enough, but she wasn’t certain how long they’d be out there, or how hot it would get once the sun came out.

Either way, she was prepared.

Hannah slid her feet into slip-on sneakers, grabbed her boots and headed out the front door with five minutes to spare.

Charlie waited by his truck. He wore jeans and a light jacket over a T-shirt. As she approached, his gaze traveled all the way from her feet to her head, leaving a trail of heat in its wake.

“Do I meet with your approval?” she asked in a flippant tone.

He nodded approvingly at her layers. “I have hats in the truck in case the sun gets hot, but they can stay where they are for now. You look good.”

Hannah couldn’t help the flush of pleasure. “So do you.”

He grinned and opened the passenger door. “Now that we’ve got that settled, let’s go.”

She’d spent time along Pigeon Creek as a girl. The church youth group she’d attended had had several gatherings along the creek bank.

The area where Charlie took her was farther down and more isolated. They had to pick their way through some brush before stepping into an opening.

Charlie slanted a glance in her direction. “This is the spot where Brian and I always came to fish.”

Hannah stared at the place on the bank. For a second, she saw Brian sitting there, flashing that megawatt smile that always turned her knees to mush.

Her heart swelled.

Tears filled her eyes.

She started at Charlie’s hand on her shoulder. “This is a good spot filled with happy memories,” he said softly.

“We’ll make more today.” Blinking back the moisture, Hannah set up the chairs while he set out the tackle box and rods.

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