Page 78 of The Pink House

Charlie couldn’t deny his growing feelings for Hannah. He wasn’t sure why he would even try. He wanted to ask his mother if she saw that same evidence of those growing feelings when she looked at Hannah, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to hear the answer.

Though he knew Hannah liked him as a friend and enjoyed his company, he wanted more. But Brian had been his friend. He wouldn’t disrespect his memory by pushing his widow for more than she was ready to give.

Charlie only wished he knew when she’d be ready. If she’d ever be ready.

The sound of his mother clearing her throat had Charlie pulling his thoughts back to their conversation.

“I enjoy being with Hannah. I believe she enjoys being with me.” Charlie met his mother’s direct gaze with an equally direct one of his own. “Would I like more? Yes. Absolutely. But if and when we move forward, that will be her decision, not mine.”

“I just don’t want to see either of you hurt.” His mother’s gaze took in the groceries. “I spoke with Hannah earlier today. She didn’t mention coming for dinner tomorrow. It might be a good idea to ask Hannah if she’s interested before you go to all this work.”

Interested.

The word struck at the heart of Charlie’s fears. Hannah had to be interested. Hadn’t she told him that last Saturday’s trip to Camden Yards was a top-ten day? Hadn’t they kissed until they’d both been dizzy?

“You’re right.” He pulled out his phone. “I’ll do that right now.”

A minute later, Charlie dropped into a chair, leaving food still in bags on the counter.

His mother, who’d remained silent during the call, cast him a sympathetic look and took a seat across the table.

Charlie’s lips lifted in a sardonic smile. “Go ahead. Say ‘I told you so.’”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because you know Hannah turned me down.” Charlie expelled a breath. “She already has dinner plans. Tomorrow is her and Brian’s anniversary.”

A look of surprise briefly widened his mother’s eyes. “Who is she going to dinner with?”

“No one.” Charlie frowned, trying to recall the exact words she’d used. “At least I don’t think so. Hannah said it was their anniversary, and she was having dinner at Normandy to recognize the date. I can’t figure out what she’s doing.”

Lisa placed her folded hands on the table. She met Charlie’s troubled gaze with a calm one of her own. “This might sound strange, but I have more concerns about you than I do about her.”

Everything in Charlie stilled. “What are you saying?”

“Up to this point, you’ve been more of a live-in-the-moment kind of guy. All your relationships have been simple, uncomplicated and short-lived.”

“None of those women were right.” For the life of him, Charlie couldn’t figure out what his mother was getting at. “Why would I keep dating a woman when I know she isn’t what I want, what I need? That wouldn’t be fair.”

“I agree.” His mother pinned him with her gaze. “Which is why I think it’s time for you to take a step back and ask yourself if you’re the kind of man Hannah needs.”

* * *

On Friday, Hannah dressed with care for dinner. Her black sheath was one she hadn’t worn since last year. She added the single strand of pearls Brian had given her for her twenty-fifth birthday.

That celebration felt like a lifetime ago. The hair she normally let hang loose now boasted a half-up style that Brian had told her made her look sophisticated, but approachable.

Hannah thought the pearls and hair both added to the formal look of her evening’s attire. She’d also taken extra time with her makeup, adding shadow, eyeliner and mascara to make her eyes look large and mysterious.

For most of the day, she’d warred with herself over whether to keep or cancel tonight’s plans. In the end, she let the reservation stand. Though he’d done a good job of hiding it when she’d mentioned her plan for tonight to Charlie, she’d heard the shock in his voice.

Based on his reaction, she decided not to tell Emma or Mackenna. Hannah could guess how they’d respond. Understandable, since neither had lost a spouse. For all his peculiarities, her father might be the only one who would truly understand where she was coming from.

Looking in the mirror one more time, Hannah studied herself with a critical eye. After a second, she added more color to her lips, smiling as she remembered how much Brian had loved kissing the coral smoothness off her mouth at the end of an evening out.

Her smile faded.

She really hoped tonight wasn’t a mistake.

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