Page 43 of The Pink House

“Dinner plans? I’ve got a pan of lasagna in the freezer. I’d have to bring it over since I have no furniture in my dining room, unless you don’t mind eating in the kitchen?”

“I’m sure my mom would appreciate the offer, but she’s at a card club this afternoon, and they have dinner together afterwards. As far as me eating in the kitchen, that’s not a problem.”

Hannah glanced up at the distant rumble of thunder. “Won’t she come home early to avoid driving in the weather?”

“Her friend Penny picked her up. If the weather gets bad, they’ll wait until it clears.”

“What if it doesn’t clear for a while?”

“It’ll lighten up at some point. If Penny doesn’t want to drive, I’ll go pick Mom up. It’s not far.”

“What about you?”

“I don’t mind driving in rain.”

“No.” Hannah licked her lips. “About dinner. Are you interested?”

He locked his gaze on hers. “I am interested.”

Time seemed to stretch, and something passed between them, a feeling that surprised Charlie with its intensity.

“When do you want me to come over?” he asked, breaking the silence.

“Now?”

“Let me grab a quick shower and put on clean clothes.” He smiled. “Then I’ll be over.”

Another rumble of thunder sounded, this one closer.

Her lips quirked up in a smile. “Come around back, and don’t take too long, or you’ll be getting a second shower on the way over.”

* * *

By the time Hannah had showered and dressed, thunder rumbled overhead more frequently, and rain sputtered from a rapidly darkening sky.

A knock on the back door sounded just as the gentle pitter-patter became a torrent.

Opening the door, she motioned Charlie inside and hurriedly shut the door behind him. “That was close.”

He reached up and rubbed the ends of her still-damp hair between his fingers, his knuckles grazing her cheek. “Looks like I’m not the only one who got wet.”

Air suddenly seemed in short supply. When she found enough to speak, she sounded breathless. “A shower seemed like a good idea.”

Charlie didn’t appear to notice her breathlessness. He sniffed the air. “I don’t smell lasagna.”

“I haven’t put it in yet.” She gestured to the stove, where the casserole dish waited on top. “Though it’s ready to go, and I have the oven preheated.”

While he watched, she stuck the pan into the oven and set the timer. By the time she straightened, he was no longer beside her. Instead, he stood in the entrance to the dining room, studying the hardwood floor.

Apparently hearing her approach, he pointed to the floor without shifting his gaze. “Looks amazing.”

“You were right. Sparks & Son does excellent work.” Hannah smiled. “Thanks again for referring Harley.”

He finally turned toward her. “I’m surprised they got on it so quickly.”

Hannah shrugged. “Apparently, they had another job that fell through. My lucky day. They’ll be out again tomorrow to give it another coat.”

“Where did you put the furniture?”

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