Page 70 of The Pink House

“Told you it was incredible.” Charlie took another sip of wine. “How’s the other research coming?”

This was one of the things she’d discovered about Charlie. Their interactions didn’t have to be all about him. He always appeared genuinely interested in her progress.

“I’ve decided on a name.”

He inclined his head.

“Hannah Cakes.” During her trademark search, she’d discovered many of the names she’d initially considered were already taken. “No trademark on either the federal or state level. The domain is available, and I can get the username on social media platforms.”

“I like it. Another step forward.” Charlie lifted his glass and motioned for her to do the same. He clinked his glass against hers. “To Hannah Cakes.”

Hannah couldn’t stop the surge of pleasure. “This is really going to happen.”

“Did you have any doubts?” Charlie relaxed against the back of his chair and took another bite of cake.

“There is more to launching a home-based business than I thought,” she admitted, thinking of the upcoming appointment with the attorney to form an LLC and register for an EIN. “Lots of business chinks to work out.”

Charlie’s gaze turned thoughtful. “You know what I’ve noticed about you?”

“What?”

“Several things, actually.” He took a long drink of wine, then his glass. “This really does go well with the cake.”

“Told you.” She kept her voice light, even though everything inside seemed filled with a watchful waiting. “You were saying?”

“Your resilience. Despite everything that has happened to you, you keep going. Starting a new business isn’t easy, but you’re pushing forward and doing what needs to be done.”

“Thank you, Charlie.” The flush of pleasure she experienced at the compliment had her wanting to hear more. “You mentioned…several things?”

“You’re rocking this self-care thing.”

Bringing her glass to her lips, she peered at him over the rim, her brows pulling together. “Self-care thing?”

“You work hard, but you’re taking time to relax and enjoy all life has to offer.”

“Does sitting on the porch with you most nights count as part of all life has to offer?” she teased.

He didn’t smile back. “I know there are likely a thousand things on your plate that you could be working on right now.”

“Same goes for you, buddy.”

Charlie’s gaze met hers. “Believe me when I say there is no other place I’d rather be than right here with you.”

The night air pulsed as her eyes locked with his for several erratic heartbeats. Hannah would not, simplycouldnot, look away.

She moistened her suddenly dry lips with the tip of her tongue and watched his eyes go dark.

Without taking his eyes off her, Charlie set down his plate and leaned forward. “Hannah, I—”

The throaty rumble of a motorcycle stilled whatever he’d been about to say. Her gaze and Charlie’s shifted at the same moment to see Sean O’Malley cruise down the quiet street on a Harley.

Hannah cleared her throat. “I didn’t know Sean had a motorcycle.”

“He got it last year. This is the first I’ve seen him on it this summer.” Charlie started to say more, but Hannah spoke first.

“You don’t have a motorcycle, do you?”

He blinked. “No, why do you ask?”

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