Page 69 of The Pink House

Hannah expelled a breath seconds later when Ashleigh strode away. She didn’t have time to say anything to Charlie before Niki arrived with their food.

“Well, that was awkward,” Hannah said once Niki topped off their coffee and left.

Charlie added a swath of grape jelly to his toast, looked up. “What was awkward?”

“Ashleigh.” Hannah shifted in her seat. “It was clear, at least to me, that she thinks I’m encroaching on her territory.”

His dark eyes met hers. “I’m not anyone’s territory.”

“I know you don’t think that.” Hannah waved an airy hand even as her heart twisted. “But you’ve been dating her and—”

Charlie’s hand closing over hers stopped the words and had her heart hammering. “While it’s true Ashleigh and I have gone out a couple of times, before the weekend of the Fourth, it had been months.”

“Because you’ve been busy,” Hannah began.

His fingers tightened around hers. “I make time for what’s important. With Ashleigh, there’s no spark. Not like with you.”

She inhaled sharply.

“Some people you just feel closer to from the get-go.” Releasing her hand, he offered a careless shrug. “All that to say you’re not encroaching on anything. Understand?”

Unable to find her voice after his declaration, Hannah simply gave a jerky nod before focusing on her food.

Charlie started talking about his latest project, and while Hannah didn’t understand half of what he was saying, his enthusiasm had her relaxing.

Was there anything more compelling than a man—or woman—pursuing their passion? Brian had found his. So had Charlie.

She, well, she’didentifieda passion. Now, it was time for her to pursue it.

CHAPTEREIGHTEEN

Hannah spent the next two weeks researching steps she needed to take to start a home baking business. After much thought, she’d decided not to pursue a job at one of the local establishments. She was discovering a retail bakery was a far different animal than the type of business she hoped to run.

It made more sense to use her time researching trademarks and health and safety rules as well as delving into the ins and outs of various social media platforms. And, of course, fine-tuning recipes. With each step forward, she took time to relax and celebrate.

She thought about Maisie often, but despite several forays into the woods, she had yet to spot her or the house again.

Hannah saw Charlie frequently. With him living right next door, it was inevitable. She’d come to look forward to their late-night talks on her porch.

Over a glass of wine, he’d tell her about progress on his latest project, and she’d update him on her day. Sometimes, in addition to a glass of wine, he would get to sample her latest baking masterpiece.

She lifted a hand in acknowledgment when Charlie called out to her as he strode across the lawn and made short work of the steps.

“What do you have for me this time?” He smiled and pointed to the two slices of cake sitting on the table.

“I've been working on tweaking a recipe for white wedding cake with vanilla frosting.” Hannah handed him a glass of wine. “As the Riesling is slightly sweet, it will bring out the flavors in the vanilla cake.”

“Happy to be your guinea pig.” Charlie lifted the colorful plate that was part of her wedding china.

Hannah watched his mouth close over the big bite of cake, then let out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding when his lips curved in a broad smile.

He held up a finger and washed the cake down with a sip of wine before speaking. “Incredible.”

“You really like it?”

His gaze met hers. “I love it.”

“Good.” She lifted her own plate and forked off a bite. As the flavors filled her mouth, she analyzed, then nodded.

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