Page 74 of The Pink House

“I feel the same.” He placed his palm against her back as they made their way to the lower concourse. “That’s part of the reason, other than for college, I’ve never left.”

Hannah knew the other part of the reason was his mother.

At the gate, the usher took their tickets, and they entered the passage that separated the warehouse from the stadium.

In minutes, they were surrounded by more orange and black than she’d ever seen in one place. The delicious smell of barbecue from Boog’s BBQ teased her nostrils and set her stomach to growling.

“There’s really no reason to get to our seats right now, unless that’s what you want.” Charlie gestured with one hand. “We could grab a beer and inhale the atmosphere.”

“I’d love that.” Hannah tried to pay for her own, but Charlie was faster.

As she wrapped her fingers around the cup, she gave him a glinting glance. “I’m paying for the hot dogs.”

He arched a brow. “We’re eating?”

Hannah paused. She’d never considered he might have eaten lunch. And why hadn’t she? They hadn’t left GraceTown until one. Well, he might not need to eat, but she was going to grab something. It would be a long time before dinner.

“Just kidding.” He grinned. “No way am I leaving here without a hot dog and Old Bay fries.”

They each got a hot dog and split the fries.

“I missed these.” Hannah took a couple of fries from the bag as they walked. “I tried describing the taste once to Emma, and the best I could do was a mixture of sweet, salty and spicy.”

“Nothing compares.” Charlie licked some of the seasoning from his thumb.

Hannah’s heart quickened as she watched, unable to tear her gaze from his mouth.

Obviously feeling her eyes on him, Charlie grabbed a napkin from the sack. “Sorry about that.”

“No sorry about it. These are finger-lickin’ good.” As if to illustrate, Hannah snatched the last fry, popped it into her mouth, then delicately licked the Old Bay seasoning from the tips of her fingers.

When Charlie’s gaze remained riveted on her mouth, Hannah knew the hunger in his eyes wasn’t from lack of food.

She was the first to break the connection. “Let’s check out our seats.”

“They’re behind left field.” Charlie spoke in a hearty tone, gesturing with his head. “This way.”

With the sky overhead a brilliant blue and the sun shining down on a field of vivid green, it was a perfect day for baseball. Hannah couldn’t stop smiling. She gave Charlie’s arm a squeeze. “I’m so glad we came. Thanks for inviting me.”

He smiled back. “It was my pleasure.”

During the National Anthem, they rose, and Hannah found herself yelling “O” with extra gusto along with Charlie and thousands of fellow fans.

By the time the first pitch was thrown, Hannah was fully into the experience. She shouted with delight at the top of the eighth inning when, with the game tied at 4-4, a sacrifice fly to deep right brought an Orioles player home and gave the O’s the lead for the first time.

When the game ended in a 5-4 Orioles victory, Hannah stood and cheered loudly as the team left the field.

Clasping her hands together, she turned to Charlie. “Thank you again.”

“Don’t thank me.” He grinned back at her. “I’m having as much fun as you.”

“What’s next?” she asked as they filed out of the stadium with everyone else.

“Dinner?” He inclined his head. “Unless you’re not hungry after—”

“The hot dog and fries were hours ago.” She wrapped her arm around his and held tight as the exiting crowd threatened to push them apart.

They walked to the Inner Harbor, her arm still wrapped around his. Once there, Hannah found herself mesmerized by the smooth water of the historic seaport, the live music and the abundance of restaurants. “I’d be happy to eat anywhere. You choose.”

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