Page 66 of Hans

CHAPTER44

Hans

Why’dyou start your blog right after moving in across the street from me?

“You,” Cassandra says casually, but the answer slams into my chest.

CHAPTER45

Cassie

I bitethe edge of my lip, not believing I just admitted that.

“Me?”

Hans looks so surprised, it’s worth the bit of ego I have to shed sharing this next part. “Yeah, so, I always wanted to—start the blog—but I didn’t want to waste the stuff I made. And it’s not like I can just make a single cookie. Recipes are bigger than that. And I need extra to make sure I have a good one for photos. Ya know?”

Hans nods slowly.

“Well…” I sigh. “I was embarrassed about not being good, and I couldn’t bring myself to ask any of my previous neighbors if they’d want anything. And for the last, I dunno, several years, I’ve worked from home, so I didn’t have an office or something to bring them to.”

“You didn’t have someone to share with,” Hans says, putting it together.

I nod, even though his eyes are on the road. “I did my first posting the weekend after we met. I thought, maybe, a guy who lived alone wouldn’t mind some extra food now and again.” I bite my lip. “I don’t know if you remember?—”

CHAPTER46

Hans

Banana scones.

“I made banana scones.”

She says it like I haven’t memorized the entire history of her blog.

Like I haven’t read through the entire thing, top to bottom, countless times.

Like I don’t open her blog every time I have trouble sleeping.

Like I could have possibly forgotten.

I incline my head. “I remember.”

CHAPTER47

Cassie

“You do?”I try to tamp down my excitement. “I mean, I guess you would. The first time the stranger from across the street leaves a container of food on your front step is probably memorable.”

“They were good.”

I wiggle my fingers under Hans’s hand. “Can I ask you something?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Will you tell me the truth?”

Hans slides me a look. “Maybe.”

---