Hannah (The Hawthorne Sisters) Read Online Free PDF Page B

opened it, she took his breath away. She was beautiful. He’d never seen her in a dress, other than at the funeral, and that was hardly the time to take notice of a woman in a dress. Her hair was drawn back from her face, a small knot in the back, with the rest hanging freely around her shoulders. She almost couldn’t look him in the eye. A crimson flush danced across her cheeks, and with barely a word, she closed the door behind them, following him to his truck.
    The awkwardness wasn’t something that either of them expected. It was unspoken, like maybe this wasn’t right, but there was something drawing them together, like an elephant in the room. They’d have to address it eventually.
    Sitting in his truck, they started.
    “Do you…”
    “I was thinking…”
    They both spoke at the same time, and then laughed. “Go on, you go first,” he said.
    “Is this a mistake?”
    “It doesn’t feel like one.”
    Sitting beside her, looking into her eyes, Bryce was able to see just how crystal blue they we re. Neither of them spoke. The gaze grew between them, neither able to look away.
    Hannah could smell the essence of his cologne, a cinnamon and spice that made her want to lean in and inhale deeply.
    “Hannah.” He could barely get her name out. It wedged in his throat. He wanted to kiss her, taste her sweet lips, and yet he hadn’t even taken her out. Forcing himself to be a gentleman, he pushed the thought back and looked away. “Let’s just see where the night takes us.”
    “Okay .” She could barely breathe. She wanted him, wanted to feel his hands on her body, and yet knew she shouldn’t be having these thoughts.
    They went to a small café a town over to avoid the stares of curious neighbors that might see something forming. The last thing they needed was pressure from outside sources. They were both trying to come to terms with a growing attraction. While it was undeniable, it still felt wrong somehow. They were ages apart, he was her father’s friend, and yet here they were, drawn together with a magnetic force.
    The conversation started slowly, and as the small talk filled the night , it was obvious neither knew how to address the concerns. Hannah finally spoke about the topic that was on both of their minds.
    “Bryce , I think you’re a great guy. I’m obviously attracted to you, but I just don’t know about this.”
    “I know.” He bowed his head. “ I’m drawn to you, and yet a small voice is in the back of my head telling me to walk away before I get into trouble.”
    “I want to…” She trailed off, and then found her ground again. “I just don’t think I can.”
    “I understand.” He was disappointed, but being neighbors, having been friends with her father, he knew this might be an issue. He wanted to understand, and a piece of him did. Another piece of him wanted to take her to bed and make love to the woman he was attracted to. He pushed the thought aside, only letting his gentleman speak. “Thank you for a lovely evening.”
    “I’m sorry.”
    He nodded. There wasn’t much more to say. After paying the bill, they drove back to her house. The ride back was silent, with only the sound of the tires on the road and an old country song playing on the radio filling the void.
    Pulling up to her house, Bryce went around and opened her door. Offering his hand, she smiled. She took it , and looked at him. The look between them sizzled, the chemistry between them unspoken. “I should go,” she said, letting go and walking up to the house. “Maybe another time.” She smiled.
    He tipped his hat in farewell, and watched her disappear into her home, before climbing into his truck. Turning the key, his truck came back to life. He could still smell the undertones of Hannah’s perfume, just the tiniest tease remained.
    He’d have to let go. It wasn’t going to happen.

Chapter 5
    It was mild and warm, a treat in May. The Hawthorne girls were busy with life, each following a