Page 45 of Unhinged

“I’m going to clear the house. Do you have your keys?” She automatically extended her hand toward him to pass them over, but he wrapped his hand around hers and curled her fingers closed over the keyring. “I want you to get in the car and lock the doors. I’ll let you know when it’s safe to come in.”

Her eyes flared wide. “I’m not leaving you in there alone.”

“I can handle myself.”

“I’m going with you.”

He studied her for a second. “If you’re sure.”

He held out his hand, and she slipped her palm into his. A sense of déjà vu swept over him, reminding him of the events that had transpired just twenty-four hours ago. With Hannah on his heels, he cautiously made his way up the porch to the small house. Ears and eyes alert, he stepped inside.

Parallel to the hallway leading to the back of the house, a set of stairs lay directly in front of them, and he glanced up to the second level. Seeing nothing amiss, he turned to the right and passed through the large archway to the living room.

He canvassed the room and moved on to the kitchen, dining room, and downstairs office. Although everyday clutter dotted the surfaces, nothing appeared to be out of place. Moving upstairs, he checked each bedroom and bathroom, every closet and possible hiding place.

He paused at the top of the stairs and gave Hannah’s hand a reassuring squeeze. In the fading light of the evening, her face looked drawn and haunted. “Everything looks good to me. How about you?”

Her mouth twisted, and her cheeks were tinted red with embarrassment. “I’m sorry I wasted your time. It was silly and⁠—”

He slid an arm around her waist and pulled her close. “If it means making sure you feel safe, it’s not a waste of time.”

She resisted for a moment before relaxing against him, then tucking her head against his chest. He breathed her in, loving the way she felt in his arms. He had lied to Knox. He wouldn’t—couldn’t—stay away from her. There was some indefinable quality that connected them, and though he had only known her for a week-and-a-half, he wanted more—more of her sweet kisses, more of her shy little looks. He wanted to know everything about her.

He pushed her gently in the direction of her room. “Why don’t you go change and I’ll start some dinner?”

She threw a bemused look his way but went willingly. He jogged back downstairs, checking to make sure the front door was locked as he passed before heading toward the kitchen. He rooted through the pantry and fridge for ingredients and had just added everything to the skillet when a soft sound drew his attention.

He met Hannah’s eyes across the room and gestured to the small table situated in the corner breakfast nook. “Have a seat, it’ll be ready in just a few minutes.”

He served up the food and grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge, then placed everything on the table in front of Hannah. Expression bewildered and a bit disturbed, she picked up her fork and began to eat. After several moments, she finally broke the uncomfortable silence.

“This is nice, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“I’ve never eaten here before.”

He glanced at her. “At home?”

She shook her head. “At this table.” Her words were soft, like she was afraid of revealing too much. “I don’t cook much. Even when I do, I usually just eat in the living room on the couch.”

She traced a finger over a dark woodgrain running through the table. “It’s just me, so… there’s not usually much reason to cook.”

He studied her for a moment before scooping up another forkful of food. “Your boyfriend hasn’t stayed for dinner?”

Her cheeks flared pink. “I don’t have… I’ve never…”

He couldn’t have been more shocked if she had tried. “Really? You’ve never invited a man over for dinner?”

She didn’t answer, just dropped her embarrassed gaze to her plate, and a strange surge of pleasure washed over him. “Well, this is a first for me, too, then. I can’t say I’ve ever enjoyed dinner this much. I was in the field so long that I haven’t had much chance to spend time with a beautiful woman.”

A delicate red flush made its way up her neck and across her cheeks, and the sight brought a smile to his face. He loved it when she blushed like that. “I mean, I go home to see my mom when I have a chance. I love her and all, but it’s just not the same.”

He winked at her, and Hannah chuckled, a soft, sultry sound that sent sparks of awareness straight to his heart.

“Now I know you’re lying. A guy like you would have no problem getting any woman you want.”

He tipped his head. “Just one.”