Hannah (The Hawthorne Sisters) by Ava Catori Read Free Book Online Page A

haven’t stopped by or called.”
    “I kind of hoped you would.”
    “I know. I should have. I really dropped the ball there. After my sister’s accident, she went into rehab . I’ve been trying to sort through some life stuff. I didn’t want to drag you into it all.”
    “Is she okay?”
    “Yeah,” he smiled. “She’s doing well. She’s working the program, and really wants to get better.”
    “That’s great.”
    They walked into the barn together after Bryce watered Ruby. Slipping the saddle from her, he made a quick check of her hooves before grabbing a brush. They talked as he worked.
    Bryce looked to Hannah. “I’m going to just come out and say it… I find myself attracted to you. I don’t know how to rectify those thoughts. I’d like to be more than your friend, but don’t want to push you.”
    “I feel like a child sometimes when I’m around you, and yet, I’m an adult. You were friends with my father. It’s a weird thing. I keep trying to separate that, and then it tangles together again.”
    “Hannah, you’re all woman. You’ve grown up.”
    She blushed. “I’m glad you’ve noticed.”
    “How can I not? I find it hard to be a gentleman around you.”
    “What if I don’t want you to be a gentleman around me?”
    He looked at her, chemistry sizzling between them.
    “This is what I want,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
    Bryce moved toward her, desperately needing to hold her. Hugging Hannah tightly, he didn’t want to let go. She was his future. He was certain of it.
    Locked in an embrace, the couple looked at one another. The hunger in their eyes said what neither could put into words. There was a fire burning inside, a desire that needed to be satiated.
    Every time they got close enough to touch it, it evaporated with life interrupting. Could this time be different?
    Bryce was almost afraid to kiss her , afraid the moment would be stolen away once again. His fingers moved through her hair, gently stroking her silky locks. Unable to look away, he was mesmerized by her crystal blue eyes.
    “Kiss me,” she finally whispered, aching to feel his mouth on hers.
    Bryce lowered his head, his lips brushing softly against Hannah’s. Electricity ran through her body, feeling his mouth on her own. Parting her lips, tasting the man before her, she closed her eyes and got lost in the moment. The kiss grew more heated and Bryce’s hands moved across her back, touching, caressing . He forced himself to keep them above her waist. He wanted to reach down lower, to cup her bottom, to feel her soft curves in his hands, but used what little restraint he had.
    This was why he hadn’t been in touch with her. He knew that the very next time he laid his lips on her , he’d want to make passionate love. He hadn’t felt these kinds of feelings in a very long time, and once they bubbled up, it was hard to push them back down.
    Pulling away, he tried to tone things down. The fires of lust were burning inside of him, and she deserved more. She deserved a gentleman.
    “I want this , but I want to treat you as the lady that you are.”
    Hannah smiled. She knew they’d gotten over the invisible hurdle they kept putting in front of them.

Chapter 7
    Fourth of July meant the big regional fair was coming through. Most people went, but it was one place Bryce avoided. Ever since he’d lost his parents, it only brought back bad memories. Instead, he decided to take back the day and turn it into something better. Bryce asked Hannah out for dinner. They’d share a few moments and a meal. He hoped she was okay with missing the fair. They could still park nearby to see the fireworks later.
    They decided to keep things casual so it wouldn’t put too much pressure on the evening. Bryce chose a roadhouse tavern that served good steaks and massive potatoes to go with it. It wasn’t fancy, and you’d find a roll of paper towels on the table for napkins, but the booths were private and the crowd was