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

comfortable. Settling into a booth at Snyder’s Steak and Brew House, they ordered a couple of longnecks and dinner.
    Most of the small towns around Saddle Brook were the same, a few dotted businesses on a strip of roadway, and if you wanted anything more than the usual, you needed to head into the city. They still had a fair share of small places to eat , if you were willing to drive a town or two over. There was always Hickory Grove and Oakridge, two other small nearby towns with their own cropping of small businesses. If you knew where to look, you’d find something. Out of town folk might drive by a place, but the locals knew where to stop.
    Snyder’s wood wasn’t highly polished, but the steak was cooked over a fire and seasoned just right. Nobody minded the scuffs on the floor, because the beer was cold and the food brought you back time and time again.
    Bryce looked at Hannah. She was lush, and had grown into a beautiful woman. She wore the slightest touch of make-up, but she didn’t need it. Her skin glowed, her hair shined, and Bryce Callahan thought she was gorgeous. Nature did well by her, and the man in him couldn’t help but notice. She was slender with soft curves, and when she spoke, her voice was confident and strong. She was her own person, not a wallflower that was afraid of the world. She took the bull by the horns, and wasn’t afraid to get dirty.
    She was the kind of woman he could see spending the rest of his life with. He hadn’t thought about a wife, kids, or much of anything before Hannah caught his attention. He’d been busy with life, doing his own thing, running his small ranch, and keeping Beverly out of as much trouble as possible. The kinds of thoughts he was having threw him a little, but once he got over the surprise, he embraced the feelings that were growing inside of him.
    The waitress dropped off the steaks and refreshed their beers. Hannah was grateful she wasn’t carded. She didn’t want to point out the age difference. He might be embarrassed by the circumstance.
    The talk came easier this time, with no awkward silences. They spoke of his sister’s progress, about Hannah’s sisters, the weather, their work, and more of each other. Having finally accepted they were going to move forward in a relationship left them both relaxed.
    Bryce reached across the table, taking her hand. “Thank you for giving us a chance.”
    Hannah nodded. She wanted to thank him for the very same thing. Leaning forward, she smiled. She couldn’t look away from the man. Licking her lips, she nodded as he spoke. The flush on her cheeks warmed her. The feelings she had were stronger than she expected. She wanted to savor the experience and sit here all night.
    Bryce turned her wrist so that her palm was facing up. He drew lazy circles on her palm. Her nerves were on edge, and the tiniest movements had her craving more of his touch. When she leaned in, she could pick of traces of his cologne. Inhaling, she wanted more of it, wanted more of him. Her stomach fluttered and her heart raced. There was no going back; she was falling fast.
    When she looked at Bryce, she felt secure and could picture a future together. Younger guys never gave her that feeling. Guys her age were still living life on the edge, wilder, wanting to be free. Bryce was about stability, family, and treating her like a lady. Right now, she wasn’t feeling very much like a lady. She had thoughts of lust and desire, and forced the feelings down. It was too soon.
    The looks, the small touches, and the feel of Bryce’s heart in his throat had him shifting in his seat. There was an intensity between them that could be dangerous. All he wanted to do was to take her home and make love to her. He gently pulled his hand back, clearing his throat, and suggested they glance over the dessert menu. They opted for a slice of cheesecake with two forks.
    Hannah didn’t want to look away, but forced herself to glance down at the table. She looked