Page 56 of Hannah and the Hitman
I looked up at him through my lashes. “That’s sweet.”
He stroked my hair back. I’d showered and used his scented soap, but he didn’t have any hair products because the jerk had naturally perfect hair, so mine looked a little wild and wavy. “Dax’s dad, Big Mike, took us to get them after we–”
His eyes roved over my face.
“After you what?”
“After we both won our first fights. Big Mike owned a fighting gym.”
“Is he gone now?” I asked.
“Florida. Retired.”
“You said his dad took you in after your mom died.”
He nodded. “Yeah. He’s a good man.”
“You took up boxing because of him?”
“MMA. Mixed martial arts. And yes. I was an angry teen, and he gave me an outlet. What about you?”
“What about me?”
“I feel confident you never wanted to take after your dad and stuff roadkill.”
I rolled my eyes and had to laugh. “Not a chance.”
“What about your mom?”
“She’s an accountant. Too boring.”
He smiled and it lit up his face. “Ireallylike the books you read. If I do, then I’m sure the store you mentioned will be a huge success.”
“Someday,” I said, feeling the familiar twinge of disappointment.
“Tell me about it. I know you have it all figured out.”
“Really?”
He shifted me so I was tucked between his side and the back of the couch. My top leg was thrown over his and my head was on his chest. I felt his heart thumping beneath my ear. I couldn’t remember being so content. And I couldn’t imagine ever going back to being alone.
“Really.”
“Well, there’s a vacant space on Main Street that’s perfect. It already has some shelving and a cashier counter. It’s on the same block with several popular restaurants andshops that cater to tourists. People read on their vacations and women–and you–enjoy escapist fiction like romance.”
“The spicier the better,” he added, giving me a squeeze.
“I’ll offer all kinds. Spicy, sweet, all genres and make sure I’m as inclusive as possible.”
“You’ve got it all worked out. I’m impressed.”
I stayed quiet and he noticed. “What?” he prodded.
“Besides Brittany and Mrs. Metcalf, you’re the only one who thinks it’s a good idea.”
“Maybe you’ve surrounded yourself with the wrong people.”
“I can’t ditch my family just because they’re–”