Chapter 16

GEORGE

Feeling somewhat refreshed after a latte, Romina’s tasty muffin, and a hot shower, I walked back into Novel Gossip. The morning rush was just starting, and Ben was behind the counter, serving Betty and her friend, who were lining up as usual to order the cake of the day. Looking around, I spotted Hannah clearing tables and frowned. I’d told her to go home, but she clearly hadn’t listened.

As Hannah headed back toward the kitchen, carrying a tray of empty coffee cups, she wobbled unsteadily on her feet.

“I’ll take the tray. You, go home,” I said, channeling my best authoritative boss voice while I studied her face. Even paler than usual, with dark rings under her eyes and slightly messy hair, she still looked beautiful. Stubborn, but beautiful. “Come on, you’ve done enough.”

“I’m fi—” Hannah swayed, and I grabbed the tray with one hand and her shoulder with the other to keep her from falling.

“Hannah, you’re exhausted.” I placed the tray on the counter so I had two hands ready in case Hannah collapsed on the floor. “I can’t let you keep working in this state. You’d be exposing me and Novel Gossip to liability.” I had no idea if that was actually the case, but it sounded convincing. Hopefully it would persuade Hannah to go home.

Hannah frowned and grabbed the counter to steady herself. “Maybe I just need to take a little break. I think all those coffee beans I ate are finally wearing off.”

I furrowed my brow. There was no way she was going to be able to walk or drive home in this state, but I also didn’t have time to drive her. While we’d been speaking, another five customers had entered, and Ben needed help. There was only one option I could think of. Thank god my apartment is relatively tidy at the moment. “Why don’t you lie down upstairs? I’ve got a spare bedroom. Ben and I have everything under control,” I said gently.

Hannah looked unsure. She took her hand off the counter for a moment, swayed again, and then nodded. “If you’re sure that’s okay, maybe a little nap would help.”

“Of course.” I carefully led Hannah through the kitchen, ignoring Romina’s inquisitive eyes, and up the stairs to my apartment.

Max greeted us with excitement. “Sorry, I forgot to mention Max. I hope you don’t mind dogs.”

“Not at all. Hello buddy.” Hannah bent down to give Max a pat and lurched forward, nearly losing balance.

I grabbed her by the shoulders and righted her. God, sleep deprived Hannah on a caffeine come down was kind of adorable. “Let’s get you into bed. Plenty of time to shower Max with affection later.”

Holding her arm, I took her down the hallway to the spare bedroom and gently sat her on the bed. “Here you go. Just make yourself at home. I’ll leave a spare towel out for you and a change of clothes in case you want a shower.”

“Thank you,” Hannah managed, leaning down and pulling off her shoes.

Wanting to give her some privacy, I left her to it and walked back down to Novel Gossip, ready to start the day for a second time.

As I passed through the kitchen, I grabbed a plate of zucchini and corn fritters that was sitting on the counter and delivered it to one of our regulars. On my way back, I paused to clear a table behind Betty and her friend.

“It’s a shame this place has gone downhill lately. The food and coffee are still excellent, but it takes forever to order, and a few times, I’ve had to move dirty dishes to another table just so I had somewhere to sit,” Betty’s friend muttered. “Honestly, I think I’ll just start going to Dippin’ Donuts like some of the others—at least they’re fast.”

My stomach tightened. Shit.

Betty frowned at her. “They’re just having some temporary staffing issues but I’m sure George will have things sorted soon. There’s no way I’m going to Dippin’ Donuts and missing out on the cake of the day.” She shoveled a fork of said cake into her mouth and let out a little moan of enjoyment.

My heart warmed at Betty’s words. As concerning as her friend’s comments were, hopefully most of my regulars felt the same as Betty. While I assumed that Hannah would no longer want to work at Novel Gossip now her mistaken identity had been cleared up, at least Ben was back. And hopefully the woman who’d told Ben she was interested in a job would reappear soon.

I walked back into the kitchen to find Romina eating one of the replacement cornbread muffins I’d made last night. Oh shit. I braced myself.

“You did a good job on the cornbread, George. A bit more sugar than I’d put in, but it works,” she said, poker-faced.

I exhaled and grinned. Not much got passed Romina including, it appeared, my attempt to replace the cornbread unnoticed. But Romina’s comment was high praise coming from her and I was relieved she didn’t ask any questions.

The rest of the day passed quickly, with Ben and I falling into our usual rhythm.

Mid-afternoon, a delivery driver came to pick up the boxes of signed books, and I let out a sigh of relief. The back of the bookstore was no longer an eyesore or tripping hazard.

While I was clearing tables after the afternoon coffee rush, I noticed a white woman, her hair pulled up in a long brown ponytail, chatting to Ben at the counter. After I dropped off the dirty dishes, Ben waved me over.

“George, this is Josie. She’s the person I mentioned the other day who’s interested in working here.”

Josie smiled and held out a hand. “Nice to meet you. Sorry it’s taken me so long to come back. I got struck down with the flu. But I’m fully recovered now,” she hastily added.

I made a note to warn Blake about the flu that seemed to be going around—first our delivery driver, then Ben, and now Josie.

“Great to meet you too,” I said as I shook her hand and grinned.

Things were looking up. Ben was back, I had another potential employee, the mountain of boxes of The Realm of Furies was gone, and I had a beautiful woman sleeping upstairs in my bed. Your spare bed, George. Don’t get too carried away.

Exhaustion crashedover me as I locked the front door to the café and made my way back upstairs to my apartment. A disrupted night’s sleep combined with a busy day on my feet had finally caught up with me. It’d been so hectic I’d had no time to process the events of the last twenty-four hours.

The spare bedroom door was open, so I cautiously peered in, unsure what the etiquette was in a situation like this. I hadn’t seen Hannah leave, and Max hadn’t greeted me at my front door, so I assumed they were both in there.

Warmth enveloped my body at the sight of Hannah. She was fast asleep under the covers, her dark hair strewn across the white pillow and Max snoring next to her. I carefully closed the door and tiptoed back down the hallway to the kitchen, where I started prepping dinner.

I’d just begun sautéing the onion and garlic when floorboards creaked, and I turned to find Hannah hovering awkwardly at the kitchen entrance.

She ran her hand through her mussed hair and then tried to smooth her baggy sweater. “Sorry I passed out like that. I should give you some space and get out of here. But thanks so much for letting me crash.” There was something very intimate about seeing Hannah slightly disheveled from sleep.

“Would you like to stay for dinner? I’m making tomato, basil, and burrata pasta.” I smiled at her.

“Oh thanks. But I’d better not.” Hannah’s voice lacked conviction. She walked slowly up to the kitchen counter.

My smile widened. “Seriously, it’s no problem. I made extra in case you wanted some.”

“It does smell amazing,” Hannah said, eyeing the pan with interest.

Banging the spoon on the pan to shake off some pasta, I turned to her. “Great. You’re staying, then. Would you like a glass of pinot to go with it?”

She grinned. “Yes, please.”

Thirty minutes later, Hannah let out a satisfied sigh and slumped back in the dining room chair, her plate empty. Pink had returned to her cheeks. “That was amazing. Thanks again.”

“You’re welcome,” I replied, really meaning it. I loved feeding people, and Hannah was no exception. I’d gotten a kick out of watching her devour the pasta as I filled her in on Josie’s reappearance, her books being picked up and a few of the more entertaining customer stories from today. As tired as I was, Hannah’s presence re-energized me.

Before I could stop her, Hannah had stacked my empty plate and cutlery on hers and taken them to the kitchen.

“Don’t worry about the dishes. I’ll do them later,” I said as I walked in and found Hannah already scrubbing the pan.

“It’s the least I can do. And then I’ll head home so you can have some time to yourself.”

Hannah seemed convinced that she was a burden when quite the opposite was true. Despite my exhaustion, I’d really been enjoying her company. H. M. Stuart’s company. God, it felt so weird even thinking that.

I grabbed a tea towel and started drying the dishes. Max, who’d wolfed down his dinner and been very disappointed to discover that our meal was vegetarian, gently pawed at my leg. I looked down to see his big, brown eyes staring up at me. Guilt washed over me. I usually took him for a walk twice a day, but I’d missed this morning due to last night’s exploits. I definitely had to take him out tonight.

“I need to take Max for a walk. We could drop you off at your place on our way?” From the employment paperwork Hannah filled out, I knew she lived on Cherry Lane. I’d feel better knowing she’d gotten home safely.

“That would be great, if it’s not too much trouble,” Hannah replied.

We made quick work of the dishes and then headed out with Max.

A warm breeze and the evening sun hit us as we stepped outside.

“This weather is incredible,” Hannah said. “I always forget how much these longer, warmer days improve my mood.”

She looked so happy, her eyes bright as she took in our surroundings. My heart bounced. Even though I’d spent most of my waking hours with Hannah over the past four days, I didn’t want her to go home yet. An idea struck me. I grinned. “You know what also improves my mood?”

“What?”

“Ice cream.”

Hannah laughed.

“It’s true! Max and I might make a stop at Van Hoorn’s Creamery. It has the best ice cream in Putnam County, possibly New York State. And the world, for that matter. Would you like to join us, or should we drop you off on the way?” I raised an eyebrow. “It’s really delicious.”

Hannah smiled. “How could I say no after that ringing endorsement?”

Ten minutes later, Max was tied up outside the creamery next to a water bowl while Hannah agonized over her flavor selection under the attentive gaze of the owners, Mark, and his wife, Cheryl. While the creamery was housed in a three-story Victorian house near the pier and had old-school signage and decor, the flavors were anything but old-school. I’d already selected a strawberry, balsamic, and black pepper ice cream in a cup and, having sampled a number of flavors, Hannah was debating between the red cherry and goat cheese or dark chocolate and paprika.

“Argh, I can’t decide!” Hannah frowned, looking adorably serious as she weighed her options, and then her face broke into a half smile. “Screw it! I’ll get both—in a cone, please.”

Mark grinned. “Done. Did you two enjoy the film screening? I saw you there.”

“It was a great night,” I said as casually as I could muster.

I took a bite of my ice cream in hopes that it might counteract the warmth that crept up my cheeks at the memory of sitting through multiple sex scenes and gallons of sexual innuendo with Hannah. I caught Mark’s gaze by accident and could have sworn there was a knowing twinkle in his eye. Perhaps it had been just as awkward for him, sitting next to his daughter, as it had been for me.

Ice creams in hand, we walked past the bandstand to the pier and leaned against the railing overlooking the Hudson. It was still light, and across the blue expanse of river, the green, tree-covered mountains were visible. The water lapped at the posts of the pier.

Hannah moaned, the sound sending my insides fizzing and my head jerking in her direction. “This ice cream is incredible!”

“Yeah, Mark and Cheryl are really passionate about experimenting with new flavors and techniques. I’m glad it’s living up to the hype.” I chuckled. “Remember how you thought Mark was a finance bro who was married to his daughter?” I spooned a scoop of ice cream into my mouth, savoring the unusual flavor combination which sounded questionable but somehow worked perfectly.

Hannah laughed, shaking her head. “I couldn’t have been more wrong. He is an ice-cream-making genius.”

She took another lick of her ice cream, her pink tongue sliding over the chocolate. Oh god. A shiver of desire shot down my spine.

“If you don’t mind me asking, why did you decide to move to Sapphire Springs?”

Hannah drew her gaze away from the river and looked at me. “I fell in love with this place when I was at NYU. I came out for day trips, occasionally a weekend away. It always felt like such a…tranquil escape from city life. All the gorgeous nineteenth-century buildings, being nestled in nature right next to this”—Hannah gestured to the river—“and the mountains. And everyone who lived here always seemed so happy and friendly.” My heart warmed hearing that Hannah seemed to love Sapphire Springs as much as I did.

I chuckled. “You clearly didn’t catch Romina on a bad cooking day or Rory Goldsworthy, ever.”

Hannah grinned. “No, I got lucky. I know there are some exceptions, but don’t you think people seem happier here generally than in the city? In New York, everyone seems to be in a rush—to get somewhere or to achieve something. It’s different here. People here seem to have more time to be in the moment and actually enjoy life.”

Hannah took a long, slow lick of her ice cream, her tongue swirling to catch some of the drips that were starting to make their way down the cone. I wonder what it would be like to kiss her, for that tongue to be exploring my mouth… I blinked. Pull it together, George. I tore my eyes away and focused my attention on the view of river and answering Hannah’s question.

I nodded. “Even with work being so hectic lately, at least I haven’t had to deal with long commutes and the other stresses of city living on top of that. And being able to take Max out in the evenings like this, being able to breath in fresh air and enjoy this incredible view without being surrounded by other people, is the perfect way to unwind.” Hannah had stopped licking her ice cream for now, so it was safe for me to turn my gaze back to her. “So you’d been planning this move for a while?”

“Well, I always thought I’d end up here—or somewhere like here—eventually, but my plans were accelerated recently.” Hannah’s face clouded, suggesting that the reason for the acceleration wasn’t a happy one. Perhaps it was the divorce she’d mentioned?

“Oh, I’m sorry,” I said gently.

“It’s fine.” Hannah raised the cone to her mouth, parted her lips and then closed them around the ice cream. This time, I couldn’t look away. “What about you? Why did you decided to move here?”

Mesmerized, I watched Hannah savor the mouthful of ice cream and then swallow it. She stared at me with a raised eyebrow, and I realized I hadn’t answered her question.

“Sorry. I think I mentioned I grew up in Florida, near Tampa, but my grandma lived in Sapphire Springs, and I used to visit her at least once a year.” Gran, my dad’s mom, was no longer with us, but the love we’d shared for this town remained. “Like you, I fell in love with it. Compared to where I grew up, it’s so quaint. I come from suburban sprawl, rows of characterless 1960’s brick houses on grassy lawns in a planned community. Whereas this place just feels steeped in history.”

Hannah nodded. “I know what you mean. Even while New York and Chicago—which is where I grew up—have amazing old buildings, there are also skyscrapers and so many other signs of modern life—like Times Square and all its billboards.” Hannah shuddered and I grinned. I avoided Times Square like the plague every time I was in the city. “Whereas Sapphire Springs has really retained its character.”

“While still having high-speed internet, running water and electricity, not to mention amazing ice cream,” I said, and ate another large spoonful.

Hannah laughed. “It really is the best of both worlds.”

The light was beginning to fade, but the air was still warm. “I also love the seasons here. In Florida, it’s either warm, hot, or hot and humid, but in this part of the world every season is so unique. Summer’s heat, fall’s foliage, winter’s coziness, and spring’s bloom. I swear, now that I’ve moved here, my memories seem stronger, and I think it might be because they’re linked to the changing seasons. It’s almost as if the seasons mark the passing of time.” I sensed Hannah’s eyes on me, and heat crept up my face. I’d gotten carried away rhapsodizing about the seasons, to an extremely talented author of all people. “Sorry, that probably doesn’t make any sense.”

Hannah smiled. “No. I totally get it. I vividly remember the hike I did in September two years ago in the Catskills, and I think it was because it was the first time it really felt like fall that year. The air was so cool and crisp, and the leaves were starting to change. If it hadn’t been for that, the hike probably would have blended in with all the other hikes I’ve done over the years.” Hannah paused. “By the way, have you ever considered being a writer? That was very poetic.”

I chuckled, relieved that Hannah understood what I meant. “God no, I’m quite happy promoting writers and reading their books, but I can’t imagine writing one.” A thought struck me. “Speaking of writing, how quiet are you planning to keep your pen name in Sapphire Springs? Maintaining your privacy is clearly really important to you, but I’m just wondering if it’s okay to mention it to Blake. Of course, I won’t say anything if you don’t want me to.”

It still hadn’t really sunk in that Hannah was H. M. Stuart. Each time I remembered, it took me by surprise, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. My feelings toward Hannah were already confusing enough without her being my favorite author as well. She was so talented and successful. It blew my mind that she was working in my café and spending time with me outside work. Hopefully, I’d sleep well tonight, and then tomorrow, Hannah’s revelation about her alter ego would all feel perfectly fine. If not, talking to Blake about it might help.

Hannah pressed her lips together in thought. I was about to tell her not to worry about it when she spoke. “If you ask Blake not to tell anyone, except Jenny, that’s fine. They don’t strike me as the sort of people who’ll blow my cover.” Hannah winced. “But if you could try to make me sound a little less weird for the whole accidentally accepting a job and breaking and entering thing, that would be great.”

“Hmmm. I don’t know about that.” I grinned, elbowing Hannah gently in her side. “A little less weird. Is that even possible?”

“Hey!” Hannah elbowed me back, laughing, mock outrage in her tone. Our eyes locked, sending my heart bouncing.

Goddamn, she’s beautiful. The sun was finally starting to set, sending a kaleidoscope of gold, pink, red, and purple hues stretching across the sky and lighting Hannah”s face with a warm glow. How do I keep getting myself into these romantic situations with her? A little voice inside me whispered that now that I’d established she was single, interested in woman and an author rather than my employee, the barriers between us were dropping down. What would happen if I did just reach out, take her hand in mine?

I shook off the idea. Hannah is H. M. Stuart. Is she really going to be interested in me?

“The sun is starting to set,” I said, my voice sounding more abrupt than I intended. “We should get you home before it gets dark.”

Hannah nodded in agreement, demolished the last of her ice cream, and then we turned in unison, starting the trek back up Main Street toward Cherry Lane.

Chatting as we walked, we reached Cherry Lane in no time.

“Here we are,” said Hannah, stopping outside a small front yard full of rose bushes and lavender a few minutes later.

Hannah turned to me. Her thick brown hair framed her face, accentuating her dark eyelashes and pink lips, which were softly lit by the fading sun. Out of nowhere, butterflies swarmed in my stomach. If we were on a date, this would be the moment when we kissed, or perhaps Hannah would invite me inside. But we weren’t on a date. Although…the evening had kind of felt like it. Dinner, a stroll, ice cream by the river, watching the sunset. But unlike the movie night, the romantic elements of tonight hadn’t felt awkward.

Except, perhaps, until now. I’d been staring at Hannah for more than a beat too long, and she’d been holding my gaze. Were her eyes darker than usual, or was it just the fading light? The air electrified. Everything around me disappeared. Everything except Hannah. A delicious shiver shot down my back, and my heart rate picked up pace. Every nerve in my body screamed for contact with Hannah. In a daze, I stepped forward.

And then our lips were pressing against each other. Hannah’s lips were so soft, but the kiss was not. It was hungry, hot and messy. Passionate and raw. I tightened my grip on her waist and tugged at her bottom lip with my teeth. Hannah let out a moan that sent arousal spiking through me.

Good Lord, I’d forgotten how fucking amazing kissing could be.

Eventually we disentangled ourselves, and reality hit.

Shit.

I hadn’t thought this through at all. Where did we go from here?

I stared at Hannah blankly. Words, George. Say something.

I swallowed. “I just wanted to say thanks for all your help the last few days. I seriously couldn’t have managed without you.” I winced at my clumsy words. Well, at least that was something.

An indiscernible expression flitted across Hannah’s face. Damn. My awkward comment had clearly not gone unnoticed.

“Um, no problem,” Hannah said as she brushed the hair off her pinker-than-usual cheeks with her hand. “Now that Ben’s back and you’ve got Josie on board, let me know what you’re thinking in terms of shifts. I’m super flexible. I could even just come in for a few hours over the lunch rush, given that’s when it”s busiest.”

I blinked, as if that would somehow help me digest Hannah’s statement. “So you… You still want to work? I thought since you’d signed the books and cleared up our, um, misunderstanding about your identity, you’d want to be done?”

Hannah shifted her weight on her feet. “To be honest, I’ve been surprised how much I’ve been enjoying it. So if you need me, I’m available.”

My chest tightened. Hannah was still my employee after all. Shit. I just kissed my employee.

I took a deep breath. There was nothing I could do about that now. It’s not like I could fire her—sorry, I got carried away and kissed you and because I have a “no dating employees” rule, your position is terminated—or erase the kiss from our minds. And even with Josie on board, another employee would be an enormous help.

My head started thumping. I should go home and get some sleep before I did anything else stupid.

“That would be amazing,” I said, hoping my voice didn’t betray my confusion. “Well, if you don’t mind coming in from ten to two-thirty tomorrow, that would be great. Does that sound okay to you?”

“Perfect!” Hannah replied, slightly too enthusiastically.

Before things could get even more awkward, I decided to excuse myself. “Well, we’d better be getting home before it’s too dark. See you tomorrow!”

As I walked back, I realized that I’d forgotten to bake the cake of the day. Shit. It was too late now. Betty would not be happy. I

I took a deep breath of fresh evening air. Hopefully, tomorrow my feelings about Hannah Taylor, aka H. M. Stuart, and the kiss we’d just shared would be a lot clearer. I couldn’t afford to be off my game and lose any more customers.