All Consuming

by Jaci Burton

  “About a year before my divorce. I had just gotten to the point where it was full, running efficiently, and then I had to sell it.”

  “I’m sorry. That had to hurt.”

  “It did. But fortunately, it was in a great location and the new owner snapped it up right away for a good price. Plus selling the house in Georgia and splitting the equity with Landon gave me enough money to open the shop here.”

  “That’s a good thing. Other than the divorce, of course. I’m sorry about that.”

  “I’m not. Getting out of that marriage was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

  He could tell she bore some bitterness about her ex, but he wasn’t sure she was ready to open up to him about it. “You want to talk about it?”

  She looked over at him. “My ex? He’s a nice enough guy, but he’s a child. And I already had one kid. I didn’t need another who was supposed to be acting like an adult.”

  When he gave her a questioning look, she shrugged. “It’s a really long story. I’m sure you’re not interested.”

  He stopped to make sure she could see that she had his attention. “I’m interested.”

  She started walking again, so he got back in step with her. She didn’t talk right away, not for about a block. He figured maybe she wasn’t going to open up to him. But then she began.

  “We got married too young. I was ready to get out of Ft. Lauderdale, and Landon was my ticket out. He had big ideas about opening his own place. He’s a mechanic. He had cousins in Peachtree City in Georgia, and they were going to go into business together and open an auto repair shop. Big plans, big ideas. It all sounded perfect.”

  “But?”

  “They started one business, and it did okay for about a year. I thought that was going to be it. That he’d have the success he’d talked about. But he and his cousins couldn’t agree on one single thing, and they fought all the time. On the mechanical side, they were all great. As businessmen, they sucked, so the business failed. Landon decided to go out on his own, start up his own shop. But again, he had a great head for mechanics and he completely ignored the business side, so that venture failed, too. And so it went. Landon always had big plans, big ideas. Maybe buy a franchise, that would work out better. Or start something completely new. We argued all the time about finances. And nothing ever came of all his big ideas. So he’d pick up odd jobs—when he actually worked. In the meantime, I had my business going and I was constantly working. And he often wasn’t. But there was always ‘I’ve got this great new idea’ while I’m working twelve hours a day and trying to take care of a baby. By the time Oliver was four, I knew I was finished. It just took me another couple of years to extricate myself from the marriage.”

  He could picture how hard Hannah worked and struggled on her own. It couldn’t have been easy.

  “And how did your ex take the divorce?”

  She shrugged. “He knew it was coming. He can barely take care of himself now because he can’t hold down a job long enough to get a decent paycheck. He loves Oliver, and I know that, but the idea of a nine-to-five job, to work for someone else? It nearly sends him into a panic. He’s just not built that way. He still wants to own his own business. He just can’t figure out how to make that a reality.”

  She sighed. “So, anyway, I left, took Oliver with me, and Landon signed the papers, giving me full custody. I told him he can see Oliver whenever he wants to, and I think that gave him some comfort.”

  His heart ached for Hannah. And for her son. That had to be a painful end to what had to be a big dream for her. “I’m so sorry, Hannah.”

  “It’s okay. Oliver and I are doing just fine. He’s got me, and he knows I love him. And he’s got my mom now, and he adores her.”

  They rounded the corner leading back to the house. “Does he ask about his dad?”

  “Sometimes. He knows his dad loves him. He also knows Landon has issues with follow-up that have nothing to do with him. At least as much as a seven-year-old can understand. And maybe someday Landon will get his shit together enough to be a good father, but I don’t hold out much hope.”

  That really sucked. Having come from a background of having lousy, deadbeat parents before he was adopted, Kal knew what it was like not to be loved, not to be put first, to be abandoned by someone who should love you. He never wanted any kid to feel that way.

  “Every kid should be the light of their parent’s life.”

  She nodded. “I think so.”

  They got back to the house and went inside.

  “I’ll be right back,” she said.

  Hannah went to use the bathroom, and Kal washed his hands, got out some plates and cut into the cake. When she came back out, he took the cake over to the table.

  Hannah fixed herself a glass of water and brought that to the table.

  “I still can’t believe you made cake.”

  “I’m a multitalented kind of guy.”

  She picked up her fork and looked at him. “Yes, you definitely are.”

  She took a bite, swallowed and then smiled. “This is so good.”

  “You seem surprised.”

  “I’m not. Okay, maybe I am. I still can’t reconcile this new version of you with the guy you used to be. Carefree, a little bit crazy, but definitely not the cook-a-meal kind of guy.”

  “Like you said, we grew up.”

  “This is true.” She took a bite, swallowed. “You can definitely bake.”

  “I’m glad you like it.”

  She scooped another forkful. “Who doesn’t like cake?”

  “That’s always my question.”

  They finished off their cake, then took their plates to the sink to rinse and load into the dishwasher.

  Kal placed two more pieces onto a paper plate and covered it with foil. He looked up at Hannah. “For Oliver and your mom.”

  “That’s so sweet. Thank you.”

  “Sure.” There was enough cake left for Jackson and Becks, so he put a cover on that. “How about a movie?”

  “I’d like that.”

  He grabbed his beer, and she refilled her glass of wine. He led her into the living room, and they took seats on the sofa. He picked up the remote and turned the TV on.

  “If I remember right, you like romantic comedies, suspense, action movies and thrillers.”

  “I’m impressed at your recall.”

  “I’m just full of surprises.” He scrolled through the list of available movies, and they discussed a few they could watch, finally settling on a thriller.

  “I haven’t seen this one,” she said. “But I’ve heard good things.”

  “I haven’t seen it, either.”

  She kicked off her tennis shoes and socks and pulled her feet up on the sofa. He tried not to notice her cute pink-painted toenails, or how dainty her feet were.

  He used to rub her feet in high school. She was a cheerleader, plus she ran track, and used to complain about her feet hurting after a long meet, so while they’d sit in her parents’ living room watching television, he’d rub her sore feet. And then she’d giggle because her feet were ticklish. He’d bet her feet were even more tired now that she spent long days standing on them.

  But he kept his hands to himself and focused on the movie instead. Fortunately, it held his attention because it got off to a fast start. It was gripping, and both he and Hannah were silent during the first half.

  “Could you pause this while I switch to a glass of water?” she asked.

  He did, and they both got up. She washed out her wineglass and refilled her water, and he grabbed another beer.

  After he came out of the bathroom, she was leaning against the kitchen island.

  “I needed a breather,” she said. “That movie is intense.”

  “If you’re scared, you can lean against me.”

&nbs
p; She pushed off the island, and they made their way back toward the living room. “Oh, I can, huh? What makes you think I’m scared?”

  “You were curling your toes. You always do that when you’re tense.”

  She frowned. “I do?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Maybe I was just cold.”

  They settled back in, and he reached for the blanket resting on top of the sofa. “You know this was sitting right here.”

  “I didn’t notice it.”

  “Uh-huh. You’re scared.”

  “Am not.” She wrapped the blanket around her legs.

  When he restarted the movie, Kal noticed she also scooted a little closer to him, which he didn’t mind at all.

  By the time the movie approached the climax, Hannah had moved next to him. Her body pressed against his, and her head lay against his shoulder. He put his arm around her and pulled her closer as the main characters fought off the killer and survived.

  Hannah exhaled and lifted her head as the credits rolled. “My heart’s beating so fast. I didn’t think they were going to make it.”

  “I knew they were gonna be fine.”

  She gave him a look. “Please. You gripped my fingers so tight I thought you’d break my hand.”

  “What?”

  She lifted her hand, and he realized they were holding hands. And he had a tight hold on hers.

  “Oh. Well, I was just keeping you from getting scared.”

  “Uh-huh. Sure.”

  “Well, you oozed over here and were practically on my lap.”

  She lifted her chin. “I was keeping you warm.”

  “Uh-huh. Sure,” he mimicked.

  She laughed. “Okay, fine. The movie was tense. I was tense. And so were you. I dare you to deny it.”

  He started to object, but her stern look made him think twice. “Is that your mom look?”

  She burst out laughing. “It might be. Why? Is it effective?”

  “Very. Does it work on Oliver?”

  “Of course it does. Moms are magical, you know.”

  “Don’t I know it. My mom has a very similar look. Makes me run for the hills every time she levels it on me. Do they teach it to you in Mom School or something?”

  “No, I think it’s passed down genetically.”

  “Just so you know, it’s extremely effective.”

  “Good.” She glanced down at her phone. “It’s getting late. I should go. Oliver gets up early.”

  “Okay. I’m on shift tomorrow, which means I have to get up early, too.”

  “You should have said something. We didn’t have to watch the movie.”

  He smiled at her as they walked into the kitchen to put their glasses in the sink. “It’s not that late, Hannah.”

  She leaned against the counter. “Still, I don’t want you to miss out on sleep.”

  “Trust me. I’d rather spend time with you than sleep.”

  “Well, I had a nice time. Thanks for cooking for me.”

  “Thanks for coming over. We’ll have to do it again.”

  “Yeah, about that . . .”

  Uh-oh.

  “Okay, you’re gonna tell me I’m not your type.”

  She let out a short laugh. “I think you know that’s not true. But I have a very full, very busy life, and I’m not looking to get into anything serious right now.”

  “I don’t recall asking you to marry me over bites of pasta. So neither am I. How about we just play this loose and easy and maybe have a little fun?”

  She paused like she was going to object, then nodded. “I could maybe do that.”

  “Sounds super enthusiastic.”

  “I am. I’m just a little leery after, you know.”

  “I understand. But I promise you that I hold down a job, I don’t have nefarious intentions and I’m a really nice guy. Which you should already know.”

  He took a chance and stepped into her personal space, testing the waters. She didn’t skirt out of the way, instead tilted her head back while laying her palm on his chest.

  “You broke my heart in high school,” she said, her voice lowering to almost a whisper, as if she was afraid to say the words out loud.

  “I left for college. And we both made the decision to break up.”

  “True. But that was the part that broke my heart.”

  Now it was his heart that squeezed as he remembered that day when he packed up his car, Hannah standing there with tears streaming down her face. Neither one of them wanted to leave the other, but it was something he’d had to do, and he knew Hannah couldn’t come with him. It had been his idea to break up. Not because he wanted to date other girls at college, but because he’d wanted her to be free.

  Who knows what would have happened if they hadn’t split up.

  He cupped her hand between both of his. “That was a long time ago.”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m sorry about the breakup.”

  She pressed into his chest with her hand, making his heart kick up a fast beat. “It’s okay. Waiting around for you would have been worse. We did the right thing.”

  “Did we?” He rubbed his thumb across her hand, absorbing the soft feel of her skin. “I always wondered about that. I missed you after I left.”

  “Did you?”

  Now his breathing hitched and he moved in even closer.

  “Yes. A lot. I felt lost without you. If it makes you feel better, I didn’t date anyone for the first couple of years in college.”

  Her lips curved. “I find that hard to believe. You’re kind of a catch, Donovan.”

  “So are you, McKenzie. Clark. Whatever you want to call yourself now.”

  Her lips curved. She pulled her hand away, raised up on her toes and curled her hand around the nape of his neck, drawing his face toward hers.

  “Hannah works. Now shut up and kiss me.”

  He didn’t need more invitation than that.

  Their lips met. The contact was an explosion of heat, like flames licking all around him, but in the best way. Her body was warm and soft, and she moved into him, sliding her hand along his chest, making his heart pump faster.

  Her lips moved under his, slow and deliberate, as if they had all the time in the world to explore this lazy kiss. But he wanted to dive in and get lost in her, so he pressed in, slid his tongue between her lips, and she moaned.

  Oh yeah. Now they were getting somewhere.

  Until she pushed on his chest. He broke the kiss and took a step back.

  “I’m sorry,” she said, licking her lips. “I . . . can’t. Not yet.”

  He nodded, giving her more space. “It’s okay. We’ve got time.”

  “I need to go.”

  He took a couple of deep breaths to clear his head, then walked outside with her to her car.

  She turned to face him with a smile. “I had a good time.”

  “Me, too. We should do this again.”

  Her lips curved. “Yes, we should.”

  She started to lean in again, then stopped. Instead, she opened her car door. “See you, Kal.”

  “Later, Hannah.”

  After she drove away, he went inside and locked the door, then fixed himself a glass of water and went upstairs to his room. He got ready for bed and climbed in but couldn’t sleep.

  How could he when he could still taste Hannah on his lips, when her scent still lingered in a room she hadn’t even been in?

  Okay, so he still felt it for Hannah. But he was going to have to pump the brakes a bit and take things slow with her.

  Because he wanted her back in his life again—only this wasn’t high school Hannah. This was adult Hannah who had a kid.

  And she was worth taking on the slow ride.

  CHAPTER 7

  “And
then after the movie we all met up at our house to have cake to celebrate James’s birthday. Only his sister said we should have gone to her house because she has that big newly renovated kitchen. She said that way all the extended family could be there. Which really meant so she could show off her new shiny things to everyone and brag about her rich lawyer husband. So she was mad about it and refused to come. But his mom and his aunt showed up, and there was plenty of room, so I don’t know what Rachel’s problem was, other than she’s always been a raving bitch who wants everything to be about her.”

  Hannah finished cutting her client’s hair while simultaneously listening to her go off on her sister-in-law. But part of her job also consisted of being a good listener, and sometimes a counselor, depending on the situation. This client needed someone to listen while she vented her frustrations, which Hannah was adept at doing. She nodded, said a lot of “Oh no” and “That’s too bad” and “I’ll bet that was awful,” which seemed to satisfy her client.

  She had a short break before her next appointment. Despite the deluge of rain today, the shop was getting a steady stream of clients. It rained a lot in Florida, but that never stopped people from doing their daily tasks. Even a hard rain like today wasn’t a deterrent.

  She cleaned her station, got something to drink from the kitchen, then took a seat and went through the supply catalog and made some notes about products she needed to order. Occasionally, she’d lift her head to listen in on whatever conversation Delilah or Marguerite had going on with their clients. Josephine had her own station in the corner of the salon with a relaxing mani/pedi chair. She currently had a client sitting there with her eyes closed while Josephine did a pedicure on her, so everything seemed to be going well there. Hannah was happy with the influx of new clients since Josephine had started.

  Hannah went back to her catalog until the door opened and a tall, dark and handsome man walked in. He wore his yellow firefighter coat, he was dripping wet from the rain and he looked drop-dead gorgeous.

  All work stopped, every pair of eyes immediately turning to Kal, who smiled at Hannah. She got out of her chair as he walked over to her.

  “What are you doing here?”