Never Let Me Go (Welcome To Redemption) (11 page)

Mike approached the table with a somewhat sheepish grin. “Thanks, but I didn’t mean to interrupt. I was on my way home and figured I’d drop these papers off since I had the time.” He raised a manila envelope and tossed it to Chase. “Nothing urgent, they just need your John Hancock.” He paused before adding, “Mom took Maddie down to Milwaukee for a couple nights to visit with Aunt Carol, so I’m on my own.”

“Then I bet you’re eager to get home and enjoy the privacy while you—”

“I’m making spaghetti and meatballs tonight for supper, and there’s plenty for three,” Hannah assured him as she clutched the album in the crook of her arm and rose to her feet. “Not as good as Nino’s, but I’ve got fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano and half a chocolate cream pie from the diner.”

Mike bounced a glance between them, finally settling on Hannah. He smiled, appearing quite pleased by the invite. Maybe a little too pleased. “Thanks, I’d love to join you…if you’re sure I’m not intruding. And I’m sure Nino’s has nothing on you if the way Chase goes on about your cooking is any indication.”

Tickled to know Chase had been bragging about her cooking, Hannah could barely contain her own smile.

Careful not to glance in his direction, she stepped past him into the hallway and attempted to grasp the closet door knob with the hand holding the glass. “I’m flattered, Chase, thank you.”

Mike gallantly rushed forward and opened the door for her.

Hannah caught Chase’s glower from the corner of her eye, and her elation soared as he leveled a look of irritation on his partner.
Jealousy?
Now
that
Hannah could work with.

She put her parents’ wedding album back in the closet, and pulled out two more wine glasses from the cabinet. Chase left the room, and Hannah had to wonder if he’d been that displeased over her invitation to Mike. Well, too bad. It was her house, and she could invite anyone she damn well pleased to supper.

She filled both glasses and topped off her own. “I’ll have supper on the table in about thirty minutes.”

“Can I help?”

“Thanks, but there’s really not much to do other than cook the pasta and heat up my sauce. Why don’t you have a seat and keep me company?”

Chapter Nine

Chase fumed in silence as he watched Hannah and Mike overtly flirt with each other during dinner. He knew Hannah was simply making a point, and maybe punishing him a little for the other night. But if he didn’t know any better, he’d swear Mike seemed truly interested in her. Hadn’t he mentioned asking her out the other night? Chase had assumed he’d just been busting his balls, trying to force him into an admission of his true feelings. But, hell, maybe the guy really was interested in her. Surprising since he’d been pining for Bernie for years. Though how much rejection could one man take before he gave up and moved on?

Not that it mattered. Chase had come to a very important realization earlier as he’d gazed into the same blue eyes that had kept him up in a state of sexual frustration more nights than he could count—Hannah belonged to him. He’d been fighting his inner demons forever, convincing himself that they couldn’t be together for one reason or another:
I’m too old for her, she’s too young for a serious relationship, Drew wouldn’t approve.
All bullshit excuses to cover the truth—he was too big a coward to admit his true feelings. He loved her.

Well, those days were over—Chase was more than ready to stake his claim. And his patience was wearing thin watching her flirt her little heart out with his partner. Hannah knew exactly where to stick the knife, and Mike, the shit, was more than happy to oblige her. But the infuriating woman was officially off the market, and if he had to beat that notion into Mike’s head, so be it.

Hannah forked up a bit of meatball and held it to her lips as she nibbled and licked at it. Chase grew hard just watching her, and he was fairly certain the performance was strictly for his benefit. But a quick glance at Mike, who stared in rapt fascination, proved his friend wasn’t any more immune to Hannah’s charms than he was. Chase had to literally clutch the edge of the table in order to keep from decking the guy then and there.

Hannah finally put Chase out of his misery and popped the rest of the meatball in her mouth. After washing it down with a sip of wine, she flashed that killer smile again at Mike. The clueless woman had no idea how close she was playing near the fire.

“So, how’s that adorable little girl of yours? I haven’t seen her in a while.”

Mike wiped his mouth before replying, “Maddie’s great. Getting so big I can hardly believe it. She starts school this fall.”

“Wow, she’s growing fast. Seems like just yesterday you brought that little cutie home to Redemption. Bet your mom is going to miss her like crazy once school starts.”

“Yeah, though she has plans for her grooming business, so she’ll have plenty to keep her busy.”

“A storefront?”

“Yep. But even more than that, a full on pet store. She plans to sell pet supplies, fish, kittens, puppies. I’m not sure if Redemption is in need of its own pet store with PetSmart just half an hour away in Green Bay, but she’s so excited about it, I don’t want to say anything to discourage her. I’ll just support her and hope the hell I’m wrong.”

Hannah kicked her smile up a notch. “You’re a great guy, Officer Donovan.”

“And I’ll make some lucky woman very happy one day?” he asked with a teasing lilt.

Hannah laughed. “Oh yeah. Very happy.”

“Hey, didn’t you mention chocolate cream pie?” Chase interrupted, on the verge of a cavity. No wonder Bernie wouldn’t give the guy the time of day if that was an example of the lame-ass lines he tossed at her. Chase knew his uncharitable thoughts were fueled by jealousy, but too damn bad. If Mike didn’t get the hell out soon, Chase might find himself behind bars for striking an officer.

Hannah cast him an odd look. “I did. As soon as I clear the table, I’ll cut us each a slice.”

“Here, let me help,” Mike offered as he shot from his chair.

Chase also stood to help, but Hannah waved them both back down. “I’ve got it. Believe me, between my dad and Drew, I’ve had plenty of practice feeding and cleaning up after two grown men.”

Hannah gathered the plates and set them in the sink, then pulled the pie box from the fridge and set it on the table. After setting out dessert plates, forks, and a knife, she muttered “Crap, I forgot,” and shot a look up at the clock.

“What is it?” Chase asked.

“I was supposed to call my dad. I’m going to run upstairs for some privacy. Would one of you mind cutting the pie? I won’t be long.”

“I’ve got it,” Chase assured her. “Go make your call.”

Hannah smiled her thanks and hurried up the stairs. As soon as she disappeared, Chase leaned forward and spoke in a low tone. “Listen, as soon as you finish choking down your pie, you’re hitting the road, got it?”

Mike’s slow grin grated on Chase’s nerves. “Hell, man, it’s only five-thirty. I was going to suggest we watch a movie. And maybe you’re the one who should get lost. I’m pretty sure Hannah’s into me.”

“Didn’t I warn you about pissing me off?”

His partner’s smile never wavered. “You want her, admit it. Or I’m going to ask her out as soon as she gets back. My cousin’s getting married next week and I—”

“All right, you asshole,” Chase admitted in a low growl. “Want me to say it? Hannah is
mine
. If you even think about making a move, you’ll leave here on a stretcher.”

“Holy balls, it’s worse than I thought,” Mike whispered, clearly enjoying himself. “And it would almost be worth it to see the most level-headed man in Redemption lose his temper over a female.”

“Don’t push me, Donovan.”

“Fine,” Mike conceded with a grin. “I’m done giving you shit. But I fully expect you to quit screwing around and make your move. A beautiful woman like that won’t be single for long.”

Mike had just crammed the last bite of pie in his mouth when Hannah came down from her room. “Crap, don’t tell me you guys are already done with your pie? I didn’t think I was on the phone that long.”

“You weren’t,” Mike assured her. “I just need to get home. I promised Maddie I’d give her a call around supper time.”

Hannah’s face blossomed with genuine pleasure, and Chase wished those warm feelings were directed at him. “Such a good daddy. Please tell Maddie and your mom I said ‘hello.’”

“I will.” Mike rose to his feet and polished off the last dregs of wine in his glass before adding, “Thanks for inviting me to supper. Everything was delicious. Sheriff, I’ll see you in the morning.”

Chase walked with Mike to the door and reminded in a low tone, “Those DNA results should be in early tomorrow. If they come in before I make it to the station, give me a call.”

“Planning to stay up late?” Mike teased.

Chase grabbed the door, shoved Mike out, and pushed it closed. “See you in the morning,” he said, loud enough for Hannah to hear.

Mike chuckled and was on his way. Chase shut the door with a shake of his head. Why the hell couldn’t people just mind their own business?

Hannah eyed him with curiosity as he walked back into the kitchen. “So, what was that all about?”

“What was
what
all about?”

She propped her hands on her hips and leveled him with one of her special ‘Don’t even try it’ looks. “All that whispering. You guys must think I’m deaf.”

“Relax, it was about some DNA results we’re expecting.”

“Oh.” She turned back to the sink and resumed washing the dishes. Odd considering there was a dishwasher.

Chase strode over and leaned back against the counter beside her. “How’s your dad doing?”

“He’s okay. Better than I’d expected.”

“That’s good…right?”

She shot him a sidelong glance. “Of course. Why would you even ask?”

Chase shrugged. “You just sounded a little less than enthused. Wanna talk about it?”

“Nothing to talk about. I just told you he’s fine.”

Chase tried to suppress a grin, but it was impossible. “Okay, okay, got it. I just…care about you.”

She cast him another enigmatic glance. “As a friend. I remember.”

“Hannah—”

“No, don’t say it. I had no right to put you on the spot like that. It’s just been…a long day. Think I’ll crawl into bed early for a change and—”

He grasped her warm, wet hand and reached over to shut the faucet off. “Look, I freaked out the other night. Drew called and started talking about how much he trusts me to look after you, when just minutes before I’d been on the verge of carrying you upstairs.”

Hannah stared at him, no doubt trying to determine if he was telling her the truth or playing games.

He decided to take advantage of her momentary silence and pulled her into his arms. When she didn’t protest, he kissed her, a soft, slow kiss to let her know he meant what he’d said, and that he wanted her very much.

When he pulled back to gaze down, Hannah appeared stunned. But anger quickly boiled to the surface, shocking the hell out of him.

“You low life son of a bitch!” She tore free of his embrace and turned on him like a wildcat. “You think because now you have an itch to scratch you can use me? That I’m some convenient piece of ass?”

“Of course not! How could you even say something so stupid?”

“Oh, so now I’m stupid?”

“You’re infuriating is what you are!” Great, now she had him screaming like a lunatic.

Tears sprang to her eyes, and Chase immediately regretted his harsh tone. Christ, he’d only wanted to tell her how he felt, ask if she’d forgive him for the other night and agree to give them a chance.

“Dimples, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“Please, don’t apologize again. My pride can’t take anymore.” With that, she swept past him and disappeared up the stairs.

Chase propped his hands on his hips and hung his head. He’d really screwed that up, hadn’t he? After all these years, he’d finally had a shot at the only woman he’d ever truly cared about, and he blew it—not once, but twice.

* * *

Chase had hoped to apologize over breakfast the following morning before Hannah left for the diner, but as he came down the stairs, he heard her car backing out of the driveway. Guess he’d have to wait ‘til evening to spill his heart and beg her forgiveness.

As soon as he walked into the station, Mike strode up and announced, “The results are in. You’re not going to like it.”

Chase gestured for Mike to follow him into his office. “Let me guess…Jimmy?” He shut the door as Mike slapped the report on his desk.

“Not Jimmy. But he has a rap sheet just as long and colorful.”

Chase eyed Mike, growing more uncomfortable by the second. He picked up the report and scanned it, his gut clenching as he read the name of one of the bastards who had attacked Lindy. “Dillon Zelinsky. Fuck.”

“My thoughts exactly. I always knew that dude was a scumbag, but attempted rape?”

Chase met Mike’s gaze. “Shar is Hannah’s best friend. She hangs out there all the time.”