Page 11 of Under the Radar

I chuckled. “Like buying a house so I can live with Hannah, yes.”

“I don’t want to see you get hurt if all she is looking for is a place to live and a friend, Chase.”

“I’m a big boy, Charly. I can look after myself. I’m not going to rush this or do anything stupid. I’ll see what happens.” I winked at her. “But I have a better chance if she’s living with me than not. I’ll see her every day. I’ll charm her.”

Charly snorted again. “Then make sure to pick up after yourself and keep your room clean. And for God’s sake, get a cleaning lady so your bathroom isn’t disgusting.”

I began to laugh. “Good advice.”

She stood and pressed a kiss to my head. “Good luck, Chase. I’m afraid it’s going to be complicated, but for your sake, I hope it works.”

I smiled as she left, sauntering over to Maxx and saying something to him. He laughed and cupped her head, kissing her, then swatted her butt. I had a feeling he was telling her to mind her own business, not that she would listen to him. He watched her leave, his expression saying it all. He adored his wife and everything about her. Stefano looked at Gabby the same way. So did Brett. His eyes spoke volumes when he glanced at Kelly.

I wanted that. I wanted what my friends had found. Their home. Their place. Their entire world revolved around a woman they loved fiercely.

I didn’t know yet if Hannah was that woman for me, but I certainly wanted to find out.

* * *

On the way home, I stopped by the lawyer’s office and signed some papers. Everything was going to happen quickly since it was a cash sale, no real estate agents were involved, and I already lived there. Mr. Hyde would get his money immediately, and the ownership would transfer to me. I picked up a pizza at the local shop and headed to the house.

I was pleased to see Hannah’s car parked in the driveway. I took the pizza and headed inside, smelling the paint fumes as I opened the door. Loud music was playing, and I put the pizza in the kitchen then followed the thumping beat.

I found Hannah in her room, the floors covered, the trim taped off, and a fresh coat of paint on the walls. I leaned on the doorframe, watching her for a moment, silently enjoying the show. She wore a loose T-shirt and leggings, both paint-splashed and obviously well used. The shirt fell from one shoulder, exposing the creamy skin. Her hair was up in a ponytail, swinging as she moved. She was singing as she painted, her roller covering the last of the dull beige that had been there before. She had a pretty voice, which made me smile. I smiled even wider as she shimmied her hips in time to the beat. It was eighties music, which she obviously liked since she knew every word. She was sexy and cute all at the same time.

I lifted my hand and rapped on the wall. She spun around, and I began to laugh. She had a streak of paint on one cheek. She grabbed her phone and stopped the music, and I waved. “Hard at work already.” I touched my cheek. “You’re wearing some of it.”

She chuckled. “I had a little fight with the lid, and it got me.”

“Looks good. Ah, gray? Green?”

“Sort of a blend. Mossy Gray, it’s called.”

“I like it.”

“Me too.”

“Can you take a break and have some pizza?”

“Oh God, I love pizza.”

“Then come and join me.”

“I’ll just finish this wall, and I’m done for the day.”

“Okay.”

She joined me in the kitchen a few moments later, her face washed. I noticed her feet were bare, the toenails painted a deep red. She sat down and picked up a slice of pizza.

“There are hot peppers on it,” I advised. “I should have only gotten them on half, but I forgot. Feel free to pick them off.”

“That’s fine. I love hot peppers.” She took a bite. “Oh, this is awesome.”

I was pretty sure I fell in love right there. She ate her pizza with gusto, sipping a beer with me. There was no pretense about her. She even burped once—a delicate sound, unlike when Brett or I would belch. She covered her mouth, coloring a little. “Excuse me.”

I chuckled. “Pretty lame.”

“I’m easing you in. I don’t want you to kick me out before I’ve even moved in.”