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“Speaking of, I get that you don’t want to participate in the calendar, but are you sure about the sparring match?”
“Yes, just tell me when. I’m not passing up any opportunity to punch Maguire in the face,” Parker said with a smirk.
“Okay, thanks for helping me with this today.”
“I always have your back, sis. Just don’t put me in any glittery boxing shorts. That is where I draw the line.”
“Deal, but how do you feel about green?”
Hannah was grateful her brother was supportive of her goals to expand the community center. Although he was more stoic, she knew the center had been a savior for them both, and there were always kids who could benefit from it today.
Parker gave her a big hug before he left for his shift at the firehouse.
*
An hour later,she had unpacked all the supplies but needed to restock a few things. Sunlight cascaded into the large windows along the art room where faux stained glass made out of paper mache sent colors onto the old wood floors as she planned out the next two art projects. She loved showing the kids new techniques and providing art appreciation in a fun way. The kids liked getting their hands dirty with clay or paint, and glitter was always in high demand.
“Did I ever tell you how much I like those pants?”
At the sound of Conner’s voice, she dropped all the paintbrushes she’d been organizing to the ground. It was only eight a.m., and she wasn’t expecting him. The kids who needed a place to stay before school were in the space dubbed the library, where books, bean bag chairs, soft music, and healthy snacks were always provided. This was the best time for her to organize and resupply before her shift started. His sexy, clean scent was now competing with the smells of crayons, paint, and chalk.
“I sure hope you brought coffee if you’re going to interrupt the most sacred part of my day,” she said, turning to find him holding up a coffee carrier with a big, proud grin on his face.
“You know most women want to be wooed with flowers or maybe a box of chocolates, but you demand coffee?”
“I never said I didn’t like those things, and you’re not wooing me.”
“Says you.”
He set the coffee carrier on the table between them and kept a safe distance, which she appreciated. It was too early for her to start blushing over his nearness.
“Can I help you?” he said, gesturing to the supplies she’d brought in from the truck already. “Or take you for breakfast before work?”
Avoiding eye contact, she concentrated on picking up all the brushes and putting them in tin cans easily accessible for the kids. They’d just seen each other the day before, and they could discuss things via text so she didn’t expect to see him again until the weekend. She needed the time to work on not feeling so overwhelmed in his presence.
Conner’s tall, muscular form took over any space, even the large art room with high arched ceilings. She could feel his eyes on her, and it was unnerving, but breakfast sounded good. She hadn’t taken the time to eat anything that morning yet. But agreeing to have a meal with him seemed like a slippery slope to betrayal. Her brother had made it clear that he didn’t want anything to do with Conner. He was willing to spar with him but also expected Hannah to avoid him as much as possible.
“I need to refill these paints and sort a few more of the supplies.” She started to open up the large gallon of yellow paint to replenish smaller pump style bottles the kids worked with when Conner’s hip gently pushed her aside.
“Drink your coffee. I can manage this part.”
He took off the top of the large container of paint before slowly pouring it into the four smaller containers she had lined up.
“Like this?” he asked, focusing on the task.
“Yep, you’re a quick study.” She sipped the hot latte and enjoyed the flavor of honey and almond mixed with strong coffee. “This isn’t my usual order,” she teased.
“I decided to let you try my favorite coffee this time.”
“What if I’m allergic to almonds?”
His head popped up, and she couldn’t help laughing at the panic she saw. “I’m not. It’s okay.”
“Damn, I’m sorry I didn’t think to ask.”
“I get at least one call a week for an allergy. I could EpiPen anyone in under ten seconds at this point.” She waved for him to get back to pouring paint.
“Well, you bring up a good point: we should know a few things about each other since we’re going to be working together. I’m only allergic to cats, which is fine because I’m more of a dog person. My favorite food is soup, and my favorite color is red.”
