Charming Hannah (Big Sky #1)(5)

“Oh, that sucks,” Grace says with a grimace. “She really liked him.”

“How do you know her?”

“She’s a teacher at the school.”

I nod. Grace teaches at the local middle school.

“Well, she handled herself very well.”

“Sounds like her. She’s smart.”

Grace gets pulled away to mingle with the other women. I recognize Cara King and her best friend Jillian King, who married brothers about three years ago. I’ve met them before, but I wouldn’t say we’re close friends.

In fact, aside from Grace, Drake, and my cousin Abby, I wouldn’t say I’m close friends with anyone.

And I’m not sure if that’s entirely normal or healthy.

“Why are you all by yourself over here?” Jenna Hull, Brad’s younger sister, asks. She’s smiling as she passes me another Coke.

“I’m really an observer,” I reply with a grateful smile. “Thanks for the refill.”

“No wine for you?” she asks as Grace joins us again.

“I don’t drink. I’m pretty much always on call, unless I’m on vacation, so it’s best if I stay sober.”

“Wow,” Jenna says with a frown. Even with the frown, she’s probably the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. With light blonde hair and bright blue eyes, she’s a dead ringer for Kristen Bell. “I guess it never occurred to me that you’re on call 24/7.”

“There are only four obstetricians in town,” I remind her. “And I know that my patients prefer to have me deliver their babies if at all possible, so I make myself available to them.”

“I’m sure they appreciate that,” Grace says with a nod. “But you should take some time for yourself, too. I’ve been nagging you about this for years.”

“I do,” I lie.

“She just lied to you,” Grace informs Jenna, who nods in agreement.

“I do,” I insist.

“Really?” Jenna asks. “What was the last thing you did just for you?”

“I agreed to have dinner with your brother tomorrow night,” I reply before I can stop myself, and take a gulp of my soda.

Damn it.

“Seriously?” Grace asks and does a little excited jig, then almost falls over. I love Grace like a sister, and one of the things I love most about her is her clumsiness.

“You don’t say,” Jenna says with a grin. “Good for you. Brad’s a nice guy, and I’m not just saying that because I’m biased.”

“You’re totally biased,” I reply with a laugh.

“True, but aside from the sister bias, I still think he’s a great person.”

“And, he’s hot,” Grace says with a nod.

“I wouldn’t say hot,” Jenna says, wrinkling her nose.

“That’s because he’s your brother,” I reply with a laugh. “And I have to side with Grace. He’s a handsome fella.”

“Where are you going for dinner?” Grace asks.

“I have no idea. We didn’t get that far. I’m assuming he’ll just pick me up and take me somewhere.”

“How fun,” Grace says. “A first date with someone new. It’s so romantic.”

“Yeah, unless I choke on something or say the wrong thing.” I shrug. “It could be a nightmare. But he’s nice. And he offered to buy me dinner, and let’s face it, a girl shouldn’t pass that up.”

“Absolutely not,” Grace says. “Free dinner with a handsome date, who just happens to be the new chief of police? That doesn’t suck at all.”

“You’ll have fun,” Jenna agrees. “Despite being a cop, my brother is pretty laid back. There’s no pressure.”

“Well, that’s good because I haven’t been on a date in—” I check my watch “about a year and a half.”

“That’s a long time,” Jenna says with wide eyes. “Don’t you miss having sex?”

“Who has time?” I ask with a laugh.

“Trust me, when it comes to sex, you make time,” Grace replies and pats my shoulder as if in sympathy. “And as hot as Brad is, the sex is going to be off the charts.”

“Ew,” Jenna says, wrinkling her nose again. “Don’t ever say those words again.”

“He’s your brother, not a eunuch,” Grace reminds her.

“I’m not having sex with him on the first date.” Probably.

“Good,” Jenna says. “Make him work for it. Too many women throw themselves at him because he is a cop and, rumor has it, hot.”

“Super hot,” Grace adds with a nod.

“I’m not throwing myself at him. Why would anyone do that?”

“Exactly,” Jenna agrees. “I mean, women need to have more self respect. Like any guy who has his shit together is going to want to be with someone who throws themselves at them.”

“Guys like a chase,” Grace adds. “It’s good that you’re not going to be slutty.”

I can’t help but cover my mouth and giggle. “I can’t believe we’re having this conversation.”

“I’m ecstatic that we’re having this conversation,” Grace says. “You deserve to do something just for you, and going on a date is a huge step for you.”