Hans (Alliance #4)

CHAPTER44

Hans

Why’dyou start your blog right after moving in across the street from me?

“You,” Cassandra says casually, but the answer slams into my chest.

CHAPTER45

Cassie

I bitethe edge of my lip, not believing I just admitted that.

“Me?”

Hans looks so surprised, it’s worth the bit of ego I have to shed sharing this next part. “Yeah, so, I always wanted to—start the blog—but I didn’t want to waste the stuff I made. And it’s not like I can just make a single cookie. Recipes are bigger than that. And I need extra to make sure I have a good one for photos. Ya know?”

Hans nods slowly.

“Well…” I sigh. “I was embarrassed about not being good, and I couldn’t bring myself to ask any of my previous neighbors if they’d want anything. And for the last, I dunno, several years, I’ve worked from home, so I didn’t have an office or something to bring them to.”

“You didn’t have someone to share with,” Hans says, putting it together.

I nod, even though his eyes are on the road. “I did my first posting the weekend after we met. I thought, maybe, a guy who lived alone wouldn’t mind some extra food now and again.” I bite my lip. “I don’t know if you remember?—”

CHAPTER46

Hans

Banana scones.

“I made banana scones.”

She says it like I haven’t memorized the entire history of her blog.

Like I haven’t read through the entire thing, top to bottom, countless times.

Like I don’t open her blog every time I have trouble sleeping.

Like I could have possibly forgotten.

I incline my head. “I remember.”

CHAPTER47

Cassie

“You do?”I try to tamp down my excitement. “I mean, I guess you would. The first time the stranger from across the street leaves a container of food on your front step is probably memorable.”

“They were good.”

I wiggle my fingers under Hans’s hand. “Can I ask you something?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Will you tell me the truth?”

Hans slides me a look. “Maybe.”