Shadow of Time (a YA Paranormal Romance novel)

Chapter 4

"We’re back!" Ben’s voice boomed like a foghorn when he entered the kitchen just as Hannah emerged from the shower. She’d spent the rest of the afternoon sunbathing on the beach and had just rinsed the sunscreen from her skin.

“Stay back, I’m naked!” Hannah shouted back through the door. She heard Ben and Josh chuckle. “I won’t be long.”

She got into a black summer dress and quickly ran a comb through her wet hair, deciding to put on some mascara and eyeliner as well. A little make-up never killed anyone.

“What’s for dinner tonight?” she asked casually, stepping into the kitchen. Josh – thank God he was at least wearing a sleeveless white shirt now –  had his back turned to her. Ben was rummaging through the fridge.

“No idea,” he mumbled.

“That sounds promising,” she deadpanned.

Josh let out a chuckle, turning around to face her. “Well, at least we still have those pancakes.”

“Did you invite Emily?” Ben asked.

“Yes, she’ll be here around seven, once she gets off work. She said she’d bring dessert.”

“Great. That’s one thing less to worry about, then.” Ben closed the fridge. “I’ll take the car and drive to the store.” He got the keys from the kitchen table and stomped off toward the door.

“Wait up,” Hannah mumbled, following Ben without thinking. Maybe she should come with him. The thought of staying behind with only Josh for company made her a little bit nervous.

“Do you need anything?” Ben gave her a puzzled look.

She hesitated, suddenly feeling like an idiot because she was practically running out of the log cabin. “Yeah, buy me some oranges. See you soon.”

Grudgingly, she walked back in. “Do you want anything to drink?” she asked Josh.

“Sure. Some mineral water, if you have it.”

Hannah sat down at the table and poured them some water. She met his gaze and saw Josh eyeing her with a half-smile. “What are you humming?” he asked softly.

Hannah felt her cheeks go warm. “I was humming?”

He chuckled. “Yeah, you were humming something. Didn’t you notice?”

“No. Probably a subconscious thing. I’m working on a song.”

“You should play something tonight. You brought your guitar, right?”

She shook her head. “I haven’t finished that song,” she said shyly, suddenly remembering Emily praising his guitar talents. She probably couldn’t hold a candle to him.

“No worries. Let me know when you’re done.”

Hannah nodded, shifting on her chair. The awkward silences. His intense stare. Why couldn’t she have a normal conversation with Josh anymore?

“So what have you guys been up to today?” she quickly asked.

“Oh, we drove to Antelope Point Marina. We tried out Ben’s new fishing rods, but we didn’t catch anything. Too crowded. Too many people, too few fish.”

“So Ben bought new rods? Well, I hope you’ll catch more on Friday. If not, it’s going to be an embarrassing party. We invited three more people for the barbecue.”

“I’m sure they’ll take the bait here at St. Mary’s Port.”

“Hungry fish.” Hannah got up. “Speaking of which… I’m hungry myself. How about some olives and crackers before we start cooking?”