“I’ve known women like that,” Hannah offered, keeping one eye on a fuming Cooper as she made every effort to engage in the conversation. “There was this woman in my old office who would get drunk at every office party and rub herself over all the single men.
“Actually, now that I think back, it didn’t matter if the men were single,” she continued. “She went after Michael, too. He, of course, reciprocated. He blamed her when he cheated on me, and I believed him because I was an idiot who was desperate for love, but you can’t make someone do something they’re not predisposed to do.”
“Are you actually standing up for this woman?” Boone asked, legitimately curious. That didn’t seem like something she would do.
“Absolutely not.” Hannah vehemently shook her head. “She’s clearly trouble. I think Astra knows that, too, which is probably the most important thing. There will be a fight between the two of them before it’s all said and done. The woman at my office was a total trollop, don’t get me wrong, but Michael was as much to blame as she was.
“Actually, he was more to blame because we were supposed to be engaged and planning a life together,” she said, pursing her lips at the memory. “I hated her at the time but that’s only because I was afraid to hate him. If I held him responsible for what he’d done, then I would’ve had to admit there was something wrong with me ... and I wasn’t ready to do that.”
Cooper stirred. “There’s nothing wrong with you. Don’t say stuff like that.”
Boone smirked. “Hannah is perfect,” he agreed. “We all know that.”
“I’m pretty far from perfect,” Hannah countered. “I was an absolute idiot where Michael was concerned. It took me forever to get it together. That’s not important today, though. I don’t like thinking about him.”
“We can agree on that,” Cooper muttered.
“I was just saying that I know the type of woman that Boone is referring to,” Hannah reassured him with a warm smile. “I’m not dwelling on anything. I’m much happier now.”
Boone bumped his shoulder against Cooper. “I think she’s saying she’s happier with you.”
Hannah laughed at the man’s not-so-subtle attempt at lightening Cooper’s mood. “I’m definitely happy. I only brought up the Stormy situation because I think it’s something to watch. Honestly, that was only a passing comment during my conversation with Astra. The other thing she said was much more interesting.”
“And what was that?” Cooper asked, annoyance bubbling up because his interest was officially piqued.
“She said we’re in the middle of a magical nexus. Now, I don’t know what that means, but I don’t think it sounds good. She said she was happy about it because I would die and if I truly cared about you I would send you away to save you. Do you think that’s true?” The words poured out of Hannah’s mouth as nerves overtook her.
Cooper’s expression turned incredulous. “How many times have I told you not to listen to her?” He hopped up from his seat and moved to the other side of the table so he could sit next to Hannah. “You’re not sending me away, so push that thought out of your head right this second.”
“Uh-huh.” Hannah bobbed her head and smiled, but she was antsy. “Part of me wondered if she was right. I don’t want anything to happen to you. The other part, though, figured she was playing me and I should tell you. I knew I would want to know if our positions were reversed. I mean ... if you’re worried, you should definitely run away, though. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Hey.” Cooper’s fingers were gentle as they brushed Hannah’s hair away from her face. “I’m not going anywhere no matter what.”
“But ... there’s danger.”
“Danger is my middle name.” He grinned, all traces of annoyance gone. “I’m sorry she said that to you. It doesn’t matter, though. We’re in this together.”
“Even though we have no idea what this is?”
“Yup.” He bobbed his head. “We’re a unit.”
“That goes for all of us,” Tyler insisted. “I don’t trust anything Astra says anyway, although I am curious what a magical nexus is.”
“She said there were multiple lines of magic crisscrossing us right now,” Hannah explained. “She also said that Abigail probably had books on it upstairs.” Her eyes drifted to the saloon. “Maybe I should start reading up.”
“I think research is a good thing,” Cooper encouraged. “No matter what is going through your head right now, though, there is no getting rid of me. Don’t even think about trying. That’s going to make me really angry.”
“Like the Hulk?” Hannah was going for levity and the question had the desired effect because Cooper grinned.
“Exactly like the Hulk. I rip through my clothes and everything.” He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss. “Why don’t you go up and start the research? I’ll be up in a few minutes to help. I want to check on Jacob — he’s still wandering around — and then I’ll be there.”
“Okay.” Hannah looked uncertain. “You’re not mad, right?”
“No. I was a little worried, but you’re an adult and allowed to do what you want ... even if it drives me more than a little bit crazy.”
The words made Hannah crack a legitimate smile. “I like you crazy. It’s okay. I get crazy, too.”
“I’ve noticed.” He gave her another kiss and watched as she walked to the saloon, waiting until he was certain she was out of earshot to viciously swear under his breath and make his true feelings known. “I’m going to kill Astra, that treacherous viper.”
Boone cocked an eyebrow. “Tell us how you really feel.”
“That is how I really feel.” Cooper was furious. “How could she
