“Damn right,” she said.
“So, how are things going at work, Mom?” Charlotte desperately wanted to change the subject before her mom became much more upset.
Donna took the hint and talked about a contract they’d just signed for a new, cutting-edge commercial project. She gushed about how her boss was such a talented architect and how he was the perfect man to oversee the massive project.
Yeah, she definitely had a thing for her boss. Now to figure out a way to convince her mom that her boss had a thing for her, too.
Calliope talked about her dad’s recovery and how well it was going. She joked about Lucas pouting and saying he couldn’t sleep without her next to him anymore.
“He shouldn’t have to suffer like that,” Donna said. “You get in touch with him and invite him to come stay at my place. I have plenty of room for both of you.”
“Seriously? Are you sure? I don’t want to inconvenience you.”
“Of course, I’m sure. The more the merrier.” She picked Calliope’s phone up from where it sat on the table and held it out to her. “Go ahead, text him.”
Calliope tapped a message on the screen and got an immediate response. “Okay, he’s going to join us. Thanks, Donna. Lucas will now be able to sleep soundly.”
Charlotte got the sense Calliope would sleep a little better, too, knowing the man she loved was next to her, but doubted she’d ever admit that to anyone.
What must that be like—being so connected to someone that their temporary absence affects you so deeply? She automatically turned to Hawk, and he winked.
What did that mean? Was he feeling the energy buzzing between them, or was it wishful thinking on her part?
“All righty, here ya go.” Brenda arrived at their table, trailed by a tall, older man with plates in each hand. “This is my husband, Roger.”
“Welcome.” He nodded.
“Good to see you again, sir,” Hawk said.
“You, too, son.” Roger, apparently a man of few words, set the food where his wife told him to, then returned to the kitchen.
“Aaand your hot sauce.” Brenda fished a small jar from her pocket and handed it to him.
“You always remember,” he said.
“Of course.” She patted his shoulder. “Ketchup and mustard are on the table, but I guarantee you won’t need ’em.” Brenda glanced over her shoulder toward the sound of the tinkling bells, then back to them. “Just let me know if I can get y’all anything else.”
Brenda left them to greet a young family that had just entered he restaurant. She hugged each of them, picked up the youngest child for a cuddle, and escorted them to a table in the corner.
“She’s wonderful.” Charlotte tugged a few napkins from the dispenser and handed them out.
“Yeah, she and Roger are good people.” Hawk accepted the napkin and draped it over one leg. “She’s a lot like my mom.”
Charlotte hoped to hear more about Hawk’s family, his childhood, where he grew up, all of it. She wanted to know what shaped him into the incredible man he was today.
The wonderful aroma of the herbs and spices used in the meat loaf floated up from her plate. She took a bite, then closed her eyes and moaned when the rich flavors hit her tongue.
Hawk turned to her, and it was like she was prey caught in the watchful gaze of a predator—but in the best possible way.
Charlotte looked forward to spending time with him and exploring whatever these feelings were between them. What a nice diversion that would be from all of the craziness she’d been swept up in.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Hawkwasgladthey’ddecided to meet at the diner. Everyone enjoyed the food, and once they’d covered the ramifications of Charlotte’s discovery, the conversation turned to much lighter topics.
Hawk enjoyed observing the dynamics between Charlotte and her mom. Upon meeting Donna, he’d been surprised by how young she looked. She and her daughter had similar builds—though her mom was slightly taller—and their hair color and haircuts were almost the same. Their laughter was identical, as was the way they gave their full attention to a person when they were talking.
As friendly as Donna was, he’d noticed that whenever the topic shifted to her, she had an uncanny ability to deflect it back to someone else. And there was something behind her eyes—a sort of cautious alertness. Perhaps it had something to do with the absentee father.
