She blushed, hesitated a second or two—as if gathering her courage—then looped her arms around his neck. “Whatever the reason, I’m very happy to be here with you.”
“The reason you’re finally here with me is far from ideal, but I’m not gonna lie, I wouldn’t want you anywhere else.”
He lowered his head, and she rose to her tiptoes. Their mouths connected, and every neuron in Hawk’s body sparked to life. No woman had ever had this kind of powerful effect on him. They were like two puzzle pieces that locked together perfectly.
As much as he’d like to throw her over his shoulder and take her to his bed, Hawk reluctantly ended the kiss. He didn’t want to rush her, and right now, it was important for her to get settled in. After months of her living in a state of upheaval and uncertainty, he wanted her to feel like she was finally on solid ground.
“You are potent, Charlotte Cavanaugh.” He placed his lips against her forehead.
“I am?” She truly had no idea of her appeal.
“Yes, you are.” He put his arm over her shoulder. “Come on, let me finish showing you around, then you can get settled in.”
“It must have been wonderful, having family around when you were growing up,” she said.
“Family and community are incredibly important to our culture. Not just because it provides a solid foundation for our identity as a people, but it helps to keep our history alive.” Hawk grew up surrounded by multiple generations, and his life was all the richer for having done so.
Charlotte moved to the center of the room and tilted her head back to take in the high, wood-beamed ceilings.
“Your home really is gorgeous, Hawk.” She glanced over at him. “It’s so warm and inviting.”
Her gaze traveled around the great room area and stopped on the commanding stacked-stone fireplace dominating the far wall. Like a moth drawn to a flame, she glided across the room, deftly avoiding the furniture in her path, and stopped in front of the fireplace.
“This is absolutely stunning.” She smoothed her hand over the top of the rough-edged mantel, and Hawk practically felt her touch against his skin.
“It’s a solid piece of black walnut from a tree that fell on some property I own on the reservation.” Hawk set her suitcase at the entrance to the hallway and walked over to the fireplace. “Most of the wood was salvageable, so I was able to use it for a few things around here. What I didn’t use, I gave to my dad and one of his neighbors.”
“I love how you left this edge unfinished.” She ran her fingertips along the knobby bark.
“I made those from the same tree.” He pointed to the coffee table and end tables. “Incorporating pieces that I’ve built with my own hands and surrounding myself with family artifacts helps keep me grounded in what really matters—my people, family, friends, and the land.”
“That’s so great.” Charlotte wrapped her arms around his waist and smiled up at him. “You do beautiful work.”
He was pleased she was becoming comfortable enough to initiate physical contact with him.
“I do okay.” He circled his arms around her waist, lowered his head, and kissed her.
She moved closer, melted into him, and matched his tongue stroke for stroke. As he tightened his hold on her, their hearts beat in tandem, and Hawk was overcome by a powerful sense of connection that went far beyond the physical. He was stunned when a life with her flashed before his eyes—making a home together, children, grandchildren. He could practically hear the laughter of their children playing outside.
He dipped his tongue into her mouth for another taste, nibbled across her lips, then slowly and, with great reluctance, drew his mouth from hers.
“Hawk.” She set her forehead against his chest and whispered, “When you kiss me like that, my entire body goes haywire and I want things I’m not sure I can have.”
“If what you want is to be with me, then you have that.” He cupped the sides of her head and lifted her chin to him. “You haveme, Charlotte.”
“Thatiswhat I want,” she said. “So much.”
She set her cheek against his chest, and they held each other close. After a few moments of enjoying just holding each other, she propped her chin on his chest and smiled up at him.
“Before I put my things away, I’d love to hear about these other fascinating pieces you have.” She added, “Then, if you’re still interested, I’d like to tell you about my mom.”
“Are you sure you want to talk about it?” Hawk was honored she was willing to trust him with something that was obviously painful for her.
“I’m very sure.” She placed a kiss on the center of his chest, then turned to face the glass-front cabinet he’d built. “Tell me about this beautiful piece.” She looked over her shoulder at him. “Did you build this one, too?”
“I did.” And it had been a bitch getting it just the way he wanted it. “I wanted a place to display some other artifacts that have been in my family for generations.”
He pointed out the small beaded pouch with a strip of leather for a strap; a pair of small moccasins missing some beads, the bottoms dark and worn smooth from years of wear; a necklace made with wooden beads strung together with the talons of a golden eagle, along with a few other cherished pieces.
