“I want to date you.”
Jessie sighed. “I’m so sorry, but I don’t think I feel up to that. By the time the days are done, I’m exhausted. I just want to take my clothes off and crawl into bed.”
He nodded, his hand still firmly on her belly. “I know. But hear me out. I was thinking just more moments like this. Diner dates. I can stop in on your breaks, too, or walk you back from Lachlan’s shop when it gets warmer out? Maybethere are some nights you could stay over at my place so I can take care of you, if you feel comfortable with that. Because you, clothes off and in my bed, sounds like the perfect date.”
Her hand pressed over his and she nodded, a smile budding on her rose-petal lips. “I think I’d really like that. Maybe Thursday… after my appointment? I already told Mom I need that day off. I’m supposed to rest after.”
He was just about to answer when bright lights flashed across the diner. A car pulled in, their high beams staying on, illuminating the booth that Jessie and Hawk were sitting in.
What the hell?
Hawk got to his feet, crossing his arms as he tried to see past the light. Just as he moved towards the door to see what was going on, the car reversed out of the parking spot and took off down Ford Avenue.
“That was so weird. Did you see who it was?” Jessie asked as he made his way back to the table.
“Couldn’t see anything past their lights. Maybe it was just someone who needed to do a u-turn but was checking their directions or something?”
“Yeah, probably,” Jessie yawned, her hand coming up to rub at her eyes before landing back on her belly.
“What do you say I finish up here and we get you out to the ranch? You’re looking like a light breeze could tip you over.”
She nodded. “Bed does sound really nice right now.”
“Good girl. It’ll only take me a couple more minutes to finish up here. Put your feet up and close your eyes if you want to.” Hawk leaned over, pressing a kiss to Jessie’s cheek before lowering his face to her midsection. “Don’t worry, baby. Operation ‘Woo Your Mama’ has officially commenced.”
Eight
Increased risk of miscarriage following removal.
Rest for several days.
Bleeding.
Cramping.
“Fuck.”
Hawk turned his phone off and set it down on the counter, shaking his head back and forth. Jessie’s doctor had recommended removing her IUD. He had to believe that was for the best. She was going to be okay. God, he really should have been there with her. Then he could have driven her back, tucked her into his bed, and let her rest.
“Phoenix, you good?” Gage asked as he stepped into the kitchen, eyes bouncing between Hawk and the oven. “Are you cooking something?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh… okay. So, you’re good? This is like the fifth time I’ve seen you storm down the hall to come pace in here in like the last hour.”
“I’m fine.” Hawk scrubbed his hand over his face. “Cap just sent over a ton of paperwork I need to sort through forthose D.C. investors, and I’m not sure three months is going to be enough to go through it all and get it pulled together.”
Gage nodded, reaching into the cupboard that was stocked with snacks. “I’m happy to jump on it with you if you want. I know you and Cap are traveling there for the presentation, but I can help with whatever presentation build out stuff you might need.”
“I just might take you up on that, Track. My head’s just not in it right now.”
“Hey, Jessie! Are you looking for Hawk?”Mae’s voice filtered through from her desk.
Gage’s eyebrows shot up. “Have anything to do with the woman standing out there talking to your sister?”
A little of the tension in his shoulders broke free. She was there. She was okay. “Yeah, of course it does.”
He patted Gage’s shoulder as set his coffee mug into the sink, air reaching his lungs for what felt like the first time since he’d pulled up the articles on his phone.
