“Yeah. I don’t know why I didn’t come out here. I guess Iwas nervous and the idea of having you in front of me, being supportive, was already making me emotional.”
He pressed his lips to her temple. “I get it. How did it go?”
“As well as it could have. He didn’t say much, just asked if I could go out to the ranch to see him this afternoon.”
Shit. Hawk was hanging out with Nash later. “I’ll tell Nash I need to reschedule.”
“You absolutely will not,” she laughed. “I’m perfectly capable of driving myself out to the ranch.”
“Jessie…”
She patted his chest. “What was the point of having Lach do all that work on Joey if you’re never going to let me drive her anywhere?”
“It was a temporary fix so we could sell it. I don’t want you driving that car. I want you in my truck. Or we can get you something safer. An SUV. A tank. Maybe one of those limos they drive the president around in…”
“Stop.” This time her finger poked into his pec. “I’ve been driving Joey for years. And she hasn’t failed me yet.”
“I really hate that car,” Hawk grumbled. He was getting her an SUV. There were three tabs open on his laptop and one had already caught his eye. But he also knew she would put up a fight accepting it, so he needed to get creative. “And I am glad it’s kept you safe. But you’re forgetting that we still don’t know anything about the?—”
“About the car from the hospital. I know. I haven’t forgotten. But it’s been a while, and nothing else has happened. Even Colt is starting to think it was just an accident. I think we can just say it was all just a coincidence, don’t you?”
No. No he didn’t. But Hawk just nodded, hoping like hell he wasn’t about to regret letting Jessie go out to the ranch by herself.
Why had Lacy suggested this horrible book to her? She was a sobbing mess and she needed to pull herself together before leaving to meet with her dad.
Yeah, that was probably why she was feeling extra emotional, but she was still going to kick Lacy’s butt the next time she saw her!
Jessie walked into the living room and headed right towards Hawk, the tears streaming down her face. She thought he’d be worried, seeing her interrupt his time with Nash so upset, but he didn’t even flinch. Hawk just held out his arms and let her climb right onto his lap, wrapping her up in a strong hug as she cried into his chest.
“Who was it?” he whispered into her ear.
“Talulah’s mom. She had to sacrifice herself for her daughter and the baby.”
Another round of snotty sobs shook from her chest.
“Uh, guys. Is everything okay? Do we know Talulah?” Nash sounded so confused. She couldn’t blame him.
Hawk just laughed.
“Jessie’s been reading a lot lately. She gets very attached to the characters. A couple snuggles with me and she’s usually all better.”
Jessie pointed her finger across the couch at Nash. “It’s Lacy’s fault. Tell her I’m never forgiving her for recommending this book.” She threw the book at him and pushed her face back into Hawk’s chest.
“Noted,” Nash laughed as he picked up the book.
“No, wait!” she panicked. “Don’t actually take it. I still need to read the ending.”
Nash dropped it back onto the sofa like it was a bomb about to explode.
“Do you want to read in here while we finish watching the game?” Hawk asked.
She shook her head. “The emotional damage was perfectlytimed. I’m going to head out to the ranch now. At least I can blame my tears on the story, and not on my nerves for once.”
“You’re still not going to let me drive you?” The pout in his voice wasn’t even camouflaged.
“Nope. I need to…” Crap. Her voice caught in her throat.
“I know. You need to be out there again. I get it.” His lips landed on her cheek. “Colt’s supposed to be there. I said I’d shoot him a message when you’re on your way, so he’ll be waiting for you. No stopping. Straight there. And if you need me to be there too, I will be.”
