She blushed. “Thank you, Lincoln. I appreciate it.”
They both took their seats and opened their containers, revealing a heaping pile of pasta Pomodoro, salad, and a chunk of garlic bread.
“Wow. They must have a really nice cafeteria here.”
Lincoln shook his head. “They don’t, so I ran across the street to a food truck.”
“Well enjoy. I’m just going to close my eyes for a bit.” She did just that and as she fell asleep she felt Hawk press a kiss to her forehead and whisper, “Sweet dreams. We’ll talk more when you’re feeling better.”
She couldn’t wait, because as dire as things felt, she had hope that with Hawk she might find some happiness.
Chapter Five
Lucky had been awake for more than an hour just staring at Hawk, asleep beside her. He couldn’t be all that comfortable sitting in the chair, his head by her hip, face turned to her. One of his arms draped over her legs, his big hand wrapped around her thigh. The other hand rested on her stomach. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been held like this.
Had she ever felt this safe? This content?
She could lie here the rest of her life, watching him sleep so peacefully beside her.
He hadn’t left her side since he brought her here.
It seemed so unreal that he’d put his whole life on hold for two days just to keep her company. It wasn’t like she couldn’t take care of herself.
Still, it was nice to have someone by her side.
Desiree had abruptly left yesterday and hadn’t called, texted, or come by again. She was probably busy taking care of Krystal. Being a single mom wasn’t easy.
The nurse came in bright and early that morning to remove her IV line and change her shoulder dressing.
Lucky made sure she didn't disturbed Hawk. He needed his rest.
She couldn’t wait to be discharged later this morning. She wanted to be home where she felt comfortable. Where it was quiet and no one interrupted her sleep or her conversations with Hawk.
He’d kept their interactions light. They talked about their favorite movies, what they liked to do in their spare time, where she’d like to travel if she ever left this town, and what she liked to eat and drink.
She’d learned a lot about Hawk and his big family. Well, bigger than hers. She missed her brother. Not her abusive dad, though she did have a few good memories of him. Even monsters could be good sometimes. But she still had an aunt in Oregon who kept in touch on birthdays and holidays. She even had a set of grandparents in Arizona, though they were her father’s parents and not very nice, as you could imagine. He was the way he was for a reason.
Beside her, Hawk stirred, his massive shoulders jerking as his hand gripped her thigh tighter. He didn’t hurt her, but she could tell he was dreaming and in distress. “Lucky.” He mumbled her name, then came awake, his eyes wide and staring straight at her.
“It’s okay. I’m here. You’re okay.”
His gaze softened as the shock of coming awake so abruptly wore off. Looking to their joined hands, he picked hers up and brought her palm to his lips. He kissed her softly, hisbreath coming fast against her skin, and the scruff of his beard scratched against her palm.
She liked it, the contrast of his soft lips and the scrape of his golden beard.
“I thought I lost you.”
She shook her head. “I’m right here.”
He sat up and ran his gaze over her. “They took you off the IV and monitors.”
“I’ll be free to go soon.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Lucky to be alive. Still a bit surprised, but grateful you’re still here with me. Without you, I’d be climbing the walls by now.”
He put her hand against his rough cheek. “I told you, I’m not going anywhere without you.”
