She pulled her phone out of her pocket. “I’ll call Desiree and wait out front for her to pick me up. Thank you for everything you did to help me. You have no idea how much it means to me.”Or how disappointed I am that this won’t work out.
She choked back tears and put her hand on the knob and opened the door a mere couple of inches before his hands landed on the wood and slammed it shut.
“You’re not going anywhere, sweetheart.”
She turned and stared up at him as he leaned in so close she could see the flecks of gold in his hazel eyes.
“Everything I said to you was the truth. I want you here with me. I want a relationship with you. So before you walk out that door, maybe give me the benefit of the doubt and listen.” He brushed his thumb over her cheek and she leaned into his touch without thinking, then caught herself. “That’s right. You feel this crazy deep connection between us. The one I can’t deny anymore and won’t. I want you to know me and my whole family, including my best friend, Lyric, over there. She’s visiting from Wyoming with herhusband, my cousin, Mason, who stepped out to take a work call. They’re expecting their first baby in a few months. And while I love her like a sister, my feelings for you go a hell of a lot deeper.”
He leaned in and put his lips right next to her ear, whispering, “I’m sorry you woke up alone. I wanted to stay in bed, right beside you so bad, but then they showed up. I didn’t wake you because you needed your sleep and maybe some time to get used to being here with me before things get really intimate between us. So drop the bag and kiss me like you missed me, because I’ve been missing you.”
Lucky didn’t know what to say. She’d read the situation all wrong. But here Hawk was giving her the truth and letting her know he wanted her to settle in here and with him. He made it very clear he was hers. So she dropped the bag, took him by thet-shirt fisted in her hand, went up on tiptoe, and kissed him with all the longing she’d stored up over the last two years.
He kept his hands on the door on either side of her head, but leaned in, his chest pressed to hers, softly so they were connected, but not so he hurt her injuries.
The kiss was all passion and need as his tongue dove into her mouth and tangled with hers, until she felt the earth move.
Oh, wait, that was someone trying to open the door at her back.
Hawk shoved it closed and tore his mouth from hers. “I’m kissing my woman, hold your horses.”
“Let me the fuck in, asshole.”
“Wait a minute.” Hawk dove back in and the woman in the kitchen laughed.
Lucky couldn’t concentrate on anything but the man in front of her and the way he made her knees weak.
“How long is this going to take? Send my woman out so I can make out with her at least.” He sounded so forlorn.
She couldn’t help it, she chuckled against Hawk’s lips, then reluctantly pulled away. “Maybe we should let him in.”
“I didn’t invite him here, so he can wait.” The grumble was back in his voice.
“I’m family. I don’t need an invitation. Though I would like to meet your girl.”
Hawk turned to Lyric. “Are you sure you want to keep him?”
Lyric grinned. “I’m sure.”
Hawk pulled Lucky away from the door by the hips and shook his head. “I’m sorry about this. He’s going to kiss you on the head to piss me off. Are you okay with that?”
Lyric called out, “Hawk and his brothers do it to me to make Mason upset, because he’s possessive, but the guys are just being sweet.”
Hawk pulled the door open and shook his head at his cousin. “She’s hurt and doesn’t like being touched by anyone but me. Be careful with her.” Hawk turned to her. “Lucky, this is my cousin, Mason. He’s got a brother, Nick, you’ll meet another time, along with his wife and adopted daughter.”
Mason and Hawk definitely looked like they were related. “Are all of you drop-dead gorgeous?”
“They are,” Lyric confirmed. “That one’s mine.”
Lucky grinned. “Apparently Hawk’s decided to be mine.”
“Damn straight.” Hawk reached out to wrap his arm around her, but Mason got to her first and drew her a step away and kissed her on the forehead. “It’s nice to meet you, Lucky.” He released her immediately, taking into account Hawk’s warning about her sensitivity to being touched. “Are you sure you want to keep him? He’s a bit feral at times.”
She stared up at Hawk. “I think he’s perfectly imperfect like the rest of us.”
Hawk moved in and wrapped her in a hug, kissing her head like his cousin had done. “Thanks, sweetheart.” He pulled back just enough to look her in the eye. “Are you hungry? Lyric put together an amazing beef stew and even made some fresh baked rolls.”
Her stomach rumbled. Loudly.
