What are you still doing up?
Hawk
Hockey game was on.First college exhibition game of the season.About to crash.
Beside her, Margo shifted the conversation to all the slang she’d come to discover since working as an elementary school art teacher.David seemed completely invested in the conversation, trying out the words as she explained them.
They looked pretty cozy together.Cute, even.Her chest pinched uncomfortably as she realized she was a third wheel.
She should focus on her friends.Have a good time at the party, but the empty loneliness that settled over her wouldn’t go away.She didn’t want to talk to anyone at the party.She wanted to talk tohim.
Her fingers punched in the request before she could think better of it.
Do you want to come over?
He didn’t respond.Again.And Lilian was too much of a coward to send a follow-up text.The message was clear.He was not interested in her.At least she knew now that this was strictly a friends-only relationship.No, even worse, a business partnership.
She downed her beer before realizing he wasn’t going to answer.The embarrassment of being shot down not once buttwiceburned through her, causing her to search for something harder.
Someone brewed up a margarita that tasted mostly of tequila with only a hint of strawberry.Perfect.
She promised herself one drink, only enough so her pride didn’t hurt quite as much.She still needed to drive home after all.As the night went on, she settled in the backyard, where a small fire pit was set up.Alex was drinking the margarita mix as well, glaring across the fire to where Logan had a pretty brunette in his lap, whispering in her ear.
Only moments ago, Courtney had told Alex that Logan had asked her to sing in his band.An offer the wannabe singer couldn’t refuse apparently.
“This means war,” Alex whispered to Lilian, feeling sulky.
“I wouldn’t take it personally,” Lilian offered.
“It’s personal,” Alex growled.“I thought that leg injury would slow him down a little, but it’s only made him more devious in his tactics.”
“What tactics?”
Alex waved a hand at the couple.“He’s trying to fuck with my crew… literally.He lures them away with his… his… siren song!And when he’s done with them, he throws them to the fishes.”
“You know you don’t have to make pirate puns here.”Lilian patted her leg emphatically.“This is a safe place.”
Alex’s eyes widened.“You don’t believe me?He’s got you under his spell as well.”
“I’m not under anyone’s—” Before she could finish the sentence, the chatter from inside the house came to a stop.It happened so fast the crackle of the fire-pit sounded like gunshots against the abrupt silence.
David appeared in the doorway, his smile timid.“Hey, look who decided to join us.”
Lilian’s heart hammered as a familiar tall shadow appeared next to the blond man.
Hawk.
No one said a word.To his credit, Hawk didn’t look at all surprised by the reception.“Sorry I’m late.I can leave if things are winding down.”
Alex recovered quickly.“No!Of course not.If Logan is welcome here, then so are you!”
“Hey!”Logan shouted behind her, not at all amused.But Alex didn’t pay him any attention.She shot Lilian a curious look.
Lilian couldn’t breathe.She couldn’t believe what she was seeing in front of her.Hawk wasn’t dressed in his usual polo and khakis.His casual flannel button-down and jeans fit perfectly for their first night of fall weather.He looked good.
There was no denying it now.Her heart was kicking its feet, screaming at the top of its lungs like a preteen.He came!
He’d come because she’daskedhim to.
