Page 168 of Wrecked
No silencing his grandfather on that one. “Thank you both for entrusting the farm to me.”
“We’re delighted you’re keeping it.” Grandmom put her arm around Addison. “Look how pretty you are in that dress.”
“Thank you. It’s my dad’s birthday, and I always take him to dinner at his favorite restaurant. Hawk’s joining us.”
With a smile, his mom glanced from her to Hawk. “I’m happy to hear that.”
“Dad, can you find a couple of farmhands?” Hawk asked. “And a home for the chickens?”
“Absolutely,” his dad replied.
Hawk hugged his grandparents. “Love you guys. I’ll swing by and check on you after you get settled in.”
When they left the house, they stopped at the henhouse. Inside, he pulled her close and kissed her.
“Thanks for coming with me.” Hawk kissed her again.
“Congratulations,” Addison said. “Like you’re not busy enough.”
He chuckled. “I know, but I can’t get rid of this place. It’s too special.” He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulled her close “This place has a ton of memories. You were the only girl I kissed in the henhouse.”
She smiled. “Well, that alone is reason to keep it.”
Twenty minutes later, they pulled up to the upscale restaurant. Addison, now sitting in the back, was wearing a light brown wig with bangs and oversized sunglasses.
The valet opened the driver’s door. “Good evening, sir. Welcome to Carole Jean’s.”
Hawk handed him a folded bill before opening the back door for Addison. As she exited, a shawl in hand, the attendant rushed around.
“I’m so sorry, ma’am,” he said. “I didn’t realize you were sitting in the back.”
“I’m hiding from the paparazzi,” she whispered.
“Yes, ma’am.”
Once inside, the maître d’ escorted them to the small salon in the back of the restaurant, where dancing flames in the large, gas fireplace reflected off the copper walls.
“I’m happy to see the lady has a shawl,” he said. “A returning customer, no?”
“I’ve been here several times,” she said as she eased into the chair.
“We keep the room chilly because of the fire. It generates a lot of heat. Is there anything I can assist you with before I leave?”
Hawk handed him his phone. “Can you snap a pic of us?”
They were seated catty-corner at a four top. Hawk pulled his chair close, put his arm around her. The attendant snapped a few pictures, handed Hawk back his phone. “Enjoy your evening.”
Addison glanced at the customers seated at the tables. “Someone could be watching me,” she whispered.
He caressed her back. “Watching, staring, gawking. You’re so beautiful.” He swept his gaze across the room. “I won’t let anything happen to you. Do you have your weapon?”
She tapped her small clutch on the table next to her.
He leaned over, pecked her cheek. “I got you.”
Before they could open their menus, Jericho’s sister, Georgia Savage, hurried over. “It’s great to see you both. What’s the occasion?”
“My dad’s birthday,” Addison replied.
