Page 201 of Wrecked
They both nodded.
Rudy’s was DC’s best-kept secret. Delicious food served fast. Locals breezed by the hole-in-the-wall. Tourists didn’t know the restaurant existed. The eatery was nestled in a neighborhood near the Capitol, so it was always filled with congresspersons and senators. On occasion, even the President stopped by for a burger.
“Any idea who took out Tommy?” Z murmured.
Rudy delivered their small orange juices and left.
“No,” Hawk replied. “Cooper’s got a team looking into it.”
The conversation continued until their breakfasts were delivered and Rudy topped off their mugs. “We good?”
“Looks great, Rudy,” Hawk replied.
“Best breakfast in DC,” Z said.
“Thank you, thank you.” Rudy left, and the men dug in.
“I’ve fallen in love with Addison,” Hawk said.
Z grinned. “Finally.”
Hawk chuckled. “How did everyone see what we couldn’t?”
“It’s that saying… can’t see the forest for the trees.” Z forked egg into his mouth.
“If you say so,” Hawk replied. “She’s at home packing. She’s moving in with me.”
Z arched an eyebrow.
“I’m asking her to marry me. Your blessing would be nice.” Hawk dug into his hash browns.
That made Z chuckle. “You have it. You want the fatherly lecture?”
“Oh, sure, put me through the paces, ‘cause I haven’t been through enough.”
Z chuffed out a laugh. “I’ll be damn proud to call you my son-in-law. Does she know you’re proposing?”
“Not a clue. If she says yes, we’re going ring shopping today.”
“I’m very cynical when it comes to relationships lasting, but that’s because my own marriage ended so badly.” Z set down the mug. “I think you two have what it takes to go the distance.”
“So do I, Philip. I’m going to put her first, have her back, and be the loving husband she deserves.”
“I know you will, but as her dad, I appreciate you saying that.”
When the men finished, they stood. Z tossed cash on the table before extending his hand. “I hope she says yes.”
“Any reason you think she won’t?”
Z glanced over Hawk’s shoulder. “One of the President’s senior advisors just walked in. He’s a talker. Let’s duck out the back.” Z pushed open the back door of the restaurant.
They made their way towards Hawk’s car. “Addison was wrecked when her mom left. While she’s extremely brave, she’s very timid when it comes to romantic relationships. But you won’t know until you ask her, right?”
When Hawk had arrived at Rudy’s, he had all the confidence in the world. As he drove Z back to DOJ, he wondered if Addison was ready to make a lifelong commitment.
He was ready—more than ready—to commit himself to her for the rest of his life. After dropping Z off, he headed toward her place.
The only way I’ll know is if I ask her.
