Page 221 of Wrecked
“I’m trying,” Hawk replied.
Several more Operatives stopped by throughout dinner to let him and Addison know they were interested in donating money.
After coffee had been served, Addison asked, “Who’s that sitting with Livy and Jericho? I thought this was a work event, but I don’t recognize the woman with them.”
“Addison hasn’t talked to her yet?” Emerson asked Hawk.
“She’s holding baby Liam,” Addison added. “Is that their nanny?”
“Let’s go find out,” Hawk replied.
Together, they made their way to Liv and Jericho’s table.
The stranger smiled up at them. “Good to see you, Nicholas.”
“You, too,” Hawk replied. “Thanks for being here.”
Jericho pushed out of his seat. “Sit. We’ll hang with Stryker and Emerson.”
“He’s so beautiful,” the woman said as she handed the infant to Liv.
“Babe, this is Stoni Alexander,” Hawk said.
Addison whipped her gaze to the woman. She was slender with long brown hair, streaked with blonde highlights.
“You did not,” Addison said to Hawk before gaping at Stoni. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Alexander. I’m a huge, huge fan.”
“Stoni, please,” she said with a smile. “Why don’t you join me?”
Before sitting, Addison flicked her gaze to Hawk. “What’s going on?”
“Surprise, baby. It’s your favorite author.” Hawk kissed Addison’s cheek, then shifted his attention to Stoni. “Addison’s got me hooked on your books.”
“They’re fun to read together,” Stoni replied. “Do you have a favorite?”
“Whichever one is my bedtime story.” With a wink, he headed into the crowd.
* * *
Addison eased into the chair across from Stoni.
“I’m a friend of your dad’s,” Stoni began. “That’s how I know most everyone here.”
“I’m a huge fan of your books,” Addison said. “I’ve read all of them once, and some of them twice.”
Stoni smiled. “Thank you. I’m so happy to hear you enjoy them.”
“They’re so realistic. Wait… did you say you know my dad?”
“We used to work together at the Bureau, years before he moved himself to the basement.”
Addison shook her head. “Have you seen his office? That place creeps me out.”
“It’s perfect for him. He never liked being in the middle of everything.”
“How are you even here? No one knows about our work.”
“Where do you think my story ideas come from?”
