Page 142 of Wrecked
As he headed toward the kitchen table, she murmured, “Don’t leave me.”
She sat up, he eased down beside her. After laying her legs across his, she snuggled close. He put his arm around her. “I never nap, but I’ve been up since yesterday morning,” she whispered. “I just need ten.”
They’d never napped together. Did “just friends” nap? She smelled so good. He was caressing her shoulder. Her skin was soft, her breathing slow and steady. She felt sensational in his arms.
He never slept in the middle of the day, but he’d sit with her for a little while. She needed him, so he’d be there for her. That’s what friends did for each other, right? As her breathing changed and she fell asleep, he stared out his windows at the river and the sky. It was a million-dollar view that paled in comparison to the woman in his arms.
As he held her close, he wondered how long he’d be able to tolerate this “just friends” bullshit. He wanted her in every way a man wants a woman. He had to tell her how he felt. But not now. Now, he needed her to feel safe in his home. One step at a time, only this time, there’d be no backsliding.
As he relaxed into the sofa cushion, he knew that protecting Addison was more than an assignment. It was his path to salvation.
* * *
Addison was laughing hysterically. Hawk was lying on the floor while three small children climbed on him. Addison leaned down and kissed him, then she kissed each of the little ones. In all her life, she’d never felt this level of contentment and unconditional love.
A banging sound interrupted her happiness. She jerked awake. She and Hawk were lying face to face on the sofa. Her backside was smooshed against the cushion while his body pressed into hers. For the first few seconds, the joy from her dream enveloped her in peace.
Knock-knock-knock.
He was sleeping so soundly, she hated to wake him. She lifted her head. A beautiful sunset filled the dusky sky, the rays of pink and purple streaming across the sky. Hawk was so close, she couldn’t resist. She pressed her lips to his. The instant hit of electricity flashed through her. She wanted another, so she kissed him again. And again.
“Mmm” he said, his eyes fluttering open. “This is cozy.”
His raspy voice had to be the sexiest thing she’d ever heard. “I awakened you from a deep sleep. You must be Sleeping Beauty.”
“Thank you, Princess.”
She shot him a little smile. “There’s someone at your front door.”
Knock! Knock! Knock!
“You in there, Nicky?”
“Ah, fuck, it’s Tommy.” He kissed her, letting his lips linger on hers, before pushing off the sofa.
And just like that, they were back to kissing.
She rose, went to the back windows to appreciate the sky. That sky on a canvas would be beautiful, but she would never be able to replicate Mother Nature’s astounding perfection.
“Come on in,” Hawk said.
“I’ve been worried about you,” Tommy said. “Plus, I’ve kinda been messed up over Barry.”
Addison turned, her gaze leap-frogging from Hawk to Tommy and back to Hawk. Two handsome men, but her heart only wanted one of them.
“Hey, Addison,” Tommy said. “Are you bummed about Barry too?”
Hawk opened the fridge. “You want something to drink?”
“I’ll take a beer,” Tommy said.
Hawk pulled one out, handed it to his cousin. “Addison?”
“I’m good,” she replied.
Addison felt like she should give them a few minutes alone, but she didn’t want to go upstairs. That would lead to questions from Tommy. No one could know she was camping out there.
“I was gonna order a pizza,” Tommy said. “You guys want some?”
