Page 27 of Wrecked
“No,” she replied. “I don’t have time.” She could have told him about the cosplay club she owned with her cousin, Liv Savage, but she didn’t want to lead him on. Instead, she opted to change the subject. “What kind of work are you doing now?”
“More undercover stuff, only I get to stay in the area for a while. It’ll be good to be home. I missed my friends and this crazy family.”
Since neither could talk about their jobs, and she didn’t want to seem overly interested, she grew silent.
The smooth jazz tune coming from the band picked up tempo. Addison glanced around. The wedding party was lining up by the entryway.
“Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman,” announced the band’s front man. “It’s my great pleasure to introduce the bridal party.”
Two at a time, the bridesmaids and groomsmen danced their way into the large, tented space as guests formed a horseshoe around them.
Hawk entered with the same bridesmaid, but he wasn’t touching her as he strutted into the space. She caught up to him, slipped her hand in his, then spun him around, then around again.
While Addison had downplayed how he looked, he was scorching hot in the tailored dark suit, bright white dress shirt, and colorful tie. Form-fitting clothing that clung just right to show off his striking physique. No matter what he wore, Nicholas Hawk was flat-out gorgeous.
The introductions continued, then the band leader said, “Put your hands together and let’s give a warm welcome to the newlyweds, Kerri and Lamar!”
To the applause and shouts of joy, the bride and groom entered the tent holding hands. Lamar pulled Kerri close, kissed her gently, then spun her and dipped her.
Once the bridal party began mingling, Addison needed to move on. “It was good catching up with you,” she said to Tommy.
Before she could escape, Hawk loomed into view. As he sauntered toward her, a shadow darkened his gaze. There was something about him that calmed herandriled her at the same time. Their gazes stayed anchored on each other’s. Everything in her world was better when he was in it.
“Moving in on my woman?” Hawk asked Tommy.
Tommy stepped back. “Of course not.”
Hawk squeezed his cousin’s shoulder. “I’m just messing with you. Addison and I are chill. Best buds, huh?” He wrapped his arm around her, pulled her close, and kissed the top of her head.
Busted.
Tommy’s expression brightened, his attention jumping to Addison. “Best buds, huh? I love that.”
A reception line was forming. Addison wanted to wish Kerri and Lamar well, plus she needed to get away from Tommy, so she excused herself.
As she took her place in line, she glanced back. Hawk and Tommy were still chatting it up. No way would Addison tell Hawk she’d gotten together with his cousin. They never talked about their hookups and she wasn’t about to start now.
* * *
A server swung by with flutes of champagne and sparkling water. After Hawk grabbed a champagne, he took a long sip.
“You still hanging at Jericho Road?” Tommy asked.
“I stop by when I can. I’ve been spending more time at Addison’s cosplay club in Alexandria.”
His cousin’s eyes widened. “Dude, are you for real? She owns a cosplay club?”
“Lost Souls.” Hawk sipped the champagne. “You into playing dress up?”
“I’ve got a friend who is. He brought me to a few private parties. It was a good time. Cool costumes, pretty women. Sometimes things got a little wild.” Tommy grinned. “It worked for me.” Pausing, he sipped the bubbly. “Do you play there?”
“I installed the security system, so I help Addison out with tech upgrades. I’m her IT guy. You want me to add you to the list?”
“Sure,” Tommy replied. “That’d be great.”
The band leader announced it was time for lunch to be served and asked everyone to make their way to their assigned tables.
As the guests started moving toward the tables, Tommy glanced around. “So, you and Addison are friends.”
