Page 32 of Wrecked
Addison was the first to admit she was a romance junkie. She felt eyes on her and turned. Hawk was studying her intently.
“They’re cute, aren’t they?” he murmured.
“He’s so romantic,” she whispered. “I love that.”
The cake was sliced and delivered, along with piping hot cups of coffee.
Hawk must’ve slipped a hefty bill to their server because Addison had never been so hydrated in her life. Water goblets always filled and enough coffee to keep them charged through the weekend.
Despite the cold air being blown into the tent, the sweltering July heat and humidity had managed to work its way inside. The hot coffee had to be abandoned for icy-cold water, the condensation running down the slippery glass.
At just after six, the band announced the newlyweds were heading out. Bridesmaids flitted from table to table handing out satchels of dried flowers. As guests began forming a line that stretched from inside the tent toward the farmhouse, Hawk asked his grandparents if they needed an assist.
“We’re slow,” Grandmom said exiting her chair, “but we’ll get there.”
“What can we do to help you?” Hawk asked.
Addison loved how attentive he was toward them.
“There is one thing,” Granddad replied. “With everything going on here with the wedding, I forgot to collect the eggs the past couple of days.”
Hawk regarded Addison. “Come with me.”
Though she’d never let on, she loved his bossy side. “To the henhouse,” she said, pushing out of her chair.
Hawk rose. “You still got cartons in there?”
“Of course,” Grandmom replied. “Bring the eggs into the kitchen and we’ll give them away.”
“And the tomatoes,” Addison reminded her.
“Yes!” Granddad shouted. “There are dozens of ‘em.”
Hawk regarded Prescott and Tommy. “You guys going back to the house?”
Prescott pushed out of the chair. “I’m taking off in a few. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” The brothers hugged it out.
“You’re a sweaty mess,” Prescott said.
“No shit. Who the hell gets married outside in July?”
Prescott tossed a nod at Addison. “Wanna catch up this week?”
She nodded. “I’ll text you.”
Tommy stood. “Good seeing you, cuz.” He offered his fist and Hawk fist-bumped him back. Then, he slid his gaze to her. “Bye, Addison.”
“See ya.” After grabbing her small handbag, she and Hawk made their way toward the exit.
At six-fifteen, the intense heat of the day had inched its way into a more tolerable range, but when Hawk placed his hand on the small of her back, the heat from his palm sent her temperature soaring. His hand was large and warm, but it was the gentle way he touched her that made her heart skip a beat.
“You left the bag of dried flowers,” he said.
“Yeah, I’d rather go see the chickens.”
“How come?”
“The wedding was beautiful,” she said. “The reception was fun. Hot, but fun. Food was good and I love hanging with your grandparents. I’m just not into throwing things at people.”
