Chapter 20
CHAPTER 20
Love matters—fight for it. ~ The Lady Elks Secret Archives.
Two weeks later
Hawk carried Reese inside the hospital and dumped him in a wheelchair. He’d only been gone two weeks, and it seemed like a lifetime.
Reese groaned and punched his leg.
“Shut up.” Hawk wheeled him toward a doctor. “Doc? We have a bullet wound, a couple of knife wounds, and probably a concussion here.”
The doctor on duty ran forward and took the chair.
Hawk scrubbed both hands down the scruff on his face and looked for a bathroom. He had blood on his hands, a lot of it, and he needed to wash. Now it was on his face and maybe in his hair.
Then he waited…and waited…and waited, wearing his black cargo pants, flack boots, and the bulletproof vest that now held a couple of holes .
Finally, an orderly came out and said he could go on in. He stomped into Reese’s room, the same one as before, and dropped into a chair. “You’re not dead.”
Reese grinned, his eyes unfocused. Good pain meds, probably. “Nope. Bullet went through—just needed stitches. That was a good raid.”
Yeah, it had been a good raid. “We have locations of three more drug storage places, and we have the beginning of a list of other distributors and dealers.” The news, the facts, didn’t even remotely excite Hawk like they would’ve last year. “I’ve handed it all over to the DEA, which kind of placated them about our going in alone. So you can just get better,” Hawk said.
Reese grimaced and settled back on the pillows. “I’ll be back in action soon.”
Hawk frowned. “No you won’t. Geez. You’ve been in the hospital constantly. Aren’t you tired of it? Tired of getting shot and stabbed?”
“Yeah, but they're still out there,” Reese said.
“Sure, and they’ll always be out there.” Hawk rolled his shoulders and let the sense of home finally fill the emptiness inside his chest. “We did it. We brought Meyer to justice, and we closed down his operations. There will always be more. I’m tired of hunting people down for mistakes in their past, so I should probably start actually living in the present. Let’s let somebody else get them—let the DEA, who you no longer work for, do their jobs. Take some of the cushy security jobs and get off the front lines. What do you think?”
Reese studied him. “You’re done?”
Hawk bit his lip. He’d wanted to come home for so long, and then he’d had a home, and he’d messed it up. “ Yeah.” His breath eased out as if he’d been holding it for years. “I’m done.”
“Well, Dawn Freeze is definitely worth it.” Reese grinned.
Hawk shook his head. “I screwed up,” he muttered.
Reese nodded. “I know Dawn, and she’s a sweetheart. She’ll forgive you.”
Sweet? Yeah, Dawn Freeze was sweet. She was also mean as could be if necessary, and he’d earned mean.
The doctor strode in. “I need a minute or two to check those stitches,” he said with a pointed look at Hawk.
Hawk rolled his eyes and stretched to his feet, heading out to the waiting room. Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Poppins perched like birds on branches in the bright orange chairs.
His body stiffened, and he forced a smile. He approached and took a seat. “Ladies?”
Mrs. Hudson cleared her throat and sat forward. “Sharon at the front desk told us you were here.”
He sighed. “Ah. I appreciate your attempts to matchmake?—”
“Oh, no.” Mrs. Poppins shook her head, sending spiral gray curls winging. “We’re not. Well, not with you. You have to go, Hawk. You’ll mess everything up again.”
He blinked. “Excuse me?”
Mrs. Hudson drew a nicely stitched pillow from her over-sized bag. “Dawn gave it back, because she failed. So sad. Then we figured, Dawn hadn’t failed. You did. We just needed to get a different stallion in the gate for her, you know?”
Hawk frowned and took the pillow. How to Catch a Man . “Huh? ”
“We picked the wrong man.” Mrs. Hudson twittered, clapping her hands together. “Now that Dawn is going to travel with the band for a year, and now that Adam is going, too, she has another chance with the rules. It’s so simple.”
Hawk’s head lifted slowly, his brain roaring into gear. Fast. “Excuse me?”
Mrs. Poppins leaned toward him. “Yes. See, she can start all over with Adam and follow the rules. They’ll be engaged before they get home from tour. The boy plays a mean guitar, you know.” She smiled, all wrinkly happiness, at Mrs. Hudson. “It all worked out perfectly, Patty. You’re so smart.”
“I’m a born matchmaker,” Mrs. Hudson said, faded eyes filled with pleasure. “We talked to Adam, and he agreed that since you’re out of the way, he feels okay making a play for Dawn now.”
Mrs. Poppins pushed her thick glasses back up her nose. “Yes. We had no idea. He moved aside because of his friendship with you, Hawk, and now that you and Dawn are over for good, he finally stepped up.” She shook her head. “I don’t know how we didn’t see it before. They’re perfect for each other. Just perfect.”
“Yes.” Mrs. Hudson adjusted her bedazzled jeans, contentment in her sigh. “They both are into business, and they both love music. Why we didn’t see it in the first place, I’ll never know.” Her pointed chin lowered, and she focused on Hawk. “While we love you, sweetie, you really must leave town until the day after tomorrow. After Dawn and Adam go on tour, then you can come back. We could even help you find a nice girl.”
Mrs. Poppins nodded. “Yes. How about Anne Newberry? She could really use a man. ”
Hawk held up a hand. “No. What do you mean, Dawn’s leaving?”
“Oh. Well, they have what I guess is called a ‘gig’ in Berlin the day after tomorrow, so they’re flying out tomorrow. The good-bye party for Sizzled Pink is over at the Elks Lodge right now.” Mrs. Hudson gasped and pushed to her bony feet. “We should really get back, Bernie. They’ll be looking for us.”
“Oh. You’re so right.” Mrs. Poppins stood. “Ah, may we have the pillow back?”
Hawk’s entire world narrowed to the moment. His past, his present, and then his future flashed in front of his eyes so quickly, he swayed. His head snapped up. “No.” Holding tight to the soft fabric, he ignored Mrs. Hudson’s shocked “oh my” and turned to stalk out of the hospital and into the billowing snow.
Dawn and Adam on some European adventure? Oh, hell no.
Dawn glanced around at all the decorations sprawling from one end of the Elk’s bar to the other. “It looks like a zombie barfed pink all over.”
Luann snorted and batted at a pink balloon. “I know, right? And I usually love pink.”
Dawn laughed and noted the heart-shaped cookies over on a table. “Even the cookies are different shades.” So sweet and cute. Women milled around, eating and chatting, but the scents of bourbon and pipe tobacco still hung in the air with a sense of welcome .
Luann glanced around, her purple hair fitting right in. “I guess I see it. I mean, why you’d want to stay here.”
Dawn smiled. “I know. So many people search the world for this. For the sense of family and home.”
The outside door opened, and she felt it. The swell of angry, branding, vibrating heat.
She rose to her feet as a defense, her entire body going on full alert. Her heart beat harder, and a fiery relief rippled through her. He was safe. How she’d missed him.
Hawk stood planted in the entryway, in full combat gear—badass boots, dark pants, bulletproof vest, finished off with fresh bruises across his cheekbone.
“Oh my,” Luann breathed next to her. “Just…oh my.”
His green gaze landed hard on Dawn, pinning her in place. “No,” he said.
She belatedly noted both the pillow and the coiled rope in his hand. “Uh—” From the corner of her eye, she could see her mom and sisters-in-law drawing near, beaming smiles.
“You are not going to Europe with Sizzled Pink,” Hawk said evenly, kicking a rolling pink balloon out of his way.
She caught her breath. “Uh?—”
“I screwed up, and I get that.” He waved the pillow around. “But apparently so did you.”
Her mouth dropped open, and she sucked in air.
“But I met the rules, and I get to win.” He glanced down and read number one. “‘Make your man the only man around.’” He glanced up, a muscle working in his jaw. “I’ve made you the only woman in the world for me since the day you turned eighteen. There is nobody else, and there will never be anybody else. ”
Around her, Dawn could hear sighs. Long, drawn out, dreamy sighs.
“Um—” she whispered.
“I’m not done.” He glanced down at the pillow. “‘Don’t give the cow away.’” His lips tipped. “Well, I did hold out for years, waiting. I mean, you started throwing yourself at me in your teens, skinny-dipping in the pond, and I always was the gentleman, even though you made it very difficult.”
Dawn bit her lip. Her mother harrumphed and shook her head.
Hawk nodded. “Yep. I’d say I passed that one. Number three? ‘The way to a man’s heart…’” He tapped the pillow against his side. “Well, now, Dawnie. I didn’t have time to make you dinner tonight, but you stay with me and I’ll cook any time you want. I promise, not once will I send you to the hospital.”
A twittering of female laughter ran through the crowd.
Hawk read number four. “‘Let your man rescue you.’” He looked up, lids going heavy, gaze softening. “You saved my ass that night we went off the side of the road, and you know it. Besides that, the very thought of you, the idea that someday, maybe, you’d be mine, kept me alive in wars a world away.”
The feminine sighing upped in volume around the room.
Dawn’s knees wobbled. “Hawk?—”
He tossed the pillow to the side, and Loni Freeze caught it, holding it close to her stomach. He sobered, lifted the rope, and twirled. Almost in slow motion, it soared through the air, and landed squarely over Dawn’s head, dropping around her. Well experienced, he tugged at just the right moment, binding her arms to her sides. Hand-over-hand, he coiled the rope until his warmth brushed her front. “You’ve been chasing me for years, baby, and it’s time I caught you.”
Tears filled her eyes.
He reached out and lifted her chin with one knuckle. “It’s always been you, Dawn Freeze. I love you. Give me another chance—I’m here for good. I promise.”
She sniffled and then smiled. Everything she wanted stood in front of her, giving her the world. Giving her…him. It was more than she’d ever dreamed. “You know it’s always been you. I love you, Hawk.”
The room erupted with cheers, but she didn’t really notice, because Hawk’s mouth covered hers. With promise and heat, he dove deep, taking her heart with him.
Finally, he straightened up. “I love you.” Then he glanced around at all the pink. “Sorry about the European trip and ruining your going away party.”
Dawn frowned, her mind clicking into gear. “I told Luann the other day that I wasn’t going.”
Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Poppins giggled near the side doorway.
Dawn glanced from them and then back up at Hawk. “Um, this is Melanie’s baby shower, Hawk.”
He stilled. His eyes went liquid. Then he threw back his head and laughed, the sound filling her heart with the future. “It’s great to be home.”
Dawn leaned into him, pushing out of the rope. “For good this time.”
He smiled and kissed her again. “Yeah. You and me. Forever.”
Catch up with the Montana Maverick’s with Adam’s story in Holding the Reins !
She came to town for a movie. She never expected a real-life romantic thriller…
Bianca Estrada is in Montana for one reason—secure the perfect location for a Hollywood blockbuster and move on. The job means everything. It’s her chance to pay off debts that were never hers to begin with. But someone in town doesn’t want the film to happen, and the escalating threats make it clear they’ll do whatever it takes to scare her off.
Adam Ridgeway has built a quiet life as the owner of the local bar, far removed from his Army days and the heartbreak he swore never to repeat. The last thing he needs is to play hero for a city girl with one foot out the door. But when danger follows Bianca straight into his world, keeping his distance is no longer an option.
The only thing more persistent than Bianca’s stalker? The town’s meddling matchmakers, determined to push her and Adam together at every turn. With danger closing in and chemistry burning hot, what starts as protection turns into something deeper. But with Bianca’s future miles away and Adam’s roots planted firmly in Montana, can they hold on to each other when the credits roll?
Or, are you in the mood for a small town romance with more than a hint of mystery? Check out what’s happening in the Albertini world with Tessa’s romance in Tessa’s Trust . Here’s a quick excerpt:
Apparently, there wasn’t any sort of seating order at McCloskey’s. I’d seen speed dating on television and thought the moving party had to shift to the next table. Apparently not. I scrutinized Nick. “Well?”
“Well, what?” he muttered.
“You’re supposed to charm me.”
He cocked his head, looking way too handsome under the soft lights above the tables. “I’m supposed to charm you?”
“Yeah. You think you can?”
“A challenge? Oh, baby, if I wanted to charm you, your socks would be off,” he retorted instantly.
I chuckled. That was one thing about Nick. He was quick with a comeback. He was probably amazing in court.
“What are you doing on this side of the pass anyway?” I asked.
“It’s the day after Christmas,” he said. “I went snowmobiling with my brothers and returned to the family home just in time to catch my grandmother’s call. You know, about her flat tire.”
“Oh, that. I’ve heard there’s a flat tire bandit going around town,” I murmured. “They must have gotten Gerty.”
Nick just watched me, reminding me of a hawk about to dive hard on scurrying prey. “Are you still mad at me?”
I swallowed. While I understood he’d only been doing his job, the guy had issued my arrest warrant, probably instinctively knowing I didn’t do it. “Yes.”
“Can’t blame you.” Man, his voice was smooth. Like good whiskey poured over ice. “But I had a job to do, and I knew your lawyer would take care of you. I couldn’t appear to give you favoritism.”
I didn’t want to be fair about that, but I did understand. “Fair enough.”
He sighed. “Why are you in Silverville tonight?”
I lost my smile and reached for my Prosecco again. I was proud of what I’d accomplished, but even so, my voice softened just a little when I spoke. “I bought Silver Sadie’s.” Then I looked down at my glass.
He was quiet for a moment. “Wow.”
I looked up. “Would you care to expound on that statement?”
“That’s impressive,” he said. “People have been trying to get Sadie to sell for years.”
“It took me months,” I admitted. “We’ve been negotiating for quite a while.” I gestured down the line of tables toward Bobbo. “Hence date number one.”
Nick’s grin reached his eyes. “You have to go on more dates with Bobbo?”
“Oh, no. Just one with Bobbo, but then his other two brothers, as well.”
The look of amusement slid out of Nick’s eyes. “You’re not going on a date with Eddie.”
Eddie was the middle great-nephew, and I didn’t know much about him.
“I am. It’s in the contract,” I said.
Nick leaned forward, a muscle ticking in his jaw. “Your sister let you sign a contract that forces you to go on a date with Eddie Brando?”
I reared up, and even my ears heated. “My sister didn’t let me do anything. I read the contract. I understood it. I was happy with it, and I signed it.”
Nick’s chin lowered. “You are not going on a date with Eddie Brando.”
“Listen, Nick,” I said, “I’m sure you’re used to being all bossy with everybody in your office, but I’m not in your world. I don’t work for you, and you’re not going to tell me what to do.”
Pretty much nothing in the world could have stopped me from going on a date with Eddie Brando at that point.
“You’re as unreasonable as your sister,” he muttered.
“Don’t you talk about my sister like that.” Heat raced through my veins.
True, Anna had made some miscalculations when working for Nick that had ended with her getting fired, but she was happier than happy could be owning her own law firm. “She was the best lawyer you’ve ever had in your office.”
“Yeah, she was,” he said quietly. “And she let her personal life cloud her judgment.”
Was that a direct hit? It felt like it. My foot tensed.
“You kick me, and we’re going to have a problem.” His gaze turned piercing.
I stilled. When Basanelli issued a threat, it came across clean. I had to respect that. Also, I had barely moved my foot. How did he know I wanted to kick him? “My guess is most women want to kick you,” I retorted.
“It’s possible, but I strongly recommend you don’t.” Then he just waited, watching me patiently. It was almost a dare.
Maybe that was how I earned the wild moniker. I could never refuse a dare. So, I kicked him. It was just with my snow boot, which wasn’t even a little pointy and glanced off his shin. Even so, it pushed his chair back a little bit.
Then I waited. Oh, the bubbly had most certainly gone to my head.
One of his dark eyebrows rose, and then his lids lowered to half-mast. He was fully Italian, and I’d expected something…more. Was I disappointed? Maybe. I didn’t want Nick to be a guy I could push around. Not that it mattered what kind of guy he was, but still.
“You’re all talk,” I said.
“What makes you say that?” His voice was velvet over steel, and an unwilling tremble ticked down my spine.
“I kicked you,” I said unnecessarily.
His chin lifted just enough to give him a predatory look. “I’m well aware you just made the colossal mistake of kicking me in the middle of McCloskey’s. I meant every word I said. You will regret it.” He crossed his arms, flexing pretty impressive chest muscles, and his smile sent butterflies winging through my stomach…mainly because it wasn’t a smile. What was that look? “You didn’t think I’d make you regret it right here, right now, did you?”
I kind of had. I figured he’d snap at me or stomp away. “Yes.” I forced a smile.
“Oh, no, baby,” he said so softly I leaned forward to hear him better. “I’m the most patient man you’ll ever meet. I have no problem biding my time.”
I lost the smile.
Check out Tessa’s story in Tessa’s Trust !