As Luck Would Have It

“How did you know that?”

“I know a lot of things.” He winked at her.

“I … I’m shocked that you know so much.”

“I know a lot but what I’d love to know is what you want on your pizza.”

“Are you going to hate me if I say I love pineapple?” she asked.

“I like pineapple as well.”

“I’ll have the meat feast pizza with everything,” she said, handing him back the menu.

“Wow, my kind of woman.”

She watched Hawk as he waved to Ethan and gave their order. Her mouth was salivating but she didn’t know if it was from the food or from the fact Hawk that had just done something for her.

Once they were alone again, he reached across the table, taking her hands. He was so much bigger than her. This didn’t feel awkward either but so right.

“I’ve been wanting to take you out on a date for so long.”

“This is our second date, Hawk. I loved our first one.”

“I didn’t scare you off? Even though you ran from me?”

“Of course not. I just got nervous and I didn’t have a clue what to do or what you expected from me. I shouldn’t have left. I won’t leave again, I promise.” She tried not to wince. It made her sound like she expected more sex.

“I’ve got no problem with you never leaving. However, I want to get to know more of you. I want to get to know the real you.”

“You do?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“I don’t think it has failed to escape your notice that I like you, Felicity.”

“I can see that.”

“So, before I give you my body again, I want to see what makes you tick.”

“You do know guys are supposed to hate it when girls start to get clingy.”

“You think I’m getting all clingy?” he asked. “You want me to be a prick and just want to have sex with you?”

“You’re a lot different than how I imagined you’d be.”

“I’m going to take that as a compliment.”

12

Dinner had been incredible after his nerves had calmed the fuck down. Now here they sat, the massive screen in front of them something the town did on a monthly basis. This was a drive-in movie without the cars. Scattered all around were families and couples sitting atop blankets, snacks and drinks being passed around, the atmosphere … safe. He wanted to make this comfortable for her, so he’d picked the pizzeria and then this low-key movie afterward.

And thankfully she seemed really happy about his choices.

He turned and looked at her, seeing the small smile on her face. That pleased him.

Hawk wanted to make the date enjoyable for her, to show her that this wasn’t just about sex for him. He cared about her, a lot, and he wanted this to be the first of many times they spent together.

Because the truth was, her not in his life was not something he was going to live with.

“What’s your favorite color?”

She turned and looked at him and grinned, this little dimple in her cheek popping out.

“Green,” she said back instantly and shifted her body so she was facing him, her arm stretched out beside her to prop her upper body up. She looked relaxed and comfortable, beautiful.

“Your favorite food?”

She thought about that one for second and then said, “Fried chicken, mashed potatoes with country gravy, and green beans and ham.”

“Damn, a girl after my own heart,” he said and chuckled. “I knew you were perfect.” She blushed. “Favorite dessert?”

“Strawberry cheesecake with extra strawberries,” she said instantly.

They did this back-and-forth for the next twenty minutes, and nothing else mattered except getting to know each other.

The exterior lights that hung around the grassy yard shut off, only leaving the big screen illuminated. Although he wanted to continue firing off questions and listening to her answers, the sound of her voice pleasing him, he knew they had plenty of time for that later. He’d make sure they did.

He moved next to her, wanting to wrap his arm around her waist, bring her even closer to him, but he refrained. Hawk could keep his hands to himself. At least that’s what he told himself. But the truth was it was hard when she was so close. All he wanted to do was bask in her warmth.

But she surprised him by reaching out and slipping her fingers between his, holding his hand and having his heart race. Truth of the matter was, Hawk had never felt this way before. He’d never even imagined he could feel this way … loving a woman so quickly. And falling head over heels for her almost instantly.

It was something that would probably be in a movie, or a romance book. It wasn’t something he’d thought would happen in real life. But here he was, looking at the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, picturing them on their wedding day, seeing her belly grow big as she carried their child.