Secret Baby at Camp (Camp Hardwood 4)

“Go on,” I say against his lips before pulling back. I want to know why there’s nothing to go back to.

“I didn’t want that life for you and I could see it in your eyes you didn’t want to be there either. So I made plans for us and hoped that when I got everything laid out you’d come with me.”

“I would have come with you,” I cut in, and he gives me one of his rare smiles.

“I started working with the feds,” he says, and I gasp in shock. “I didn’t give a shit, they can call me a snitch. Call me whatever the fuck they want but I would have done anything to get you away from your father and for us to have a new start.”

“Is he in prison? Is that what happened?” He said I didn’t look back and I’m guessing my father going to jail would have made the news.

“No.” Hawk’s face grows a little solemn and I’m sure mine shows my disappointment. “He didn’t go down without a fight.”

“He’s dead.” I try to sit up but Hawk doesn’t let me go. It’s like a giant weight has been lifted off of me and suddenly I feel truly free for the first time.

“Because of me,” he admits.

“But you’re okay, right? No one is looking for you?” My eyes start to water, thinking about the FBI or someone else coming for Hawk. “I’ll leave with you, if that’s what we have to do.”

“You just said you didn’t want to leave here.”

“I don’t, but I want to be with you more. If we have to start over new, I will. As long as we’re together. I’ll miss this place but I love you and I don’t want to be without you. Now that I know where you stand, I’m so sorry I ran. I’m—” My words are cut off when his mouth comes down onto mine.

“Muñeca,” he growls. “You love me.”

“So much it hurts. It’s part of why I ran. I couldn’t see you every day and not have you. I couldn’t live that way.”

“No one has ever said those words to me,” he says before he kisses me again. He rolls us so he moves between my legs, and then I feel his cock nudging its way inside of me.

“I love you,” he says, and I moan.

“No one has ever said those words to me either,” I say in realization.

“I’m going to give you the life you deserve, muñeca. I won’t take you from here.”

“I want to give you the life you want too.” My eyes lock with his. This is about all of us.

“All I want is you.”

“I’m yours,” I say, wrapping my body around his. “We’ll never be apart again,” I reassure him as we make love this time. It’s soft and sweet and I get another glimpse of the man Hawk is and I know he’ll always be what I need.

Chapter 8

Hawk

It’s early the next morning when I meet with Ford and his wife. I don’t feel comfortable calling another man’s wife Honey, so I just stick to Mrs. Cyprus. Turns out the ranger Moose has already done some digging into my past but also found out that I was working in cooperation with the feds.

“Are you going to take Piper from us?” Honey asks with round, pleading eyes.

“No.” I let out a sigh as I think about her in bed. She was sleeping like the dead when I left her and I want to make sure I’m back before she wakes up. “She’s made a home here and she’s asked me not to take her away.”

“Oh thank God.” She puts a hand over her chest and smiles brightly at her husband.

“So what happens next?” Moose asks from nearby, and I shrug.

“You know I got out and this is as good as a place to hide as any.” I turn to Ford and make eye contact. “To raise a family.”

He’s thoughtful for a moment before he steps forward and holds out his hand. “If Moose says you’re to be trusted then I won’t argue with him. I’m sorry we all got off on the wrong foot, but Camp Hardwood is open to you and Piper for as long as you want.”

I reach out and grip his hand firmly as I nod to him. “I appreciate that.”

“Welcome home,” Mrs. Cyprus says and beams from ear to ear.

“I’d like to speak to you about arranging a wedding as soon as possible.” And to my surprise she lets out a squeal of excitement and jumps up in the air. Her husband grabs her and settles her against him, but he can’t contain her joy.

She clears her throat and pretends to get herself under control. “Of course, just let us know what we can do to help.”

After I walk out of the office, I make my way back to Piper. To the woman I love. The sun is just beginning to come up and I hurry, not wanting her to wake up without me.