Chapter 1
Izzy
“That guy’s here again.” Mandy, my fellow waitress and best friend, gestured toward the darkest corner of the bar with a nod of her head.
I looked over at Mr. Tall, Dark, and Dead Sexy. He’d been coming to Clive’s for the past two months, always alone, around the same time each day, and requesting to sit in a booth that I attended to. He never talked much, always ordered the same thing: a bottle of Bud followed by three glasses of soda.
“His name is Hawk,” I said, a little defensive about Mandy calling him that guy. I didn’t know why it bothered me, it was as if she was placing him amongst the crowd, and he was so much better than that. At least he was in my head.
“Well, you’d better take Hawk his Bud,” she said, rolling her eyes, dramatically handing me the cold bottle. I smiled at her, blowing her an air kiss before I walked over to the dark table.
“Hi, I’ve got your beer.”
His gaze shot up at me, and I was taken back by the crystal-like blue of his irises. His full lips turned up into a wide smile as his giant hands reached up, taking the bottle from me. I looked down at our hands when his calloused fingers touched my own, astounded by the sheer size difference. I wasn’t a small girl, at five-six and a size eighteen, but beside Hawk Barrett I looked like a toddler.
“Thank you, Daisy,” he said, taking a sip of the beer, never taking his eyes from me.
I smiled at his cute pet name for me. Something he’d called me from the first time our paths had crossed. I never asked him why he called me that, in fear that it was just an accident because he’d forgotten my real name. “You’re welcome. I’m heading out early tonight, but I can get Mandy to take care of you for the rest of the night.”
“No, thanks,” he said, simply. “I don’t really come here for the mediocre beer or the flat soda.” His lips turned up to another smile but this time it was a little sly, one side upturned more than the other.
“Oh,” I said, not really sure why I couldn’t muster anything more than that. I could feel the tray in my hands shaking as the glasses slid a little from one corner to the other. Hawk quickly grabbed it from me and placed it on the table. I was grateful for his quick reflexes. It wasn’t that great for tips if you shattered glass and booze all over the floor.
“Thank you,” I whispered, casting my eyes down.
“Wouldn’t want my Daisy hurt from broken glass.”
My Daisy?
“I-I’m ok. I’ve dealt with a lot worse in my life,” I said, moving my hand away from his burning touch.
“Do you have a ride home?” His gaze never left me, his eyes quiet and perceptive.
“I usually take the bus around this time. It’s not that bad since the bars haven’t closed for the night.”
“I’ll take you,” he said, his voice low and firm. Normally I would have just written the guy off, maybe even called Mac, the bouncer, to come and toss him out. At that moment, looking at him, I didn’t want to say no.
There was something about Hawk that made me want to only say yes. He handed me a hundred dollar bill, before rising out of the booth. It shocked me how graceful he was for being such a large man. When he stood, his large frame towered over me, my head falling just at his shoulder. I wasn’t a little girl, I was curvy and no one would ever mistake me for petite. I slowly raised my head, tilting it back to look at him. His lips curved into a slow smile.
“I...I just have to sign out, and then we can go. Wait for me here?” I gathered up the bottle and tray, but his hand shot out, taking them both from me.
“I’ll walk you up to the bar,” he said, his voice soft and low.
I smiled, nodding my head before turning around, leading us through the bar. When we reached Mandy, she smiled mischievously, winking at me. I stared back with a warning glare. I didn’t need her saying anything that would make Hawk or myself uncomfortable.
“I’m off,” I said to Mandy. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You two have a good night,” she said with a knowing look. I wasn’t sure what she thought was happening here, but I just smiled and rushed Hawk out of there.
“I’m just around the corner,” he said once we got outside. The night air was a little chilly and I started rubbing my arms to maintain some warmth. “Don’t you have a coat?” He asked, before taking off his jacket and draping it around my shoulders.
“I normally do, but I didn’t think it was going to be this cold tonight.” I slipped my arms into the sleeves. “Thank you.”
“I don’t ever want you to be uncomfortable.”
We walked in silence in the dark until we came to a halt in front of a Ford truck. I couldn’t help smiling; this vehicle definitely suited him. It was large, dark and dependable. He opened the passenger side door for me and I got in. Then he pulled the seat belt and leaned over. As he buckled me in, I closed my eyes and let his woodsy scent come over me. If masculinity could have a scent, it would be Hawk’s. Warm and leathery and so intoxicating. When he finally pulled away, his hand brushed my arm and I felt a bolt of electricity surge through me. He smiled quickly before closing my door, walking to the driver’s side and getting in.
“Home?” He asked, his intense gaze on me. All I could do was notice his massive fingers curled around the steering wheel.
“Yes, please,” I whispered. “Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. I need to know you’re safe.” The car’s engine purred and Hawk started driving, never once asking me for directions.
That should have rung an alarm.
I’d been so careful, making sure no one could follow me, never wanting anyone from my past to know where I was. I’d been running from my other life for a long time and I should have been scared of him, but the truth of the matter: I knew deep down, somehow, that Hawk wouldn’t hurt me. I couldn’t explain the feelings running through me, but I just knew.
Chapter 2
Hawk
“How do you know where I live?” She asked, quietly. Her voice came out as a whisper. I watched as her delicate fingers started to fidget with each other.
“I know everything about you,” I said, parking the car and cutting the ignition, turning to glance at her. Her eyes burned with intensity and sincerity. “I just like knowing you’re safe.”
“I’m a big girl. I can keep myself safe.”
“I know.” I brushed her hair back behind her pretty ears. I never thought ears were that arousing, but on Izzy they made me want to trail my tongue along the shell, eager to feel a ripple of pleasure shoot through her. “I like seeing those pretty eyes of yours.”
Her eyes shot up at me. I wasn’t sure if I saw fear, lust, or appreciation in them. She smiled, sweetly, reaching for her bag that was resting between her legs. “Thank you for the ride, Hawk.”
“Don’t mention it. Will I see you tomorrow?” I asked as she opened the passenger side door. I didn’t want her to leave. I didn’t want the night to end. I wanted to just sit here with her, in silence forever. Her face looked luminescent in the moonlight. Her hair was so soft, my fingers itched to touch it again.