Banger’s Ride(176)
“That’s good, because I feel that way about you, too. I didn’t mean what I said about you not being in my league. You hurt me, so I wanted to hurt you back. I’ve been missing you, too.”
“Is that the truth?” he asked, looking deeply into her eyes.
Squeezing him tighter around his waist, Cara nodded.
“I guess I misjudged you. I didn’t think you could see me beyond a fuck ’cause we were from different backgrounds,” Hawk said.
“I see you as a person and not a list of credentials I have to check off. You do something to me no man ever has. I feel connected to you.”
He tightened his arms around her. “More than you do with that pansy-ass suit?”
“Luke? I don’t feel connected to him. I don’t feel anything for him. You’re the one who occupies my thoughts and dreams.” Brushing her tongue over his lips, she kissed him. He groaned, tugging her closer.
Clearing his voice, Hawk said, “You’re not safe here, babe. You must know that.”
“I installed a burglar alarm and extra locks on the windows and doors.”
“You can’t think that’s gonna keep the Nomads out. You gotta lay low for a few days or more, just until I can get a handle on this.”
“Should I go to my parents’?”
“Not if you don’t want to drag them into this chaos. You’ve got yourself into some dangerous shit. Sherrie isn’t a good option, either. There’s no sense in bringing her into this. You’ll come to my place for tonight. I’ll talk to Banger and the brothers tomorrow, and we’ll go from there.”
“Luckily, I took some time off next week. Let me grab a few things and we can go.”
* * *
Orange and purple brushstrokes painted the sky over the mountaintops as Hawk pulled up to his house. His arms circled Cara’s waist as he helped her off his Harley, and she smiled. “I loved the ride.”
“Did you?”
“Yeah, the first time I rode on your bike it was scary, but exhilarating at the same time. It was fast. This time, I knew what to expect, so I just went with it. It was awesome.” Cara’s cheeks were red from the cold, and her long hair was tangled and messy.
“You’re definitely my type of woman,” Hawk chuckled.
When Cara entered Hawk’s house, she was surprised how neat it was. The décor was western with southwestern undertones. The first floor was all dark hardwood floors, and a large stone fireplace was the focal point in the living room. A sectional couch in a Navajo pattern sat in front of the stone hearth, while sand and oil paintings depicting life on the range adorned the walls.
Hawk put down her overnight bag and went over to the fireplace, fussing around for several minutes until licks of yellow, red and blue jumped around wooden logs. He closed the fire screen and motioned for her to have a seat on the couch.
“Nice place. I love what you did with the furnishings. Did you have help with that?”
“No, I did it by myself.”
“I’m impressed. If you ever want to do something else, interior decorating could be an option.”
“Yeah, like that will ever happen.”
“How long have you lived here?”
“I bought this place about four years ago. I stayed at the compound for around seven years. Don’t get me wrong, I’m good with my brothers, but I felt an itch. I wanted to have something of my own, my own space, you know?
“I do. I like having my own place, too. Do you have some of the guys from your club over here?”
“Yeah, we have barbecues. It’s cool.”
“Do you have wild parties here, too?”
“What is it with you? Do you think I party all the time and fuck anyone with tits?”
“Yep, pretty much,” Cara joked.
Grabbing her, Hawk threw her down on the couch, turned her over, and swatted her ass. “You need a good spanking for that one.” He smacked her ass again lightly as he tickled her sides.
Cara was laughing so hard she was afraid she would pee her pants. She yelled, “I give up, stop!”
Hawk turned her onto her back and loomed above her. Staring into her green eyes, his lips sought hers. In response, Cara wrapped her arms around his neck, brought him closer to her, and kissed him. Propping himself on his elbow, he outlined her face with his finger, saying, “Except for Kylie, who’s like my niece, you’re the only woman who’s been over here.”
“Really? Why?”
“I never wanted to share this with any woman. You’re also the first woman who’s been on the back of my bike, so you see what you’ve done to me?”
Cara didn’t know what to say. Hawk could have any woman he wanted, but he chose her to share his private world with. As her heart exploded, Cara pulled his head toward her, kissing him all over his face.