Page 20 of Hawk

She takes Lilly from my grasp and goes back inside.

Chapter 7

Gideon

A Week Later

It’s a pain getting this alternator off of this car – I’ve been at it for the better part of an hour, but when you’re dealing with vintage, you have to be extra careful with stripped screws and rust. Lion is counting on me to take care of his baby, and this is the only car I’m working on so far this week. I’m in no hurry.

Still, it irks me.

I roll out from beneath the car, wipe my greasy hands and when I look up, I’m met with a pair of big, beautiful brown eyes.

It’s my Lilly.

She has on a pink shirt, jeans, and she’s wearing a pair of white sneakers. There’s a huge pink bow on her head, securing a ponytail.

“Da-dee,” she says.

I smile. “Hey, babygirl. Where’s your mom?”

“Right here,” Ivy says.

I look up to see her sitting on the steps, fanning her hand in a single wave. She looks good today – looks more relaxed after spending the last week here with me. She has on a yellow dress. Her hair is hanging in gorgeous curls that makes my hands tremble as I think about all the times I’ve had it balled up in my fist. Babygirl breaks my trance with her mother when she tugs on the pant leg of my dirty jeans and darts her arms straight up in the air for me to pick her up. My hands are so oily and greasy, I can’t pick her up. I’d, for sure, ruin her clothes.

I say, “Daddy can’t pick you up right now, babygirl. My hands are all dirty. See.” I open my hands for good measure and say, “See…dirty.”

She starts whimpering and whining, insisting that I pick her up. She must get that from her mother – the insistence that is. Having her way and all.

I grab a shop cloth and wipe my hands as best as I can and then secure her in my arms. Tears are still in her eyes, but she’s smiling now instead of frowning. I walk over to Ivy and say, “I think I’ve created a monster.”

She smiles.

I smile back. We’ve been getting along better this week – better than I could have anticipated. She’s cooked those meals that I love and we haven’t been arguing – that’s a good sign. What’s not so good is the way my body has been aching for her. I keep telling myself that she’s here for protection – not to rekindle anything we once shared. Besides, it’s been well established that my lifestyle doesn’t suit her. Why try to bring her into my world again? It’ll surely lead to disappointment.

“She’s definitely forming an attachment to you.”

“That’s a good thing. I’m going to be around for a looong time. Ain’t that right, Lilly?”

She giggles, then grabs strands of my hair in her little hand.

The sound of a car backfiring around the corner makes Ivy jump. She looked genuinely scared like she was having flashbacks. When she looks at me, I see embarrassment on her face. I make a note to talk to her about that later since we haven’t discussed anything pertaining to the things she’s endured with that guy. I was trying to stay away from it, but I see now it needs to be dissected. I still have Cash on my radar, but for now, I’m more concerned about Ivy and what she and my daughter had to endure with this man.

“I cooked dinner if you’re hungry,” she says.

“You know I’ve never been one to turn down a meal. I’ll come in and wash up real quick.”

“Okay.”

I carry Lilly inside, then lower her to her feet. The aroma of the food hits me in the face. I love well-seasoned food and Ivy has been providing that to me all week. I fought like heck not to get addicted to her cooking again since she’s only here temporarily. But those homecooked meals bring back memories of happier times. Of when I’d hike up her skirt and take her up against the refrigerator until all the cereal boxes fell. We shared a hungry passion for each other. There isn’t a room in this house that we haven’t blessed with our love.

But that was then.

After a quick shower and change of clothes, I walk to the kitchen. Ivy has made a seafood boil with shrimp, crab legs and all the goodness that comes in a good Louisiana boil. Man, I miss this food and no one does it better than her. Not even the best restaurants around here can make a boil like Ivy.

She mashes up some potatoes for Lilly and holds her while she eats.

I say, “This is delicious, Ivy.”

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