Page 32 of Dagger

Another buzz. It’s a text from Hawk.

Hawk:What are you up to?

I hesitate for a second, then type back.

Chloe:Just looking at rentals.

It takes him all of ten seconds to reply.

Hawk:Why? What’s wrong with the she-shed?

I sigh, leaning back against the cushions.

Chloe:I need more space. For me and the baby. This place isn’t gonna cut it.

Hawk:Be there in 15.

I stare at the screen, rolling my eyes.Typical Hawk,I think, not even waiting for me to respond before deciding he’s coming over. I toss my phone onto the cushion and lean back, groaning.

By the time I hear his bike pull up, my thoughts are a mess. The girls’ comments about him keep swirling in my head. I’ve never thought about Hawk like that before. Sure, he’s good-looking—like,seriouslygood-looking—but he’s always just been Hawk. A friend. Protective, yes. A little too much sometimes, but still just a friend. Right?

Hawk knocks once before pushing the door open, his broad frame filling the doorway. “You’re really looking at rentals?” he asks, stepping inside.

I shrug. “Yeah. I need more space. This place isn’t going to work with a baby.”

He looks around, his eyes scanning the cramped space. “Okay, fair,” he mutters. Then he straightens, like an idea just hit him. “You should just move in with me.”

I blink, caught off guard. “What?”

“I’m serious,” Hawk says, stepping closer, his voice steady but insistent. “I’ve got the space. Big house. It’s just me rattling around in it. Why not?”

My chest tightens, and I shake my head, my voice barely audible. “Because people will talk.”

He straightens, his jaw tightening. “People like who? The club? Chloe, who cares what they think? You’re having a baby, and you need the space. That’s all that matters.”

I don’t answer, shrugging instead, but I know he’s not buying it.

Hawk steps closer, his voice softening, but there’s still a firmness to it. “You’ve got nothing to prove to anyone. You don’t owe anybody an explanation for what you do. Why does it matter what they think?”

I glance at him, my chest aching with all the questions swirling in my head. “It’s not that simple,” I murmur, looking away.

“It is that simple,” he presses gently, his tone both calming and firm. “This isn’t about them. It’s about you and the baby. You need a place where you can breathe, where you don’t haveto worry about fitting a crib into a corner. You’ve got enough to deal with without worrying about whispers.”

I bite my lip, unable to find the words to respond.

Hawk exhales, taking another step closer. “I’m here, Chloe. I’ve been here, and I’ll keep being here, no matter what you decide. But don’t let other people’s opinions stop you from doing what’s right for you and your kid.”

The sincerity in his voice makes my chest ache even more. I look up at him, my voice shaky. “I just… I don’t know, Hawk. It’s a lot to think about.”

He moves in closer, his hand coming up to cup my cheek. The warmth of his palm is startling, and it makes my breath hitch. “Chloe,” he says softly, his voice steady and sure. “Look at me.”

I do, my heart pounding as his dark eyes stare into mine. He leans in slightly, his face so close I can feel his breath against my skin.

For a moment, I think he’s going to kiss me, and part of me wants him to. Before his lips touch mine, I turn my head, my stomach twisting with uncertainty.

Hawk pauses, his forehead resting gently against the side of mine. His voice is low, filled with emotion. “I care about you, Chloe. More than I probably should. I know you’ve got a lot to figure out, and I’m not trying to rush you. But I’m here, okay? I’ll wait as long as you need me to.”

My chest tightens, a lump forming in my throat as his words sink in.

---