Page 88 of Storm Warning

Gordo told them he’d catch up. Hawk and Remi took an elevator to the fourth floor of the abandoned building, then had to take the stairwell the rest of the way to the roof. They stepped off the elevator into a workshop of sorts. At least it was covered. She peered out the window with Hawk to watch the rain beating the rooftop.

She didn’t have to step closer to the helicopter to see it was newer and more solid than Hawk’s older bird. But she wouldn’t mention it and risk hurting his feelings. He loved the helicopter he’d worked on.

Hawk opened the door of the building to head to the helicopter.

“Hawk, wait.”

He stepped back inside. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know if this is necessary.” She hadn’t wanted to say anything in front of his friend. “It’s only a three-hour drive back to the lodge.” Four or five depending on weather and traffic.

“And we’ll get there in half the time or less. The fasterwe get there, the faster that...” A slight frown creased his forehead as he let his words trail off.

She flinched. “What? This can be over, and you can be rid of me?” The look in his eyes had sent a sliver of insecurity through her and suddenly, out of nowhere, the thought had popped into her head. “I shouldn’t have said that. But since I did, if that’s how you feel, it’s fine. You don’t owe me anything, Hawk. You can step away at any time.”

“What?” His face darkened and he huffed. Pursed his lips. Glanced around as if expecting sudden danger. Then his eyes swiveled back to her, his gaze so intense she struggled to breathe.

“I didn’t say that,” he said.

Took him long enough to respond. “But you were going to say it. And that’s okay. I don’t know why I even reacted.”

She twisted away, but he gently caught her arm and turned her to face him. Then he stepped closer. Her back was to the wall now, and she couldn’t escape.

Even if she wanted to.

And right now, she wanted to stay here with him—a red flag that meant she wasn’t thinking clearly. But it was kind of hard to with this man—the lumberjack pilot with blue eyes—who, from the moment she’d met him, had literally held her life in his hands.

His attention was fully on her, his gaze penetrating. “Yes. I want this to be over soyoucan be safe.” His words came out breathy and he seemed to struggle to speak. Then he frowned. “I want this to be over so ... so that...”

He shook his head, then leaned closer. He was so close. She couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe.

Just kiss me already.

Then Hawk pressed his lips against hers, gentle and caring, flooding her with tenderness. Without hesitation, she wrapped her hands around his neck and pulled him closer.His arms enveloped her body, holding her tight against his sturdy chest, while his mouth took hers, caressing, exploring ... cherishing.

Hawk kissed her.

Deeply.

He kissed her senseless.

The stairwell door banged open. Remi startled, but Hawk remained close, softening his lips against hers, drawing her attention back to this small private moment with him, far from the troubles that chased them.

That... was beyond anything she could have imagined or expected. And she felt a little dizzy, in a good way.

He eased back enough to look at her, and she couldn’t tell if she saw regret in his eyes. On his face. She wasn’t sure how she felt about what just happened between them. On the one hand, it felt right and almost inevitable. On the other hand, what was she thinking? Her heart had definitely overruled her mind.

“Hawk ... I...”

“Look, if you didn’t want that, I’m sorry.”

“I wanted it. You know I did. But maybe it wasn’t such a good idea.”

A throat cleared. “I hate to break up the fun, but we’ve got company. A couple of men are making their way up.”

“We have to go.” Hawk grabbed her hand. “Gordo, you coming?”

“Nah. I’ll hold them off.”

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