Page 23 of Filthy Love

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why not?” Her stubborn tone challenged.

Hawk stood suddenly. “Come on. Not doing this here,” not with a million pair of eyes all over them. He strode out into the open forecourt expecting her to follow. He was already starting up his bike when she emerged. Eyes wide. “Get in your car and follow me.”

“Where are we going?”

“It’s your lunch break. You need to eat.”

Her eyes went soft, and Hawk cursed internally for loving the look. He revved his old girl, her engine sounded pristine because he took care of her better than he did his own body. “Go on. It’s not far.”

“Okay.” Her smile was nothing short of absolute sunshine.

Sunshine. That’s what he thought of when he looked at her. She was everything warm, forgiving and welcoming.

The ride toGem’s Eaterywas uneventful if Hawk didn’t count the fact he kept eyes on Gia in the rear-view the entire time. He waited for her outside, his internal organs turning to liquid seeing how pleased she was that he’d waited as she climbed out of her car.

“I’m hungry.” She told him when he opened the door for her to go in first.

Food smells hit his nose. Scents of eggs and hash browns and strong coffee. He already saw the table he wanted, somewhere secluded in the back. Nosy asses from the club used this place to grab a fast bite and he didn’t want anyone to see him with Gia.

For her sake, not his.

He could give ten fucks what people thought of him.

But Gia lead him to the counter, sitting before he could say a word. He sighed and took the stool next to her. “What do you want?” He asked a minute into the silence as she scanned the menu.

“I think a turkey on rye? Maybe a toasted bagel? The potato and cheese soup smells delicious. I should be good and get a salad.” She chewed on her lip.

Driving Hawk mad.

The waitress looked between them. Pad and pen ready. Gia was still reading.

“I’ll take an unopened bottled water. And bring her a loaded toasted turkey with a cheese soup. And a coffee with cream.”

She gave him her little smile and for a second, he got a contact high from pleasing her.

Somehow over the low din of people talking and cutlery hitting plates and the radio in the background Hawk heard Gia’s belly rumbling. His brow puckered, anxious to get her fed. He pushed the plate and bowl closer to her when the waitress dropped them off. “Eat.”

“Aren’t you having anything? I can split it.”

He shook his head. “Eat, Gia.”

“Just as bossy as Rider.” She told him with a smile. “I’m excited to get back to Colorado for my cuddles with Harper. Have you seen her? I’m in love. She’s so cute. Probably the cutest baby in the world. I’m not even exaggerating.”

Hawk snorted, uncapping his water he drank deeply to put out the fire in his chest. “Rider’s turned into one of those doting assholes who thinks everyone wants to see fifty pictures of the same baby.”

Gia burst out laughing. “Isn’t he adorable? He sends me more pictures than Zara does. And he adds captions like ‘doodle-bug burped and scared herself.’ ‘She’s small but she took a big dump.’ He’s so gone over her.”

Yeah. Hawk got that impression, too. He was happy for his buddy.

“So, we’re in a public place. I take it you brought me here for some big speech how it was a mistake we kissed and now we can’t hang out. Am I right?” Hawk was busy watching even white teeth sink into bread that he didn’t hear her for a second.

He inhaled.

Rubbed his beard.

Fingers drummed on the counter.

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