When the doorbell rang exactly on time, her heart gave a little lurch, and she was still no closer to figuring out what she was going to say to Hawk. Keep it light. She could do this.
Of course, that all flew out the window the second she opened her door and found Hawk leaning against her rail, his cheeks slightly flushed from the cold, his dark eyes carrying a sparkle in them, and his lips instantly turning up when she caught his eye. Before she could utter a single word, he opened his mouth.
“I decided I liked that kiss a whole hell of a lot. I’ve also decided I’m not going to fight the attraction I feel for you. If I thought you didn’t feel the same way, I’d back off, but that small hitch in your breath and that look in your eyes tell me there’s something between us, something strong. And I want to explore it further.”
The way he spoke was casual, as if they were discussing nothing more significant than what was for dinner. But the look he shot her was anything but casual. Hunger burned inside her, and Natalie knew she was in serious trouble.
“I think this is a very bad idea, Hawk,” she whispered.
He took a step closer, and for the life of her, she couldn’t back away like she needed to.
“You know, all the best things in life happen because of bad ideas,” he said, his words a promise that sent a shudder right through her.
“We don’t know each other.”
“No one knows each other at first. Finding out all of the things that make you tick—that’s where the fun comes in.” He reached out a hand and cupped her cheek.
“The teachers here love to gossip, Hawk. Really love to gossip.”
“Aw, heck, Natalie. Don’t you want to know me for yourself?” he countered.
“It’s just that you’re a popular topic around the school. Every eligible woman in Sterling would love to be the one to wear your wedding ring.” Then a slight smile tilted her lips. “Well, to be fair, you’re neck and neck with the Whitman men.”
“Oh, honey, I’m much better than any of the Whitman boys,” he said with a laugh.
“You and the Whitmans were described to me as royalty in this small town. There’s been a lot said about none of you settling down, but even more said about your character and how you love your family and neighbors. I think this could be too complicated. I’m not interested in settling down.”
“Good. Because I’m not ready to settle down, either. But there’s nothing wrong with taking a beautiful woman out. There don’t have to be any expectations.”
“Well, I also heard you don’t date women in your hometown.” She was trying desperately to stand firm, but failing epically.
“You’re not from here, so we’re okay.”
“I think we’re far from okay, Hawk.
But he wrapped an arm around her and tugged her close.
“I have the remedy for that,” he told her, as he bent forward and kissed her for the second time. Natalie didn’t even try to pretend she didn’t want it. Maybe it would be for the best if she just held on and enjoyed the ride.
chapter 9
Natalie had ended up playing Othello with Hawk until about midnight. Then he’d taken her home, given her a scorching kiss on her front porch, and gone away with only a wave. She hadn’t heard from him for the next two days. Was this his idea of keeping it casual?
She hated that she felt unsure about herself, hated that she was even thinking about Hawk as much as she was, and hated that her plans seemed to be coming unraveled. It was too soon. Entering into a serious relationship was way down on her checklist, and she couldn’t stray from that list. Not that Hawk wanted to get serious. He’d even said that. So she was worrying for nothing, right? Right!
Peeking around a corner, Natalie watched the gym buzz with activity. The pageant was coming together, and decorations covered the walls in brilliant blues and silvers. Everyone, adult and child, sported a major smile.
The next moment, she noticed something strange. Concealed by a wall, she watched as Hawk peeked through a doorway—not unlike what she was doing!—with a large box in his hand. When he saw that nobody was paying any attention to him, he set the box down and casually walked over to his mother and her two friends, who were painting a giant board to look like a snow-covered mountain.
After a few moments, he strolled over to a small group of children and sat on the floor with them, and soon their voices rang out as they practiced one of the musical numbers.
With her curiosity overriding her need to hide from the man, Natalie walked swiftly into the gym. Almost as if Hawk had built-in GPS on where she was, he turned his head and their eyes collided.
“Ignore it,” she told herself, but it was so difficult. She felt quite accomplished when she managed to move forward and break the connection.