And the fire alarm went off.
Natalie’s eyes widened with panic as the lights of the fire station filled the room as if it were midday. She jumped from the truck, then tugged her sweater over those perfect breasts and stuffed her bra into her pocket. They barely had time to finish dressing and scamper out of the fire truck before the first men rushed through the bay doors. And before Hawk could stop her, Natalie slipped out into the night, leaving him standing there with a body that didn’t realize their lovemaking was over.
The two of them needed to talk, and they would, as soon as the fire call was over. But right now, he had a job to focus on . . .
chapter 12
She knew she was a chicken. She didn’t even care. Let Hawk think what he wanted, but when he’d come to her door on Sunday, no, she didn’t answer it and yes, she’d been hiding.
It was now Monday, and today was the day of the fire station field trip. Just her luck. How was she possibly going to avoid Hawk at his place of work? She’d seriously considered calling in sick, but she had too solid a work ethic to give that idea much more than a passing thought. So here she was, entering the same fire hall she’d been in two nights before—naked.
“Ms. Duncan, do we get to hear the sirens?”
“Of course you do, Bobby.” She could do this. She’d just focus on the kids.
“Hello, future firefighters!”
Natalie turned to find a larger-than-life Hawk Winchester standing in front of the same fire engine where he’d taken her to the highest reaches of pleasure and passion. His eyes bored into hers for a full three seconds before he turned his attention back to the kids. That look alone nearly had her sagging to the floor. It was more than clear that he had a lot to say to her. She was grateful there were about thirty small chaperones with her to keep her safe.
From the look he was shooting her way, it was apparent that Hawk Winchester didn’t like being ignored.
The tour began and Natalie did her best to not stare at the man of the hour, but their eyes kept meeting over the heads of the kids, and the smoldering look in his deep brown depths was enough to fry her insides. This man would barely have to lift a finger to get her back into the truck that he seemed to be spending so much time showing the kids. Her imagination went wild as she pictured herself leaning back . . .
Nope. Not the place. And really not the time.
When the schedule called for snacks and Natalie turned to follow the other teachers and kids into the break room, a hand caught her arm in a punishing grip.
Uh-oh!
“You’re not hiding from me anymore. Not a chance.”
Natalie felt herself being dragged away from the crowd, and then she found herself alone with Hawk, leaning against the very truck she’d been focusing on all weekend. No one else was in the main garage—the other firemen were helping to entertain the kids inside the lounge—and Natalie felt exposed and raw as she looked up at Hawk.
“This isn’t the place or time,” she whispered, praying that no one wandered in and saw the two of them.
“I agree. Sunday would have been a great time for us to have this conversation, but you wouldn’t answer either your door or your phone.”
His eyebrows rose as he waited for her response.
She gathered her courage and spoke sternly, though it wasn’t her style. “A wise person would have figured out that I had nothing to say to you.”
“I don’t think that’s it at all, Natalie. I think what happened between us was pretty damn spectacular, and now you’re running away scared instead of facing it like an adult.”
Such unmitigated arrogance irritated the hell out of her. It didn’t matter that he was right; what ticked her off was the fact that he knew he was right. No one should be that sure of himself. She certainly wasn’t of herself. How could he know how she felt? He couldn’t.
“You can think whatever you want, Hawk. I don’t care. We had sex. It ended. Get over it, and get over yourself.” She tugged against the hold he had on her.
“Nope. I don’t think so. You know what, Natalie?”
His pause was painful. They stared each other down for several edgy seconds.
“What?” she practically shouted.
“I’ve decided I like being with you. I’ve decided that we make quite a great couple. This weekend we’ll have a real date.”
“I don’t think so, Hawk.” She tugged against his hold but it did her zero good.
“Why?”
His now cold eyes wouldn’t release her from their hold, just as his hand still gripped her tight. How could she continue fighting him while fighting herself as well? Somehow she dug down deep and found the will to resist him.