Page 3 of Damaged Protector

I gave her a flat look. “I don’t believe in love.” When she lifted her eyebrows, I backtracked a little. “I mean, I know it exists. You and Bode are proof of that. It’s just not for people like me.”

Her hazel eyes blinked up at me. “You deserve love as much as anyone else, Hawk.”

My thick shoulders lifted and fell in a shrug. I wasn’t one of those guys who thought they didn’t deserve love. I didn’t want love.

“I’m not built the same as guys like Bode. I’m not capable of loving someone.” That wasn’t entirely true either, but it was the best I could come up with to define my choices.

“Bullshit,” she claimed, and my eyebrows lifted to my hairline. “You’re a good guy. I watched you dancing with Mia a while ago. She adores you, and trust me, that kid can tell who’s a good person and who’s not.”

I sighed. “She’s an angel, and I do like kids. Just not women.”

“Gee thanks,” she deadpanned, and I grinned.

“There are a few exceptions. You and the rest of my friends’ wives. Blaire. My sister.”

“What about your mom?”

My face hardened at the mention of her. “She’s most definitely not one of the exceptions.”

“Oh, I’m sorry you had a bad home life, Hawk.” She stretched up on her toes and kissed my bearded cheek. “I’ve tried so hard to make sure my kids were happy and healthy despite being dealt a shitty hand where their father was concerned.”

“You’re amazing, Landree. You’re one of the good ones, and I’m so glad Bode found you. For both your sakes. He’s a good one too, and y’all deserve each other.” I meant every single word.

“That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard you say, Hawk. Thank you.”

“I mean it. You’re strong, but make sure to lean on Bode when you need to. The jolly fucker lives for taking care of people.”

“I will. It’s hard, but I’m learning. He makes it easier.”

My eyes focused on a large pine tree outside the window. “And for the record, I didn’t necessarily have a bad home life. I had an excellent father, and it wasn’t until I was older that my mom started pulling her shit.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

My walls slammed down around me. I liked Landree, but this wasn’t something I wanted to discuss with her. Or anyone.

“No. Thanks, though.”

“Not all women are cut from the same cloth. You’ve already admitted that with your exceptions. Just try keeping your heart open.”

My grin was positively wicked as I brought my eyes back to hers. “I’d rather keep my pants open.”

“Oh my god, you’re ridiculous!” she said, swatting me on the arm.

“My wife beating you up, dude?” Bode asked, dancing up with Sophia in his arms. “You gotta watch her. She can be brutal.”

“Wanna switch partners?” I asked, relieved to have been interrupted. I released Landree and reached for the baby. At least Sophia wouldn’t question my life choices. She wasn’t even two yet.

Spinning us in a circle, I grinned as the little one giggled like a maniac. “Is that fun, baby girl?”

She threw her head back, her tiny hands clutched in my beard as I whirled us around and around. Kids liked my big, furry face for some reason.

When I slowed the spinning—didn’t want to make the kid puke, after all—Sophia leaned forward and kissed my nose.

“I yuv you, Untle Hawt.”

I returned the nose smooch as my frayed nerves calmed.

“I yuv you too, Sophie-Pie.” She laid her dark curly head against my shoulder and yawned. “Your grandma doesn’t know what she’s talking about. You get me, right?”

---