Page 34 of Taming Hawke

“So, are you excited about going home?”

Jasmine’s eyes light up. She loves the ranch, and I can’t say I blame her; I love my own parents’ ranch too. I grew up next door to Jasmine, we were both only children and went to the same school. We were inseparable, and still are.

“You can say that. I’m glad I’m getting married there. It’s always been my wish to marry my future husband there, and with Nic that wasn’t going to happen, because of his mother’s plans. So I love how Quill knew it was a dream of mine and made it a reality.”

Sipping my coffee, I brace myself to ask Jasmine the question I’m dreading.

“Jazz?”

Jasmine’s stirring her hot chocolate, and takes a sip. She places it back down and gives me her full attention.

“Will you tell me the rest of that story?”

“Of course. Like I said, Josie is a stripper, and that night Hawke went to confront her out back after her routine. He saw her injecting herself with drugs.”

“Oh my God!” I cry. “What did Hawke do?”

“Well, you know Hawke, he can’t help but be the knight in shining armor. He drove her home and tried to sober her up by placing her in a cold shower.”

“Shower?” I yell. “He undressed her?” I’m in shock.

“I don’t think it was like that, Lu. Calm down,” Jasmine says looking around the café after the scene I made.

I lower my voice. “Was she naked?”

“I doubt it. All I know is that he got her in there and she kissed him, he pulled away, and left the bathroom.”

“He did?” I ask, surprised.

“Lu, what the hell? What did you think, that he would have sex with her there, and then...?”

“It did cross my mind,” I say honestly.

“You need to have more faith in him. He’s a good one,” Jasmine explains as she takes another sip of her hot chocolate, and I follow her by doing the same with my coffee.

“So if this all meant nothing, why did he never tell me about Josie? Why did he hide it from me?”

“I don’t know. Maybe he was worried.”

“Worried about what?”

“I don’t know,” Jasmine admits, sitting back in her chair. “Maybe he was scared, Lu. He’s been hurt, you know what that’s like.”

I sit back in mine, and run my fingers over the rim of my cup.

“Listen, I’m sure Hawke loves you… but he’s been hurt, Lu. Bad.” The way she emphasizes the last word forces me to look up at her. “He’s told you he loves you. That’s a big step for him.”

“You’re right. Maybe I overreacted.” I sag forward at my realization and cup my chin in my hand. “Have I lost him?” I ask Jasmine, feeling sick in my stomach with the thought I could have.

“Luisa, the guy is crazy about you. I’ve never seen him looking so lost. Please make up with him, I can’t share my food with him anymore. He’s killing me.”

I laugh at her comment and try to catch my breath.

“I’m serious, Lu, I’m sure the man is eating more because he’s depressed that you’re gone. Even Quill’s noticed him coming over more often. So please, forgive him. He’s a pain in my ass.”

“If only it was that easy.” I sag into my chair, my shoulders dropping.

“Luisa, are you not listening to a word I’m saying? Get your ass in your car, and go to him. He’s at the clubhouse.”

I chew on my bottom lip, contemplating going.

“Go,” she repeats, and I give in. I get up from my seat and give Jasmine a warm hug, thanking her.

“Don’t be late tomorrow, hon, plane leaves at 11.00 a.m. I expect you and Hawke on time,” she adds winking.

“Will do, Mom,” I say smiling, and leave the café and head to my car to find Hawke.

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