Page 5 of Hawk

“This place is amazing.” Too amazing. I’m not sure I can afford it. Yes, I have money set aside, but until I have a job, that will have to last me a while. “Can I ask how much you’re renting it for?”

She must sense my apprehension. “Etain, I’m looking for someone who will take care of my home like it was their own. I’d rather make some money than no money. Let’s talk about what you’re comfortable with for rent, and when you feel more settled, we can revisit it. What do you think?”

“It sounds too good to be true,” I say with a grin.

“Consider me your fairy godmother.” She tilts her head to one side and bites her lower lip, then says, “I’m not comfortable around a lot of people. I force myself to get out and do things, but I’d much rather be in my garden or on my porch swing. I like you, Etain. I know we just met, but you’re one of the few people I instantly had a connection with.”

I’m so relieved to hear her say that because I really like Sasha. “It seems like I found my first friend,” I declare, and we both laugh.

“Let’s celebrate with a glass of wine. Then I’ll help you unload your car. How does that sound?” Sasha says.

“Sounds great. And thank you.”

Several hours later, my car is unpacked and we’ve already had a trip to the local Walmart for bedding and pillows, as well as some basic kitchen items. It’s a small dent in my wallet, but I’ve made the decision to give this place a go.

On the way back to my new place, Sasha and I pick up a pizza, and she brings over the rest of the wine we started earlier. We sit and talk for hours. Well, I talked, Sasha listened. She’s a great listener. I did find out that she came to town almost three years ago and she works from home as a computer programmer. She takes on contract jobs from all over the world and has been offered many full-time jobs, but she doesn’t want to uproot herself. Sasha avoids my question about family, and I certainly don’t want to upset her.

When we finally say good night, I move to the bedroom, make my bed with my new sheets, and lay my head down on the pillow, hoping I’ll dream of the cobalt-eyed biker named Hawk.

Hawk

The phone rings once, and I pick it up.

Winger doesn’t even wait for me to say hello. “She’s got a bed for the night. Might even be for the foreseeable future.”

“What do you mean?”

“She went to see Sasha McGrath. They’ve been together most of the afternoon and evening. They even took a trip to the store. Seems to me that this woman is planning to stay awhile.”

A smile forms on my lips. Sasha’s one of the sweetest people I’ve met. Heart of pure fucking gold. Etain couldn’t be in better hands. It’s a relief to know that Etain has decided to stay. I had a gut feeling that she was, but knowing she’s come to that conclusion on her own is a relief. I was already contemplating how to lure her back if she decided to leave town.

Now that I know Etain is safe, I can go to my own bed for the night, although I wish Etain was in it with me.

THREE

Wrench or Hammer

HAWK

The shop is already busy. Flex, Decker, and Shooter are working on cars and bikes that need to be done today. We service all makes and models of cars and bikes, but love a good restoration of a classic. They may take months to complete, but the sense of accomplishment is a high unlike any other. I know my men, and they’re going to get these cars in and out quickly so they can get back to the fun stuff.

Meanwhile, I keep glancing at the clock on the wall: eight fifty-five. Where the hell is she? Technically, I told Etain to be here for nine, and when I texted Winger for an update, he didn’t respond.

I hear a clank on the floor where Flex is working on a Dodge Charger, then follow his gaze as Etain sashays through the bay door, wearing a slim fitted skirt molded to her frame and an emerald-green short-sleeve button-up shirt, looking extremely professional and very sexy, down to her three-inch kitten heels. Her hair bounces around her face as she walks through the shop, stopping just short of Flex.

“What’s up, Red? How can I help you?” Flex asks with a grin. The dumb fuck thinks he’s got a fucking shot in hell with Etain. I’m putting a stop to that right now.

“Flex, back to work. Ginger’s here to see me,” I tell him. My voice is curter than it should be, but I think I held my cool well considering I wanted to punch him in the face for the leering glance he gave Etain.

Etain sees me standing at the far end of the shop and comes toward me. Flex can’t help himself and takes another look as she walks away, his eyes on her ass, then gets back under the hood. I can’t say I blame him; Etain has a fine ass, and legs, and everything else.

“I told you not to call me Ginger,” she starts.

“I think it suits you.”

“And to think my parents agonized over what to call me, just to have you rename me,” she replies sarcastically. “Shall I get it officially changed?”

“No need. I’m the only one who will ever call you that,” I tease. She rolls her eyes, and I immediately want to haul her into my office, spread her across my desk and fuck her until I can’t walk. I nudge the door open and motion for her to step inside. I sense the other guys on the floor watching, but refuse to acknowledge them, stepping in after her instead.

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