Maddie
It was a bold move—one I never would’ve attempted if I thought I’d actually see him again after tonight—but I was ready to fight fire with fire.
Leaning back in my chair, I loosened the tie on my yoga pants and slipped a hand inside, closing my eyes and pretending to give myself a thorough investigation.
Oh,damn.
I wasn’t surprised at how hot I was, at how wet; I’d been in a constant state of arousal since he’d first stepped onto that porch with his glistening abs on full display. But I certainly wasn’t expecting the barest brush of my own fingers to send a jolt of pleasure buzzing across my every nerve.
My breath caught on a gasp, and I yanked my hand out of my pants and forced out a laugh.
“Sorry, tough guy,” I said, attempting a deadpan, probably failing. “My panties are still intact, completely unmelted. Guess your A-game’s a little rusty. You should probably get out more—brush up on those pre-game skills.”
When I finally met his gaze again, Hawke was glaring at me hard, his chest heaving, fist clamped so tight around his glass, I thought it might shatter.
“Don’t… don’t do that again,” he ground out, anger flashing in those stormy eyes.
Heat rushed to my cheeks, and this time it wasn’t because he’d gotten me worked up. No, this was the heat of shame. Raw, uncut shame. I felt like a naughty schoolgirl who’d just gotten busted cheating on a test.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered, unable to hold his gaze. “I didn’t—”
“You done?” Hawke shoved his chair back and stood up to clear the dishes from the table, all the levity and camaraderie vanishing in a blink.
“I… yes. I’m done.” I closed my eyes and willed the floor to open up and swallow me whole.
Without another word, Hawke finished clearing the table. Filled the sink with hot, soapy water. Scraped every last dish into the compost bin. Refilled Bella’s food and water bowls.
And still—still—the stupid floor remained unmoved by my plea, leaving me there to suffer in silent, paralyzed horror.
I couldn’t believe I actually thought I could beat him at his own game. Instead, all I’d done was mortify myself and seriously piss him off in the process.
Or worse—disgust him. His vibe was so stormy, so angsty, it was hard to get an accurate read. All I knew for sure was that the man wasnothappy with my little performance.
God, what was I thinking? Touching myself at the dinner table? I didn’t even know him!
After wiping down the table without meeting my eyes even once, Hawke got to work scrubbing the dishes.
It felt like an hour passed. A day. And then…
“You okay?” he finally said, the unexpected sound of his voice crashing through the tense silence and making me jump. “Awfully quiet over there again, and there’s no food in your mouth so I know it can’t be—”
“Stop. Stop!” I hopped up from my chair, nearly tripping over poor Bella, who yelped and darted into the living room. “I mean… the dishes,” I said awkwardly. “Let me take care of the dishes. I don’t mind.”
I joined him at the sink and pushed up my gingerbread sleeves.
Elbows-deep in the sudsy water, Hawke didn’t budge. “It’s fine, Maddie. I’ve got it. You just go relax or… whatever it is you need to do.”
“No, I’m serious. You cooked. I’ll wash.” I dipped my hands into the hot, slippery water, fingers gliding down the length of his tattooed forearms in search of the sponge. I couldn’t help it; Ihadto touch him, even if it was just for a second.
God,he felt so good. So solid and strong.
Instead of pulling back like I expected, Hawke turned his hands over in the water and laced our fingers together. A million electric tingles raced up my arms, across my shoulders, and down my spine, straight to my core.
“You’re trembling,” he said softly, tracing my skin with his thumbs, slow and gentle. Mesmerizing.
I let out a soft breath, everything in me vibrating with need as our fingers continued their erotic dance under the water, skin sliding against skin, my shoulder brushing against his arm as I leaned in closer, seeking his warmth.
“I’m…” Hawke sighed, and though I still hadn’t met his eyes, I could feel his gaze sweeping down the side of my face, my skin heating in its wake. “I’m not the man you think I am, Maddie.”
