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I’m walking on clouds by the end of my shift. I’ve only been here for a day, but I’ve already learned a ton from Hawk. He’s so wise and experienced that I honestly couldn’t have dreamed of a better teacher.

But that’s not all. He’s so easy to talk to that it feels like I’ve known him for years. We chatted all day between him teaching me stuff, and not once did it feel forced or awkward. He’s as passionate about art as I am, and he knows what I’m talking about when I discuss pencil grades or line weight or paper texture—unlike every other man I’ve tried talking art with. Their eyes always glazed over, and they looked at me with a frown like I had two heads. But Hawk understands completely.

We have a connection that I haven’t felt with anyone before. Almost like we’re… born for each other or something.

Even though it’s already past five, I’m not leaving before Hawk tells me I can head home, so I follow him to one of the other tattoo stations where Theo has just finished inking a client.

“I’m out,” Hawk tells him. “You okay to lock up tonight?”

“Sure thing, Boss. Will Luna be here for the evening shift?”

Hawk nods. “She’s doing that mountain tattoo for Ruben. I think she’ll be at least another couple of hours.”

“Great. Do you happen to know where Mav took off? I’ve got a few questions about a design he wanted me to draw, but he’s not picking up his phone.”

“He’s chasing some girl around town who forgot her jacket here this morning. That’s all I know,” I tell him.

Theo laughs. “That explains why he seemed distracted during lunch. Anyway, get out of here and enjoy your evening before you change your mind about heading out earlier than usual, Boss.”

“Thanks, will do.”

“See you soon, Delilah,” Theo says.

I give him a quick wave, following Hawk as he closes the door and heads to the front of the shop.

“You don’t take a lot of nights off?” I ask.

“My staff thinks I work way too many hours.”

He shrugs. “I don’t know. Maybe, but why would I cut back? I love what I do and don’t have anyone waiting for me at home. Well, except for Boulder.”

“My dog. You’ll get why I called him that when you meet him.”

My heart flutters as he says when, not if.

“Ready to go?” he asks.

I tuck a curl behind my ear and nod before walking away. “I am. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Wow, not so fast,” he says, gently grabbing my arm.

I give him a questioning look before my gaze falls to where he’s holding me. His fingers sear my skin with feverish need.

“I’m taking you home,” he says in a low voice.

My heart does another flip. “It’s still light out. You don’t have to do that.”

He stares me down with those green eyes. “I’m taking you home. End of discussion.”

Hawk leads me around the back of Bearclaw Ink, where a couple of motorcycles are locked behind a gate. He picks off a helmet dangling from the handle of a shiny and big Harley Davidson and hands it to me.

“I’ve never driven one of these before,” I confess.

His eyebrows shoot up. “Really?”

“I lived in the city for most of my life. I either walked or took the subway.” I laugh. “Mom would faint if she knew I was about to hop on a motorcycle.”

The corners of his mouth lift under his thick beard. “In that case, don’t tell your mother what you’re about to do.”

I slide the helmet over my head. “I bet I look silly.”

His eyes darken, and he clenches his jaw. “You don’t. Trust me.”

“You’re not just saying that?”

“I shouldn’t tell you what I’m thinking, Delilah.”

He grits his teeth. “Because you’re my best friend’s daughter.”

“But what would you want to say if I wasn't?” I ask, feeling bold.

His hand tightens into a fist. “That you look sexy as hell.”

Without another word, he helps me onto the bike. He swings his leg over the seat and revs the engine, backing out of the parking space with practiced precision.

“Hold on tight,” he shouts over the roar of the throttle.

I snake my arms around his waist, relishing the taut muscles underneath his shirt. This man isn’t just strong; I’m pretty sure he’s made of granite straight from the Earth’s center.

Exhilaration and lust fill me as we speed through the streets of Bearclaw Ridge. Also a smidge of fear from going so fast, but I know Hawk will keep me safe no matter what. I hold on tight, savoring every second of unapologetically stroking the muscles beneath my fingers. Liquid heat pools between my legs. The sensation is confusing and amazing at the same time. No man has ever gotten me this worked up.

Hawk isn’t like the boys I went to college with. He’s not immature or scrawny. Hawk is pure testosterone, a real man with honest values and the physique to protect me.

Damn it. I never should’ve taken that internship at Bearclaw Ridge because now I want Hawk. All of him. But Dad will never approve, I’m sure of that.

When we arrive home, I’m horny and frazzled. I plan to take an ice-cold shower as soon as I get off this bike.

“Thanks for the ride,” I say as I hand the helmet back to Hawk. “It’s one of the things I get to take off my long list of firsts.”

He quirks an eyebrow. “That long of a list?”

His deep, manly voice makes my insides burn with desire. I’d love for Hawk to take more than one of my firsts. My first time having sex, for example. My cheeks heat as soon as the thought enters my mind.

He bites his bottom lip and fucking hell, what I wouldn’t give for those teeth to bite into my soft skin.

The sound of the front door opening brings me back to reality.

Dad walks out and gives us a broad smile. “Thanks for bringing her home safely, Hawk. She didn’t cause you any trouble today, did she?”

Hawk’s eyes grow darker. For a split second, I’m sure he’s going to tell Dad that I caused him a lot of trouble and can’t work for him anymore, but he doesn’t.

“She was great. Real talented and driven,” Hawk says, already back on his bike.

I’m about to run inside and straight to the shower when Dad frowns.

“You’re leaving? Come on, man, stay. We can have dinner together.”

“I don’t want to impose,” Hawk says.

Dad puts his arm around my shoulders. “I’m sure Delilah doesn’t mind her dad and his best friend catching up.”

What am I to say? I can’t exactly tell them I’d rather take a cold shower because Hawk turns me on like nothing ever has.

“Yeah, you should stay,” I tell Hawk.

“I’ll make spaghetti,” I offer.

I’d love nothing more than to spend more time with Hawk, but I’m sure I’ll combust if I don’t get away from him for a couple of hours. A girl can take only so much rugged hotness and charm in one session.

Besides, what if Dad can tell I have the hots for his best friend, who’s twice my age? He’ll lose his shit. That’s not the kind of evening I’m looking forward to.

I disappear into the kitchen while Dad and Hawk pour themselves whiskeys to enjoy in the backyard, talking and laughing like two best friends do.

I focus on chopping carrots and sautéing an onion, but my mind keeps wandering to Hawk. I had the best time with him today and not just because he’s easy on the eyes. There’s a pull between us that I’ve only ever read about, not experienced. I thought it was the kind of thing made up by authors and scriptwriters, but now I know it’s real. No matter the age gap between us, we share a unique connection.

“Fuck!” I shout.

With my mind elsewhere, I cut myself pretty deep. Dad and Hawk come busting through the door.

“What’s wrong?” Dad asks, his eyes frantically scanning the kitchen.

Hawk steps forward and takes my finger in his hand, scrutinizing the wound. He then turns to Dad. “Do you have a first-aid kit?”

“I’ll go get it.”

Dad dashes out of the kitchen, leaving Hawk and me alone. He reaches over to the roll of kitchen paper on the counter, rips a couple of pieces off, and puts on the wound.

“Until your father returns with something to disinfect and bandage the wound.” He gives me a stern look. “You have to be more careful, Delilah. You could’ve hurt yourself a lot worse than a cut. What if you’d lost a finger?”

“I know, I was distracted.”

“By what?” he demands to know.

“Thinking about someone.” I let my eyes lock with his, hoping he knows what I mean.

Understanding seeps into his eyes as Dad bursts into the kitchen, the first-aid kit tucked under his arm. I’m relieved he doesn’t catch the small grunt escaping Hawk’s mouth.

Dad takes over, fussing over me as if I’m still a child. Hawk stands back, his arms crossed over his burly chest. His eyes bore straight into my soul, but I can’t tell what he’s thinking.

I arch an eyebrow in question, wanting to know if he feels the same way about me as I do about him. I’m sure he’ll give me a grin, but he doesn’t. He shakes his head, breaking my heart into a million pieces.

“I’m going to lie down for a bit,” I say as soon as my finger is bandaged.

Without another word, I escape to my room and fall back onto my Foo Fighters bedspread. Everything that’s happened today… It’s a lot. Before I came back to Bearclaw Ridge, I felt fine, but not anymore. Without Hawk, I’m not whole. I have an aching hole in my heart that only he can fill.

At some point, I fall asleep. When I wake up, the moon illuminates the dark sky, and the house is silent.

As I tiptoe through the hallway, I hear the front door close. I rush outside to see Hawk swing his leg over his motorbike.

“Hawk, wait,” I say, sprinting toward him barefoot, pine cones pinching my skin.

“If you’re looking for your dad, he went to his room. I offered to stay outside a bit longer to make sure the fire was out. I’m leaving.”

I flick a gaze at the house. I know I’m treading on dangerous ground here. Dad won’t be asleep yet, but I can’t do nothing.