Risking it All (A Hawk Brothers Romance)

by Cami Checketts

  He didn’t realize he was staring at her unabashedly until Emmett elbowed him in the side. “Be careful with Britney, eh?”

  Britney? It was then that Bridger noticed the famous swimsuit model seated next to Avalyn. She was making eyes at Bridger as if he were staring at her, not Avalyn. Shoot. He’d been friendly with her the past few days—some might call it flirting—but it was simply a distraction to keep his mind off Avalyn, the way it was with every woman he flirted with and dated.

  His brothers would cuss him up one side and down the other if they knew how many women he’d dated to try to push Avalyn out of his mind and heart. They’d say he wasn’t being respectful of women or some such garbage. He was respectful. He treated women kindly, never offered any kind of commitment, and never did more than kiss said women. He’d hoped for years that he’d find someone in the midst of all that dating that would push Avalyn out of his dreams. It hadn’t happened yet, and those kisses yesterday morning had ruined him for at least another decade.

  Kiera finally approached, and everyone stood as the bride’s march song played. Bridger focused in on Avalyn again. She looked exquisite in a black dress that complemented her lean body, her long dark hair trailing across her smooth, brown shoulders. Bridger had seen many a beautiful woman in his day, but nobody compared to Avalyn. Her Middle Eastern heritage and philanthropist heart made her even more appealing. She was unique and perfect.

  Why was she so determined to stay away from him? He’d acted much too impulsively kissing her like that yesterday, but she’d responded. Oh, how she had responded. The mere memory lit a fire inside of him. She met his gaze and stuck her tongue out at him. Bridger had to bite down a laugh, as this was a serious, beautiful moment for Creed and Kiera. Her dad was saying he gave this woman to Creed and all of that. Yet Bridger loved that Avalyn would tease with him. They’d been friends their entire lives, and he’d known she was the one for him since he was twelve and she was fourteen.

  What was holding her back from loving him? He sighed and focused on the wedding. Maybe the fact that he’d never been worthy of her and never would be. What mere mortal could be worthy of Avalyn Shaman?

  Avalyn’s heart was slamming against her rib cage. Bridger kept giving her these heady, significant glances throughout the wedding. She needed to fly out of here as soon as social dictates would allow. Somehow she had to act cool and collected through the ceremony and the breakfast, and then she’d flee from Bridger and hopefully not see him again for a few more years. She’d pray hard for that miracle.

  Creed and Kiera kissed, then held their joined hands high as everyone cheered. They walked happily down the aisle, and Britney Nolan, the supermodel, turned to Avalyn. They’d met last year at Emmett Hawk’s fitness camp, where he’d asked Avalyn to be a guest speaker. Avalyn liked Britney.

  “Wasn’t that beautiful?” Britney dabbed at the corners of her eyes.

  Avalyn nodded, cussing herself for not even noticing the beautiful ceremony; she’d been distracted by a more beautiful man.

  They stood, and Britney linked their arms as they watched Emmett Hawk and Callum Hawk meet up with their respective fiancées, Cambree and Alexia. Bridger’s parents were hugging, and Avalyn had that familiar feeling of being the only person without that special someone.

  “Isn’t he beautiful?” Britney murmured, gazing up to where Bridger was talking to the preacher, a young, smiling man who Avalyn had heard was one of Creed’s Navy SEAL buddies.

  “Yes, he is,” Avalyn agreed, but she bit her tongue. She had to backtrack quickly. “The preacher? That’s who you mean, right?”

  Britney giggled. “The preacher’s married and definitely not who either of us has been checking out.” She sighed. “Aw, Bridger Hawk. The only single Hawk brother left. Who do you think will claim that man’s heart?”

  Avalyn rolled her eyes at Britney’s dramatics. “I don’t think anyone can claim a heart as wild as Bridger’s.”

  “Come on. I would think an independent successful woman like you would love a challenge like Bridger.” Britney elevated an eyebrow. “Wouldn’t it be fun to try to fight for him?”

  “No!” Avalyn pulled in a calming breath. She was too transparent. Britney seemed to know exactly how Bridger was affecting Avalyn. What’s a challenge, and where do I find it? She was not Bridger’s challenge or anything else. If only she could keep her eyes from straying his direction every few seconds. “I know Bridger too well,” she tried to explain to Britney. “He’s a tease and a flirt, and I’m not in the market to be his flavor of the week.”

  Britney’s smile deepened. “Well, I am. You’re sure you’re not into him? I respect you too much to go for your man.”

  “He is not my man!” Avalyn had to draw in another breath. The mere thought of Bridger being “her man” made her heart thump uncontrollably. Those stinking kisses yesterday. Dang him. “I promise. If you want him, he’s all yours.”

  “Thank you.” Britney was so beautiful, and when she smiled, it only enhanced her perfect face. Bridger would be thrilled to have her pursue him.

  Why did that settle in Avalyn’s stomach like a load of bricks?

  “It’s great to know you’re not interested,” Britney said.

  “Not interested in what?” a deep voice said much too close to Avalyn.

  She whirled to face the man of her every dream. Her tongue stopped working as she studied him in that perfectly cut navy-blue tux.

  “You,” Britney said. With a deep and throaty laugh, she released Avalyn’s arm and put her hand on Bridger’s chest.

  Bridger glanced from Britney to Avalyn. “Why wouldn’t you be interested in me?” His dark eyes bored into her, simultaneously offering a challenge and looking like a little boy who’d been hurt by a bully.

  Avalyn still couldn’t speak.

  Britney laughed again. “She’s the only one who’s not, you stud, you.”

  Avalyn’s eyes narrowed and jealousy rippled through her. No. She couldn’t be taken down by petty thoughts like this. Bridger was an annoying little brother who she would never be compatible with, and she’d just given Britney permission to pursue him. “You’ve got him all to yourself, my beautiful friend. Bye.” She forced a smile, which only Britney returned, and spun away. Striding through the sand in heels was no easy feat, but she plowed on.

  A hand wrapped around her waist, lifting her clean off her feet. She glanced up, and again Bridger Hawk was much too close for comfort. His subtle musky cologne infiltrated her senses and she wanted to push him away, but she was rendered helpless as he carried her to the steps, then set her on her feet. When he released his grip on her, she could still feel the impression of his warm palm on her waist.

  “Looked like you were struggling,” Bridger murmured, his gaze dark and broody as he stared down at her.

  “Thanks,” Avalyn murmured, much too breathlessly. Be strong, be strong. “Where’s Britney?”

  Bridger inclined his head. “Emmett helped me out.”

  “Why would you need him to help you out? Go have fun with your swimsuit model.” Avalyn felt guilty as she said that. Britney was a nice person, and Avalyn would hate to be stereotyped like that.

  Bridger leaned closer to her. “Why wouldn’t you be interested in me?” He repeated the question from earlier.

  Avalyn pushed out a breath, folding her arms across her chest. “You and I are never going to happen, Bridger.” Why was he pursuing her so hard? They were family friends and she didn’t want things to be awkward between them. She remembered those kisses from yesterday morning. Okay, too late on things not becoming awkward. Why had she allowed herself to respond to him like that?

  Because he’s irresistible, a little voice argued back.

  “Why not?” he asked.

  She rolled her eyes, praying for strength and the wisdom to explain so he would never try to kiss her again. If he did, she’d be sunk. “We’re polar opposites, Bridge. You’re a playboy who every woman adores. You don’t take li
fe seriously.” The fact that he was crazy brave and could die at any moment while performing his stunts should be another reason to stay far away from him. “My life is dedicated to serious causes, helping the children of the world.”

  “I donate to your causes,” he said.

  “Throwing money at a cause is vastly different from living in the trenches and dedicating every spare hour of the day to it.” She blinked at his hurt expression. What was this? She wasn’t a guilt-ridden person, but she also didn’t like to be the holier-than-thou type of person either. She’d made her choices for her life. She doubted Bridger could even understand the hours and days spent in primitive conditions helping and loving children. Her life was only occasionally glamorous and in the spotlight like Bridger’s. It didn’t mean that Bridger’s path was wrong; it just meant their paths couldn’t coincide. “Thank you for donating. It makes a huge difference.”

  “But not enough of a difference,” he murmured.

  “To what?” Just like that, she was caught up in his gaze again. Why did he have to look at her like she was his whole world? She knew it was a lie, just an act he’d perfected to reel women in.

  “To win your heart.” His gaze pinned her in place as other wedding guests streamed around them on the stairs, heading up to the patio where the wedding breakfast was being held.

  Avalyn backed away, clenching her hands together tightly. “You don’t want my heart,” she muttered.

  “I want all of you, Ava.” His beautiful brown eyes were framed by long lashes and dark brows, and right now they were studying her like she could make or break his life.

  Avalyn’s breath caught. She couldn’t stay strong for one more second with him looking at her like that. Forget social protocol. She needed to get away, right now. She spun and hurried up the stairs.

  A tinkling voice piped up from behind her. “There you are. Where are we sitting for breakfast?”

  Britney. She could have Bridger. Britney was beautiful and kind, and Bridger would have a great time being around her. Britney had said she wanted to be his flavor of the week. Why that made Avalyn sick to her stomach was beyond her, but at least she didn’t need to warn Britney that Bridger would move on to another woman tomorrow.

  Avalyn strode toward the line forming to greet Creed and Kiera. She’d express her joy for them and get out of here, away from the pull Bridger Hawk produced every single moment he was around her. If she got far away from him, maybe she could think like a mature, accomplished woman and not a hormone-filled teenage girl.

  Chapter Three

  Bridger kept a beat on Avalyn as Britney led him up to congratulate Creed and Kiera and then dragged him along in the line for food. Britney was clingy and it made him uncomfortable, but then he noticed that Avalyn’s gaze kept darting to them and he could feel the jealousy radiating off of her. It wasn’t the intense love he dreamt of seeing from Avalyn, but maybe it was a step in that direction. If she was jealous, she must have some feelings for him, right?

  Who was he kidding? He’d never had any woman resist him if he gave them that special look or kissed them. Only Avalyn seemed impervious to his charms. Yet she had kissed him back yesterday. That fact alone gave him enough hope to keep praying for a chance with her.

  He saw Avalyn talking to Lexi, Callum’s fiancée, and thought the two of them would be fast friends. He liked all of his new and future sisters-in-law. How perfect would it be if Avalyn became close friends with Lexi like she already was with Kiera and Cambree?

  Avalyn glanced his way as Britney’s arms slid around him from behind. Avalyn’s eyes narrowed, and Bridger shot her a grin and a raised eyebrow. Come over here and claim me, he hoped his look said.

  She glared at him and turned back to Lexi. Dang. How was he going to shake Britney and get another go with Avalyn before she walked out of his life again? He’d rarely seen her over the past eight years, since she’d graduated high school and left them all behind. He’d only been sixteen, and of course she hadn’t taken him seriously then. Her success and accomplishments made him proud and he knew she was out of his league, but why did she think they were so different? Every race, every crazy stunt he pulled was dedicated to some cause or charity. Everywhere he traveled, he tried to make a difference in the children’s lives, even if it was just a smile, a hug, or a picture. Couldn’t he and Avalyn change the world together?

  Britney slid onto his lap, startling him. “Whoa,” Bridger said. “You’re making it a little hard to eat this delicious food.”

  Britney’s lip came out in a pout. “I’ll give you something more delicious.”

  Bridger chuckled, but his stomach soured. Britney was nice, underneath the innuendos. If Avalyn had said the same line to him, he’d be ecstatic. He’d dated a lot of women like Britney, but she wasn’t his type, no matter what the media broadcast about him. Avalyn was his only type. He glanced back at where Avalyn and Lexi had been standing. They were gone. Panic fluttered inside him. They couldn’t have left completely. Maybe they’d just gone to use the restroom or get more food. He strained to see the buffet table but didn’t spot the dark flowing hair and perfect shape he would know anywhere.

  “What’s wrong, handsome?” Britney asked.

  Bridger put his hands around her waist and lifted her onto her own chair. “Nothing. I’m just starving. Do you like yours?” He took a large bite of an egg casserole to prove his point. It was delicious.

  Britney pushed her food around on her plate. “I can’t eat like you and look like this.” She gave him a forced smile.

  Bridger wasn’t sure what to say. He couldn’t imagine the pressures she must deal with to have the perfect physique. It was interesting how Avalyn’s shape was more much appealing when most of the world touted Britney Nolan as the most desirable body in existence.

  “Have you done shoots here in Cancun before?” he asked, taking a bite of watermelon and hoping he could distract Britney from climbing onto his lap again.

  “Oh, yeah, several times.” She started talking about the different resorts, yachts, and adventure parks where she’d had professional pictures taken of her.

  Bridger half listened as he ate and kept looking around for Avalyn. Maybe he should go look for her. No, that was stupid. She didn’t want him around, and if he did find her, all she’d do was tell him off or slap him again. He’d have to store the memory of yesterday’s kisses firmly in his mind. He doubted she’d ever let him have another taste of her perfect lips.

  Emmett and Cambree strode up to them. Cambree’s dark eyes looked troubled.

  “Hey,” Bridger greeted them. “Everything okay?”

  Cambree nodded too vigorously. Then she shook her head, and her eyes brightened like she was going to cry. “Lexi left with Ava. They said they wanted to go home and be with their families for Christmas. Nothing is working out right! Have you seen Callum?”

  Avalyn had really left? Bridger’s stomach felt sick, and he wished he hadn’t pounded his food so quickly. “He was going to California for a deal. I thought Lexi was waiting here for him.”

  Cambree lifted her shoulders. “I don’t think she was too happy at being left behind.”

  Emmett wrapped his arm around Cambree’s shoulders. “They’ll work it out, love. You don’t have to take care of everybody.”

  “Oh really?” She pushed at his chest. “And who do I have to take care of?”

  “Only me.” He bent down and kissed her.

  Bridger had to look away. He didn’t need to see another passionate display. It wasn’t fun being the only Hawk brother left standing. If Avalyn would only give him some indicator, he’d be begging her to marry him. He rolled his eyes. Avalyn Shaman couldn’t settle for a man who wasn’t a superhero. Bridger shouldn’t have kissed her like that yesterday, but she was just too irresistible to him.

  “Aren’t they cute?” Britney snuggled against his side. “Do you think you’ll ever settle down, Bridger-boo?”

  “Bridger-boo?” Emmett snorted. Apparently
he was done with his public make-out session.

  Britney grinned. Bridger needed to explain to her they weren’t dating. Women always hated when he explained that he wasn’t the guy to settle down, but they had to know it was inevitable. His reputation was to never have a relationship, even a short-term one.

  Cambree steered Emmett away. “Have fun, you two. I’m going to try to find Lexi.”

  Fun? Bridger had fun when he leapt off a cliff in a wingsuit or executed a double backflip on a wakeboard. Sitting next to Britney as she tried to corner him into something more intimate than he wanted was not any kind of fun in his book. He’d dug his own grave by flirting with her the past few days.

  He forced a smile at Britney and wished there was more food on his plate to keep him from having to focus on her. Luckily, Creed’s SEAL buddies started roasting his brother with their versions of toasting the groom. It was entertaining and almost distracted his mind and heart from the pain of Ava rejecting him yet again and leaving without saying goodbye.

  Callum rushed up to him and Britney. Apparently he hadn’t left for California yet. “Where’s Lexi?” he demanded.

  “Excuse me,” Bridger muttered to Britney. He stood and walked away with Callum. “I saw her with Ava Baby.”

  “Where are they now?”

  Bridger clenched his fists. “They didn’t say anything to me, but Emmett and Cambree said they told them goodbye and that they were flying home to be with their families for Christmas.”

  “What?” Callum looked a little pale.

  “Stupid woman anyway,” Bridger muttered.

  Callum grabbed a fistful of Bridger’s shirt. “Don’t you ever talk about Lexi like that.”

  “Lexi?” Bridger stared at him and then let out a dark laugh. He pushed Callum’s hand away. “Not Lexi—Ava Baby.”

  “What is the deal with you and Ava?”

  “Nothing.” The muscles in his shoulders bunched around his ears. “No matter what I do, she barely gives me the time of day. I thought maybe Britney would make her jealous.”