“Yes, I must. And I meant what I said. Say the word and I’ll get you a very willing bridesmaid.” Her eyes dragged up his body, making him feel too warm for a public setting. “You’re quite the catch. Tall, classically handsome—some girls are into that. Good family, honorable career, semi-normal upbringing, and disease free.” She clutched his hand. “You are disease free?”
“Last time I checked.”
“Oh, buddy. Some bridesmaid is going to be so happy.”
But Hawk didn’t want a bridesmaid. For the last year, the only woman he’d really wanted was the one playfully clutching his hand.
If he didn’t find a way to tell her, he might completely lose his nerve. The way she was beaming at him, all free and open—always so open with her thoughts and feelings—made his head blank of all words.
There were additional complications, too…
They hadn’t lived in the same city since they were teenagers in West Ashley, Charleston. For the past seven years, Ash had lived in Blacksburg, VA. At the end of the summer, she’d be in Switzerland. But that was only for one semester, then she’d be back. If all went well professionally for Hawk, by then he’d be planting his own permanent roots in Charleston.
His father had taught Latin at Preston-Ivy Academy for thirty years. Its blue and gold crest was on the tiny T-shirt Hawk was photographed in before he could walk, and on countless others as he’d grown up. Both of Hawk’s older brothers were surgeons, and when Hawk announced that he wanted to be a teacher, he’d never seen his father so proud.
That pride, however, vanished when Hawk took the job at Carter-King High School in central Detroit. Which wasn’t exactly what his father’d had in mind for the son he’d been molding to follow in his footsteps. So when a highly coveted position at Preston-Ivy opened, Hawk knew the honorable thing to do was to apply, land the damn job, and make his father proud again.
To stop from thinking about paternal pressure and the interview, Hawk rubbed his chin and glanced toward the parade of guests milling around the grounds of Virtue Cove. “Over there.” He gestured to the side, falling back on their comfortable banter. “The guy in white pants and yellow polo. He might need a date. Why don’t you help him out?”
Ashton snorted out her nose—charmingly. “Gross, no. And while we’re at it, please stop sending me photos and profiles of your Facebook friends. Like I’d ever date a teacher.”
“Ouch.” He slapped a hand over his heart and stumbled back. “Since I’m currently an unemployed teacher, you’re saying there’s a chance?”
She glanced questioningly at him with those big eyes. “You’ve been not-a-teacher for eight days, but with your big interview this afternoon, you’ll have your dream job at that fancy private school by the end of the week.”
Being hired at Preston-Ivy definitely should’ve been in the dream job category, and it made his chest warm that Ashton knew that about him. They really did know everything about each other.
Well…not everything.
It was a big black hole, actually. If Ashton had no idea how he felt about her, his best defense would be to spring it on her, catch her off guard. Staying one step ahead of Ashton James all week would be no easy task, but he was up for the challenge.
“Dude!” Hawk was suddenly grabbed from behind. If he hadn’t known the voice as well as his own, his knee-jerk reaction would’ve been to send an elbow to the stomach then fist to the nose. Teaching at Carter-King—where the metal detectors didn’t work half the time—had turned him into a “defend students first, ask questions later” kind of guy.
Tyler was grinning like a gleeful fool, and Hawk couldn’t help feeling so damn happy for his friend. After years of dating Laurel, he was finally getting his happily ever after. In a way, that gave Hawk hope. Just like in The Godfather, Tyler wouldn’t be able to deny granting any favors asked of him on his wedding day.
Well, okay. In The Godfather, it was his daughter’s wedding. And today wasn’t Ty’s wedding day—that was still four days away. Crap. His mind was already sputtering, and he hadn’t said one word.
“Hey, congrats, man. Again.” The two double-fist-bumped.
“Thanks. We’ve been planning this thing for a year—or Laurel has—but feels like it’s suddenly here. Know what I mean?”
Hawk sure didn’t, but smiled anyway, and gave Ty a friendly knuckle punch to the arm.
“Seen my sister around?”
Hawk glanced over his shoulder, but Ash was nowhere in sight. “She was here a second ago. I just got in, and she met me at the valet.”
“Think maybe you could hang out with her this week?”
“Bro, of course we’ll hang out. We’re each other’s dates.”
Some of the carefree light in Ty’s eyes dimmed. “Since when?”
“Since her date cancelled, and since I hadn’t bothered getting one. I’ve been busy with work, preparing for the transition to a new job.” Which was kind of true, and a plausible excuse.
Hawk was done with excuses, though.
He’d never consider himself a coward, but he did pride himself on being tactful and in check. Which was why letting Tyler know first was the right thing to do. His buddy deserved it.
“I hear ya, and I guess bringing a date, with all this romance and whatevs”—Ty made a sweeping motion—“might give some women the wrong idea if you’re not dating seriously. Messed-up relationships screw with your head. Ha! You know that better than anyone, right, man?”
Hawk’s abs tightened. Years had passed since Ty had mentioned…that. The one stupid, stupid mistake Hawk had hoped would never come back to haunt him.
But the subject was broached now, and he had to deal with it. “So I hooked up with a TA in college—”
Ty’s chuckle cut him off. “Hooked up? Hawk, buddy. She changed your grade, gave you a total leg up in the program.”
Hawk knew right then that he should’ve explained things better all those years ago. That teacher’s assistant hadn’t changed his grade—at least, not to Hawk’s knowledge, but he’d never bothered to shut down those rumors that had stretched from his fraternity in Hillsdale to Tyler’s at Columbia. They’d all been about to graduate.
“That’s not what happened,” he said. “And anyway, Ty, that was a long time ago.”
“Hey, look, all I’m saying is it was smart thinking to not have a legit date here.” He gave Hawk’s arm a knowing nudge. “Even smarter that you haven’t made any more horrible relationship decisions.”
“About that…” Hawk said, just going for it. “Ashton’s pretty cute.”
He’d meant it as a joke. Not a joke, exactly, but a way to test the water. Gauge Tyler’s reaction. If Hawk hadn’t already been thrown off his game, Ty’s reaction should’ve been expected.
His stance immediately widened, face draining of color, then flushing red. “You’re interested in my sister?”
Not only could Hawk not reply verbally, but he couldn’t muster an affirming nod.
“Dude. That’s not even a little bit funny. Okay, fine, I know you two are tight and whatever, and you and I have been friends since middle school, but come on, we both know Ashton deserves better than… She has integrity, man.”
“You think I don’t have integrity?”
“Look.” Tyler shook his head. “You meant it as a joke, to mess with me when I’m about to get married. Congratulations—it worked, I’m rattled. But seriously, you suck at pranks.” Face back to its normal color, Ty gave Hawk’s bicep a brotherly punch.
Hawk opened his mouth again, but then had a quick second thought. He could tell Ty everything right now, about that truly messed-up relationship back in college, and about Ashton. All about Ashton. But wouldn’t he be a total prick to lay something heavy on his buddy’s mind four days before his wedding?
“I gotta jam,” Ty said. “But in case you’re wondering what I would’ve done had that little joke of yours gone any further, I would’ve kicked your ass, no questions.” He paused and s
cratched his head. “I mean, I’d threaten to, ’cause you’ve got two inches on me, and Laurel’d kill us both if I have a black eye in the pictures.” Trotting off, he called out, “See you at the beach tonight!”
“Yep,” Hawk replied, feeling pretty damned deflated.
Not that he needed Tyler’s permission to tell Ashton how he felt, but how could he do it now? Though he owed it to his friend, especially since if things worked out, they might be family someday. But if Ty found out before they could talk it out, he’d be rightfully pissed.
All because of one mistake.
“Hey, you.” Ashton came bouncing up, looking happy and carefree—his exact opposite at the moment. “Why are you so pale? Ohh, did someone take your puppy, little boy? Don’t worry; did you know Mrs. Ramsey has twenty-something dogs on this property? If you need a puppy fix, say the word.”
“Noted,” Hawk said, imagining what he wanted to say to her right now, but couldn’t.
Tact. Control. Elements you’ll be teaching at Preston-Ivy next year.
“Are you changing outfits for the interview?” Ash asked.
“I don’t wear outfits,” he replied, after a quick throat clear. “I might change my shirt.”
“Let’s get you unpacked. We’re both on the groom’s side, but I couldn’t get us adjoining rooms. Ugh, this place! So formal and uptight. Right up your alley, yes, Mr. Prep School?” She elbowed him in the ribs.
“Impossible to get good service these days,” he said, even though it made no sense.
All right, so he couldn’t tell her this week. Maybe that was a good thing. After all, they shouldn’t steal thunder from Ty and Laurel. She wasn’t leaving for Europe until the end of August. Time was on his side.
So, it’s back to Plan A. The waiting game.
For now, he’d relax and enjoy just being with her—annoyingly platonic.
The side porch leading to “Team Groom” was lined elaborately with vines, small flowers, and other greenery. The whole place looked as grand as the Taj Mahal with its own personal Butchart Gardens.
Thinking about how expensive this place must be to not only own but also to keep up, plus his interview, couldn’t help but bring on the nervous again. Back at Hillsdale College during an alumni event, he’d briefly met the hiring board of Preston-Ivy, and walked away with a solid feeling about his chances. But even with his father’s stellar endorsement, the job was by no means in the bag.
Reading his mind, Ashton stated, “You’re nervous.”
Hawk didn’t reply, but fisted his hands at his sides.
“You’re usually such a calm guy, never ruffled. Which is why you still don’t know how to handle nerves. You keep it all locked up.” As they passed through the doorway and into the vestibule, Ashton crossed her arms. “It’s the one emotion that shows on you like you’re waving a flag.”
“Nah.” He smiled as proof, but knew she saw through it.
“Hey, listen.” She slung an arm over his shoulders and slid up close, their bodies touching. “If you don’t want me to find a bridesmaid, I’ll take it upon myself to get you relaxed.”
Chapter 2
The words flew out of Ashton’s mouth before she could stop them. She should’ve followed up with the classic “That’s not what I meant!” but let it slide. As usual, she barely got a reaction out of Hawk. His practically Puritan mind hadn’t made the same inappropriate leap.
Her attention was pulled from her companion’s non-expression expression when she heard her brother. Tyler was holding court at the bottom of the enormous staircase that actually split at the top like in Gone with the Wind.
When he saw her, Ty marched over, wearing his oh-so-not-scary “This is how a protective older brother looks” mask. “What are you guys doing?” he asked, focused on Hawk more than her.
“I’m discussing emotions and their specific nerve impulses,” Ashton said. “But Hawk is pretending to ignore me.”
Something about that made Tyler seem less…tense? “Ah, I see.” He tipped his chin toward Hawk. “My sister publically embarrass you yet?”
“Did the Steelers suck last season?” Hawk replied. “Apparently, I’m sexually repressed.”
“Not again.” Tyler chuckled. Ashton didn’t mind the playful needling; they’d been teasing about her college major and career for ages. “She’s worse than Freud.”
Ashton widened her eyes. “Thanks for the compliment!”
“I don’t know how you can stand to be around her so much,” Ty said to Hawk. “That loud sex-on-the-brain mouth has gotta be the biggest turn-off ever created.”
The two guys shared a good-hearted laugh at her expense. Nothing new there, either. “So true, man,” Hawk said.
“Some things are better left to the imagination,” Ty added. “No way do I want to know everything in Laurel’s brain. And this rug rat”—he touched Ashton’s chin—“has zero filter.”
“Ya think?”
Ashton chortled along with the guys, but couldn’t help wondering if what her brother said was true. Did she embarrass Hawk? She hadn’t meant to. Okay, yeah, she could be overly opinionated and not shy to voice those opinions in whatever company she was in, but her main focus of family therapy was to counsel young women to speak up and be vocal about their feelings.
What kind of hypocrite would Ashton be if she didn’t live by that herself?
In fact, her professors and mentors at Virginia Tech would most likely bounce her out of the PhD program, then pull her from the teaching gig. Getting passed over for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live, study, and teach in Switzerland made her full-body shiver. She’d worked damn hard for this job and wouldn’t give it up for anything.
“See,” she said, “this is exactly why women are forced to be vocal about sexuality. Apes like you keep holding us down.” She raised a fist above her head. “Power to the sisters!” she exclaimed in the middle of the foyer, purposely loud. “Express yourselves, ladies—don’t be shy! Can any of the women here tell me the last time you received a really great, mind-blowing kiss? Forget the kiss; when’s the last time you had a mind-blowing—”
Before she could finish, Hawk cupped a hand over her mouth.
“We hope you’ve enjoyed our performance,” he said to the few dozen gawkers in the vestibule and staircase. “All part of this week’s festivities.” Ashton tried to wiggle out of his grasp, but he held firm. “Stop by later for her moving monologue from Soylent Green.”
While Hawk’s big hands practically dragged her around a corner, Ashton waved goodbye to Tyler, who was staring after her wearing the “I’ll get you back” brotherly glare.
Still trying to struggle free, Ashton bit Hawk’s hand. Not too hard.
“Ow,” he growled. “What was that for?”
“Silencing me. Like always. And Soylent Green was a terrible movie.”
When they were apparently far enough away from the crowd, Hawk let go. “When have I ever successfully silenced you?” As Ashton opened her mouth, Hawk held up both hands. “Never mind. And you don’t know what you’re talking about—Soylent Green’s a classic.”
Ashton watched as he combed his fingers through his hair, then made sure his shirt or tie hadn’t become untucked or wrinkled during the scuffle. “Do I embarrass you?” she blurted, hearing the unusual timidity in her voice.
Hawk only looked at her. Unsure of what she wanted to hear, she felt tension build around her head and face while waiting for his reply.
“Hell no,” he finally said. “I have thicker skin than that. Now come on.” He led her toward the side staircase, one that a hundred years ago was probably used by the staff. “I have to hit the road in an hour. Take me to my room.”
Hawk tried not to notice Ashton’s legs as she climbed the stairs first. But he couldn’t help himself. They were all there and bare, long and toned, and he was a man, for hell’s sake, even if he’d wussed out when she’d asked him straight up if she ever embarrassed him.
What wa
s he supposed to say? Yes, sometimes?
Nope. Because what would it say about him if her sex talk weirded him out?
“Down this way,” Ashton said when they’d reached the third floor. “For whatever reason, they separated the men from the women, but you and I are next door to each other.” She touched the knob of a room halfway down the hall. “You’re here.” She cocked her head to the left. “I’m there.”
“Cool. Okay. Got it.” When he reached out for the knob, he ended up grasping Ashton’s hand instead. For a split second, he kept it there, but then like an electric shock, pulled his hand away. “Sorry.”
“For…?” she asked, eyes round and quizzical.
He shrugged and looked the other way. Man, what was his problem? One small touch turned him into a tongue-tied idiot. He’d better get a grip, or it would be a very long week, full of very cold showers.
When she planted her hands on her hips and didn’t step away from the door, he angled his body to stare down at her. “What?”
“No,” she said with a shake of her head. “No way.”
Oh, crap. What if what was going on in his overly-imaginative mind showed all over his face? “No way, what?”
Without a word, she pushed past him and into his room. Curious as hell, he followed her inside, startled when the door slammed behind him.
“No way am I letting you go to that interview alone,” she said. “I can see how nervous you are right now. Just look at your body language. You’re a mess!” She gestured at his crossed arms and clenched fists.
Truth be told, he wasn’t all that nervous about the interview. The nerves currently involved were all due to having Ashton in his room, her appraising eyes scanning up and down his body.
“I’m fine.”
“So not.” She pointed at him. “Is that what you’re wearing? In this light, that shirt looks good, and I really like the tie. No need to change. Though perhaps you might look too hot to work at a stuffy private school.” She gave him a quick smile, and Hawk tried not to let it go to his head that Ash thought he was hot. “What time are you meeting the guy?”
The Last Plus One Page 15