The guys were a tight-knit unit and, considering they’d all worked together so well over the years, the boss had cut them a break to discuss the possibility of families with them. He was the first to gain permission and if he stuffed it up they’d all be back to foot soldiers or destined to stay single, dedicated to their jobs.
If he gave it up to have a life with Cass, he doubted he would ever settle down to the normal routine of a foot soldier, and they would both suffer. It was the same for most of the guys in the unit. The job was their life and the ‘brothers’ were just that— brothers—and they came first. Unfair as it was to put that on her shoulders, Hawk had to try. His job wasn’t only important to him but to the freedom of those he fought for.
He gripped her tight in his arms as she covered his face with kisses. “I take that is a ‘yes’ then?”
She slid down his chest until her feet touched the floor. “Yes. I missed you, Hawk. Not knowing where you were and what was going on almost killed me. Thinking I’d been a quick roll in bed was embarrassing too. I thought we meant more to each other than that.”
“I’m pleased to hear it. I was worried when I was on the ferry you wouldn’t talk to me. It’s going to happen again though, Cass. It’s just how it is.”
“Can we talk more about it this week?” She brushed a bead of sweat from his temple.
“Sure, but don’t be disappointed if there are some things I can’t talk about. It goes with the job.”
She touched his lips with hers, turning her face to deepen the kiss. Her hands around the back of his head, Cass brought his head down to her height and leaned against his broad chest. Her tongue danced with his, the built up frustration fading away as he ignited her passion with his touch. Cass pulled away, gazing into his eyes. “I need to call housekeeping and get some time off. Shouldn’t be a problem, we have plenty of staff on the island now anyway, and I’m overdue for a break.”
He nodded and watched as she walked over to her kitchen counter and picked up the phone. “Don’t tell them anything about me.”
“Not a chance. You’re my secret for now.” She spoke into the phone and within minutes had secured holidays with Hawk. “There, done.”
“Pack a bag. I want to get you all to myself for awhile.”
She tilted her head and looked at him. “Where are we going?”
“I have a house on the other side of the island. It’s on lease for the season. Just bring casual gear; we won’t be going anywhere apart from the beach.”
Cass pulled a bag from her wardrobe and hurried to fill it with shorts and tops, a couple of bathing suits and her bathroom gear. She zipped it up and grabbed the handle. “I’m ready.”
“Let’s go then.” He took her hand and together they walked out, shutting the door behind them. He led her down to where he’d parked his four wheel drive. Hawk threw her bag in the back and held the door open to help her get in. When she was in her seat, he slammed the door and hurried to the driver’s side.
Before he started the vehicle, he turned to her. “Thank you for trusting me. You won’t regret it, Cass. I promise.”
She bit her lip, and he wondered if she was thinking the same thing. Cass gripped the edge of the seat when he rolled the vehicle down the back the sandy track and onto the beach. She brushed her hair back and turned her face to the ocean. The salty breeze rolled through the open windows and the smell of fresh seaweed filled the vehicle. The smell always reminded him of growing up fishing in the surf with his mates. The carefree holidays of his childhood were always spent on the island, one of his favorite places on earth. Now he had two weeks there to talk Cass into taking a chance on him.
If the roles were reversed, he would decline the offer. Not knowing when your partner would leave could kill a normal person. Setting the table for dinner and serving food only to be left sitting alone when the call came in would upset even the strongest person. The boss had run it all past them, scenarios he himself had encountered with his own family, now living apart after too many years of disturbed holidays, missed school plays and being pulled out of bed while making love to his wife.
Hawk was convinced he could do it, make it work with Cass. She had her career and he had his. There had to be a way.
“Look, dolphins.” She pointed out the window and Hawk slowed the four wheel drive, pulling over to get a better view.
The small pod frolicked in the white caps of the breaking waves chasing fish, coming closer until it was too shallow for them. The remaining fish got a short reprieve as the dolphins headed back to deeper water. Cass sighed. “This is just perfect. Thank you for coming back.”
Chapter 3
Hawk smiled at her before putting the vehicle in gear and driving off down the beach. He kept to the water’s edge, turning the wheel to
