With Everything I Have

By M. J. Faulkner

Hawkin

I loved Addi from the first moment I saw her. I just didn't realize it. She was off-limits, my stepsister, forbidden fruit, if you will. But that didn't stop me from loving her. People around us didn't understand. They tried to wreck us, wreck our love, but we were stronger than that 'cause she's mine and I'm hers. After all, I love her with everything I have.

Addison

I spent years thinking Hawk didn't like me only to find out how wrong I was. Falling in love with him wasn't the plan, but sometimes plans change. Those in our lives seem to think they can control our feelings and keep us apart. But they don't know us and how strong we are together. I'm his, and he's mine. Forever. After all, I love him with everything I have.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9798886544008

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With Everything I Have

M. J. Faulkner

Copyright © 2022 M. J. Faulkner

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2022

ISBN 979-8-88654-399-5 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-88654-400-8 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 54

Chapter 55

Chapter 56

Chapter 57

Chapter 58

Chapter 59

Chapter 60

Chapter 61

Chapter 62

Chapter 63

Chapter 64

Chapter 65

Chapter 66

Chapter 67

Chapter 68

Chapter 69

Chapter 70

Chapter 71

Chapter 72

Chapter 73

Chapter 74

Chapter 75

Chapter 76

Chapter 77

Chapter 78

Chapter 79

Chapter 80

Epilogue

About the Author

Acknowledgments

First, I would like to thank the good Lord for continually blessing me and giving me the gift of storytelling.

I would like to thank my husband, Andrew, for letting me chase this dream and not getting mad when I would get lost in my own head and my own world while creating this story.

To Nicki Gonzales, thank you for walking through this journey with me from the very start when it was just an idea. Thank you for loving Hawk and Addi as much as I do.

Tera Bush, thank you for always being there for me no matter what. Thank you for sparking inspiration for a couple of scenes with some stories of your own.

To Ryan, Brad, Steve, Sam, and all the beautiful people at Havana Nights Cigar Lounge, thank you for always allowing me to feel welcomed in your establishment and for allowing me a place to write the final few chapters of this book.

To the Friday-night poker group, thank you all for putting up with me, tagging along to poker night even if it was just to sit in the corner on my laptop and write. Thank you, guys, for showing interest in the little story I was trying to tell when it was still in the infant stages.

To my family, Mom and Dad, thank you for every sacrifice you made for me growing up. Thank you for always making sure I had books to read. Thank you now for your love and support in this little dream come to life.

To my sister, Kaylee, thank you for being my ear when I needed it especially when it comes to book talk.

To my brother, Joseph, thank you for being my favorite brother.

To my youngest sister, Ashley, thank you for always believing in me.

To my darling niece, Kamdyn, thank you for being such a light in my life every day of yours.

Finally, to anyone who made it this far in reading this book. Thank you for taking the time to show interest in this little story I had to tell. Thank you for letting me tell Hawk and Addi's story to the world.

Prologue

Hawkin

Family dinner? The only family I have passed away a month ago, but there I was standing at the door of my father's house, preparing myself to have dinner with his new family. If my mum hadn't passed away and my father wasn't holding every dime of my trust fund hostage, I wouldn't be there right now. That's right, my father, Richard Rick the Snake Sutter, lead singer of Southern Leeches, told me either to attend university in the States or forfeit the multimillion-dollar trust fund he set up for me. I had every intention of staying in Hampstead and attending university close to mum—that is, until she died.

Now I have no reason to stay, and yet I have no reason to be there either. Alas, here I stand in front of the biggest house I have ever seen. I mean, really, why do four people need a house this fucking big? Flashy fucks.

I knocked on the door, and Rick answered with a shit-eating grin on his face. Welcome home, son, he said, trying to hug me.

First off, I'm not your son, and second, this is not my home. This is the place I am staying for a week until I can move into the dorms. I dodged his outstretched arms and walked in the massive entryway.

Look, I get that you've been given a lot of shit to deal with lately and you're not happy with this arrangement, but you will show respect if not to me, then definitely to Sarah.

I followed him back to what I assumed was the dining area, feeling somewhat triumphant that I got this reaction out of him. When we got to the kitchen, Sarah was standing at the stove stirring something in a skillet.

At least, she doesn't have a personal chef to prepare everything for them.

Sarah, I would like for you to meet Hawkin, my son. Rick walked and put an arm around his wife. Hawkin, this is the lady of the house, Sarah, your stepmother, and the love of my life.

Oh, Hawkin, we are so happy to have you here. William and Addison should be here any minute. Please make yourself at home. The pool house is yours until you leave for the dorms next week, she said with the biggest smile.

Thank you, but please call me Hawk, I said, finding it hard not to return her smile. She has one of those smiles that is contagious.

We moved into the dining room just as the front door closes and in walked two teenagers. This must be William and Addison. William—I know from the brief conversations I have had with Rick leading up to the move—is the same age as me, and Addison is a few years younger. I think Rick said she is fourteen or maybe fifteen, but she looks much younger. She seems to be a late bloomer because she is incredibly thin, and she dresses like she is ten years old in a dress covered in flowers. I mean, who dresses like that if they are between the ages of thirteen and sixty? Her fire-red hair is braided and hanging over her right shoulder. Her eyes are a bright green and full of innocence, which I had long lost by the time I was her age. I noticed her face is bare of all that makeup crap I have seen girls back home are wearing, and honestly, it is a refreshing sight. Where the fuck did that come from? This is your stepsister. Nothing about her should intrigue you, asshole.

William approached me with an outstretched hand. You must be Hawkin. I'm William, but everyone except Mother calls me Will. Mother is very proper like that. This is my younger sister, Addi.

I shook Will's hand and smiled at Addi. Most people just call me Hawk.

Addi blushed, like full-on her face, neck, and ears turned pink.

Is she always this timid and shy?

Then it was like she flipped a switch, and the shyness was turned off, and the charm was turned on. She flashed me the biggest, whitest smile I'd ever seen.

It's nice to meet you, Hawk. I hope you like it here.

We all sat at the enormous dining table as Sarah and Rick brought in platters of food that could feed at least twenty people.

Sorry, Mother always seems to think that she is hosting a dinner party for thirty people when she cooks even if it's just for us.

I was surprised to hear Addi be the one to volunteer this information.

Why is it that you both call your mum Mother? It just seems so formal. I couldn't hold back this question after hearing both of them refer to Sarah as Mother instead of the usual Mom.

Mother comes from a very old-fashioned Southern family, and they always felt parents should be referred by the proper name for parentage like Mother and Father instead of Mom and Dad. Daddy, on the other hand, felt being called Father was too stuffy. There was a hint of sadness in her voice when she spoke of her dad. I imagine it is the same emotion I convey when I am forced to talk about my mum. God, I miss her.

Dinner passed pretty eventless. It was mainly small talk and the usual getting to know the stepson or stepbrother whom you've never met before, who is all of a sudden going to be living in your pool house for the next week. After dinner, I carried the few things that I brought with me out to the pool house in an attempt to get settled. Once I had my two bags unpacked, I decided to go, at least, sit out by the pool, but seeing how it feels like the southern United States is where Satan decided to sit his ass crack, I might just jump in. I changed into my swim shorts and went to sit in the lounge chair. I was lost in my own thoughts when someone closed the glass door leading from the main house to the backyard. I was trying to stay in my own thoughts until I saw her from my periphery.

She was wearing a bikini that is the color of her hair and tinier than anything I thought she would be comfortable wearing. She set her towel down on a lounge chair and then walked past me to the diving board. As she stepped up to the diving board, I noticed she has curves that her dress must have hidden. She jumped in, and the splash of the water soaked me since I apparently went and sat on the edge of the pool when I was lost in my own thoughts. The cold water of the pool was a welcome distraction from the thoughts that should not have crossed my mind about my fifteen-year-old stepsister.

Fuck, this next week is going to be the longest week of my life. Good thing I won't have to see her much after this week.

Addison

After dinner, I needed a swim to work out some of the tension built up in my body from this past week's cheer camp and then the anticipation of meeting a stepbrother that up until two weeks ago, I didn't know I had. My mother and Rick have been married all of six months, but I have known Rick my entire life. He is my daddy's best friend from the time Carmichael Records signed his band. Carmichael Records is the record label my great-grandfather started. I don't know how many years ago that was. Right now, Rick oversees daily operations at the label until I graduate college and take the reins. I know I am not the oldest Carmichael child, but Will wants to play football professionally and doesn't want the responsibility of running the family business, so it falls on me.

I changed into my red two-piece that I only wear at home since I think it shows a little too much skin, especially since I seemed to have developed curves this summer. I grabbed a towel and walked down to the pool. I set my towel down on a lounge chair, headed straight to the diving board, and jumped in. It wasn't until I come up for air that I noticed someone is sitting on the edge of the pool and now is soaked. It's Hawk. Two thoughts came to mind, OMG, did I really just soak him? and Great, he's seen me in the tiniest bikini I own.

Oh gosh, you're soaked. I am so sorry, I said as I swam to the edge of the pool next to him. It was then that I looked at him for the first time, and I meant, really looked at him. He is tall. I noticed that at dinner, but he is all muscle. I didn't know eighteen-year-olds could have muscles like that. Will isn't even that buff, and he plays football. Lyrics, birds, and a paper airplane are just a few tattoos that cover his arms. His dark hair is cut short, and I've never understood what my friends meant when they talked about a guy's defined cheekbones, but looking at Hawk, I do now. By the time I realized that, I was staring at his bare chest. I was caught and looked up to find the deepest blue eyes I have ever seen staring back at me.

Enjoying the view? he asked with a huge grin on his face. I blushed, turned, and went back under the water to swim the length of the pool.

When I surfaced again across the pool from Hawk, he was still sitting in the same spot watching me.

You didn't have to stop looking, darling, 'cause the first look is free. If I catch you looking again, I'm going to have to charge you.

God, he is arrogant, but then aren't most guys that look like him are? What am I talking about? I've never seen a guy look like him.

Why do you have lyrics tattooed on your arm? I asked trying to defuse some of the tension I could feel even from across the pool.

They are quotes that spoke to me when I was an angry fifteen-year-old who was a little shit to his mum for no real reason. Thankfully, most of the lyrics still spoke to me because they would hurt like a bitch to have removed.

How do you go from being inspired by Eminem to—what is that? Ed Sheeran? My curiosity was really getting the best of me that night.

I don't fit in just one box. I can be inspired by many things, and music is one of those things that speak to everyone no matter their background. You're bound to find at least one person on this earth that likes the same songs or artists that you do.

That was a much deeper answer than I was expecting from someone that started getting tattoos at fifteen. I couldn't imagine choosing something to be inked into my skin forever at this age. I guess I stayed quiet for too long 'cause he looked me in the eyes and said, My turn, Addi, darling. Why are you at home swimming laps on a Friday night? Do you not have a boyfriend to go get hot and heavy with in a car somewhere? I mean, there are enough fucking trees in this country to hide somewhere.

I would have been offended if I wasn't so utterly shocked that those words just came out of his mouth.

Are all people from England this blunt? If you must know, I do have a boyfriend, but he had another obligation tonight.

I don't make apologies for my curiosity, darling, just as you didn't when you asked about my tattoos, but I must say, if it were me, no other obligation would have kept me from spending my Friday nights with my girl.

What was he getting at?

Ryan is preparing for the first week of school with his friend Jonathan. He has a lot of AP classes this coming school year. And stop calling me darling.

I climbed out the pool and toweled off. I was walking to the door when I was stopped by a large hand on my arm.

Look, I didn't mean to offend you, he said as I stared at his lips and licked mine at the same time. You're staring again, darling. Told you the next time you do it, I would have to charge you. What will it be a kiss, a slap on that cute ass of yours, or maybe, I just throw you back into that pool.

I turned away and tried for the door again, but he noticed the offended look in my eyes and lifted my chin so that I had no choice but to look in those blue eyes.

Was it the kiss or the ass comment that offended you?

I just don't like the subject of objectifying a female's body. I needed to breathe. It wouldn't be objectifying the female body if said female wants it.

I snatched my arm at that comment. I don't. I haven't even kissed Ryan. What makes you think I would kiss you? I almost shouted, but then remembered that Mother, Rick, or even Will might hear. I opened the door and left Hawk standing there with a shocked look on this face and run for my room. I had to put some space between Hawk and me, and by space, I meant, he needs to go back to England. I went to bed that night thinking about his lips on mine. I tossed and turned all night.

I must stay as far away from my stepbrother as possible. One week, I reminded myself. I just have to avoid him for one week, and then he will be at Beaumont with Will, and I doubt he will come back to this house again. If I am lucky, I may never have to see Hawkin James Parker again for the rest of my life.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

Chapter 1

Addison

Three years later

Will, I need that book for my psychology class that starts tomorrow. I was whining on the phone, and I knew it, but I wanted to read at least the first chapter in the textbook before classes started tomorrow.

I'm sorry, Addi. I completely forgot, and I have to be at practice in five minutes. I can bring it after practice, or you can swing by the house and get it. You know where the key is if Hawk isn't home.

I could hear the apprehension in my brother's voice. Hawk, a face I had seen a handful of times in the last three years since he first moved to the States—summers as an intern at the label where he would be in and out of the office, the dinners I have with Will that he would occasionally join, like once maybe twice.

No, it's fine, Will. I'll go by there. I'll just run and get the book and leave. Where is it? I was not looking forward to this.

It's on the island in the kitchen. I set it there so I wouldn't forget it, and damn if I didn't forget it anyway. Look, I'm walking into the locker room now. I'll talk to you later. Love you, sis.

Love you too.

I walked into the living room to inform my mother where I was heading so she wouldn't worry. She still thinks I'm twelve years old sometimes and not about to be a freshman in college.

Mother, I have to go to Will's house and pick up a psychology book I need for class in the morning.

She was sitting on the couch watching some reality show with Rick. Before him, my mother wouldn't dare watch that trash.

That is fine, Addison. Please drive carefully. She didn't take her eyes off the TV. I left out the front door and got into my brand-new Porsche Cayenne. It was a graduation gift from my mother and Rick. When I turned on the car and started to pull out of the driveway, an Ed Sheeran song came on the radio, and my thoughts drifted to my stepbrother. I hope I don't see him when I get to my brother's house.

Will and Hawk became best friends, especially after they were assigned to the same dorm room on their freshmen year. They decided after they finished their first year of college that they didn't want to live in the dorms anymore and bought a house close to campus. It wasn't a massive house like the one Will and I had grown up in, and I thought Will appreciated that it wasn't. He wasn't one to throw our name or money around like our mother was. Meanwhile, I decided to stay at home at least through my freshman year. I just wasn't ready to branch out and live with a complete stranger. If my best friend, Jolene, was going to Beaumont instead of Vanderbilt, then she would have been my roommate, and I definitely would be out of my mother's house.

I pulled into the driveway of Will and Hawk's house noticing the garage door was closed, so I had no way of knowing if Hawk was home or not. I didn't bother to knock. I just went and got the key from the rock hidden along the walkway to the front door and let myself inside.

I really should have knocked. Not only was Hawk home. He wasn't alone. He was laid out on the couch while a girl was sitting spread eagle on his face, and another was between his legs. Moans came from all three of them at the same time, and as if this horror story couldn't be any worse, Superman by Eminem was playing at a low volume in the background.

Oh gosh, I am going to have to bleach my eyes before I drive home. I turned to leave. I'll just buy the book tomorrow morning in the bookstore. I must have made noise, or maybe he sensed me because he pushed both girls off him and sat up.

Addi, what the fuck are you doing here? Shock was written all over his face.

I just came to pick up my psychology book that Will forgot to bring by the house, but I'll just meet him in the morning for it. I can see you're busy, I said as I looked over at his company, which I had now realized look exactly alike. Seriously? Twins? I thought that was something that only happened in a bad adult film. I ran out the door as fast as I could. I could hear Hawk calling out my name, but I was too traumatized to turn around.

I couldn't get to my car quick enough. My breathing was heavy by the time I reached the door of the Cayenne. I opened the driver side door and got in. I was too upset, shocked, embarrassed—I don't know. All I know was, I could not drive right that second. I sat with my head on the steering wheel as tears started to run down my face. Why am I crying?

I took a deep a breath, wiped my eyes, and turned the engine on. Just as I put the car in reverse, I heard a knock on my window. I looked up to see a shirtless Hawk standing in front of me with a look of shame, embarrassment on his face. I was not sure but it's a look I am certain that he doesn't wear very often.

Hawkin

I couldn't believe Addison of all people just caught me in the middle of a threesome. As soon as I saw the look in her eyes, I knew I had to fix it. I called after her, but she didn't answer. Tandy, or was it Mandy—fuck if I knew—was trying to get my dick hard again so she could finish what her twin had started.

Get the fuck off me, I growled and grabbed my jeans throwing them on, not even worrying with my boxer briefs. You two can get your shit and get the fuck out of my house, I yelled. I hoped to God that Addison needed a moment before taking off that upset. Maybe she was still sitting in her car.

Who was that? Your girlfriend? You didn't tell us you had a girlfriend. She could have joined us too. One of the twins smiled as she voiced this asinine idea.

She's not my girlfriend, you dumb twit. Now get the hell out of my house. I ran out the front door not bothering to close it.

When I got outside, I saw Addi's black Cayenne still sitting in the driveway. Thank fuck she hasn't left yet. I took a brief moment just to take her in. Her head was pressed against her steering wheel. Just as I started to walk closer, she sat up and wiped her eyes. Fuck, was she crying? She wasn't looking in my direction, so I took the opportunity to walk up to her window and knock just as she was getting ready to back out. Shock was evident in her eyes when she put the car back in park and let her window down.

What do you want, Hawkin? Don't you have the Barbie twins waiting on you?

Damn, I forgot how feisty she could get and just how smart that mouth of hers could get.

Hawkin? Are we back to formal names now, Addison? I came out here to make sure you're okay. I'm sorry you saw that. I didn't expect anyone, especially you, to come by the house while Will was at practice. I really have to make this better.

Hawk, go back to your skanks. I will be fine. I am a big girl. You act like I am some porcelain doll that is going to break if I see something uncomfortable.

Damn, I needed to stop focusing on that smart mouth of hers 'cause the last thing I need was for her to look down and see that my dick has come alive at her smart-ass comments. Where the fuck did that come from?

She started to roll the window up to leave, and I panicked, so I put my hand on the window to stop her. I knew she was still upset, and she couldn't leave upset.

Hawk, I need to go home, and you have company to get back to, she sighed clearly becoming agitated with me standing there, keeping her from leaving.

I told those bitches to leave. Making sure you're not upset and don't hate me is more important.

Why, Hawk? Why is it so important that I am not upset and that I don't hate you? Is it so I don't tell Will what I had to witness?

Why was it so important that she wasn't upset with me or that she didn't hate me?

Yes, no, I don't know. Our parents are married. Your brother is my best friend and housemate. Don't you think we will have to interact with each other from time to time? It would just be easier if you didn't hate me. It was the only response I could come up with that she might accept.

I'm a Southern lady. I can be sweet when we have to associate with each other and still hate your guts all while wearing a smile. She smiled as if to prove her point.

Just as I had convinced her to come inside and get the book she came for, Will's blue Corvette pulled up, and the Barbie twins, as Addi had called them, are still inside. Fuck me, this was about to go from bad to bloody worse.

Hey, guys. I forgot the playbook Coach told me to look over. Addi, I didn't think you would still be here. Hawk, why are you outside talking to my sister half-dressed?

Here it comes. I am about to get my ass beat by my best friend and stepbrother for upsetting his little sister. I opened my mouth to give him an honest recap and take my beating like a man when Addi spoke up.

Hawk heard me pull up and came outside to tell me he had company over and asked me to give them a minute to gather their things and leave. Said he didn't want me to walk in on anything inappropriate. She smiled at me, and I could not tell if she hated me and was going to use this in the future to blackmail, or if she was actually willing to give me another chance.

Will seemed to accept what Addi said and went inside only to return with the book that Addi came to pick up in the first place. He opened the passenger side door and set the book on the seat.

Here you go, Addi. I highlighted the parts that are on the tests for this professor. He reached across the seat to hug her. I'm going to grab the playbook and get back to practice before Coach is really ready to hand my ass to me. Hawk, I saw the twins in there, and I can only imagine what Addi might have walked in on if you hadn't heard her car, so thanks for looking out for her, he said as he walked in through the garage.

Thank you for covering for me with Will. I really owe you, and I really don't want you to hate me, I said to her, hoping to continue to smooth things over.

No need to thank me. I've heard similar things coming from Will's room, and he doesn't know that I know about it. I might be innocent, but that doesn't mean that I am naive and clueless. Her eyes sparkled with that last sentence. She rolled the window up, and this time, I let her.

I watched her driveaway, and I couldn't help, but think that I would like nothing more than to help make her a little less innocent. I turned to go back inside and get rid of my latest mistake, but not before taking one more look down the driveway where her car just disappeared.

Will is going to fucking kill me.

Chapter 2

Addison

The first day of classes was just as uneventful as Will said it would be since the professors used the first day to cover their expectations for the semester. As much as I loved school, I was happy for the day to be over, so I could start my first day as an actual employee at Carmichael Records. I was starting as an entry-level assistant to learn the day-to-day operations of the business. I preferred it that way even if my name was on the door. Every member of my family that had worked for the label had started at the bottom and worked their way to the top with the exception of my great-grandfather, but he was the one that built the label from the ground up. I wanted to learn everything about this business. Daddy was the record label executive that every new artist wanted to sign with, and I really hoped that I could make him proud.

I pulled my Cayenne into a parking spot just before one in the afternoon. This gave me enough time to get through the door and behind the front desk ready to start my first official day. As I was walking to the door, I passed Hawk's black Camaro in the parking lot. My steps faltered slightly. I knew he was working there too, but I didn't expect to see him. Maybe I still wouldn't. It is a large building. I opened the door and walked in, and again, my steps faltered. Standing in front of the reception desk was Hawk, in a backward ball cap, flirting with the morning assistant. Does this guy have no self-respect—I mean, a constant flow of females?

He heard the door chime to signal it had been opened, and as if he knew it was me, he turned his attention to the door. It looked as if his smile grew when he saw that it was me walking through the door, if that were even possible. Why is he smiling at me like that?

Before I knew what my next move was going to be, he walked toward me. This can't be good.

Well, hello there, darling. I didn't realize you were still coming in since school started. I thought it was just a summer thing, he said with that deep accent of his.

Hawk, you wish it was just a summer thing. I'm the afternoon assistant. And again, please don't call me darling. I attempted to sidestep him and walk toward the front desk, but his hand caught my wrist.

He turned me around, a serious look marring his very chiseled face. I want to apologize again for yesterday. I never would have had them over if I thought there was even a chance that you would be stopping by. I thought I was going to be alone for a couple of hours, and I don't handle being alone with my thoughts very well, so I called them for a distraction, he said in a low voice, all trace of humor from just a moment ago was now gone, replaced with a sincerity I'd never seen from him.

It's okay. I told you that last night after it happened. I didn't know what else to tell him. Yes, I was upset to walk in on such a scene, but it was his house, and he didn't know I was coming over. I had no right to be mad at him for having fun in his own house. If you could call what he was doing fun.

He broke me out of my thoughts by saying, Can we get drinks tonight? I feel like I need to make this up to you, show you that I am not the asshole I came off as last night.

I'm not old enough to go out for drinks, I reminded him.

Damn it, I keep forgetting the drinking age over here is older than back home. He let out a frustrated groan. How about dinner after work? Nothing fancy, just a casual dinner between stepsiblings and, dare I say, friends, he asked with a hopeful look in his eyes.

I can't tonight. I have plans, I replied, hoping that would be a good enough excuse to deter him. Nope, I wouldn't be that lucky. Got a date with what's his name—Ryan, the I-have-a-stick-up-my-ass boyfriend? I rolled my eyes and sighed. No, we broke up before graduation. Jolene wants me to go to dinner and shopping with her rather like a last-minute girls' night before we really get loaded down with studying and classes—you know, the normal college life.

Maybe he would let this go and just accept that I have moved past last night.

What about lunch tomorrow? Do you have time in between classes? My last class of the day lets out at noon.

He was relentless, and I knew he would not let this go until I agree.

Yes, I took all morning classes so that I would be able to work here every afternoon. It was a miracle I was able to get all morning classes as a freshman.

How about you just meet me here when you get finished with your last class, and we will grab lunch and then both come back here to work?

That sounds easy enough. Can I get to work now? I replied, and he stepped aside to let me walk to the front desk where I would spend the next few hours.

Rick came in from the back offices about an hour into my shift and stopped at my desk. How was your first day of classes? How is your first official day here going? he asked.

I smiled and replied, They are good, and things here are going great. I noticed that he set a stack of papers on my desk. What's this? I asked, anxious to do something other than answer the phone and greet people as they come in.

These are the studio schedules for the new artists we are looking to sign or have recently signed. Some of them need studio time to record demos and the others need time in the writing rooms to start writing for their albums. Can you set up these schedules and email them out? I think Hawk was supposed to be finalizing Prescott Murphy's schedule. Will you please get that from him? He's in the furthest studio room down that hall. He turned and walked back toward his office.

I had to have contact with Hawk twice in one day. So much for being able to completely avoid him at this job too.

I walked down the hallway that Rick pointed to and found a studio room at the very end of the hall. I was pretty sure this was the one Rick meant. I knocked slightly, and then I realized depending on how loud things were in there, he might not be able to hear me. I turned the doorknob and walked in, and I immediately stopped in the doorway. Hawk was sitting in a chair in front of a bunch of sound controls with none other than Billie Lane, one of the newest artists the label just signed, sitting on his lap as she whispered in his ear.

Gross! I could see why Rick signed her. She is beautiful, though I am sure her boobs are fake. They don't move, and I know my boobs aren't the biggest, but they at least bounce when I walk fast or run. And I have heard her sing. News flash—she can't, and no amount of auto-tune is going to fix that. I cleared my throat just as she began to bounce slightly on his lap and giggled at something he just said.

I hate to interrupt. You look really busy, but Rick sent me to find out if you have the schedule for Prescott Murphy for next week, so I can update the calendar? I could not get out of there quick enough. The mood in the room had shifted. I could feel it. What was carefree and flirty when I walked in was now tension-filled, but it wasn't like any tension I had ever felt before.

He coughed as if to clear his own throat before saying, Uh yeah, let me grab it for you. He moved Billie from his lap, maybe a little more aggressively than he needed to. She whimpered, and I wanted to laugh. He walked over to another desk in the back of the room and grabbed a sheet of paper. He handed it to me and said, Here you go, darling.

I took the paper and headed for the door. Just as I stepped out of the door, about to close it, I heard him tell Billie. Fun's over. Let's get back to work. I have places to be.

I sat back at my desk and started keying the schedules into the calendar on the server that everyone at the label has access to so that none of the artists, writing rooms, or studios get double booked. I lost track of time and didn't realize it's almost five until Hawk stopped in front of my desk and asked, Are you staying here all night? I thought you had plans with Jo?

I looked at the clock on my computer, and it was five on the dot. I lost track of time trying to get all these schedules keyed in and organized, but yeah, I need to leave. I am meeting Jo at the mall at six. I'll be out of here in just a few. Just need to save everything and then shut the computer down.

He took a seat in one of the lobby chairs and crossed his left ankle over his right knee. His ball cap was still backward. It looked good on him that way.

What are you doing? I thought you had places to be, I said, a little harsher than I mean to.

You heard that, didn't you? I just said that so she would get her ass up and work. She thinks she is going to be able to sleep her way to the top. She just hasn't realized I am not the one to get her there. I'm waiting for you. So hurry your slow ass up.

I stood from my chair and grabbed my purse and hit Shut Down on the computer. Okay fine, Mr. Impatient. I'm ready, but you do know I am a grown woman and can walk myself the hundred feet to my car, right?

He let out a loud laugh at my comment and looked me over from head to toe before he said, Yes, I am well aware of just how much of a grown woman you are, but my mum raised me to be a gentleman and that includes walking a lady to her car so she doesn't walk out of a building by herself.

Well, you must have missed the lesson on not using women as sex toys, or was that not a lesson that was given? I regretted it as soon as the words were out of my mouth 'cause the look on his face could have put a knife through my heart. I'm so sorry. I meant no disrespect toward your mother. I know she meant a lot to you, I said with tears in my eyes as I think of how I would feel if someone would have made a backhanded comment about Daddy like that.

It was a fair statement. My mum taught me to never lead a woman on, and I can assure you that I have never in my life led a woman to believe that I wanted anything more than a good time. They all know that I am not one to plan a future with.

His honesty was surprising, but also stung just a little. How lonely he must be if he doesn't plan on having a future with anyone.

When we got to my car, I hit the button on my key fob to unlock the doors, and he stepped in front of me opening the driver's side door for me to get inside.

Thank you, I said and found myself genuinely meaning it. It was such a simple gesture, yet one that even Ryan, with all his gentleman facade, never did for me.

You're welcome. I will see you tomorrow right here at twelve thirty for our lunch, dear Addison. Please don't be late. I'm not very patient, as you so graciously just pointed out.

I got in my car, closed the door, started the engine, and backed out just as he was getting into his Camaro.

Tomorrow should be interesting, but where in the world did these butterflies come from?

Hawkin

How many times has Will told me that his sister is fucking off-limits? It's one of the reasons he's done his best to keep her away from the house. He knows I won't step foot in my father's house, so he thinks if he keeps his little sister away from our house, then she will be safe from not only me but also his teammates. But I am just going to lunch with my stepsister and now coworker, right? That is what I have been telling myself since I asked her anyway. Then I really had to remind myself just who she is when she informed me that she is a grown woman in protest of being escorted out to her car and informed me she could walk herself outside. I couldn't help but look her over from head to toe. And fuck me, she wasn't lying about being a grown woman. She had developed curves since the first time I saw her three years ago. I would be lying if I said I wasn't watching her ass and the sway of her hips as she walked in front of me on the way to her car. She is your stepsister, you dumb bloke. Yeah, someone needs to remind my dick of that 'cause it has a mind of its own and twitches at just the sound of her smart mouth, not to mention what it does when I get a chance to really look at her.

I have never been more excited or nervous for a lunch date before in my life. And seeing how this is a first date—if you would even call it that—nerves are to be expected, right?

I sat in my car in the parking lot of the record label wearing a ball cap and sunglasses, waiting for Addi. It was twelve fifteen, and I knew that I was early, but class let out early, and I came straight here. I didn't want to take any chances that I might be late and for her to think I wasn't coming. She already thought I was an asshole that used women, and before her, I didn't give a shit if someone thought that about me, but Addison Grace Carmichael was the first girl, no person, besides my mum, that I had ever wanted to see the other side of me. I had our lunch today to show her that I wasn't really the asshole that I let everyone think I was. I, by no means, was a pussy, but I did have a softer side that I would like her to get to know but only if that is what she wants. At this point, I would take anything she was willing to give me.

A light tap on my window tore me out of my thoughts. Thinking it was Addi, I turned to the person with a smile. It was not Addi; instead, it was my poor excuse for a father. I rolled down the window.

Rick, what do you want? I am waiting on someone, I said, letting him hear the irritation in my voice.

I was just going to see if you wanted to grab lunch since your schedule is open until two, he said.

The desperation in his voice made me want to laugh. I just said that I was waiting for someone, I said as I looked in my rearview mirror and saw Addi getting out of her Cayenne.

Rick noticed her walking my way. Is Addison the someone you are waiting for? Hawkin, don't even go there with that girl. She is way too innocent and pure for you to corrupt her.

Does he really think he can give me fatherly advice at this point in my life?

Thanks, Rick, glad to know you think so highly of me. I want to be friends with my stepsister. I mean, after all, I share a house with my stepbrother, and now Addison and I work together. We should at least be able to get along, right?

His look turned even more serious if that was possible. He finally said, I saw the look on your face when you saw her get out of her car just now, and all I will say is, be careful. A heart is a fragile thing, especially hers after Ryan.

I rolled up the window as Addi opened the passenger door and climbed in. I turned to see she is wearing a dress that wraps around her body tying at her waist, almost like a fancy robe. It's green, which brings out the green in her eyes even more. And fuck, even with her sitting down, I can tell that this dress hugs every curve she has in just the right place. This should be fun, real fucking fun. Someone, remind my dick it is staying in my pants around Addi for, well, forever.

She gave me the brightest smile. Hey, where are we going?

I returned her smile. I was thinking a picnic.

I swear, her smile grew as her eyes lit up with excitement. Really? I haven't been on one of those since I was a little girl.

I drove to a little park I found while I was out exploring the city, not long after I moved here. It's quiet and not used very often for some reason, so that makes it the perfect place for us to have lunch and not be hounded by people who think they know who I am just because I am the Snake's son. I led her over to a bench and pulled out the bag of food I picked up from the little deli that is about a block from campus. Will was always talking about how Addi always wanted to meet there for the weekly dinners.

You went to Ruth's? How did you know this place is my favorite?

Her smile was contagious.

Will. He complains about having to eat it every other week when it's your turn to pick.

She blushed, and it was the cutest damn thing I had ever seen.

Yeah, it's one of the only places still around that Daddy used to take us to when we were kids, so I guess you could say it's sentimental to me. Silly, I know, but I feel like every time this city changes, I lose another small part of him.

How was it that I don't know what happened to their dad? Will never talked about him.

You really miss him, don't you? I asked with genuine curiosity.

Yes, every day. I can't believe it's been thirteen years since he passed. Some days, it feels like it was just yesterday, and others, it feels like it was a lifetime ago. What about you? I know you miss your mom. Her eyes were full of concern.

Yes, every single day. Her death was so sudden I didn't have time to prepare. Sometimes, I think maybe if I had time to prepare, it wouldn't hurt this bad three years later, I said, and I could tell by the look on her face that I said something wrong. So much for not fucking this up.

Being prepared for it doesn't ever really prepare you for it or make it hurt any less even after more than a decade. My dad had an aggressive form of lymphoma and had six months left by the time they found it. That was six months to prepare an eight-year-old boy to be the man of the house, a five-year-old girl to be princess without a king to look up to, and a wife to raise two young children on her own.

Her words were like a punch in the gut. I knew she was young when her father died, but she was barely old enough to have any memories of him.

Okay, change in topic. I can't stand this depressing shit. What happened to Ryan? I thought he was Mr. Perfect?

Again, her face told me that I opened a wound she wasn't ready to open.

Hawk trying to be nice, zero; Hawk's big stupid mouth, two.

She was polite, so of course, she answered me, but it was her answer that surprised the hell out of me.

We broke up at senior prom. Jo went to use the restroom, but there was a line to the women's, so Jo being Jo and not wanting to wait decided to use the men's. When she walked in, she saw two sets of feet in one of the stalls. One set was on their knees. Then she heard moaning, and don't ask me how she knew it was Ryan, but she said she did, so she stood on the toilet in the next stall and saw Ryan getting sucked off by Jonathan, his study buddy. She came and told me right away. He wasn't even fully zipped up when he came running after her.

I saw the tears she was trying to hide. As