Austin - Piper Stone Page 0,71
known in the community, her investigative reporting giving Katie a run for her money. However, she’d scaled back over the last few months in order to be a surrogate mother to Ashley and the love of Hawk’s life. There wasn’t a single time that she’d walked into a room where he’d been where he hadn’t watched her almost the entire time. I hoped to have that one day.
Just as I thought the words, a rush of electricity coursed through me, Vader’s heated gaze more intense than ever.
“I don’t know what to think, Bryce.” I was more than grateful for Hawk and Bryce’s hospitality. I was also numb inside, both the attempt on my life and the ugliness with the reporters to blame. My stomach churned as Hawk flipped from one television station to another, every network covering my fall from grace. I couldn’t stomach it any longer.
“Why don’t we get you out of here? I have a bottle of cabernet opened,” Bryce encouraged.
I shifted my gaze in her direction, her kind smile exactly what I needed.
As well as the wine, although I wasn’t certain there was enough in the house to actually help my nasty mood.
“You’re on.”
I trailed behind her into the bright kitchen, smiling the second I noticed Ashley at the kitchen table, a coloring book and crayons in front of her. “She’s adorable.”
“Yes, she is. And a handful. Be careful with your mug, Ashley. You don’t want to spill your juice.”
Ashley giggled, waving to me as she looked up at Bryce. “O-tay, Mommy.”
I could see a change in Bryce’s expression when the little girl used the phrase.
Bryce seemed to sense I noticed, laughing softly as she grabbed two wineglasses out of the cabinet, pulling the bottle of wine closer on the island. “She just started calling me that a few weeks ago. It just happened one night when I was tucking her into bed. I admit that I cried the rest of the night. No little girl should be without her real mother.”
“You are her real mother, Bryce. It’s easy to tell how much you love her and she knows.”
I was surprised to see a tear sliding down her face. She darted a look into my eyes before pouring the wine. “You’re very kind.”
“Easy to tell.”
After pushing a glass in my direction, she leaned against the counter, glancing toward the living room. “Can I tell you a secret?”
“Absolutely. I need something to get my mind out of the gutter.”
She laughed, moving so that Ashley couldn’t hear. “Ashley will soon have a playmate.”
“What?” I was shocked that she’d tell me. “You’re—”
“Sshhh… Don’t say anything yet. I just found out today. Jake doesn’t know. I was going to tell him tonight.”
I was so used to hearing the man’s nickname used that it caught me by surprise. “And Vader and I fucked up your plans.” I took a sip of wine, hoping the alcohol would calm my nerves.
“Oh, I still have time. You don’t know how tenacious I am.” She laughed, her eyes twinkling. “So… Vader. He’s pretty damn hot. I’d do him.”
When I spit out the entire mouthful, Bryce burst into laughter, immediately grabbing a paper towel. “I didn’t mean to shock you.”
“I…” Coughing, I pressed the towel to my mouth, shaking my head.
“I know. My mouth. Right? Hawk is always disciplining me for my vexing and over the top drama, as he calls it. I call it fun.”
I genuinely liked this girl. “Well, if we’re comparing apples to apples, Hawk ain’t so bad himself.”
She gripped my arm, both of us laughing together.
“However, Vader only has eyes for you. He’s in love with you,” she said, once again glancing into the living room.
“I don’t think so. We barely know each other. But he’s been… amazing.”
“So I heard. Love doesn’t happen when you’re trying. It simply slams into your life, making your heart swoon and your legs weak. And the intense feeling doesn’t let you go either. I can see how you feel about him, Francesca.”
“Call me Franny. Please.”
“Okay, then. Franny. But I’m serious. You adore each other. He remains on edge, terrified for you. I’ve seen the same reaction in all the men when they found the right one.”
“There’s such a bond between them. Very special.” I moved closer to the doorway, watching all five guys plotting or planning some level of revenge. But it was easy to tell just how close they were.
“They are close, but without Vader here, they weren’t complete.”
“And Snake?”
She swirled her wine, taking a sip