Hawk (Reckless Kings MC #2) - Harley Wylde Page 0,6

over his chest. “Did you think you and your brother were dropped on the doorstep by a stork?”

I scrunched my nose. “Ew. And no, but you can’t tell me you’re seriously trying to have more kids at this stage of your lives.”

“Hey, your mom is every bit as sexy as she was the day I first noticed her. I’m sorry if we grossed you out, but there’s nothing wrong with showing your mom how much I still love her.”

“Right. Maybe we could schedule it? So I’ll know when not to be home?”

Dad rolled his eyes. “Really, Hayley?”

I shrugged. It wasn’t like I didn’t realize they still had sex, and I had no problem with it. I just didn’t want to have to hear them going at it. Some things should remain a mystery.

“Did you have a good night?” my dad asked. “I noticed you went out earlier.”

“I took a walk with Cuddles. It’s not good for him to be cooped up in here all the time. He’ll get fat if he doesn’t get some exercise.”

My dad eyed the raccoon in my lap.

“All right. Fat-ter,” I conceded.

My dad looked at the floor and heaved a sigh. He rubbed a hand over his head before holding my gaze. “Look, Hayley. I know you’re at an age where you want to date and find someone special. If you want to see someone, I’m okay with that. I just would prefer you let me check the guy out first. You’re going to get your heart broken and there’s nothing I can do to stop it from happening, but I’d like to at least make sure you’ll be physically safe.”

Aww. That was actually kind of sweet. And it was the first time my dad had said he’d let me date without making a huge deal out of it. I figured my mom must have had a talk with him. He was quite a bit older than she was and watched over me like a pit bull. I knew he meant well. Sometimes I felt a little suffocated.

“I appreciate that, Dad. I know you want to protect me. I understand. But I won’t learn anything if I don’t ever get a chance to make mistakes.”

He came into the room and leaned down to kiss my forehead. “I know, Hayley. Your mom reminds me of that all the time, but you’re my little girl and I’m not ready to let go. One day you’ll get married, have a family of your own, and won’t have time for your old dad. I’ll just be left to molder in the corner.”

I snorted. “Dad, you still have women check you out everywhere we go. Have you not noticed the death grip Mom has on your arm when we go out as a family? She’s trying to stake her claim.”

“She already did, long ago. Haven’t wanted to look at another woman since, and I never will.”

And that’s what I wanted. A love like my parents had.

It didn’t mean I wouldn’t like to date. Going out meant I’d have the opportunity to find my Mr. Perfect. My mom had once told me she believed everyone had a soul mate. She’d found hers in my dad. Since neither my brother nor I had ever had a serious relationship, I had to wonder if she wasn’t completely wrong. Maybe some people had a soul mate, but it didn’t mean everyone did. What if that sort of thing was rare? A once in a lifetime love that not everyone discovered before they died?

My dad hugged me, then went back upstairs. I snuggled with Cuddles and blindly watched the TV. I couldn’t have told you what was playing. In my mind, I relived my moments with Hawk. He’d made me laugh, and I’d felt special even if just for a little while. The way he’d seemed freaked over the lack of protection told me plenty. I wasn’t his forever, and I hadn’t expected to be. I’d known I was just a good time for tonight. If he’d thought we might have a chance at something more, I didn’t think he’d have been quite so worried. Besides, I’d stopped believing in fairy tales a while ago.

No, the guy clearly didn’t want to make babies with me, which meant he didn’t want me around long-term. He’d mentioned being in town a bit longer, and while I was tempted to drop by and see him once more, I figured it was better if I didn’t. I had enough going