Page 34 of Heat Force
“Moyo?” she asked.
“He’s already gone,” he told her.
“That’s good.”
She tried not to stare, she really did, as Hawk leaned one arm against the doorframe, gazing out at the storm. The man looked infuriatingly good even soaking wet. His curls, usually tousled and boyish, were slicked back from the rain, making his angular jawline and high cheekbones even more pronounced. His soaked shirt clung to him like a second skin, and she could see every inch of the broad shoulders and hard chest beneath.
A chest she remembered touching, clinging to as he kissed her.
Oh, God. That kiss.
She sucked in a breath, then busied herself with straightening the papers on the desk, anything to distract herself from the fact that just the sight of him had her feeling overheated in a room that was already muggy from the humidity.
“How’s Ayo doing?” Hawk’s gaze shifting over to her.
“Still recovering,” she said, glad for the change in subject. “Patrick’s working with him now. Want to check in on him?”
“Sure.”
She led the way, through the narrow doorway and down the short corridor to the recovery room. He followed, his boots squeaking on the concrete floor. Inside, Patrick was gently stretching Ayo’s injured leg on a mat. The young gorilla turnedhis head at their entrance, his big brown eyes wary, but he visibly relaxed when he saw her.
“He’s still pretty jumpy.” She crouched down and stroked Ayo’s fur. “Loud noises, sudden movements—everything sets him off.”
Hawk stood back, watching quietly as she murmured soft reassurances to the little gorilla. There was something so steady about his presence, the way he seemed comfortable just observing.
“They’re a lot like kids, aren’t they?”
“They are,” she glanced up, surprised at the astuteness of his comment. “Come on, I’ll introduce you properly.”
She beckoned him closer, and after a moment’s hesitation, he joined her on the mat. She spoke to Ayo in a low, soothing voice, telling him Hawk was a friend and someone she trusted.
Hawk gave her a look that sent a flutter through her stomach. “If you trust me, I guess that’s good enough for him.”
Ayo seemed to agree. The little gorilla let out a chattering sound that almost sounded like a laugh, his lips pulling back in a wide grin.
“You’re in,” Patrick said, grinning up at Hawk.
Lexi laughed. “Want to hold him?”
“Uh … sure,” Hawk said, clearly uncertain but game.
She carefully handed Ayo over, watching as this big, rugged man cradled the young gorilla with surprising gentleness. Something futtered deep inside her, in the vicinity of her heart.
“You’re a natural,” she teased as Ayo climbed onto Hawk’s shoulder and started tugging playfully at his damp hair.
“Hey, easy, buddy,” Hawk said with a chuckle. “I might need that later.”
Lexi laughed.
“I’ll take him before he pulls it all out.” She lifted Ayo off his shoulders and placed him back on the mat, where he immediately went over to Patrick.
“I’ll take him back to his cage,” the veterinarian said, picking up the gorilla.
“Okay, thanks Patrick. I’ll clean up and then lock up the clinic. See you tomorrow.”
Hawk said goodbye, and Patrick left via the back, taking a clinging Ayo with him.
“I’ll help you clean up,” Hawk offered, as they walked back to the treatment room.