Page 36 of Heat Force
“Oh, what’s that?” She glanced up, her heart skipping a beat at the expression on his face.
“I got a call this morning from my finance officer. The board’s pressing for me to get back to New York. The share price has stabilized, and we’ve got a potential new project in Ecuador.”He paused, taking a slow breath. “Long story short, they need me back.”
Lexi froze, the words hitting harder than she’d expected. She set her coffee down carefully, keeping her expression neutral. “How do you feel about that?”
Hawk looked away, his broad shoulders dropping slightly. It was such a small movement, but it spoke volumes. “I have to go. That’s not really up for debate. I was hoping for another week or two here, but I can’t keep delaying. It’s my company, and there are decisions that only I can make.”
Her chest tightened, but she forced herself to keep her voice steady. “Well, you’ve done an incredible job. You helped us rebuild, along with boosting the company’s image. I hope you feel it’s been worthwhile for you.”
“It has, obviously.” He ran a hand through his hair, the curls still damp from his morning shower. “Otherwise I wouldn’t have stayed for this long.”
It had been almost a month.
“The board have been patient, but I can’t blame them for getting restless. If I were in their position, I’d be frustrated too. They must be wondering what I’ve been up to in the jungle.”
“Don’t you give them updates?” she asked quietly, searching his face.
Hawk’s lips curved into a rueful smile. “Of course, but they don’t understand what it’s like here, why it’s so hard to leave.”
Lexi swallowed, her heart thudding painfully in her chest.
“I know you understand.”
She nodded, and before she could help it, she’d reached out and rested her hand on his. It was meant as a simple gesture of comfort, but the moment their skin touched, something shifted. His hand was warm and solid beneath hers, and for a moment, she couldn’t bring herself to pull away.
When she looked up, his eyes were already on her, searching. There was heat there, a deep, intense heat that made her mouth go dry.
God help her, she felt it too. And that terrified her.
Breaking the moment, she pulled her hand back and wrapped it around her coffee mug. “So … when do you think you’ll leave?”
He hesitated, unable to meet her gaze. “Tomorrow. Robert’s having a farewell dinner for us tonight.”
She gasped, unable to help herself. “So soon?”
He looked away. “The building work is almost complete. The rest can be done without me. There is no reason to delay any longer.”
Except for me, she thought silently, then chastised herself. Silly, she was the one who’d suggested they stay friends—and thank goodness she had. If she’d slept with him, if she’d fallen for him, his leaving would have been a hell of a lot harder.
“How are you getting to the airport?”
“We’ll head to Kinshasa with a UN vehicle and fly out from there. Rex and Dan will come with me, of course.” He scoffed. “We’ll finally be out of your hair.”
Lexi fought tears. She liked having them in her hair. Not them.
Him.
The idea of never seeing him again through her into a panic. She wasn’t ready to say goodbye. They were just getting to know each other. Really getting to know each other. Plus, Hawk was such a dominant figure at the sanctuary. Their alpha male, their silverback. Even though Robert was the chief warden, Hawk was the one who pulled the strings. “It won’t be the same without you,” she whispered.
Hawk stared at her. “I don’t want to leave either, but I have no choice.”
She nodded, willing herself not to cry.
“Lexi…” He started to say something, then stopped, shaking his head. “I’d better go. There’s still a lot to do. See you later at the Lodge?”
“I’ll be there.” She couldn’t keep the tremble from her voice.
Then he was gone, striding into the sunlight, leaving her standing there, her heart breaking into a trillion tiny pieces that she feared she might never be able to put back together again.