Alaskan Heat by Pam Champagne

forever.
    Engrossed in her misery, she didn’t hear the screen door open. “What’s wrong? You look like you’ve run into Big Foot.”
    “What?” The warm concern in Hawk’s eyes pounded guilt through her heart. “Nothing. I’m fine.” She slid her cell into her pocket, avoiding his gaze, and lied. Something she was getting good at. “I just called Cal. As usual, he read me the riot act, telling me how crazy I am to go into the wilderness on a camping adventure by myself.”
    “Your brothers didn’t do you any favors by treating you like a piece of china. Come outside. Supper’s ready.”
    She stalled. “I haven’t made a salad.”
    “No matter. It’s late. Come eat.”
    Why did Hawk choose now to be nice? If she took one bite of a hamburger, she’d either choke or hurl. But she had to. Otherwise Hawk would know something was wrong, and she had to avoid that at all costs.
    Dragging her feet, she followed him to the campfire.
    At first, Hawk either didn’t notice or ignored her silence. He ate with enthusiasm and appeared at peace in his own world. Probably going over his strategy for tomorrow. Sweet Jesus. If he knew the truth, he’d…no, she wouldn’t think about it. How many times had she asked him to trust her?
    “Hey, you.” Hawk waved his hand in front of her face. “You going to eat your hamburger or play with it?”
    Sophie glanced at her plate, surprised to see she’d broken the bun and meat into pieces. “Sorry. I’m not very hungry.”
    Pouring coffee from a thermos they’d filled at the last stop, he sat beside her, handing her a cup. “Want to talk about it?”
    She sipped the hot brew, shaking her head.
    “Thinking about today’s near miss?”
    “Not really,” she said, forcing a smile. “I guess the whole adventure’s catching up to me. I’ll be fine after a good night’s sleep.”
    Hawk laughed. “Every woman should come with an owner’s manual.”
    Despite her anxiety, Sophie joined his laughter. “Now that wouldn’t give women a fighting chance.”
    “Finish your coffee so we can hit the sack.”
    “Go ahead. I’m going to sit by the fire for a while.”
    Sophie fought not to pull away from his hand as it cupped her chin. His penetrating gaze searched her soul. “My radar is bleeping. Something’s up. If it involves me, I want to know.”
    “Not everything is about you,” she snapped, immediately feeling remorse. Hawk dropped his hand as if she’d bitten him.
    “Sorry. Good night.”
    He tossed his leftover coffee into the bushes and walked away. “Don’t forget to douse the fire.” He tossed the words over his shoulder.
    Well, shit. She’d alienated the man who’d stolen her heart when all she wanted to do was jump his bones one more time and let him bring her to heaven as only he could do. Perhaps now her treachery wouldn’t come as so much of a surprise.
    She set her plate on the ground. “Here, Rueger. Enjoy.” Then she helped herself to the rest of the coffee and settled down to gaze at the million stars in the sky, looking for an answer to her dilemma.

    Hawk lay in the bed, hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling. What the fuck was wrong with Sophie? Had talking to her brother put her in this funk? He doubted it. She’d dealt with Cal her entire life. More of his bullshit would make her angry. It wouldn’t make her withdraw. Well, hell. Screw it. He didn’t care. He wasn’t falling in love with her. She was just stuck in his head and, after tomorrow, he’d knock her out. Go on with his life. Alone.
    Almost an hour passed. What was she doing out there? He decided to go check at the same time the truck door slammed. He listened to Rueger getting comfortable on the front seat.
    “Are you awake?” Sophie asked as she entered the camper.
    “Yep.”
    “I’m setting the alarm for three-thirty. That way we’ll get to Eagle by late afternoon.”
    “Sounds like a plan.”
    Sophie undressed. His cock hardened as he kept an eye on her.