That evening, Kit was still waiting for Hawk to return.

A while after her panic attack, before she’d mustered the courage to find him, she’d heard a motor in the courtyard. She’d run outside to see his plane taking off from the lake. Water streamed off the floats and glittered in the sunlight.

Now, supper over, the Hermitage people—except Hawk—were in the gazebo, having drinks.

And singing.

She really did love the musical evenings. Regan, who was learning violin, and Audrey, who was new to the guitar, joined in on the easy tunes. JJ occasionally played her flute.

Between Caz’s knees, Aric “helped” him drum.

Oddly enough, her son didn’t seem concerned about Hawk’s absence, which was such a relief. If he’d started crying for Hawk, she might have joined in.

Boy, she’d really messed up.

Hawk had been trying to help her. Giving her advice, being blunt and teasing as a friend would.

Then she’d gone and hugged him and touched him. Like, in a sexy way. Because she was…interested…in him.

Talk about stupid. No guy wanted another man’s dirty leftovers.

And she was definitely used goods. She swallowed, feeling as if she’d rolled around in the chicken yard and everyone could smell the filth covering her skin.

Hawk probably could too.

To complete her humiliation, she’d had an ugly meltdown right in front of him. How absolutely pitiful. If he hadn’t already realized she was damaged, she’d sure made it clear.

No wonder he’d walked out of the house.

As they were finishing up another song, multiple phones chimed with incoming text messages. Gabe, Bull, and Caz checked their cells.

When Bull scowled, Frankie asked, “What?”

“Seems Hawk’s taken an undercover job down in South America for a friend who needed a pilot and extra guard.”

Guilt swept over Kit, darkening her world like the blackest of nights.

It was her fault.

He’d left his family—his home—to escape her.

“If he’s undercover, he won’t get in touch until after it’s over,” Caz said.

Gabe’s brows drew together in annoyance. “It doesn’t say when he’ll be back.” After making a growling sound, he shook his head and texted something back.

“What did you say?” Audrey asked, leaning against his shoulder. “Nothing too angry…?”

“No, Goldilocks.” Gabe sighed. “Although I might pound on him a while when he gets back.”

Bull chuckled. “Good luck with that.”

With a rueful smile, Gabe flipped him off, then turned his attention back to Audrey. “I just sent him what Mako used to say whenever Hawk took off from the old cabin.”

“Of course.” Smiling slightly, Caz looked up to where the mountains met the sky and said softly, “Soar high, ’mano.”

Chapter Thirteen

Each time women gather in circles with each other the world heals a little more. ~ Unknown