She looked at him then wanted to rub her eyes. Maybe it was just a trick of the light, but she would swear he’d just gotten better looking. Talk about annoying.

HAWK GLANCED OVER at the woman glaring at him. She reminded him of a stray cat his daughter had brought home years ago. All spit and attitude.

Nicole was sensible. He could tell from her exactly-to-the-knee skirt in dark denim, her plain T-shirt, the lack of makeup and the way she hadn’t bothered to do more with her long blond hair than pull it back in a ponytail. She wasn’t the kind of woman who impressed easily. Not that he was worried.

“Thanks,” he said. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“You’re right. I didn’t. I also know I’m going to regret letting him off like that.”

There was temper in her blue eyes. She looked like she wanted to hit someone. He thought about offering-it wasn’t as if she could hurt him-but sensed she would think he was mocking her. Which he was…a little.

“You won’t. He’s a good kid. He has a lot of talent-he can go all the way.”

“You see yourself in him, don’t you?”

Hawk grinned. “Yeah.”

“That is just so typical.” She glanced at her watch. “Don’t you have to be somewhere?”

“Practice. The guys are waiting.” He pulled out his wallet. “How much do I owe you for the doughnuts?”

She frowned. “Weren’t you listening? Raoul is going to pay them off with hard labor. At least that’s my fantasy.”

“Then I still need five dozen for the team.”

Nicole looked at the women behind the counter. “Maggie, would you get the coach his doughnuts so he can get out of here.”

Hawk bent down and picked up the doughnuts on the floor. “You’re trying to get rid of me.”

“You think?”

“But I’m the best part of your day.”

“Maybe I’ll get a splinter later and that can be my highlight.”

He laughed. “You’re not easy.”

“That’s the first smart thing you’ve said.”