Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107115 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107115 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Nash just rolled his eyes and wedged his way closer. “How are you feeling, little one?”
Confused. Afraid. Wondering what’s going on. “Okay.”
“You’re a horrible liar. Need anything? I’ll make sure you get it.”
He would, she knew. “No. I appreciate it. And I appreciate everything you two did to keep me safe from Todd.”
“What a tool,” Ethan muttered. “We would have done anything to make sure he didn’t hurt you. ’Cause, you know, we’re hot and protective and heroic and amazing.” He winked.
Madison had to smile. “You are.”
He set the flowers on her hospital table. “Oh, you agreed with me. Does that mean you’ll give me a pity date, sweet pea?”
She slanted him a challenging glance. “Anytime you’re up for a romcom marathon, let me know.”
“Would you look at the time… I’ve got a plane to catch. Now that my Q and A with the feds is over, I’m on to another mission. See you back in Lafayette.” He kissed her cheek.
“Be safe.”
“Where’s the fun in that?” he quipped, then sent her a jaunty salute before heading out.
“He’s crazy.” Haisley shook her head, then sent Nash a sidelong glance. “You’re all crazy.”
“Is that why you never texted me back?”
Her bestie turned red again.
So something was going on between the two of them.
Haisley sent him a withering stare and pointed at her lying in the bed. “Can you not see my best friend just survived the most harrowing event of her life? This conversation isn’t important right now.”
Madison knew her bestie’s tactics to put off uncomfortable topics. “I’m fine.”
“You’re not.”
Nash laughed and sauntered toward Haisley, towering over her and looking as if he’d love to eat her up. “What are you afraid of, little girl?”
Oh, those were fighting words for Haisley. “Nothing. Not a damn thing.”
“Liar.”
Madison grinned. Nash had her bestie’s number. She had a feeling their push-pull was about to get interesting.
“Think what you want. I’m going to the bathroom.”
Haisley was halfway out the door when Madison called after her. “Didn’t you just go?”
Her bestie whirled and gaped. “You just threw me under the bus. Really? Judas.”
“He’s a good guy,” she told Haisley softly.
But she was already gone.
“Thanks. See you back in Lafayette?” Nash squeezed her shoulder again.
“Yeah.” It would hurt hanging out with Matt’s friends, but she refused to cut them from her life just because he didn’t want her.
“Great. I’m just going to go…” He nodded toward the door where Haisley had gone.
“Hurry. Or she’ll get away.” And Madison didn’t just mean her bestie would lose Nash in the hospital halls.
“Oh, I’m so on it.” He grinned and disappeared around the corner, only to pop his head in the doorframe again. “Don’t go anywhere.”
Why would he say that? “I can’t. I haven’t even been discharged yet.”
“Good. Yeah. Just…stay put. See you!”
When he dashed down the hall, Madison smiled, hoping that he caught Haisley. She needed someone who would be steady, wouldn’t be intimidated by her sass—or her baggage—and would be capable of loving her forever.
In the sudden silence, Madison closed her eyes and slid her hands over her stomach protectively, refusing to feel sorry for herself. Daddy was getting better. She had good friends. She was strong enough to find a way forward in life. And according to all the doctors, her baby was healthy. Nothing else really mattered.
And if she missed Matt so much she felt as if her chest was ripping in two, she would get over him…eventually. No, she already knew that wasn’t true. She hadn’t in the three years they were apart. She wouldn’t now, either.
But she would find a way forward without him.
Madison sighed and let sleep take her. She didn’t know how much time passed when she woke to a calloused hand wrapping around her cheek. She jolted and blinked.
Matt. There he was, leaning over her, staring at her like he never wanted to stop.
Her heart lurched. “You’re here?”
Apology lit his eyes before he even spoke. “I’m so damn sorry it took so long to reach you. The feds… Their questions were endless, and since I was buried ass deep in the evidence Genie recovered from her son’s computer, they kept me longer…” He shook his head. “That’s over now. How are you, honey? How’s the baby?”
Madison gaped. Hope hit her system like a drug. She tried not to tear up, but it was hopeless. “How long have you known?”
“I found out the day before I left.”
Just when she thought her heartache couldn’t get any worse… Madison closed her eyes. He’d known, and he’d left anyway. “I understand. I’m fine. I’ll handle everything. You don’t have to worry about me or the baby.”
He shook his head, brushing his thumb across her cheek. “Are you crazy? You and the baby are all I worried about for the last month. Honey, I know I can’t make up for all the things I said when I left. I tried to help you understand that night. When we were alone in the dungeon? I couldn’t just tell you I was leaving, rescuing Graciela, and planning to do whatever it took to free you. Your reactions—your hurt—had to be genuine. If they weren’t, if I didn’t break your heart—Toddhole’s words—he was going to kill you. Believe me, saying that shit to you nearly crushed me.” His thumb drifted over her lips as her eyes filled with tears. “I never, ever want to do anything but love you.” Then he settled his hand over her stomach. “And our baby. You didn’t tell me you were pregnant.”