Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 82973 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82973 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
“You’re staying in DC, huh?”
She hadn’t given her dad a decision yet. Her suitcase was packed, and she’d been ninety percent sure she would leave here with him come morning and resume her uneventful life in Lafayette. But the job her uncle had offered her was a definite pay raise from teaching kindergarten. While she loved her students, she’d get to work on an education council, actually forming young childhood education metrics for the entire country—an opportunity she’d never even imagined she’d be afforded.
Then there was Todd. He seemed like everything Matt wasn’t—uncomplicated, happy for her company, and totally smitten. Granted, he’d only given her tepid kisses so far, and those hadn’t been very inspiring, but if they both invested in the relationship, they would grow together as a couple, right?
“I’m still thinking, but I might,” she finally answered Matt. The last thing she wanted was for him to think she would rush home because he snapped his fingers.
“How serious is it with this guy?”
“I don’t think he would appreciate me discussing our relationship with my last hookup. I’m sorry for what your dad went through, and I’m glad you were able to help him. But—”
“Madison, I’ve stayed away because I’m no good for you. I have tried and tried to forget you. I would never want to ruin your life. And I’m still not sure how to avoid hurting you, but I don’t have the strength to keep my distance anymore. Come home. Please.”
What was he saying? Return to Lafayette, despite the fact he apparently thought he’d tear her down and turn her life inside out because he “needed” her? Hell of an offer. “If I do, it won’t be for you. And unless you have a real apology, along with an explanation about why you led me on, then stayed silent for so long, we don’t have anything to say.”
Hanging up on him was an empty triumph. The second she did, she felt a sanctimonious vindication. But the next instant, her heart threatened to buckle. A sob rose up. She’d let anger get the best of her, and everything inside her told her she would regret it. Would he ever speak to her again?
Suddenly, a knock sounded at her door. Quickly, she swiped her tears and flipped on her bedside light. “Come in.”
Madison expected her dad. All day, he’d been asking what she’d decided, and she hadn’t had an answer to give him.
Instead, Uncle Martin let himself in with a benign smile and settled on the edge of her bed. “Every time I look at you, I can’t believe how grown up you are.”
She’d last seen him shortly after high school graduation, when her dad had married Beverly. Life and careers and her former stepmom had gotten in the way of the holidays and vacations the brothers had meant to spend together. It was good they were rectifying that now. The visit had been a great one…when she’d been able to forget the way Matt had ripped her heart out.
“You want to know if I’m staying, don’t you?” She tried her best to smile.
“I hate to rush or pressure you, but the council’s administrator can only hold the position for so long. We’d all really love to have you on board—someone young and energetic with recent teaching experience, especially outside an urban environment…”
“The job sounds great. It’s just a big change.”
But what did she have to go home to? Her friends, yes. But she could visit them, along with her dad. And if she returned tomorrow, how soon before she lost the will to resist and found herself in Matt’s bed, settling for the scraps of his affection?
“I know. I know. You didn’t come here expecting to be offered a job, but I promise this is a great one. I’d consider it a personal favor if you accepted.” He hesitated. “So would Senator Pershing.”
Madison reared back. She’d met Todd’s venerable grandfather exactly twice. Why did the man care what she did? “He would?”
“He says Todd is quite happy since meeting you. He thinks you’re exactly what he needs.” Uncle Martin leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, “He was wild in college, and they’ve been trying to get him to settle down for years. Winston says he’s quite changed since you arrived, and he’s hoping you’re the one for his grandson.”
“It’s really too early to tell. We’ve only had a few dates—”
“But you like him?”
“Sure.” Even if he’d once been wild, he seemed like a decent guy now. On paper, he was everything she should want—good education, good family, good sense of humor. It was Matt’s fault she wasn’t over the moon with Todd. She had to stop letting their past distract her future. “He’s been wonderful so far.”
Uncle Martin smiled big. “Excellent. He’ll be pleased to hear that. I have an idea. Would you consider staying another six weeks and trying the job on for size? If you don’t love it by the middle of August, I’ll fly you back home in time to start the school year in Louisiana. You’ve got nothing to lose, and I’d love the company. It gets lonely rattling around this house all by myself.”