“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.”

  She almost asked why he’d hadn’t taken a husband, but he’d never openly admitted to being gay, and she didn’t want to put him on the spot. He was probably just of that older generation who didn’t feel comfortable being as open about their sexuality as her fellow Gen Zers.

  His suggestion sounded great…except the anger and broken heart currently weighing her down made decision-making almost impossible. “Can I think about it overnight and let you know?”

  “Of course. I’ve talked to your dad. He thinks this is a good opportunity for you, too. And he likes Todd a lot.”

  Madison wasn’t surprised. Plus, if her dad knew the incredibly sexual things Matt had done to her and all the emotional upheaval he’d already put her through, he’d hate the big cowboy on the spot. It made her wonder what she was waiting for, a fairytale ending that was never coming?

  “Thanks. I’ll sleep on it.”

  “Perfect.” He patted her shoulder. “Oh, if you do stay, Todd is going to ask you to accompany him to a benefit dinner. The event is small, almost intimate. No more than a hundred people. That singer you love so much—her name escapes me—will be performing there. You know, the blonde who writes all those catchy songs about her myriad ex-boyfriends.”

  Madison’s jaw dropped. “Seriously?”

  A chance to see her girl-crush live was almost worth staying.

  “Of course.” He stood, bent to kiss her forehead, then flashed her a wry smile. “Sleep good, my dear. I’m sure your father will be in before five a.m. to ask if you’re going with him.”

  She groaned. “I know he will.”

  With that, her uncle was gone. And the possibilities nearly crushed her. Go home to the safe and known where she would be vulnerable to a man who’d made it clear tonight that he only valued her body? Or take a chance on a new life and a new man and hope for the best?

  Wishing she knew the right answer, she flipped off the bedroom light and settled onto her pillow with a sigh.

  She’d no more than closed her eyes when her phone vibrated on the nightstand behind her. She flipped over, half afraid to pick it up. What if Matt was calling again?

  With a sigh, she lifted the device to find a text from Haisley.

  Guess who just walked into Highrise, ready to get his freak on?

  An instant later, a picture appeared in the message string that made her heart stop. Matt with Hannah Jamison, the mean girl she’d hated most in high school, the one who had stolen her first boyfriend. In one hand, he held a shot glass while he licked salt from her exposed stomach as she lay supine across the pool table.

  Madison reared back. She probably had no right, but betrayal burned.

  She meant nothing to him. Since he’d replaced her the minute she’d declined his booty call, it seemed obvious she never had. After all her pining for him and hoping they had some future that included more magical nights together… She felt like a fool.

  Hurtling from the bed, she paced the room, her temper flaring even as her heart broke. Screw him. She was staying in DC, and she would make things work with Todd. He would be the perfect antidote for her irrational attachment to the hot cowboy whose pleasure had been like a sweet, sweet drug, and he would replace it with something real. Because Todd was charming and kind. He was also interesting and worldly, probably because he came from a wealthy, powerful family. But that hadn’t gone to his head. Most of all, he seemed to care about her. She resolved to invest her emotional capital in him in return. And someday, she’d forget that Matt Montgomery even existed.

  August 8

  Matt pushed into Highrise, ready to get his Saturday night under way. The place was a little too pretentious and purple neon for him, but it had one thing to recommend it: Madison’s friends hung out here. They would have info about her. Yes, the move was desperate, but that’s how he felt.

  Despite everything, he still fucking missed her like an amputee seeking a limb that no longer existed.

  Beside him, Nash grinned and scanned the room. “Lots of fine looking ladies here tonight.”

  He couldn’t argue. But none of them were Madison. Not that she gave a shit. He’d finally confessed his truth to her—poured his heart out and given her his fears—and she’d fucking hung up on him. Oh, and started another relationship, leaving him behind. Just like his mother. Was that some maneuver from the female playbook, how to rip out a guy’s guts through his asshole?

  “I know that expression.” Nash scowled. “You’re thinking about her again.”

  She was all he thought about. His head told him to stop fixating on what and who she was doing. It would better for them both. That was easier said than done. After doing body shots off of Hannah Jamison that horrible night, he’d gotten shitfaced, but not drunk enough to take her—or any other woman—to bed. The way he felt about Madison, he couldn’t. Hannah had cursed him when he had walked out of the bar alone.

  “Shut up,” Matt groused.

  “No. Stop moping and listen. You’re not getting over her. I don’t even think you’re trying.”

  “I am.”

  Nash rolled his eyes. “I’ve seen more effort from a sloth. Ever ask yourself why you’re not getting over her?”

  Was his pal insinuating that he was in love with Madison? Since he’d never fallen on Cupid’s bow, Matt didn’t know, but given everything, that seemed…really possible. And if love was the reason his heart refused to let go…maybe he shouldn’t have let his anger and pride make his decisions. Maybe he shouldn’t have given up on them so quickly.

  Matt sighed. Or maybe he should have fought harder. Hell, he should probably be fighting right now.

  “Yeah. And I’m going to do something about it.” Matt turned and followed Nash’s line of vision. “I see Haisley is here.”

  His buddy grinned. “Yes, she is. Damn, that woman…”

  “Who has yet to look at you twice?” he teased.

  “Fuck off.” He laughed. “I’m getting a brew and going in.”

  “Right beside you.”

  Nash glared at him. “Dude, if you’re wanting to get back at Madison, don’t hit on her best friend. It won’t end well.”

  He had zero interest in the redhead, but he loved yanking Nash’s chain. “Because Madison will be pissed…or you will?”

  “Both. Don’t try me.”

  Matt burst out laughing. “Don’t worry. I’m just fucking with you. I only want to hear what Haisley has heard from Madison lately.”

  Together, they meandered to the bar and ordered a couple of beers. Matt ignored Hannah Jamison as she and another blonde slipped in the front door and wandered toward the pool tables where Haisley and two other ladies stood, all holding glasses of champagne and toasting. Nash swaggered right beside him, giving the beauty with the copper hair a suggestive once-over and a come-on of a smile. Matt saw the attraction. Not only was Haisley’s hair like a beacon, but she had huge green eyes, a pouty mouth, and curves for days. Knowing Nash, it was her sassy attitude that hooked him. That man loved a challenge.

  “Game plan?” Matt asked.

  “Since telling her she looks mighty fucking fine and that I’d love to take her to bed and make her scream her throat raw won’t work—”

  “Tried that already?”

  “Yep.”

  Matt laughed. “God, that was stupid.”

  “I know. I saw her, and I was blindsided. My filter failed me, and the first words in my head just…popped out.”

  “Your filter working tonight?”

  “Since I haven’t yet told you that you’re a raving moron for sitting on your ass while some other guy makes time with your girl, I’d say so.”

  “Ouch.”

  “The truth hurts, buddy.”

  “Yeah. I already said I’m going to do something about it.”

  “What? Are you going to call her again?”

  “What’s between us is more important than a phone call.”

  Nash gaped. “Are you thinking of going to DC?”

  “If she started seeing someone else because I disappeared to get my head on straight, then I need to remind her how good we are together.” And hope things didn’t get out of hand.

  Nash nodded. “How? If she’s pissed or hurt, it’s safe to say she’s not going to let you demonstrate with sex.”

  “No, Madison deserves an apology and an explanation.” The sex would follow.

  It would suck to rip his veins open and bleed for her face-to-face, but he’d do it. Besides, what if his behavior that weekend with her had just been a fluke? What if he wouldn’t be commanding, demanding, and dominating next time?

  “That’s not a lame plan.”

  “Gee, thanks.”

  “When are you leaving?”

  Now that he had direction, he didn’t want to wait another fucking minute. He’d given the competition at least a three-week head start and Madison even longer to get over him. “Tonight. I’m going to ask Haisley exactly where to find her. Then I’m going to pack up my Jeep and head north.”

  “What about the bosses?”

  He grimaced. “I just came back from a week at the Texas border, looking into those coyotes. I don’t think they’ll send me back out just yet.”

  Matt had told the rancher who’d hired EM Security to fact-find that he’d seen ample evidence of women and kids being smuggled across the borders. Hell, he even had video. No doubt, those victims had been plucked from everything familiar and would eventually be set up as sweatshop or sex workers. It broke his damn heart.

  “All your digging hasn’t turned up any proof about who’s behind the operation?”

  Matt shook his head. “There must be locals involved—on both sides of the border. They know the terrain. They know their enemies and allies. And they know when and how to avoid detection. I wouldn’t be surprised if some rogue agents in Customs and Border Patrol are involved, too. But none of those people are organizing this ring. Figuring out who’s funding this shit will take time, but I won’t give up.”

  “That rancher is paying EM Security a bundle to make them stop crossing on his land.”

  He didn’t blame Whit McFadden. Digging up a couple of child graves in the middle of his pasture would motivate him to make the violence against innocents stop, too. “Yep. But until the police finish the forensics, we’re at a standstill. So I’m out of here for a few days. The bosses can fucking fire me if they want. I’ll get another job. But I doubt I’ll find another woman who makes me feel the way Madison does.”

  Nash clapped him on the back. “Amen. My two cents? The bosses won’t fire you. From what my brother has said, Hunter, Logan, and Joaquin all went through epic shit to get their wives to say yes. So they should understand.”

  “Time will tell.” He bobbed his head toward Madison’s gal-pals. “Let’s move in.”

  Haisley leaned against the pool table on the far side of the room, swigging bubbly and scowling at a guy wearing a backward ball cap, a gray tank that revealed ink on bulging shoulders, and jeans slung so low his black boxers peeked out.

  The guy leaned toward the redhead like he had every right to touch her. “C’mon, baby. I’m a known commodity.”

  “Which, in my book, means you’re stale.” Haisley gestured to the other side of the bar. “Move along.”

  The interloper didn’t take the hint. Instead of leaving, he wrapped his arm around her waist. “I did you good before.”

  The two women clustered around Haisley, ones Matt recognized from the wedding, both snickered.

  “That’s not how we heard it,” quipped the blonde at her side.

  The brunette next to her joined in. “Gracelyn is right. Below average is a more accurate description, so you should dial back your bragging.”

  Haisley pointed at her friend. “What she said. Now, seriously, Jase, get lost.”

  The guy’s face hardened. “You’re being a cunt. You need to get laid. Maybe that will cure some of your bitchiness.”

  Beside Matt, Nash stiffened, then lunged in Jase’s face. “What the fuck did you say to her?”

  The local boy might be decently put together and have skills, but he would be no match for Nash—a six-foot-seven mean motherfucker with a black belt, street cred, and a past life as a marine.

  Predictably, Jase’s self preservation instinct kicked in, and he backed off. “Nothing. Just…conversation, man. She’s not worth the trouble. You can have her.”

  When he turned to leave, Nash grabbed the punk by the shirt and snarled in his face. “Listen, asshole. Who ‘has’ her isn’t your decision. It’s not mine, either. It’s hers. Only hers. Maybe if you learned some fucking manners and showed some goddamn respect, you’d get somewhere with the ladies. This one you leave alone from now on…or you answer to me.”

  Jase scoffed, but quickly retreated. “Whatever. I’m out of here. C’mon.”

  His boys followed him like the lap dogs they were. In unison, they stormed across the room before thundering out the door. Around them, the women breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Thank you,” Haisley murmured. “He’s been a pain in my ass for way too long.”

  Nash nodded. “No problem. But I gotta say I thought you’d have better taste than that, sweetness.”

  “I do now.” She winces. “High school mistake. And I told you not to call me that.”

  “Sorry.” Nash grinned like he wasn’t sorry at all. “But if the flavor fits…”

  She sighed in exasperation and slid her gaze Matt’s way. “What’s up with you? You look like a man on a mission.”

  “We go on missions for a living,” Nash quipped.

  Haisley looked him up and down. “I don’t see how. You’re hardly inconspicuous.”

  “I have my moments.” His buddy grinned. “And I also have other talents. Wanna see?”

  “Ugh.” She shook her head as Gracelyn and the other girl—hadn’t Madison once called her Charli?—giggled. “Not happening, Cash.”

  “It’s Nash,” he corrected.

  “Sorry.” Haisley grinned, not sounding remotely sorry, either.

  Matt suspected those two had each met their match. “Hey, Haisley. Got a minute? I want to ask you about Madison.”