Page 191 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“You know something you’re not telling.”

The accusation jerked Addie out of her thoughts. Madison was assessing her with the eyes of an eagle on the hunt.

She laughed lightly. “I’ve said all I’m at liberty to say on the subject.”

Madison’s brows furrowed as she harrumphed. “I see.” She brightened. “How’s Corbin?”

Addie chuckled inwardly. “He’s good. He and Delaney are expecting a new baby any day.”Take that, Madison Wells! What further proof do you need that Corbin isn’t interested in you? He’s having a baby with another woman.

A scowl overtook Madison’s features, then she shuddered placing her hands over her flat stomach. “I don’t think I could ever put my body through that torture. It would never go back to normal.”

“I’d hardly call it torture,” Addie laughed. “Corbin and Delaney are deliriously happy and can’t wait for the baby to be born.” The pinched expression on Madison’s face gave Addie a twinge of satisfaction. She was so grateful Corbin hadn’t ended up with Madison. That would’ve been disastrous. Addie adored Delaney, almost as much as Corbin did. Even though Delaney was a country music superstar, who had every reason to be uppity, she was the most down-to-earth person on the planet with zero guile. Not competitive in the least, as opposed to Madison who felt the need to chomp everyone down to size to make herself feel superior. Addie knew she shouldn’t rise to the bait where Madison was concerned, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself.

The light in the room shifted as the door to the diner opened. Addie glanced as a man entered. There was something familiar about his carriage and stride. Her heart leapt in her throat as she did a double-take. She’d recognize those unruly curls and the determined set of his chiseled jaw anywhere. The room dida quick spin. Addie had the feeling that her chair was falling out from beneath her as she fought to regain her bearings.

Everyone else in the room vanished as he strode toward her with quick, purposeful steps like a man on a mission. “Hey,” he said, a bemused smile tipping the corners of his lips.

Funny, the things her mind captured in an instant—his cut biceps, the definition of his pec muscles underneath his navy t-shirt, how he exuded masculinity. She glanced at his long legs encased in Levis as heat crept up her neck. “Maddox,” she squeaked, clutching her throat. “What’re you doing here?”

Chapter Five

Maddox pulled out a chair and sat down across from her. He’d wondered if Corbin would tell Addie he was coming. Judging by her bug-eyed look, Corbin hadn’t. He allowed himself a moment to drink in Addie’s exquisite features. How many times had he dreamt of running his hands through her thick tresses of curly hair? Most often in his dreams, her lively green-gold eyes held a twinkle of mischief. Today, however, they were shadowed with concern. There were faint circles under Addie’s eyes, and she looked pale. The temptation to reach out and place a comforting hand over hers was so strong that he clasped his hands together, instead, so he wouldn’t make a fool of himself.

Addie gave him an intense look that bordered on irritation. “Why’re you here?”

He tensed.No, Happy to see you. I’m glad you’re alive. I’m sorry I carved out your heart and stomped it into the ground.Was Addie really so heartless? Disappointment pummeled through him. What had he expected? That she would fall into his arms? Tell him that she made a big mistake by breaking up with him? That she still loved him?

Only in his dreams. Anything he and Addie had shared dried up months ago. He’d do well to keep his emotions contained. He was here because of Corbin. He’d do what it took to protect Addie before getting the heck out of Dodge.

Maddox realized Addie was awaiting his answer. He cleared his throat, glancing at the woman sitting beside Addie. “Can I speak to you in private?” He gave the woman an apologetic look. “No offense.”

A seductive smile snaked over the woman’s lips. “None taken.” She gazed into his eyes with a star-struck expression, like she’d just seen her first Corvette. “Your accent is adorable,” she gushed. “What part of the South are you from?” she asked, mimicking his accent.

He cringed. One of Maddox’s pet peeves was when people poked fun at his accent. A phrase from the movieSweet Home Alabamaran through his mind.Honey, just ‘cause I talk slow doesn’t mean I’m stupid.He caught Addie’s amusement from across the table. She knew exactly how he felt about the topic. The distance between them shrank, and they shared a silent exchange. For an instant, the connection between them ran stronger than steel. Then Addie seemed to realize what was happening and quickly looked down.

“I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?” The woman looked back and forth between Maddox and Addie, a befuddled look on her face.

Maddox shook his head and chuckled under his breath. The woman obviously meant no harm. “No, you’re good.” He tried to catch Addie’s eyes, but she wouldn’t look at him.

“The name’s Madison. What’s yours?”

“Maddox.”

The woman leaned in, an open invitation brimming in her light eyes as she brushed her hand against his. “Are you new in town?”

An embarrassed laugh hiccuped in his throat as he looked at Addie. Her face had turned darker than an eclipse, and she looked like she wanted to scratch the blonde woman’s eyes out. A jolt of surprise raced through Maddox. Was Addie jealous? The notion kindled hope in him. Normally, he’d give the man-hungry Barbie the brush-off. However, this could work to his advantage and be payback for seeing Addie with another man. Of course, Addie had no idea that he’d flown in to see her. Still, it hurt all the same. Maddox flashed a large smile, which he was sure looked goofy. “Yes, I just arrived.”

The woman let out a throaty laugh as she made a point of panning over him with an appreciative eye. “Oh, honey. From the looks of it, I’d say you arrived a long time ago.”

Maddox’s skin crawled, and he felt like a piece of slimy meat.

Addie’s eyebrow shot up, her features twisting in a hard amusement. “Maybe I should leave you two alone.”

“Maybe you should,” Madison agreed, touching Maddox’s arm. Inwardly, he recoiled. Forward women always turned him off. Madison was obviously on the prowl. He second-guessed this plan to make Addie jealous. It was working, but no way could he stand to be around Barbie for any length of time. She made Felicity look like the catch of the century, and she hadn’t impressed him. The sad truth was that no woman could compare to Addie. Not only was she beautiful, she was spunky and smart. Simply being in her presence made him feel more alive than he’d felt in a very long time. Too bad she wanted nothing to do with him. He wondered about the guy he’d seen with Addie. Were they involved? The notion sent a fireball of jealousy spiraling through him.

A server approached with a plate of food. She placed it in front of Addie, but her eyes remained trained on Maddox. “Hey,” she said, interest lighting her features.

Oh, no. Not her too!“Hey, how ya doing?” Maddox said with a curt nod. What was it about the women in this town? They acted like they’d never seen a man before. If only Addie were one-tenth as enamored with him. Even when they were together, she’d played it cool, always making him work for her affection. As frustrating as it was, he liked that about her.

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