Page 192 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“Can I get you something to eat?” the server asked.

A wicked idea took root in his mind. “Just an extra plate.” He looked at Addie. “I’ll share with her.”

Her eyebrow lifted. “Oh, no you won’t.”

“Come on, Addie,” he drawled, laying his Southern accent on thick. “It’ll be like old times.” He reached over and grabbed one of her fries and plopped it into his mouth.

“Fine,” she relented, rolling her eyes.

“One extra plate coming right up. What would you like to drink?”

“Club soda with lime.”

“You got it,” the server clipped, walking away.

“My name’s Madison, by the way.”

“You said that already,” Addie said dryly. “But in your defense, it must’ve flown right out of your head.” She wrinkled her nose, a cheeky smile curving her lips. “All that air.”

Maddox coughed to cover his startled laugh. He put a hand over his mouth, feeling like a louse, especially when he saw Madison’s downcast expression.

She managed to hitch the corners of her smile up quickly though. “You should come over and let me introduce you to my friends. I’m sure they’d love to meet you,” she chirped. He followed Madison’s look and saw the women at the table. They flashed gargantuan smiles and waved. He nodded and waved back.Awkward.

Madison stood and tugged on his arm. “Come on.”

This was getting out of control fast—a runaway train with no brakes, headed for a cliff.

“Thanks, but I came here to speak to Addie.”

Madison’s lips turned down into a pout. “That’s too bad.”

It was fun watching the triumphant expression on Addie’s face.

“Nice meeting you, Madison,” he said, signaling that their conversation was over.

She touched her hair, uncertainty creeping into her eyes. “Would you like my number?”

His lips turned down. “I’m afraid not. My girlfriend wouldn’t like that very much.” He glanced at Addie as he spoke and saw a flicker of surprise before a curtain veiled her eyes.

Madison’s smile faltered. “Who’s your girlfriend?” Her hand went to her hip. “Addie?” She asked the question like it left a nasty taste in her mouth.

A beat stretched long and tense as Maddox looked across the table at Addie. Her expression was unreadable. “No,” he finally said. “That ship has sailed.” The finality of the words clunked against his insides like nails in a coffin. “Her name is Felicity.”

Madison flicked her hair. “Too bad. If you ever change your mind, look me up.” Her gaze lingered on him long enough to make him feel uncomfortable.

“Sure thing.” He offered a polite smile.

She turned on her heel and sauntered back to the table across the room.

Addie took a large bite of her sandwich. She chewed and washed it down with a drink of water. “It looks like you made quite an impression on Madison Wells. Congratulations. She’s been chasing Corbin for years. Now that she realizes he’s taken, she’s setting her sights a little lower.”

“Ouch. You know how to hit a man where it hurts, don’t you?” A grin slid over his lips. “Admit it. You were jealous.”

Color seeped into Addie’s cheeks, making her look adorable. “Was not!”

He laughed. “You were and you know it.”

Her eyes flashed. “You wish.”

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