Page 237 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

Pops opened his eyes. For a second, he appeared dazed with sleep. Then his gaze focused on Addie, a large smile overtaking his features and emphasizing the leathery wrinkles around his eyes. “Hi, Squirt. I’m glad you’re here.”

Addie cringed at Pops’ nickname for her, especially when she saw the flash of amusement in Maddox’s eyes, which turned them a blue so brilliant it would’ve put the summer sky to shame. A crooked grin tugged at Maddox’s cheek, creasing his dimple. Yeah, he certainly enjoyed watching her squirm, she thought sourly. She was struck by how incredibly handsome he was, making her even more irritated at him. Sure, she’d hedged earlier on the plane, but she was trying to be honest. Couldn’t he understand that this thing with him was tearing her up inside?

Pops held out his arms and embraced Addie in a tight hug. She buried her nose in his shirt, his familiar scent of Old Spice cologne and cinnamon wafting over her, reminding her of home. A moment later, he pulled back and lumbered to his feet when he saw Maddox.

“These old bones aren’t as nimble as they used to be,” Pops explained with a self-deprecating chuckle. He extended his hand and gave Maddox a hearty shake and pat on the back. “Thanks for taking such good care of my girl,” he said warmly.

Maddox smiled. “Hey, Wallace. Good to see you again. I’m glad I could be of help.”

Glad he could be of help? Seriously? He’d relegated her to a project. Addie shot Maddox a dark look. He saw it, but gave her an indifferent expression as he turned his attention back to Pops. So, this was how it was going to be between them—cool and impersonal. Her heart clutched as she drew in a calming breath. She couldn’t think about that right now.

Pops motioned as he held onto the back of the chair and sat back down. “Have a seat.”

Addie sat beside Pops, and Maddox pulled up a chair in front of him.

“How’re Delaney and the baby?” She swallowed, hoping for good news, but fearing the worst. Then again, like Maddox said, Pops seemed pretty relaxed. That was a good sign.

“She and the baby came out of surgery a few hours ago.” Gratitude lit his eyes. “Our prayers were answered. All went well. Hope Angelica Spencer is her name,” he said, a touch of pride in his voice. “She’s in the NICU. Delaney’s in her room, and Corbin’s with her.”

Tears sprang to Addie’s eyes as she put a hand over her chest. “I’m so glad everything’s okay.” She frowned. “Why didn’t you call and tell me? I’ve been worried sick.”

He rubbed a hand across his forehead. “I’m sorry, honey. My phone’s dead. I forgot to bring my charger to the hospital.” His lips formed a grim line. “Corbin’s been beside himself with worry, operating on a few hours of sleep. He probably didn’t think about it.”

“Well, somebody should’ve called me,” Addie grumbled, smarting from the sting of being left out. She was sure she was overly sensitive because her nerves were shot, but still. Someone should’ve thought to call her. “Can I see them?”

“You bet. They may be asleep, but you can at least see them.”

“How much did Hope weigh?” Maddox asked, ingratiating himself into the conversation.

“Three pounds and eleven ounces.”

Apprehension sliced through Addie. “That’s tiny. Is she okay?”

“She’ll have to stay in the NICU for a few weeks, which is to be expected. All in all, Hope is doing great. She’s a fighter,” Pops finished, pride shining in his eyes.

“I’m so glad,” Addie breathed in relief.

“Before we go into the room, I want to hear how everything’s going.” Concern sounded in Pops’ voice as he gave Addie a probing look. “How ya holding up?”

She swallowed the lump of emotion in her throat as she faked a smile. “I’m surviving.”

“I’m so sorry about Jordan.” Pops shook his head, remorsefully. “I just can’t believe someone would kill him.”

“Me neither,” she said softly. Silence settled between them. Addie glanced at Maddox whose expression was unreadable. She hated the emotions warring inside her. She loved him, no doubt about that. She wanted Maddox in her life. She’d been miserable without him. Why couldn’t she come to terms with the danger of his profession? It was the dark cloud forever looming over them. She was glad the ordeal with PZT was over, but that meant she would no longer need Maddox’s protection. Her heart hurt just thinking about it. How was she going to manage without him?

“How’s Piper doing?” Pops gave Addie a probing look.

She let out a long breath. “Not good. Did Corbin tell you about the hard drive that got stolen?”

Pops nodded, his lips forming a grim line. “Yes, by a masked man with a gun.” His expression was one of shock and disbelief as he continued. “Was the drive recovered?”

A glum feeling settled over Addie as she looked at Maddox who spoke for them both. “Not yet, unfortunately.”

“Do you think the CEO of the other medical company—” Pops scratched his head “—What was the name of it?”

“Barrett,” Addie supplied.

“That’s right.” Pops held up a finger like the answer had just come to him. “Is the CEO of Barrett Medical the one behind it?”

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