Page 14 of Madd Love

That figures. I can’t say no; it’s already agreed to and for charity.

It looks like I won’t be flying home tomorrow.

Fuck.

I don’t know how long I can continue to sit on my feelings for this woman; it may already be too late.

“Thanks, Larry. I’ll let Beck know.”

“Should be a good show. It’s a great arena. Well, have a good night, Maddox.”

Larry turns and saunters down the hall. “Thanks, Larry.”

I shut the door to my room and slowly bang my head against the door. Why is this so complicated? I should have just told her before we left on tour. Now, I don’t even know where we stand. What we are to each other, or what we could be. Let’s not forget the philanthropic-billionaire good guy she’s dating. Not to toot my horn, but usually, I don’t have competition. My dad always told my brothers and me that a bit of competition is goodfor you. I’m calling bullshit on that advice, Pops. This time, my competition may kick my ass, and I might lose the best thing that could ever happen to me. Here’s hoping I’m not too late.

ELEVEN

Jen

“Looking good, my little quiche.” I pull the beauty from the oven and set it on the rack on the counter. I came in early again since I couldn’t get back to sleep. I seem to be having this issue more frequently. Maybe I should say thank you to pregnancy hormones, but on the plus side, my insomnia is working out well for my bakery. The quiche looks perfect, unlike my life.

That is a colossal disaster.

I’ll work my way out of this mess, and I have to since I now have someone who depends on me.

I still can’t believe I’m going to be a mom.

I haven’t told anyone yet, not even my own mom. She’s been ready for the title of abuela for years, and I know she will be happy to have a grandchild. No one knows besides Evelyn, and I haven’t seen the girls.

Maddox still hasn’t gotten home, so he’s in the dark. Glory said they would be back home around eight tonight, so I plan to try to meet him then or first thing tomorrow. He needs to know, and the sooner, the better.

Living with this secret, even briefly, has been a little lonely, but I’ll be fine. Everything will work out. It has to, right? If itdoesn’t, I have no plans for the alternative. Not even a little one, but again, everything will be fine.

Maybe if I tell myself that enough, it will ring true.

My rambling thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the bakery’s front door. The last time that happened, it was Atticus. I bet he thinks Ev is here.

I go to the front and stop in my tracks when I see who is standing there, knocking on the other side.

What in the world?

Maddox stands there, and when his eyes meet mine, I can’t get to the door fast enough. Everything I feel is being reflected back at me.

I inhale a sharp breath and exhale slowly to steel my nerves.

My rock n roll rebel came home early for me.

I can’t believe he’s here. I turn the lock with a shaky hand, and everything is forgotten when I open the door.

“Jen, fuck, I missed you.” Madd rushes in and engulfs me in a hug. His muscled arms band around me, and that leather and rosewood scent surrounds me, making me feel better. The man has magic hugs and other magic parts.

“What are you doing here? Glory said you all weren’t coming in until tonight.”

He loosens his grip but keeps one arm wrapped around me. Being held by him feels incredible. He smiles that dimpled, sexy smile of his. “You said you wanted to talk in person, and I made that happen as fast as I could. I’m sorry I couldn’t be here sooner. I booked a flight after you texted me, but we had another show added to our schedule, so I had to wait.”

I’m shocked by his words. “You tried to come home the other day because I said we needed to talk in person?” Honestly, I’m a little speechless.

“You’re my girl. I keep trying to tell you that, but I can’t make it stick for some reason.”

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