Page 117 of A Dangerous Proposal

Alex’s lips lifted. “We had a conversation, and she agreed Jax was better off at home. Felix didn’t object.”

Madison snorted softly. “Only because he doesn’t want to get sick.”

She still had a hard time processing all of it. Alex had handled it—like the partner he’d promised her he’d be.

How could I not be head over heels for him?

With a groan, Madison shook her head. She was a mess. Her feelings so entangled she wasn’t sure how to handle them.

She was in love with him.

She couldn’t lie to herself anymore.

A few times over the last few days—when he was being especially sweet with Jax or making sure she had her favorite type of tea—she’d felt so full of emotion the words almost slipped out.

But she couldn’t tell him.

He didn’t want those words from her. He’d made his position on it abundantly clear, and she was terrified that if she told him… if he knew… It would wreck what they had created together.

Alex cared… maybe even loved her in his way. But he would never admit it to himself, much less her. If she pushed, there was no doubt he would shut down.

She had to keep her feelings to herself, because the moment she let them out and he rejected her, she wasn’t sure her heart would survive.

Madison descended the stairs slowly, and spotted Angela dusting the banister. At the foot of the stairs, Jax was on his knees, diligently pushing a plastic dump truck with Dino perched inside, across the foyer, talking to himself. The sight of him, healthy and happy, made something loosen in her chest.

Alex might never love her, but look what he’d already doneforher.

Angela looked up as Madison neared, her face breaking into a warm smile. “Look who’s up and about. How are you feeling, dear?”

“Better.” Madison returned the smile. “I’m still a little tired, but I no longer feel like I’ve been hit by a truck.”

“That’s good. Alex checked on you before he left, but you were still asleep. He told me not to disturb you.”

“He left?” She tried to keep the disappointment out of her voice.

“About an hour ago. Just ran to the office to pick up something, but he should be back soon.” Angela wiped off her hands on the rag. “Can I get you something to eat? Alex said you’ve barely eaten. I made a pot of vegetable soup, but I can make you something else, if you’d like.”

“Vegetable soup sounds amazing.” Madison smiled, bending down to give Jax a hug. “Hey, buddy. How are you?”

Jax gave her a toothy smile and wrapped his arms around her neck, squeezing tightly.

“Have you had lunch yet?”

“He did, but I’m sure he’d like a yummy snack, wouldn’t you, sweetheart?”

Jax beamed up at her.

Angela handed Madison a bowl of soup, then settled Jax with several small pieces of peanut butter crackers.

“This is delicious, thank you.”

“I’m happy to help. I’ve been missing this little guy. Alex told me how sick you’ve been.”

“It wasn’t fun.”

“Alex also mentioned that you are going to be interviewing nannies because Jax isn’t going back to daycare.”

Madison groaned. “I completely forgot about that.”

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