Page 14 of A Dangerous Proposal

The words made her pause, and Alex silently congratulated himself on finding her weak spot. Tugging the coat around both of them, he held it closed with one hand.

Frankly, the boy looked fascinated at this turn of events and had stopped squirming in her arms, instead twisting his head to watch Alex.

What the hell was he doing? It was freezing and wet, and he had much bigger problems to deal with than a woman and baby in a parking lot. No matter how stunning she was.

But Alex knew he wouldn’t walk away.

Fuck. She looks exhausted.

Something fluttered in the vicinity of where a normal person’s heart existed. “Tell me how to help, Angel.” he said in a low voice.

Her lower lip trembled, and for a second, Alex thought she would crumble, giving in to the tears so obviously trying to break free. Instead, she firmed her jaw. “Do you know how to break into a car?”

“Do I look like the type of person who knows how to break into a car?”

“Yes.”

An unexpected laugh tore from his chest.

The tense lines at the corner of her mouth eased for a second before she sighed. “I just need to call a friend. I locked my keys in the car along with my wallet and phone.”

“That’s easily fixed.” He pulled his phone from his pocket. “You’re welcome to use mine.”

“Thank you.” Her icy fingers brushed his when she took the device.

Alex watched as she repeatedly dialed a number, looking more and more defeated each time she tried again.

“Cami isn’t answering.” She handed the phone back.

“Do you have a spare set of keys at home? I can break in if you’d like, but I’d prefer to wait until the rain stops.”

Madison’s eyes had gone a little hazy as she stared at him as if she couldn’t quite figure out why he was helping her.

That’s okay, Angel. I don’t know either.

“I have a spare set at my office. In my desk.”

“I’ll drive you there.”

“No… I mean…” Her eyes widened. “You don’t?—”

A pitiful wail interrupted her words. Apparently, the boy had grown tired of the show and his fist. Her chin dipped as she looked at the body squirming against her. She lifted a hand to rub the baby on the back under Alex’s coat. “I know. It’s going to be okay.”

The child obviously didn’t believe her because the crying grew louder. Alex did his best not to wince at the ear-piercing sounds.

He intentionally softened his voice, suddenly needing her to let him help. Alex could throw her over his shoulder and put her in his car, but not only would that draw attention, he didn’t see her taking it well.

“You need help. This little guy is clearly unhappy, and neither one of you should be out in this weather.”

“Jax is sick. I had to get medicine…” Her voice sounded strangled. “I would have gone alone, or had it delivered, but you have to get the decongestant from the pharmacist now, and I don’t have anyone?—”

“I’m here now.”

Her gaze caught his and suddenly the world shrank around them, the same as it had at the restaurant. Normally, that would have his defenses up, a sure sign danger was near, but Alex suspected the danger was standing directly in front of him.

And he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do about it.

“How far away is your office?”

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