Page 56 of Desperate Pucker
“No, I haven’t, but I’ve been gone at a social media conference all morning, so I haven’t been at my office.”
“She didn’t call or text you?”
“No, she hasn’t,” Ingrid says. “That’s so weird. It’s not like Madeline to no-show. She’s been here every day since she started working for the team.”
“We’ll track her down.”
“Thanks, Ryker. Let me know when you hear from her, okay?”
“I will.”
I hang up and look at the guys. “I’m gonna go to her apartment and check on her.”
“Keep us posted,” Xander says.
“Will do.”
I get dressed and drive over to her apartment. I call her on the way, but there’s no answer.
I find a parking spot on the street behind her building, then make my way to the front entrance. I buzz her apartment number, but no answer.
I buzz again. No answer. I buzz again and again.
Finally, a minute later, there’s an answer.
“Hello?” Maddy answers in a tired voice.
Relief hits. “Hey, princess.”
“Ryker? What are you doing here?”
“Checking on you.”
“Why?”
I almost laugh at how pissed off she sounds. “Because you didn’t show up for work and everyone is worried about you.”
“What the…” She lets out a tired groan. “Damn it,” she mutters.
“What’s wrong?”
“I have food poisoning. I texted Camden to let him know I wouldn’t make our session today, but I was so exhausted and out of it that I didn’t send it.”
That worry inside of me flares up again. She’s clearly not doing well and needs help.
“Buzz me up.”
“Why?” Again with that defensive tone.
“So I can take care of you.”
She’s quiet for a second.
“I don’t need you to do that.” Her voice is softer now.
“Yeah, you do. Will you please let me up so I can help you?”
A second later, the door unlocks. I walk in, take the stairs to the third floor, then head to her door.
