Page 79 of Wild Card
“I feel like that’s up to your sister. Although, she seemed pretty attached to the Nutella she was eating.”
“She claims she’s in mourning. Over what, I don’t know.”
“I mean maybe she is a little heartbroken over Xander. Did she really like him?”
“She might have mentioned something over the years. But no way was that happening. He wasn’t interested and even if he was… Harper.”
“All those years?”
“He didn’t talk about it much. But I figured. Once he met her… And before that, he was… well a lot like me.”
“He changed his tune pretty quickly.”
“Had to if he was going to get his shot.”
“I see.” I smile, his lips brushing over mine again.
“She’s really going to put a damper on our whole routine. But I think you’ll like her. She’s staying through Christmas. Says she doesn’t want me to be alone with everything going on, but I think she’s hoping for some family time too. Then she’s off again. Something about starting a resort with Xander’s sister. Some sort of retreat, I guess? Madison always has a lot of ideas. We usually have to wait to see how well they actually manifest or if they just stay half-formed.”
“She seems nice when she’s not telling me to get out of your house.”
“She’s protective of the people she cares about. She wanted to run point on this whole scandal-injury thing I’ve got going on, but I told her I couldn’t deal with someone from the family that close to it. She’d have to watch the video and having my sister watch me have sex… yeah. No fucking thank you.”
“Yeah. I don’t blame you. I would not want to see my brother in that state, even if I did want to help him.”
“I get to meet this brother some day?”
“Maybe. He’s a fan of yours, so I’m half afraid he’ll embarrass me.”
“Because my sister very definitely did not just embarrass me.”
“Well… fair.” I laugh. “Maybe sometime in the future if you want to.”
“I’m interested. Have to learn more about the elusive redhead who lives in my library.” He kisses me. “And my head.” Another kiss from him, and I’m leaning into it, running my fingers over his shoulders.
“Ahem.” Madison’s standing in the doorway clearing her throat. “I thought we were doing dinner.”
“Like I said about ruining our routine,” he whispers to me before he turns back to her. “I thought you were watching a movie?”
“Nothing good. And I decided I want to talk to your…” she trails off while she debates what to call me, “friend some more.”
FORTY-TWO
Tobias
“So that was the infamous Scarlett?”Madison grins at me from her spot on the other side of the living room once Scarlett has gone home early for the evening, claiming she wants to give us some time together but just as likely fleeing the bombardment of questions Madison’s been throwing at her.
“I’m not sure she’s infamous, but yes.”
“Oh, I think any woman who’s threatening to take you into commitment territory is infamous by default.” She grins. “But I like her. I get it. Not quite what I imagined, but I honestly think she’s better. Her being such a nerd, just like you. I was worried you’d settle down with someone vapid.”
“Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves about settling down. We’re still feeling each other out. I need to figure out if I can even be the right kind of guy for her.”
“And what is the right kind?”
“Someone who can be there for her when she needs them. Make a difference in her life. Show up. Be less selfish. Someone who can commit.”
“I think you’ve checked all of those boxes already.” Madison frowns at me, and I raise a brow in return.
