Page 24 of The Ruckup
After thanking the three women again, and watching as they pile into a golf cart and peel out, I wait patiently for Maddie to finishtalking to the detective and the uniformed officer sitting across the desk from her. I’m sure she has lots of questions, and even more concerns, and I don’t want her to feel rushed.
Eventually, the two cops come out, tipping their heads at me before leaving.
And then it’s just me and Maddie.
I turn to her, unsure how she feels about me now. If she thinks I took shit too far. Maybe she would have wanted me to simply restrain Drake instead of turning him into a bug on a windshield.
Taking a deep breath, preparing for whatever’s coming my way, I ask, “You okay, Miss Miller?”
Maddie stares at me a second, sniffing in a way that makes me worry she’s about to cry.
Then she runs right at me, launching herself into my arms. She latches onto my neck, burying her face in my chest. “I was so scared, Leo.”
I hold her close, the tightness in my chest easing now that she’s in my arms. “I know.” So was I.
My dad is an ass, and not a great husband, but he’s never hurt my mom. Physically or emotionally. I knew there were men out there who did hurt women, but the reality of it didn’t hit me until I saw it with my own eyes. Witnessed firsthand just how far a small man will go to feel like he has power.
“Get your keys.” It’s hard, but I manage to ease my hold on her. “We need to go pack whatever you’re going to need.”
Maddie’s head tips back, eyes wide as she blinks up at me. “You seriously want to take me to your house?”
I hold her gaze, hoping she listens when I tell her, “I mean everything I say to you, Maddie.” I lift one hand, bringing it to rest against the side of her face. “And I’m very serious about all of it.”
9
Only One Bed… Shoot
Maddie
I’VE SPENT A surprising amount of time imagining what Leo’s home looks like. I thought he might live in a condo since he’s single and travels so much during the season. If not a condo, I assumed he maybe had some contemporary, modern-looking bachelor pad with sleek lines and sharp edges.
And while Leo’s place is beautiful and big—saw both those coming—there’s a lot about it that surprises me.
The gigantic two-story staring back at me through the windshield of my car has a tiled roof and a fancy bricked driveway. The house is surrounded by lush landscaping, including a group of healthy palm trees accenting the front elevation. It’s got a two-car garage, an alcove-style front porch, and is located in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Sweet Side.
It’s also most definitely a family home. The sort of house a person who plans on settling down purchases.
Leo and I have talked about a lot of things, but not once have we discussed how he feels about having children. Heck, I don’teven know if he wants to get married. I definitely wouldn’t blame him if he doesn’t. My experience with it was zero out of ten stars. Would not recommend.
But, based on his house, it doesn’t seem like Leo isn’t planning to get married. It also doesn’t look like he isn’t planning on having kids.
Who knows though? Maybe I’m reading into things. Maybe he just got a great deal on the place.
After parking in the driveway next to his Charger, I climb out of my little sedan, wiping both hands down the front of the pleated skirt I wore to the office today, hoping to clear a little of the clamminess from my skin. Then I press them to my belly, hoping to ease the weirdness happening there. My insides are so messed up, I can’t make sense of the conflicting storm of emotions swirling around my gut. There’s fear. Relief. Anxiety.
There’s also a shocking amount of excitement. Of hope.
I knew when I took the job at Sweet Side apartments that if Drake found out where I worked, he’d also figure out where I lived. It’s not difficult to deduce that a property manager would likely live on site. But the pay and benefits package that came with their offer was too good to turn down. Especially when my other opportunities were limited.
So when I saw Drake at the door to my office, I knew there was nowhere for me to hide anymore.
I was wrong. Thanks to Leo. Except...
I meet Leo’s gaze as soon as he gets out of his car.
His brows pinch together as he takes in the expression on my face. “What’s wrong?”
My palms are sweating even more now because fear is creeping all over my other feelings, trying to smother them out. “The police report will have your name on it. Drake is going to guess I’m at your house, and once he finds your address?—”
