Page 78 of Jack of Hearts
She was halfway through her glass of wine and waiting for the ice cream to get soft when her bedroom door flew open. Hemingway used her arm to get traction, taking off as if shot from a cannon. Startled, Madison choked on her wine, which dripped down her chin as Lauren barged in, followed by Alex. Madison swiped her hand over her mouth.
Of course Alex would show up on a night when she had on her rattiest clothes, and she narrowed her eyes at Lauren’s smirk.
“What’s going on?” Her gaze landed on Alex, and her heart did a happy dance, not that she was going to let on how thrilled she was to see him.
Alex leaned his shoulder against the doorway and stuck his hands in his front pockets. “You’re being kidnapped.”
“Huh?” She frowned at the wicked grin he gave her. And why was Lauren rummaging in her closet?
“Here, put this on.” Lauren dropped a sundress on the bed before disappearing into the closet again, coming back out with a pair of sandals.
“I’ll ask again. What’s going on?”
“Your boyfriend’s kidnapping you. Get dressed.”
Maybe she should have been more specific when she’d challenged him to figure out what she wanted. “So we’re going out to dinner?”
“Among other things.” Alex lifted his chin toward the dress on the bed. “Either put the dress on, Madison, or I’ll carry you out in what you’re wearing. Your choice.”
And he would. What was he up to? Although a little giddy from the excitement bubbling up, she didn’t let it show. “I’ll get dressed after you tell me where we’re going.”
He tsked. “Don’t say you weren’t warned.”
There was that wicked grin again, birthing butterflies in her stomach. He started for her, and she scooted off the side of the bed away from him. “Fine, I’ll get dressed, but you need to go wait in the living room.”
“Why? I’ve seen you naked.”
“Alex!”
“Madison?”
Lauren laughed, and Madison shot her a glare. “Whose friend are you, anyway?”
“Yours, and you should trust me. You’re going to like being kidnapped.” She waved a hand at Alex. “Go away. I’ll make sure she gets dressed.”
“What’s going on?” she asked after he left.
“My lips are sealed, but if you don’t want to be kidnapped by the hottest guy you’ve ever dated, I’ll take your place.”
“In your dreams.” She was dressed and ready to go in fifteen minutes. When she walked into the living room, she eyed the suitcase sitting by the door.
Alex stood. “Ready for your adventure?”
“That’s my suitcase.”
He glanced at it. “Yes, it is.” Taking her hand, he said, “Thanks for your help, Lauren.”
“Are you kidding? This was the most fun I’ve had all week. See you Monday.”
“Monday?” Madison said. She really was being kidnaped.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
“This is the bridge to the Keys,” Madison said.
Alex glanced at the woman who’d given him the silent treatment for the last hour. “There’s no getting anything over on you, Grasshopper.”
“I don’t agree. You’ve pretty much managed it from day one.” She turned her gaze back to the window even though it was nighttime and impossible to see the passing scenery.
