Dare to Desire (Dare to Love #2)(31)
Author: Carly Phillips

She picked it up and read out loud. “Hey, beautiful. Went back to my room to shower. If I stayed, I’d have woken you up with my hands on your—” She blushed at the following words, fully aware he was right. If he’d joined her in the shower, they’d never get to breakfast and then their meeting on time. She’d definitely enjoy her morning more though.

She had to admit going with the flow was working for her. By spending time with Alex and not allowing herself to think about the future, she’d fallen into a routine she enjoyed. Much like last time except things were different now. He was different. He was attentive and focused on her. No distraction of media or attention to inflate his ego and pull him away from what was important and meaningful in his life.

She pulled out her phone and texted him, letting him know that she was ready for breakfast. A few minutes later, she met up with him outside the elevator banks in the lobby.

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her like they’d been apart for days instead of a little over an hour. “Mmm. I could get used to this,” she murmured against his mouth.

He stepped back and grinned. “You’d better because I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.”

She linked her hand in his. “I need coffee desperately.”

“And I need you.” His looked into her eyes, gaze hot and heavy-lidded.

She swayed toward him, hoping he’d kiss her one more time.

“Excuse me. Alex?” A female voice interrupted them.

Madison turned to see a stunning brunette wearing a wine-colored skirt and matching jacket, waiting for him.

Alex stiffened. “What the hell? Are you following me?”

Madison narrowed her gaze, unsure who the woman was.

“I hate to interrupt—” the woman said.

“Then don’t.” Alex bit out his words in an ice-cold tone Madison had only heard once before, and everything inside her froze at the memory of him breaking up with her in his hospital room.

“Alex, please,” the unknown female said.

“Go away.”

The only woman Madison could imagine him speaking to that way now would be—

“Rachel, I believe me not returning your calls speaks for itself.”

Madison closed her eyes, needing a minute to pull herself together to deal with this situation. She was facing the other woman who had meant something to him once. One he was still angry with and bitter over. Did that translate to him still having feelings for her? Nausea kicked in hard. She rubbed her hands against her own skirt, hoping she didn’t look as nervous as she suddenly felt.

“I just need a few minutes of your time,” Rachel said.

“I’m busy.” He immediately pulled Madison closer to him. Today, his gesture of possession didn’t feel as warm or intimate as it had last night. It felt necessary, like he needed to prove to this woman that he had moved on.

But had he? That was the question, and Madison suddenly felt chilled despite his body heat close beside her.

Madison swallowed hard. “Alex, go ahead. See what she wants.”

“Anything you have to say, you can say to us both. This is Madison—”

“Evans. I admire the work you’re both doing with the Thunder.”

Madison narrowed her gaze. How did Rachel know about her?

“How do you know what we’re doing?” Alex asked before Madison had the chance.

“I have a proposal for you, and before I put it together, I had to know what I was up against.” It was hard to know if she meant in business or his personal life, since she looked Madison over before settling her stare on Alex once more.

“How did you know where we were?” he asked.

“You weren’t answering your cell—”

“A number you shouldn’t have had either.”

“I have sources. Anyway, I called the Thunder front office and asked how to get in touch with you. I’m based in New York. I have been since graduation. When they said you were here in the city, I managed to get the hotel name and decided I’d come to see you in person. I was on my way up to your room.”

Neither of them asked how she’d gotten her hands on that. She’d already said she had sources.

“You can talk in front of Madison,” Alex said. His frown didn’t ease, and his entire body was stiff beside hers.

Madison shook her head. “No. You go hear what Rachel has to say. I’ll meet you at our meeting.” She stepped out of his embrace and away from his touch.

“Madison,” he said on a low, unhappy growl.

She moved, putting a hand on his shoulder and whispering so only he could hear. “It’s called closure, and something tells me you need it. Go hear her out.”

Alex grumbled, arguing until he realized she wouldn’t give in. “Fine,” he muttered.

Madison walked away, her stomach in knots, her heart thudding painfully against her chest. But she had no doubt she’d done the right thing. Rachel’s actions had defined Alex’s entire adult life. He needed to come to terms with her rejection. Not to mention, he needed to hear her proposal now and process it alone, without Madison there to cloud his judgment or, heaven forbid, provide him with guilt should he still respond to the attractive woman from his past.

If Madison wanted a future with Alex, and God help her she did, she needed him free and clear of his past and his demons. And free of whatever grip Rachel still held after all these years.

* * *

Alex sat down in the hotel restaurant across from Rachel. He didn’t want to be here. He had no desire to sit across from the woman who’d broken his heart and talk about anything. And if he had to be here, he preferred Madison be by his side. He didn’t like the look on her face when she’d told him to go with Rachel.

He ordered coffee and an omelet and waited for her to do the talking. For his part, he had nothing to say. In the ensuing silence, he studied her, noting she’d aged well. Her brown hair was shorter but suited her features. But looking at her now, nothing stirred inside him. Not desire, lust, or even mild wanting. To his amazement, he didn’t even feel regret for what might have been.

So why the hell are you so angry? a voice that sounded too much like Madison asked.

Pride, his own internal voice answered. Rachel had hurt his pride by breaking up with him because the life he’d offered wasn’t good enough for her. He hadn’t been good enough for her. Now? He didn’t give a shit.

“Okay, let’s hear it,” he said, giving in and breaking the silence. “What’s so important that you had to track me down here?”