Page 78

“I bet the front desk has pain medicine.” I wrinkle my nose. “There might also be ten million teenagers in the lobby, but it would be worth it if you could get rid of your cramps.”
“And my wine hangover headache.” Becca stands there for a minute, shoulders slumped, looking miserable. “Yeah. Let’s go see if the front desk has pain medicine.”
“I think that’s probably a good idea.” I hook one arm around her shoulders and lead Becca out into the hallway. “Once we get you a little more comfortable, I’ll talk to Maddox and we can go out and get you whatever you need.”
I’m sure he’ll be okay holding off on round two once he hears how miserable Becca is. Actually, I’m sure he’d be fine holding off on round two even if Becca wasn’t miserable. If I simply wanted to go out for a snack, Maddox wouldn’t bat an eye.
Because he’s amazing.
So amazing, that a few minutes ago he let me tie him up and do whatever I wanted to him. I didn’t really expect to like it as much as I did, but I could get addicted to having a man like him completely at my mercy.
Maybe not completely—Maddox is probably never completely atanyone’smercy—but still.
“I know we didn’t meet under the best circumstances.” Becca rests her head on my shoulder as we walk. “But I’m really glad you’re here.” Her already somber expression turns sad. “All my old friends have gotten married and started having kids. I’m the only single one left, and it’s really lonely.”
Now I feel like a jerk, because I’ve been blissfully planning my move to Nashville without even thinking about where Becca’s going to end up. “Maybe once your sister’s back, you’ll need a change of scenery and you can move to Nashville with me.”
Becca doesn’t immediately reject the idea. “Maybe.” She rubs her lips together, eyes peeking my direction. “But Memphis isn’t all bad. I’m sure I could find reasons to stay.”
I’m no rocket scientist, but I’m betting the reason she’s thinking of is six feet tall with bulging muscles, dark hair, and a slightly unruly beard.
“Either way, I know things are all going to work out.” I give her shoulders a squeeze as we enter the elevator. “For both of us.”
Becca stares into the corner as we lower toward the ground floor. She tips her head, eyes squinting. “How many people a year do you think Alaskan Security is responsible for eliminating?”
“I don’t have a clue.” I’m not sure I want to know either.
I don’t think it would upset me, but it would make me think of how dangerous Maddox’s job is. I know he loves it, so I would never ask him to stop. But I also don’t want to worry myself to death while he’s gone.
“That would be interesting to find out.” Becca zones out for a minute, her eyes snapping back into focus as the elevator doors open. “Maybe I’ll ask Luca later.”
“Luca?” I know I didn’t read that whole restaurant interaction wrong. “I thought you were into Butch.”
Becca’s brows come together as we step out into the lobby. “Will asking Luca a question make him think I’m into him?”
“I mean.” I’d noticed Becca was pretty blunt, but maybe she’s also a little oblivious. “It’s pretty obvious Luca was hoping to eventually spend some more time getting to know you.”
“Why would he want to get to know me better?” Becca asks, seeming surprised.
“Why wouldn’t he?” I focus on my new friend. “You’re smart and successful and determined.” I motion at her small frame. “And built really freaking well.”
Becca frowns down at her body like she’s never considered its appearance. “Interesting.” She purses her lips as she stops and turns to face me. “Maybe later you could help me go shopping and pick out some clothes.” Her eyes move over my outfit. “Ones that are a little…”
I’ve only seen Becca in oversized sweatshirts and baggy jeans—plus the pajamas I loaned her that she’s currently wearing—but I also saw the way she was looking at Butch earlier, so I make an educated guess about what she’s going for. “Sexier?”
Becca points at me. “That.”
I smile, perking up a little now that I have something new to do while I’m stuck here in Memphis. “We can look around online when you’re feeling better. I bet we can find lots of stuff that will fit your style and just elevate things a little.”
Becca’s still pointing at me, but now her finger’s wagging around. I wait, expecting her to say whatever’s on her mind, but her mouth just hangs open. When her eyes widen behind her glasses, I take a closer look at her finger. She’s not actually pointing at me.
She’s pointingbehindme.
I turn just as a big, scary-looking man comes barreling at me. Something hard jams into my ribs as he leans into my ear. “Be a good girl and stay quiet or your friend’s nerdy little brain is going to end up all over the place.”
I roll my eyes to the side and see a matching scary man has Becca in his hold.
“Leave her alone.” I say it quietly. “She didn’t do anything.” I’m bluffing. Becca has definitely done things—especially if it’s Trevor behind this—but maybe this guy doesn’t know that.