Page 19 of Between Secrets and Obsession

“What? Where are you going?” Maddie asks as if she’s offended I didn’t tell her.

“Out of town.” I keep my response short, but she’ll try to pry anyway.

As Maddie opens her mouth, Sophie intervenes and points a finger at her. “Stop.”

Maddie ignores Sophie, smirking. “Now who am I gonna kiss to ring in the new year then? Guess I better update my dating profile.” Pulling out her phone, Maddie swipes her screen. “In search of a New Year’s Eve hottie to mack at midnight and possiblymore.” She types frantically as she speaks aloud.

Though she’s purposely trying to get under my skin, I go to the kitchen and set my plate in the sink. Once it’s rinsed, I grab a bottle of water from the fridge before returning to the living room. I open and chug half when I overhear Maddie’s conversation.

“I doubt anyone will buy my virginity because my boobs are too small,” she says casually as if she’s talking about the weather, and I choke loudly on my drink. Everyone stares at me.

“What do you think, Liam?” Maddie looks up with a smirk as I wipe water off my chin. She knows damn well I’ve seen her tits and enjoys putting me on the spot in front of Sophie and Mason.

I clear my throat. “Uh…I’m walking away now.” I return to the kitchen and throw my now empty water bottle in the trash.

Sophie comes in and puts a K-cup into the Keurig. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I just need a vacation, I think. Main reason I’m getting away. Wanna clear my mind.” This time of year always gets to me, but I don’t go there.

Sophie smiles sweetly as she grabs her creamer from the fridge. “I understand that more than you know.”

“I’m sure. All that banging must be exhausting, Soph.” I chuckle.

“Hardy, har har. You all have so many sex jokes these days. I think it’s time you pick on someone else.”

“Nah.” I shrug. “It’s too fun watching you squirm.”

“You deserve to be slapped for that one,” she quips. “So what time are you flying out?”

“Bright and early. Five a.m.,” I tell her, and she gives me a look but doesn’t say anything. I already mentioned to Mason that I’d miss our New Year’s get-together.

She shifts on her feet and lowers her voice. “Is it to see a lady friend?”

I laugh so hard I nearly stop breathing. “It’s not like that at all, but it’s hilarious you’d even ask, considering how well you know me.”

“I know you don’t kiss and tell, but I thought I’d check, you know, considering my little sister thinks you two are destined to get married someday.”

I suck in a deep breath and exhale slowly. “I’d like to keep my balls intact, thank you very much.”

“Perfect response, because you know I’d rip them off,” she teases before leading the way back to the living room. Before I go pack my bag, Maddie stops me.

“You’re really going out of town again?” She pouts.

“I’ll be back in a few days. Not a big deal.” I shrug it off since I’m gone most of the time anyway.

She chews on her bottom lip, crossing her arms. “What’re you really up to, Hulk?”

“I should be asking you the same question,” I throw back, but she doesn’t respond.

Time stands still before I force myself to walk away before I say something I shouldn’t.

Though I slept most of the day, I need to get to bed at a decent time since I have to be up at two, and I’m still exhausted from the past four days of traveling.

Grabbing a small duffel bag, I put a few pairs of jeans and a few nice shirts inside. All I want to do when I get to Vegas is hang out in the casino, let loose, and enjoy my days off. Gambling is a fun way to pass the time and maybe win some money. While I don’t have a problem walking away when I need to, I’ve lost quite a bit, but I’ve also won close to thirty grand in poker tournaments. Winning first place was the moment I realized how lucrative a sport it is, and I’m good enough to beat some of the top players. Tomorrow, there’s a game to qualify to play in the New Year’s Eve tournament, and it’s big money. As soon as I got the invite, I booked a flight.

After I pack, I go to the gym to pass some time. I work out hard, lifting heavy weights, then find a mat in the back corner and stretch. A smile touches my lips when I think about kicking Maddie’s ass at yoga last month. The shock on her face is something I’ll never forget, along with the satisfaction of her cooking for me. Considering she’s competitive by nature, I knew she’d take the bait. Hook, line, and sinker. Once I’m done, I take a shower, then stop to eat before heading home.

I drive the long way back to give myself more time to get my mind straight. During the holidays, fugitives tend to let down their guard and show their faces. I’ve tracked down more than my fair share over the past several weeks, and I can’t complain too much because it’s given me bigger paydays. That, combinedwith it being my most hated time of the year, has left me in a shit mood.