Page 16 of Maddox: Wild Alaska (Hawke’s Ridge #1)

Branson looks at Judean and says, "It's more of an office manager position. I need someone to answer the phones, use the mainstream computer database, and to handle general administrative duties.”

Judean nods, a thoughtful expression spreading across her face. Then she smiles. "I work as a clerk for the San Francisco Police Department." Her grin widens as Branson raises his eyebrows. "I'd love to try it out while I'm here. If we get along, I'd expect a formal offer. How does that sound?"

"Answer to his prayers," Garrett says, patting his brother on the shoulder. "And to Colton’s,” he adds quietly. I glance his way, and he winks.

I roll my eyes and smirk as I look back at Judean, who looks excited. "Are you sure about this?"

"More than I've ever been sure about anything in my life." She grins, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "I can do the job Branson needs me to do. I've been doing it for two years." For Branson. "I have a degree in business and criminology. I can do this!"

Branson sighs. "This is your vacation, though."

She shakes her head. "Being told I'm fat and that I look ridiculous is not my idea of a vacation. I'm all yours. What time should I report tomorrow?"

Momentarily stunned, Branson frowns. "Is eight, okay?"

"I'll be there."

"I live in a cabin here. I'll pick you up out front of the lodge at eight."

"Now that's settled," Maddox says. “Do you have any dinner plans?” His eyes flicker between Judean and me before settling on my face. My heart flutters. I'm glad I'm wearing a thick towel, so he can't see my reaction to him.

Judean nudges me, and I snap out of it. "Dinner?"

"We don't have plans."

"Well, we're supposed to have dinner with everyone tonight," Judean says.

I groan because I hate that I'm going to disappoint Maddox. "I guess we're going to have to be good and eat with them." I smile. "But afterwards, we could get dessert together."

Maddox, Garrett, and their father, all stare at Branson, who flushes and rolls his eyes. "Okay, I can whip up dessert for everyone." He looks at his family. "You all have to eat elsewhere," he says.

"As long as we get dessert, I'm good with that." Maddox turns to Judean and me. “If Branson ever decides to quit being a cop, he could make it as a chef.”

"Not really, but I can make a mean dessert.

" His lips twitch. "I need to go and sort something out.

" He stands. "Catch you later." He heads out, leaving me with an uneasy sensation in the pit of my stomach.

Maddox told me that he's working a dangerous case, and now Judean is going to be right there with him.

A shiver brushes over my neck and shoulders as I stand. "I'm going to head out as well." Judean gets to her feet. "I need a shower and some clothes," I add. "Thank you for everything."

"I'll walk with you," Maddox says as he gets to his feet. He adds to his dad and brother, "Show yourselves out."

"I really like your family.” I sigh, softly.

"I'm going to let you two catch up alone." Judean moves around the table, but Maddox gently grabs her arm.

"I'll walk you both back." He smirks. "Or would you prefer I ask Colton to do that?" He raises his eyebrows.

I nudge him, chuckling. "Stop teasing her."

"Hey, my brother whom Garrett calls 'the puck' has a real crush on you, Judean."

"Pfft," Judean scoffs. "The puck will be hounding someone else tomorrow," she snickers. “The puck !”

I chuckle, but wisely keep my mouth shut, as does Maddox.

In the garden, Judean heads off to her room, insisting that she can find it alone. She winks at me and nods toward Maddox. Not one part of that was subtle.

"I'm not going to come inside with you," he says, his brows pull together. “I don’t suppose you want to move to Alaska?”

I stare at the man, surprised, as he looks at me with one brow raised. His features are sharp, and he has beautiful lips and gorgeous eyes. "I take it that's a no." He takes my elbow and moves us along while I finally find my voice.

"I'm not saying no. It hasn't occurred to me before that it might be an option.

" I pause on the steps leading to my cabin. “I have some decisions to make, which means I’ll have to head back to Frisco in a few days.” I feel my shoulders sag, because I want to tell this man—whom I hardly know—that yes, I will stay and work here in Hawke's Ridge.

"I took time off work for this trip. I already have vacation time booked for the wedding.” I smile.

"I'd like to spend that time here with you. "

"Thank fuck for that." He pulls me into a hug, and I melt against him. I wrap my arms around his broad shoulders and rub the back of his neck with my fingers. A soft growl rumbles out of him, and I feel his arousal pulsing against my belly. "You better go inside."

I squeeze him tightly, then let go—but not before quickly brushing my lips over his. "I'll see you later for dessert."

"I'll pick you and Judean up from the restaurant at 9:30, if that works for you."

"Perfect."

I watch the beautiful man stride away, enjoying the way his ass sways in the black jeans he's wearing. He glances back over his shoulder and smirks when our eyes meet. He knows exactly where I was looking.

Shaking my head, I step inside the cabin and come to a complete stop.

My blood freezes and I stare. My anger builds with each breath until I finally force out, "What are you doing here?"

"I thought I'd surprise you," Richard says, moving into my personal space and kissing my cheek. "You look surprised."

Snapping out of it, I say, "Of course I'm surprised!" I move away from him and notice his suitcase. I point. "You are not staying in this cabin with me."

"Sofie, stop being difficult. I'm your fiancé." He smiles as though everything is perfect. I narrow my eyes. "Spit it out, Richard," I snap. "I know either your mother or sister called you."

"They have nothing to do with me being here.”

“You don't do anything without your mother knowing." I hiss. Grabbing his case, I wheel it toward the door until he steps in my way. "Move."

"Mother was right! You've changed in the few days you've been here." Richard takes his case and moves it further into the room.

Frustrated and angry, I head into the wardrobe, unlock the safe, and retrieve my engagement ring.

I take a deep breath and exhale slowly to calm my nerves.

I turn and thrust the ring at Richard. "I'm really sorry.

I didn't want to do it like this, but I can't marry you.

You're a nice guy, but you need someone who gets along with your family.

Someone who loves you." I wince. "I'm really sorry. "

He stares at the ring, then at me, but doesn't make a move to take it, so I quickly tuck it into the pocket of his jacket. I chance a glance and he looks furious. It’s the first time I’ve seen him become so angry. Nerves start in my belly as I slowly step away from him.

"I'll call the front desk and have them find you a room because you're not staying with me."

"What's going on, Sofie?" He sits on the edge of the bed. “Don’t I deserve more than this?” He waves his hands around before they form into fists. Surely, he’s not going to hit me.

A rush of fear hits me followed by a wave of guilt.

"You deserve more, and I realize I can't give you that.

" Pause. "I deserve more, too, Richard. What I'm feeling isn't new.

I've felt out of sorts, as if the wedding is rushing ahead and I'm not ready. I really am sorry."

"Were you going to tell me in person or over the phone that the wedding is off?"

"I planned on telling you when I got home. I didn't know you were already on your way here."

He nods. "There are no rooms available. A busload of guests checked in ahead of me. They got the last rooms. It's a large bed. There's no reason why we can't share."

No, no, no.

“That can't happen."

Richard mutters under his breath. "You're being ridiculous.”

"Your mother brought you here, so share with her!" I snap. "Please leave."

“Why are you angry with me? I haven't asked you about the guy you've been seen with. If anything, I should be angry."

I huff and rub a hand across my brow. "Why aren't you angry with me?"

"Because I know this is cold feet about the wedding. That's all it is. Mother said so. Samantha, too. That's why I'm here. I'm here to remind you that I love you. You'll come around." He gets to his feet and starts moving with the suitcase into the dressing room.

“Fuckity fiddlesticks!" I mutter, wondering what the hell I'm going to do.

I pick up my phone and quickly message Judean.