Page 42 of The Renegade Billionaire

I simply watch her retreating form, feeling really fucking good because I have no doubt she’ll try.

As soon as I hear them on the stairs, I turn to Pops. “Madison really cares about everyone in town, doesn’t she?”

“She has since the day she moved in. She spent a lot of time on the outside, and once her life had some stability, she made sure no one felt as she had.” His shoulders droop, and he claspshis hands on his knees. “Sometimes I think that’s why she works so hard making love matches. She doesn’t ever want anyone to feel like she did with her parents. A loveless life isn’t a life at all.”

“She’s pretty incredible,” I admit.

“She’s been crowned Happiness Sweetheart for a reason, and it’s not just because she plans the best festivals, even if she does. She’s the sweetheart ’cause she deserves the love she shares so freely.”

“Yeah.” My throat is thick with emotion that sits like hot embers on the tip of my tongue.

“Well, you finish up in here. I’ll go see about dinner.”

“No,” I shout. “I’ll help Madison in a minute. Why don’t you go see if that show you were talking about is on?”

“Dumpster Diving. This program is going to change your life,” he says as he slowly rises from the chair. “I’ll have Madi record it so we can watch it together.”

I smile at this old man. His heart is always in the right place, but I have a feeling Madison’s assessment is spot-on and trouble follows him everywhere.

“Sounds good.”

He’s standing in the hallway when he says, “Real good luck over at that high school, huh?”

I swallow hard. “Sure is. There’s a reason all the big companies are advertising on TikTok now. If you hit it right, it can change everything.”

“Mm-hmm,” he hums. “Come on down when you’re done here. We can make a list for what your guy will need.”

I nod and go back to work, feeling an odd mix of satisfaction and regret. Seeing the faces of two good deeds is something I’ll always remember, but the guilt over lying to Madison about it sits as spiky as a thorn in my chest.

My innkeeper, Madison.

Maybe my friend Madison?

My phone buzzes in my pocket with a text.

Grey: Touchdown at 8 p.m. tomorrow.

Me: Great. See you then.

Me: Madison’s getting suspicious of my good deeds.

Grey: Then I suggest you don’t drop $200K in less than 24 hours.

Grey: Spread that shit out, dude. I’m not surprised she’s suspicious.

Me: Right. I’ve got to be more careful.

Grey: Or you could take credit for being a good guy.

I stare at his words for a long moment.

Grey: Not everyone will take advantage of your kindness, Brax.

Grey: Eventually you’ll have to trust again.

Me: Right. See you tomorrow.

He doesn’t respond, and that’s just fine. I have a lot of deeds to deliver, and now I have to figure out how to do them all without relying on the DDD.