Page 35 of Long Hard Road
I had already grabbed the doorknob and was so eager not to be alone with Nate that I completely forgot about my stalker when I yanked the door open. The hulking figure glaring at me from the porch took a step forward.
“Damn it, Madison. You answer the fucking phone when I call you.”
13
NATE
In less than a minute, my brain processed several alarming pieces of information. First, Madison just let the bomb drop that she had never had sex, while sitting next to me and looking very fuckable. Then, she carelessly opened the door without knowing who was on the other side while I was still too far away to protect her. When I did reach the door, it was just in time to hear a deep voice bark an obscenity at Madison.
Then she was gone from the doorway and I watched as the monosyllabic man I’d encountered in Amelia’s café pulled Madison to his chest in a tight embrace.
“You fucking had me worried, Madi.” His voice was so deep it was practically a growl.
“That’s what I pay you to do, Eli.”
“Care to explain what’s going on, Madison?” I didn’t even bother to hide my annoyance. Some other man had his arms around my girl.
“Oh. Right.” She stepped back and a shiver ran through her body. Those tiny sleep shorts and practically transparent top weren’t providing her a lick of protection from the cold. “Get inside, Eli. I need to put on some clothes and then we’ll talk.”
Then she darted past me without making an introduction. I had no choice but to step back and let the bastard into the cabin. The entryway wasn’t big enough for two large men, so I backed up a few steps.
“Who the fuck are you?” we asked at the same time.
“You’re the unexpected guest,” I said. “You go first.”
He huffed out a breath. “Ellison Parker. Eli. Head of security for Madison. Based on your lack of clothing, I’m going to assume you’re just a bad mistake.”
“Eli!” Madison snapped as she exited her bedroom. She’d pulled on a pair of sweatpants and a matching sweatshirt. “This is Nate Sullivan. He’s my friend and neighbor.”
“Friend,” Ellison scoffed. “Madi, maybe you should have your friend take off so we can discuss what’s been going on here.”
“I’m not leaving.” I planted my feet wide and pulled my shoulders back. If this guy thought he could push me around, I’d make him regret trying.
“Nate. Relax. I’m not asking you to leave.” Madison put a hand on my back and damn if that small touch didn’t make my whole body tingle. “Let’s all go into the kitchen and have some coffee while Eli explains why he is in Crestwood.”
“I think I’m also owed an explanation about why you are in Crestwood, Madi.” Ellison didn’t look happy, either because of how close she was standing to me or because he always looked like someone had pissed in his coffee.
Moving to the kitchen didn’t make things less awkward. Madison focused on making a new pot of coffee while Ellison surveyed the dishes we hadn’t picked up yet from breakfast.
“Already ate breakfast? You were up early.” His comment was neutral but I understood the implication. He knew I’d spent the night with Madison.
“You take your coffee black, don’t you?” she asked.
“Yeah.”
Madison brought us both a brimming mug and then went back to get hers. She held it in both hands and leaned against the counter. “How did you find me, Eli?”
“How do you think?”
“Kaylie?” She blew out an exasperated breath when he nodded. “I knew she would panic and call you.”
“She’s worried about you.” Ellison’s hard stare had me moving closer to Madison. I leaned on the counter next to her, letting my arm push gently against hers. “You just took off and didn’t tell anyone. Do you know how dangerous that is? To not have any security with you and to not have me even know where you went?”
Her head dropped and her lower lip trembled. “I know. I just… I had to get away, Eli. I couldn’t stay.”
“I know things have been rough these last few weeks, but it’s going to blow over, Madi.” His entire expression changed into something that was softer. Tender, even. That look had me questioning their relationship.
“What’s going to blow over?” I asked.