Page 256 of Steamy Ever After

Peyton looked out at the waves crashing on Moonstone Beach. “Do you surf?” she asked.

“Surf? Please. I was born on a surfboard.”

Brodie’s phone vibrated in his pocket, but he ignored it. Whoever it was could wait. When it vibrated again between the car and the front door of the restaurant, he decided he better answer it.

“Excuse me for a minute,” he said to Peyton, looking at the screen on his cell.

Naughton was calling.

“What’s up, brother? House on fire?”

Naughton’s words sent a chill down Brodie’s spine. “It’s Ma, Brodie. Took her by helicopter to Twin Cities Hospital. It’s her heart.”

“I’ll be right there.”

Peyton was standing in front of him, concern etched into her face. “What is it?”

“My ma. I’m sorry, Peyton, but I’ve gotta go.”

PEYTON

Ten minutes earlier, Peyton had been starving. Now, the thought of eating made her nauseous. Instead of going home, she drove to Stave. They’d be opening in an hour, and there was no telling what kind of shape Alex left the place in last night.

Her friend’s car was in the parking lot when she pulled in, but that didn’t mean much. After the night she’d had, who knew what might have gone on between her and Maddox.

“Well, good morning, sunshine.” Alex beamed when Peyton came in.

“Hey.”

“Wait, you’re not smiling like the sun. What’s wrong?”

“They took Mrs. Butler to the hospital by helicopter this morning. Her heart?—”

Alex’s hand went to her mouth, and she ran to the office before Peyton finished her sentence.

She returned a minute later, holding her cell. “It went to voicemail,” she explained.

“Maddox?”

“Yeah.”

“My dad—” Alex’s eyes filled with tears.

Peyton hugged her. “I know, sweetie.”

Alfonso Avila had died of a massive heart attack far too young. Peyton got it. Brodie’s mom being taken by helicopter hit too close to home. Alex’s dad had been too, but he was dead before it touched down.

Alex hit the buttons on her phone again, waited, and then hung up.

“You can go if you want,” Peyton offered.

“No. I don’t want to intrude.”

“Alex, that’s the last thing they’d think. You’ve known the Butlers your whole life.”

“I’ll wait.” Her friend went to the front of the tasting room and opened the garage door. “The weather is so beautiful. We should take advantage of it.”

Peyton noticed the way Alex’s hands shook when she hit the opener. Her skin had gone pale, and her eyes were filled with tears.

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