Page 34 of Music City Diaries

“Oh. That’s really kind of you. I’m good. Thanks, though. Uh, it was nice meeting you, Rick.” I waved awkwardly and then started to walk off.

“You too, Darcie.” I smiled, respecting him more, and waved bye.

I stepped outside, the night air not much cooler than inside. Summer in the south was like a constant state of stickiness. Humidity—the devil’s favorite punishment.

It wasn’t too late, but I was tired, so I texted the girls that I was heading home so they wouldn’t worry. The streets were still filled, the city full of people looking for someone to spend the night with. My feet were hurting by the time I stomped up to my stairs. I was only on the second floor, thankfully, and the walk hadn’t been too far. The bar we’d been at was only about ten minutes from me.

I pulled out my keys and inserted it into the lock when someone stepped out of the shadows. “Darcie.”

Screaming, I jumped back, dropping everything. I clutched my chest, trying to get my heart to calm. When I realized who it was, I wanted to dive into his arms, but nine months of not seeing someone made me hesitate.

“Maddox. What are you doing here?”

He bent down, grabbed my keys, and put everything into my purse. I noticed the stamp on his hand, and the comment Rick made suddenly made sense.

“You were at Wild Horse Saloon, weren’t you?”

He froze for a moment, but then finished stuffing everything in and stood up, handing it to me. “We need to talk.”

“Fine. I’ve been trying to for months.” I finished unlocking the door and stepped inside, motioning for him to enter. He brushed past, his arm skating across mine, and my whole body came to life. I sucked in a breath, willing my hormones to take a chill pill. Just because he was here didn’t mean he was staying.

Locking the door, I took a moment to collect myself, setting my stuff down by the door and pulling my boots off. My feet instantly felt better once they were free. Maddox wasn’t right in the doorway, so I followed the sound and found him opening cabinets.

“Make yourself at home, why don’t you?” I rolled my eyes, walking to the fridge.

“Thanks, I plan to.”

I pulled out the water pitcher, walked to the cabinet with the glasses, and pulled two down. I filled them both and then put the pitcher back in the fridge.

Handing him one, I watched as he stopped opening drawers. I took a long drink of mine, the cold liquid soothing my dry throat and cooling me off inside.

“So, you’re here. Talk.”

I sat the glass down, crossing my arms. I didn’t want to look at him too closely, but I couldn’t help but notice how much bigger his muscles looked.

“Happy Birthday, Princess.”

I sucked in a breath, not expecting him to say that. I looked at the clock on the stove and saw it read 12:01. He was right. It was my birthday. I was officially twenty-two years old.

“Thanks. You could’ve just sent a card, though.”

He sat his glass down next to mine, walking toward me. My body instantly fell into the memory of him and relaxed, letting him close. Maddox cupped my jaw, and my body betrayed me by falling into his hand, sighing. Stupid, traitorous body.

“I’ve missed you, Princess.”

I snorted, my eyes opening. “You have a funny way of showing it. I haven’t even heard from you in months on the server. It’s been hard enough without you being here, but then to ghost me completely.” I shook my head, tears coming to my eyes. “I don’t get you, Maddox. Why are you here? I can’t have you coming and going from my life like this. It hurts too much.”

He leaned forward, placing his forehead on mine. “I know, Princess. I know. I wish I was here to tell you I was back for good, but things haven’t gone as I’d hoped.”

“Will you tell me your plan or when you’ll be back?”

“I can’t.” He tensed his jaw, biting back his words. “It’s safer if you don’t know.”

My eyes hardened, and I gritted my teeth. “You’re wrong.” His eyes heated, his pupils going wide at the fire coursing through my veins. I gripped his shirt, pulling it between my hands. “I’m not the same girl you left at the motel. I’m not even the same girl who left Mississippi. And if you don’t realize that soon, you’re gonna miss out.”

His hands moved to my hips, gripping me tightly. He moved closer, his bottom half-pressing into me as he towered over me. “Oh, Princess, I know. Why do you think I’m here? I couldn’t stand to be apart from you a moment longer. If you don’t think I haven’t been watching everything you do, then you haven’t been paying attention. My love for you wasn’t conditional or even locational.” He lifted me up, sitting me on the counter, stepping in between my legs. I sucked in a breath, sexual need riding me hard.

“That’s not enough, though. I need more than just your pretty words, Maddox. I won’t even bring up the fact you’re practically stalking me.” I rolled my eyes, trying to dispel my lust.

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