Page 37 of Claimed by my Bestie's Dad

I glance over at her, surprised by her honesty. “What do you mean?”

She shrugs, looking a little embarrassed. “When I first met you, I thought you were… I don’t know, a little intimidating. Maybe even a little annoying. But I didn’t hate you.”

I chuckle, relieved that we’re back on somewhat safer ground. “I’m glad to hear that. I thought you were just waiting for the right moment to tell me off.”

Madison smiles. “Sure, that too. But that’s because you needed a little telling-off. I mean, an escort? Really? I guess I’ve just been…trying to figure you out. And now that I know you a little better, I realize I might’ve judged you too quickly.”

I raise an eyebrow, curious. “So, what’s the verdict now?”

Madison hesitates, her eyes flickering to mine before she looks away. “I think… I think I like you more than I should.”

Her words hang in the air. I stop walking, turning to face her, and she stops too, her breath visible in the cool night air.

“I think I feel the same way.”

Madison looks at me, her expression conflicted, and for a moment, I think she’s going to walk away. But then, slowly, she steps closer, closing the gap between us once more.

“We can’t let her find out.” We’re only two blocks from Aurora’s house, and the idea that she could be out walking the streets is the only thing that keeps me from kissing Madison right now.

“I know. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen.”

18

MADISON

Are you doing okay?

I see Zoe’s text as soon as I return from walking the dogs. My hands are a little stiff from the cold, and I don’t respond right away. I fill up the dogs’ water bowl and tuck my coat away in the front closet while I think about Zoe’s message.

Why is she asking me that right now? Did Aurora say something that prompted Zoe to be suspicious? Zoe has always been the most intuitive of all of us. Has she figured something out?

I haven’t seen her as much as I would like lately. Maybe that’s the only hint she needs to know something is up.

Doing great!I respond, not ready to open up to Zoe.

Sure about that?

I stare at Zoe’s answer. Somehow, she is reading my mind. It’s like she knows what I’m dealing with without me even having to say anything. I sigh.

I wouldn’t mind talking to Zoe. She’s the most understanding of everyone. Maybe I can explain the situation without mentioning any names. I don’t think she’s so intuitive that she would figure out I’m talking about Ethan…unless, of course, he shows up at my door while we’re talking.

I wouldn’t mind talking if you have the time,I finally tell Zoe.

I pull open my text chain with Ethan.Don’t come over right now.

What? You have some other guy you don’t want me to see?

I laugh at that idea.Just one of my friends. I don’t need her saying anything to Aurora.

I have an early shift at the hospital tomorrow. Don’t worry about me showing up for a booty call.

I smile at the text messages like an idiot. I can’t help it. I like talking to Ethan. He makes me laugh, but he also makes me feel special. I don’t understand it.

I’ll be over in fifteen to talk. Zoe responded two minutes ago.

I spend the next thirteen minutes making some tea I can drink to help unfreeze me from my walk outside at dusk. The dogs have settled down after their exercise, and it actually feels almost peaceful for a moment.

Of course, as soon as the dogs hear someone at the door, they leap up and start various pitches of barking.

---