Page 13 of Madden

"Should you have that here?" she asks, raising an eyebrow.

Chuckling, I suggest, "We could do something about it if you're up for it."

She opens her mouth to respond when Dodge interrupts. I shoot him a‘what the hell’look, which he laughs off. "Trouble at two o'clock."

"What does that mean?"

"Don't be a dick," he replies, nodding toward a group of people with Wyatt and Dallas.

I still don't follow the trouble comment and frown. Then I do. The woman who has been posting to social media has her arm through that of a Viking sponsor. Tessa shudders, her gaze fixed on the woman. I’d caught her checking out Davina's profile before we’d left for the arena.

My jaw clenches as I feel Dodge squeeze my arm. I don't know why I can't shake the feeling that she's up to something. "The team's media people," Dodge begins, "have decided to try a new way of dealing with the bit—" he clears his throat with a glance at Tessa "—woman."

Tess gives an unladylike snort. "Bitch! You can say it, Dodge." Pause. "She verbally attacked me in the arena," she tells me. "Dodge and security got rid of her…orso I thought."

"Why the hell is she here?" I spit out angrily as I pull Tessa into my arms.

"They think if they show her kindness she'll shut up," Dodge says, not looking so happy with the situation.

"Fuck that! We're out of here." I take Tessa by the hand and lead her through the guests. I see a frown on Wyatt's face when he notices us leaving. I don't care right now. I refuse to be in the same room with that woman.

"Madden, slow down."

Wincing, I inhale and exhale slowly before turning to Tessa. "I'm sorry."

"None of this is your fault." She gives me a wry grin. "Just remember, my legs aren't as long as yours."

"Shit!" I run a hand through my hair. "I'm hungry." I wrap an arm around her neck, holding her close and slowing my pace to match hers. "We'll get something delivered. I don't want to share you anymore."

"I'd like that."

12

TESSA

This morning,I looked out over snow-covered Boston. Tonight, I’m looking at the Las Vegas Strip. The whole place is lit up—some elegant and pretty, some made me grimace.

The trip had been a surprise to me. Madden had known about it but had forgotten. So, he'd put me on the flight right away. After my run in with Davina at last night's game, my head was spinning.

The team had had a short scrimmage with another minor league team during the afternoon. Madden had fun, so he tells me.

I'm in love with the man and I want to stay with him in Boston. Is that what he wants? With all these thoughts running through my head, I pull away from the window. It's almost time to meet Madden in one of the bars off the hotel lobby.

I stand in front of the full-length mirror and admire the pretty dress I purchased earlier. It's a cocktail dress in a shimmering emerald green. Silky. Thin straps. It makes me feel sexy. I hope Madden thinks so, because I'm so out of my comfort zone in this pretty thing.

Holding my purse with one hand, I grab the room card on the way out and slip it into the middle pocket of my purse.

The door clicks shut as I walk down the fancy hallway. In the elevator, I admire myself once more, nerves fluttering in my stomach.

I step out into the lobby, and everything comes to a screeching halt.

I inhale sharply and turn my angry gaze to the man standing a few feet in front of me. "What are you doing here?"

Ralph doesn't even have the decency to look me in the eye as he says, "You left without a word.” He steps closer. "I find that rude and unbecoming of you.”

"What is wrong with you? There was never anything between us. You couldn't stand the sight of me most of the time!" I hiss.

"Tessa, be reasonable. You just ate too much, that's all." He waves his hand in a dismissive tone.

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