Page 2 of Madden

Part of me wonders if finding fault with Ralph has something to do with my longing for Madden. He had given me his sole attention when I was shot. He hadn't left my side from the moment I went down until my parents arrived at the hospital. The man plays for the Boston Bay Vikings minor league team and has a fan club of Puck Bunnies.

I rub my forehead, wishing away a headache that is forming. Instead of gathering wool, I should be getting ready for dinner with my family and Ralph. It's not something I want to do. In fact, going out to eat is something I haven't done since I was shot. The scar is barely noticeable now, but it's there. I feel like everyone stares at it when I walk into a room. I know my parents look at it from time to time. This escape from the city to my hometown is me running away from my problems. I enjoy being here. Some days I wonder why I bothered to leave.

"Tessa," Mom knocks on my bedroom door, "are you ready?"

I look at myself in leggings and a Boston Bay Vikings jersey, number fourteen, and decide I'm ready. "I'm dressed." I'm certainly not dressed for dinner.

Coming out of my room, Mom gives me a quick glance, her eyes widening when she sees me in the same clothes I've been wearing all day. I smile and walk past her down the stairs, running my fingers through my red hair. I love this style and this color. My friend Diana convinced me it would look perfect on me, and it does. I slip my feet into my fur-lined boots and sigh aspure comfort wraps around my feet, ankles, and calves. Just as I tuck my arms into my long, red, padded jacket, the chimes of the doorbell rattle around my head.

"That'll be Ralph." Mom runs to the door while I roll my eyes behind her back. Dad catches me, barely hiding a grin behind his hand. Mom might like Ralph, but she doesn’t give out keys to the house to guests.

As Ralph enters the foyer, I narrow my eyes as his gaze sweeps around the elegant home before landing on me. His eyes fill with something I don't want to think about as a smile spreads across his mouth. "Tessa, how are you today?" He's spent the day with friends, for which I'm grateful. His arms wrap around me, and as his mouth comes close to my ear, he whispers, "You can't go out in public dressed like that."

Dad clears his throat as I force a smile. "It's been a long day. I want to be comfortable while I eat." With that, I zip up my winter jacket and grin. "I'm ready to go." I walk out the door, ignoring my mother’s disapproving look.

3

MADDEN

Who the hellis that tool she's with? The man has mostly ignored her while he plays eye hockey with a woman across the restaurant. Yes, I am spying on Tessa. I'd gotten to her family's house—which had shocked me—just in time to watch them leave. I'd done the natural thing and followed.

Tessa takes off her jacket and I laugh. She's wearing my number fourteen jersey. The one I gave her in the ambulance. The sight of blood all over her clothes made her want to puke. I'd come to the rescue.

Seeing her wearing it at dinner in this fancy restaurant tickles me. She looks cute. My mind suddenly jumps to what she would look like wearing only my jersey. Not a good idea in a public place. I keep a couple between her family and me because I don't want to be seen yet. I want to see her with her family. Just those few minutes tell me that she is more comfortable with her father. Her mother is more interested in pushing her towards the ignorant man.

A wave of jealousy ripples through me at the familiar way he wraps an arm around Tessa's waist. My eyes narrow at the hand he has on her hip. This is not happening.

As I walk around the couple, her mother spots me first, her eyes widening in surprise. Tessa turns and her eyes fill with joy and confusion as they meet mine. "Tessa, sweetheart,” I drawl. “You look amazing." I wink as I pull her into my arms. Asshole tries to hold on, but I pull her away from him, turning so he has my back and I have my girl all to myself. "I'm just in time, I see," I whisper in her ear. She pushes closer, her face buried in my neck as all her soft curves press against my harder ones. The feel of her nipples against my chest causes my dick to throb, but I refuse to let her pull away when she feels my reaction.

Tessa lifts her face to mine, and I grin. "Miss me?" I plant a kiss on her flushed cheek and let it linger. Holding Tessa against me, I turn to the idiot who just lost. I'm not a total dick. I hold out my hand. "Madden Tyler. And you are?"

He looks at Tessa's jersey and at me. The bell drops. That's my jersey, asshole!

"Ralph Jones, Tessa's boy?—”

I cut him off, "Mr. and Mrs. George, it's wonderful to see you both again."

Greetings are exchanged, and when the maître d asks, "How many are eating tonight?" Tessa’s father, George, grins and says, "Five."

"I need to talk to Tessa. We'll be right with you." I steer Tessa away from the listening ears before reluctantly letting her go. "Did you miss me, sweetheart?"

"You said you were done,” she mutters, a lovely blush along her cheekbones. "What are you doing here? I’m confused.”

“The text! Oh fuck!” My eyes widen as my heart sinks.Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.“I didn’t mean done with you. I meant text and calls. I meant that I had to see you, or I’d go crazy.” I pause. “And it would appear that I’m also saving you from Ralph Jones."

A very unladylike snort leaves her. "He'll know exactly who you are to me by now.”

“Is that a problem?"

"Not for me. I can’t believe you’re standing before me.”

"I missed you."

"You missed me? You can be with whoever you want."

I narrow my eyes and step into her space. I cradle her face and force her gaze up to mine. "I don't want anyone. I want you. Bradford told me I didn't have to show up at your place with a packed bag. So, I took his advice for once and checked into a hotel. We're going to spend time together because I can't stop thinking about you. My game is off.”

"I saw you play the other night."

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