Page 16 of Defending Madison

“Of course I remembered. We talked about how our sodas are bitter enemies. You drink Coke and I prefer Pepsi.” He winks and collects his food as he sits down in his chair. “I overheard some airline personnel talking about the weather. We’re not flying out of New Jersey any time soon.”

I blow out my breath. “Seriously? I have things to do in Phoenix.”

“I get it. My commanding officer won’t be happy that I’m not reporting day after tomorrow.”

“Well, shit.” My burger has lost some of its appeal. I have nothing specific I need to get back to, but I enjoy my life in Phoenix and being here with Dixon reminds me of that vulnerable feeling when your heart is held captive by the one you want.

“What’s keeping you busy in the offseason?”

“I’m working for a friend. I picked up my paralegal certificate, so I can do legal work for her firm.”

“You still want to be a lawyer?”

“I think so. I don’t have the time right now.” I dab my face with the royal blue napkin and set it on my finished plate. “That was good”

Dixon nods “It was. I think I’ll check my email.”

Picking up my phone, I scroll through the news. The weather is going to suck. Flights may be flying in three days. I glance at my bag. I don’t think I have three more days of clothes. The small hotel amenities binder on the table catches my attention. I reach to grab it to find the laundry room. “I’m about to do a load of laundry. Do you want me to do any of yours?”

Dixon gasps. “You can’t go do that alone. It’s late.”

“Come on. It’s a reputable hotel. I’ll be fine, and I need fresh clothes.”

His eyes glance into the bedroom at my bag. “I find it amazing that you only have a carry-on. Don’t beautiful women usually have at least a checked bag?”

I shrug. That was a nice off-hand compliment. “I did a photo shoot for the advertising company promoting the draft. They provided my clothes for that. I just needed two days of clothes.”

“It’s great that they’re including you. They should. You were the highest defender drafted last year.”

“I’m grateful Phoenix drafted me.”

“They’re the lucky ones. You’re the reason they won last year.”

Winning the Championship as a rookie is never a good omen for your career. I can’t sit here and dwell on what may be. Dixon opens and closes his mouth, and I’m grateful for the reprieve. “I’m gonna do some laundry.” I turn and put my hand on my hip. “What do you need done?”

He jumps up and rushes to his bag. “I’ll just come with you.” He cocks his head. “I don’t have anything else to do. Maybe you’ll tell me about your championship game.”

I stop and stare at the gorgeous hunk of a man, the memory of his leaving me slipping farther away. “Wait. You watched my game?”

“Yeah.” He nods with a sly smile. “It wasn’t easy to do in the middle of an op, but I did it.”

“Wow. I’m surprised.”

He places his hand on my arm as the warmth from his touch sends tingles up my spine. He tips his head to me. “I’m sure I hurt you when I left. I’m sorry. It wasn’t that I didn’t care.”

“Yeah. I know. Brian explained he warned you off of me.” I can’t help the blush that creeps up my face. “So, to speak.”

“He did. He was pissed when I walked out of your room.” He grits his teeth with a frown. “I would do it differently if I could go back in time. Brian can be convincing and to be honest, I was afraid of messing up your future.”

My scowl catches his breath. “How were you going to mess me up?”

He breathes out hard. “I couldn’t offer you more than a weekend here and there and some time during the holidays. That’s not a relationship.”

He has a point, but I should have had a choice.

He nods. “I can imagine what you’re thinking, I should have talked to you rather than taking off. And you’re right. Leaving was a huge mistake, and I am sorry.” He leans forward and kisses my forehead. “Laundry?”

“Yeah.”

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