Page 34 of Defending Madison

I giggle. “You know me.” Why is it so damn easy to fall under his spell?

He opens the passenger door as I slide in. “Did you get what you wanted for your contract?”

I nod, pulling out a piece of gum from my purse. “Lily is great in contract negotiations. I’ll be going to the Caribbean after the season.” I know my tone is sharp, but he needs to know. “And I won’t be taking a bodyguard on my trip in December.”

The burst of breath he expels answers my question. “Yes you will, Madison.”

“I don’t get it. So, someone sent something that resembles a threat. Maybe it’s just someone being overly dramatic.”

He maneuvers the vehicle into a parking garage and parks. Why do I feel like a scolding is going to happen? His hand moves to my shoulder as I turn to see his solemn face. His frown tugs at my heart. “Team security and CPSP deemed the package and letters to be a threat to you. This wasn’t my decision. To be clear, I completely agree with you having a bodyguard, but it wasn’t my call. Stalkers are unpredictable and while we’re away, CPSP has been investigating the items sent to you. We’ll have a meeting when we get back to Dallas and discuss what should be done next.”

“Okay.” I open the passenger door to his loud sigh. Stepping out of the car, Dixon meets me and wraps his hand around my waist. “How do you know about New York restaurants?”

“I asked Cameron Cambell. He travels here pretty often.”

“Oh. I have a hard time keeping track of all the Campbells. I know Cameron is Lily’s fiancé’s cousin.” We step into the elevator as I continue. “I’ve hung out with Cameron’s fiancée, Kylie. I like her.” Dixon nods as we enter the restaurant, waiting to be seated.

In the middle of dinner, I’m devouring my medium steak with mushrooms and peppers. Elegantly dressed diners fill the tables and mill around the bar. It’s an upscale restaurant owned by a television chef with ridiculously expensive prices. Looking back, I should have talked to Dixon about the choice of restaurant before. Am I paying for his security services or is the team? If it’s me, this meal will be a big charge on my credit card. Eyes are boring into me as I raise my head to Dixon.

“What month did you get for the calendar?”

That’s an out of the blue question. “October. I get to hold a puppy for the photo shoot.”

His brow lifts as he shifts his head. “A puppy? What kind of sexy calendar is this?”

“Who says the calendar is sexy?”

He scoffs. “It’s got you in it, so it’s sexy.”

His compliment warms my soul. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Is the team going to mind you being gone for a few days?”

“No. This was their idea. They want to increase my profile now that I’ve joined the team.”

He sets his napkin to the side of his plate and raises his head at the server. She walks over as I reach for my purse. Dixon leans. “I’ve got it.”

“That’s okay. I’ll pay my way.”

His sigh makes me cringe. “Can’t you forgive me?”

My hand moves slowly out of my bag as I study Dixon. “This has nothing to do with that.”

He clicks his tongue. “I should have told you about Meredyth when we were at the cabin. I didn’t feel married, like in a relationship. She and I were just friends, and by that time she was in remission and we rarely communicated.”

I grip the purse in my lap like it’s a lifeline and take a breath. “You know I have a hard time with trust. My dad was a cheater and a liar. I have a hard time having a relationship with people who misrepresent themselves. It probably started with my first college relationship, then you did your disappearing act. It’s one of the reasons my career is so important. It has been more consistent.”

He nods. “I understand. If I could go back in time, I’d wake you up and tell you that Brian was making us leave, but I didn’t. I’ve made mistakes, but I want an opportunity to be friends again.”

His words pull at my heart. “I thought we were going to be friends, and then Brian told me about you being married, and I have to admit, it hurt. Now I’m here with you and afraid to trust you because you haven’t been honest.”

“I get that.” He takes the bill as the server sets it down, slips in his card, and hands it back to her. Waiting for her to leave the table, he cups my hand with his. “I don’t have any more secrets.” He frowns. “Except top secret secrets that I can’t share.”

“Of course. I just want to believe that the man sitting next to me is real. That you aren’t going to break my heart again or lie to me.”

He edges closer. “I won’t. I am that man.”

Can this be true? The server hands back the bill with his card and he fills it out. I’m staring around the restaurant while hiswords seep into my soul. Women glance at Dixon and scowl at me which makes me chuckle.

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