Page 101 of Broken Player

"We're glad to hear it, son." My dad gave Maddox a warm smile, one that my boyfriend returned.

"So, that brings me to my next point. Neither Ryan nor Quinn want to be working this ranch," he began, and both Quinn and I started to protest, but Maddox squeezed my hand. "I talked to Joel, and he's willing to oversee both ranches. I think the smart move would be to combine our operations into one, and Joel agrees. If you allow it, Joel will hire all the staff we'll need. And I'll upgrade whatever we need equipment-wise so everything's running like it should."

My dad looked like he was at a loss for words. It was unsettling. My shoulders were tense as I watched him, my breath caught in my throat, waiting for him to decide. I hadn't known Maddox was going to do this, but if my dad agreed, I'd be free. Free to chase my dream, free to follow Maddox to LA. And even better? Quinn would be able to live the life he deserved, too. I quickly turned my head, meeting Quinn's wide, stunned eyes for a second before looking back at my dad.

"I can't ask you to do that. You've already done so much," my dad tried to refuse.

"It's a smart business decision, Alex. If we want to be profitable, and I don't invest to lose money, this is the best move. I've gone over all the numbers myself and had my accountant take a look, too," Maddox argued.

My dad blew out a breath. "Sounds like I can't refuse then, can I?"

"Plus, with the new study, you're going to need all your time for healing," my mom pointed out.

"You got in?" I squeaked, moving to the edge of the couch. This study had the potential to help my dad regain some use of his legs, and I was beyond excited.

"I did," he confirmed, his eyes filled with a hope I hadn't seen in years. It seemed like happiness was free-flowing this morning.

The smile that lit up Maddox's face was nearly blinding. "Congrats, Alex." He loved my dad like his own, and I'd never seen him look happier. He turned to me. "As for you," he said, running his palm along the side of my neck and rubbing his thumb along my jaw. "Come to LA with me."

I was nodding before he finished the sentence. "I'd love to. When do we leave?" My body was humming with excitement. I couldn't wait to go back. I missed LA from college, and the little taste I got a couple of weeks ago wasn't nearly enough.

He chuckled. "I have a couple of other people to ask first, Freckles." He turned to Quinn. "I want you to come with us. Grayson texted me about you, and he wants to get you into his kitchen. There's a spot waiting for you if you want it."

"Fuck, seriously?" Quinn breathed, his elbows resting on his knees. His head fell into his hands as he took deep breaths.

I turned and rubbed his back. "Come on, Quinny. I don't want to go to LA without you."

"I don't know what to say." He lifted his head and grinned at Maddox. "Except, fuck, yes. I'msoin."

"To answer your question, Freckles, now that Quinn's in, we're flying home tomorrow," Maddox answered.Home.I couldn't wait.

He finally turned to his brother. "What about you? What are your plans?"

Griffin shrugged. "I've been lifeguarding for the summer, but that's almost done."

"Feel like coming with us?" Maddox offered, eyeing his brother.

"I'm with Quinn. Fuck, yes. Not to sound like a fangirl, but will I get to meet the band?" he enthused. At that moment, despite all the piercings and the tattoos and his overflowing confidence, he looked like a little boy.

"Considering we're recording a new album, and we're fucking glued at the hip whenever we're in the studio, I'm going to say that's a yes."

Griffin tried to play it cool, but I could see the excitement in his eyes. I think there was some part of him deep down that really, truly worshiped his big brother. He hadn't been anything but open, happy, and enthusiastic since he'd stepped into Maddox's life.

"So we're all agreed?" Maddox asked finally, looking around the room. "Joel's going to handle day-to-day ranch operations for both properties, and Quinn, Ryan, and Griffin are coming back with me to LA?"

We all nodded our agreement. "What about you, mom?" he asked Monica.

"I'm going to head home tomorrow morning. I've got a life there, Griffin's dad and I have been wanting to take a cruise, so maybe we'll do that," she mused. "And hopefully it won't be too long before we get the chance to visit you all. I'd love to see what your life in California's like."

"Sure, mom. Just say the word, and I'll have you on the next flight," he assured her.

"Well, I don't know about you all, but I need a nap before I start packing for tomorrow. It was good to see you again," I said, turning to Monica before pulling Maddox up with me and stalking off for my room. I'd had one overarching fantasy in allthe years I'd known him: Maddox Everleigh naked in my bed. And this afternoon was the last chance I'd get for a long time to make my wish come true. Quinn's knowing laugh followed us down the hall, but I didn't care.

Maddox had swooped in again, the beautiful man before me delivering every daydream I'd ever had on a silver platter. I couldn't wait to start my new life, but right now, I wanted to live in the past just a little longer.

I watched Ryan’s lithe form as she moved around her bedroom, folding and shoving clothes into her suitcase. Her long hair brushed across her bare shoulders. My eyes dropped, following the curve of her waist and traveling down her toned ass before lazily taking in the smooth skin that covered her long legs.

My phone buzzed with a text, and I reluctantly tore my eyes away from the most enticing show I’d ever seen.

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