Page 58 of Bossy Hero

Regrettably, I end the kiss and release her. Before I pull away, I brush her hair to one side. My sight briefly catches on the scar on her face. On instinct, I drag my fingertips over it.

“I have no right to ask this,” she starts, her voice shaky.

“Ask it anyway.”

“Can you wait for me?”

Hope explodes from my mental box, shattering the lock into a million pieces.

I cup her cheek, my thumb tracing her scar. “Maddie, I’ve been waiting for you since the night we met.”

Her eyes glisten with pooling tears. “You have? It’s been, like, ten years.”

“And I’d wait another ten for one more kiss like that.”

She slowly eases out of my hold, her hand skimming from my neck down my arm until she reaches my hand. To prevent her from slipping away, I entwine our fingers.

I’m not ready to let her go.

“I won’t make you wait that long.”

Bringing our joined hands to my mouth, I kiss the back of her hand. “Then I’ll see you someday soon.”

She nods, backing toward the car. “Someday soon.”

Chapter9

Not-so-happy hour

Maddie

A year later

At some point during my long and tragic marriage, my comfort around strangers evaporated. My social skills are kaput.

It’s not so much the actual communication that vexes me. It’s the ability to interact naturally. Everything feels so forced. Tense. Uneasy.

Outside of my family, the only person I feel relaxed with is Alan. It’s probably because he’s easy to talk to. So protective and kind. He never judges me or makes me feel unworthy.

I can’t wait to get to Florida. And to him.

Once I’m away from this town and everyone in it, I just know I’ll finally be ready for oursomeday.

I’m so close.

Leaving Maine will be hard, though. Drew and his family are here. And my sweet Sammy.

While Drew’s firm in his decision to stay here, there’s a chance Sammy might come. Leo said he’ll go see her this weekend to try to convince her. I think I’ll bake some banana bread for him to take. And if he can’t get her to come, I’ll apply the mom guilt.

I want as much of my family with me as possible when we start this new chapter of our lives.

Janice sets her glass of wine on the table and jumps out of the booth, flinging her arms around a tall man with slick-backed hair and a well-tailored suit.

I’m gonna go out on a limb and assume this is her boyfriend. It’s better than believing my coworker throws herself at random men in bars.

She keeps one arm around him and pats his chest with her open palm. “Madeline, this is my boyfriend, Rick.”

My shoulders hunch forward on instinct, but I force them back.I will not cower from another man.

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