Page 1 of Bradford

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PROLOGUE

MADDEN

I hadn't imagined spendingmy wedding night in the emergency room while we waited for news about Bradford. A drunk driver had hit him as he walked across the arena parking lot here in Vegas.

Worrying about my friend doesn't stop me from noticing how beautiful my bride looks in the pale pink dress she fell in love with on a shopping trip with the girls. I can't wait to get her out of it.

"I'm looking for someone named Maddy," a nurse shouts into the busy waiting room.

A few snickers later, I realize she's referring to me. "That's me. Madden," I correct her.

"Ah," the nurse says, "it was hard to understand him. Can you come back? He's asking for you."

Tessa kisses my hand. "I'll be here when you're ready. Take your time, okay? I'll be fine." With those words, Rhodes takes my seat.

I quickly kiss my wife and follow the nurse. As I enter the cubicle where Bradford is, I notice a goofy grin on his face. His eyes are focused on the pretty nurse doing something with an IV. I'm married, but I still have eyes.

"What's wrong with him?" I ask.

My friend looks in my direction and smiles. "You're fucking gorgeous."

I frown. "Does he have a head injury?"

The nurse smiles. "No. Dislocated shoulder. It’s just been put back in. Two small fractures. He'll be fine with rest and eventually physical therapy. Sore for a while, though."

"I love you," Bradford mumbles.

"I gave him a sedative as well as something for the pain. It usually knocks the patient out."

"Jesus.” I rub my face with a hand.

Bradford chuckles and grins at the nurse. "Florence Nightingale." He sighs. "I'm going to marry you. Right here in Vegas. He’s—" he points my way "—just got married by Elvis."

I look at the nurse, who is flushed. Her pure white hair is piled on top of her head in a neat bun.

She's a petite little thing. "I'm sorry about him," I say.

"Don't worry. He'll be asleep soon."

Bradford giggles again. "You have to sleep with me."

"Oh hell!” I lean over him. "Hey, behave yourself before you get kicked out."

"I think you better kiss it better,” he continues.

"I hope to hell you're talking to the nurse right now," I mutter. "You're lucky Tessa's out there, otherwise I'd be recording this for the team.”

"Asshole," Bradford grins. "Think she'll give me a sponge bath?" His eyes close and then he snores.

I look at the nurse. "He's not usually like this."

"It's the sedative talking. Don't worry."

"What's your name?"

She blushes again and sighs. "Florence Night." I grin. "Oh."

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