Page 146 of Waiting to Lose
“It’s not like he doesn’t know I’m here. I’m sure by now the pictures of you and me strolling through O’Hare and LAX together have gone viral.”
“Are you sorry?” he questioned.
“No! I told you that I was ready.” Her hands tightened on his chest. “I like being able to finally lay claim to you.”
“Is that what you were doing?” he smirked.
“Did you not notice my death grip on your hand?”
“See, I thought I was the one holding onto you for dear life.”
“Areyousorry?” she asked, raising her head to look at him.
“I’ve wanted to show you off to the world since the minute you became mine. I’ve never been prouder.” His lips lingered on her forehead for a moment before he turned toward the window once again.
Madi studied him. The scowl on his face spoke volumes. She knew he hated not being in control. She knew he was more worried about Peter Markum than she was, quite possibly because she always felt safe when Jake was near her. She considered the enormous amount of pressure he was under. Tomorrow morning he had a follow up with the Los Angeles Police Department on Allison’s death, and then he had to deal with the Caleb situation. He was tired, weary, and increasingly distant. She didn’t know how to get through to him or help ease the tremendous amount of stress he was under.
“Hey,” she began. “What do you say we veg out in front of the TV tonight with some popcorn?”
He smiled briefly but it didn’t reach his eyes.
“I have to meet with Dave tonight. Rob’s going to stay with you.”
“You mean Rob’s going to babysit me?” she asked in a growl.
“Madi, please. It’s not like that and you know it.”
Madi took a deep breath to calm herself. “Why don’t I just come with you?” she asked.
“Because I could be a few hours and you’ll be bored to tears.”
Madi rolled her eyes. “There’s stuff you don’t want me to hear, isn’t there?”
Jake leered at her. “Jesus, I don’t want to fight with you right now. Are you trying to piss me off?”
Madi pushed away from him and to the other side of the car. “I’m not trying to do anything besides get you to let me in.”
He scowled “Youarein.How much deeper do you want to be in the shit that consumes my life?”
“I want to be up to my neck in it, the way you are, so I can help you.”
“I don’t need your help, Madi. I need you to sit with Rob and let him protect you when I’m not there to do it myself.”
“I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself!” she shouted. “I don’t need to be another job to you!”
Jake gritted his teeth. “You’re not a job, Madi. But if you were, the worst part of it would be having to explain every little thing to you. Can’t you just do what you’re told for once?”
“Do what I’m told?” she shouted in disbelief. The car pulled into the garage of Jake’s building and Madi darted out, slamming the door behind her.
As she huffed her way inside, she heard Rob jutting up behind her. She knew she shouldn’t have fought with him, but his need to protect her from everything was infuriating.
“Merry Christmas,” Rob mumbled as he opened the door.
Madi stalked off to the bathroom without saying a word and slammed that door as well. Madi didn’t like the idea that she needed to be told what she could and couldn’t do. What was so important that Jake had to take off on her on Christmas? Was this thing between them going to work? She paced the room and realized what she needed to do.
