Page 110 of Dirty Dix

“Ready?” I ask, reaching for her hand and interlacing her fingers through mine.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” she replies, squeezing my fingers and giving me a nervous smile.

“I promise I won’t leave your side,” I say, meaning every word.

“Thank you,” she replies, and we take our first step toward the unknown.

The foyer of the ballroom where this engagement party is being held is quite stunning. This would have cost Sebastian a small fortune, no doubt, but from what Madison has shared with me about his daughter, Beth doesn’t settle for anything but the best. Quite frankly, she sounds like a spoiled little bitch, but I’ve got bigger fish to fry—like Madison’s lowlife, son of a bitch brother.

“Everything okay?” Madison whispers as we make our way toward the entrance.

“Never better,” I lie, my jaw clenching.

“Well, do you think I could have my hand back?”

Looking down, I see her fingers squished under my firm grip, and I instantly loosen my hold. “I’m sorry,angelo,” I say, lifting her fingers and kissing them gently. “I’m taking my promise of never leaving your side a little too literally,” I add while she bursts out laughing.

“Madison?”

Madison and I spin around to see a stunning woman in a navy gown approaching us quickly. Her green eyes, heart-shaped face, and gentle smile give her away. This lady is no doubt Madison’s mother.

“Hi, Mom,” Madison says, letting go of my hand and rushing over to her.

They tenderly embrace, and I watch, happy that Madison’s excitement to see her mom is reciprocated.

“Sweetheart, you look beautiful,” her mother says, pulling out of their embrace and holding her at arm’s length. “I’ve missed you so much.”

“Mom, it’s only been a month,” Madison replies, embarrassed.

“A month too long,” she counters, affectionately rubbing her arm. “So where is this doctor friend of yours?” she asks, wiggling her eyebrows up and down. “I must meet the man who—”

But Madison cuts her off, her cheeks flushing a bright red. “Dixon,” she says, looking over her mom’s shoulder.

Her mother turns around, and the moment her eyes fall on me, I see approval.

“Mom, this is Dixon. Dixon, this is my mom, Rachel,” Madison says as I step forward.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Rachel,” I say, advancing and kissing both her cheeks.

“Likewise,” she replies, her hand fluttering over her heart. “My, my, you failed to mention what a hunk he is,” she adds, turning to look at Madison.

“Mom!” Madison says, her cheeks flushing further while I chuckle.

“What?” she innocently counters.

“Let’s just go inside before you mortify me any further,” Madison replies, tongue in cheek.

“That’s my job,” she replies, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

Madison playfully rolls her eyes while her mother gives me a small smile. “You kids be good. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”

“Okay, let’s leave before my mother says something embarrassing. Oh, wait a second, too late,” Madison teasingly says, latching onto my arm and leading me into the ballroom while Rachel stays to talk to guests.

Laughing, I turn to give Rachel a goodbye wave, which she lightheartedly returns.

Once inside, Madison drags me over to the bar. “Please order anything you like. Alcohol will burn away the memory of meeting my mom.”

“Oh, c’mon, she’s not that bad,” I reply with a grin.

---