Page 18 of Into the Woods

Maddie sighed and shook her head. “Babe, it’s for the Los Angeles Food Bank.”

He scowled. “I can just as easily write them a check here as I can at the event.”

“But at the event you can meet more people who can write more checks,” she pointed out, her tone soft. “And as someone who frequently had to rely on food banks, I know they can never have enough help.”

Ryan’s expression instantly changed from annoyed to pained. “Mads.”

Maddie hadn’t grown up like the rest of us. We’d all had our share of trauma and heartache, but we’d never had to wonder if there would be a next meal or if we’d be evicted from our mega mansions.

“I’m just saying,” she continued, her chin lifted in challenge, “writing a check is good, but setting up a system to keep multiple checks coming in is better. You can do that, Ry. You’re the freaking CEO of Cain Industries. You keep saying you’re going to be different than your father, and this is where you prove it. Show the world you’re more than a kid who had Daddy’s company handed to him.”

Ryan bristled, his icy blue eyes sparking.

Maddie’s hands framed his face. “Show them who you are. Show them why you’re so much more than Beckett Cain’s son. Be the man I know you are.”

I’d known Ryan Cain since I was an infant. We’d grown up together, and I’d seen him in every phase of his life: reckless kid who thought he was indestructible, belligerent adolescent who hated his dad and the whole world, and cold, calculating man who was the reason Phoenix International was founded.

But I had to admit, Ryan Cain ass over head in love was probably my favorite iteration of the man.

Not that I’d ever tell him that.

The way he absolutely crumbled when Maddie looked at him made my chest ache. The way he loved her was the stuff of legends. They’d overcome an evil twin, two sadistic dads, multiple kidnappings, and even a fucking natural disaster.

It was like he’d never even lived until she came along.

And fuck if I didn’t know how that felt.

“Court.”

I blinked and realized Maddie had left Ryan’s side and come to stand in the opening of the great room where everyone usually hung out.

Clasping her hands in front of her, she gave me a worried look. “Are you okay?”

My gaze jumped past her to Ryan, who also arched a brow. Next to him, even Linc had sobered.

I gave Maddie my attention and forced a smile. “Yeah, Mads. I’m good.”

The corners of her mouth tipped up. “Okay, but we’re here if you want to talk.”

I’d rather drink acid. “I know. I appreciate it. Have fun tonight.”

“We will,” Ryan answered for them both, grabbing her hand and tugging her away with a grin. He looked from me to Linc. “Don’t wait up.”

Maddie giggled, the sound one of pure happiness. “Bye, guys!”

Linc followed them to the door and closed it behind them. The heavy fall of his footsteps coming back was a pretty clear warning that I wouldn’t be spending the evening watching reruns of The Office like I’d planned.

His massive body launched over the back of the couch I was chilling on, his foot damn near clipping my head. He landed with a thud, tossing me a wild grin. “What’s the plan for tonight?”

“Nothing,” I replied, my tone even if not a little bored.

His grin widened. “Does this mean you’ve finally decided to give your dick a weekend off?”

I kept my expression stony.

Not that it deterred my best friend. It took a lot to truly bother Linc. The guy was happy playing the comic relief of our quartet. Ryan was the leader, Ash was the brains, Linc was the comedy, and I was the muscle. We all had our roles.

At least, that was how most people saw us. It was the image we’d presented—cultivated—since middle school. But only the four of us knew the truth.

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