“We got you. Be there in a few.” Walker assures her, giving me an amused look as he hangs up.
“What? Is she okay? Where are we going?”
“She’s perfectly fine. Had too much to drink at happy hour with her friends. Needs a ride home. Your welcome.”
I must look confused because he gives an exaggerated sigh.
“So go pick her up! Duh! How did you ever date before? You suck at it.”
“Jesus, thanks for the support, asshole.” I didn’t date much but I’m not about to cop to that now.
“Well, I am the coolest best friend ever.” He gives me a shit-eating grin.
I flip him off as I head to my room to grab my keys. Okay, he’s somewhat of a cool friend.
Liam
Walking up to the Emerald Eye in Larimar Square, the last person I expect to encounter at a happy hour with Madison is the owner of my hockey team.
“Hi, Liam.”
“Hi, Ms. Robertson.” Yeah, this is all kinds of awkward.
“Joslyn please, Liam.” Well, that’s not making it any less awkward.
“Um. Hi, Joslyn.” Yup, that’s as weird as I thought it would be. Joslyn just looks far too entertained and much more at ease.
“Maddie, your ride’s here.” Joslyn tells her, giving me a sly grin over the rim of her drink.
“Liam!” My name is a drunken shout, and I hide a smile. I have a feeling tipsy Maddie is going to be a handful.
“I’d ride that home. Or at home. Anywhere really.” A girl with dark hair and icy blue eyes announces to everyone. She looks disturbingly familiar, but I can’t place her. My face heats as the entire table of women turn to check me out. Except for Joslyn, thank God, because I’m not sure I could handle that.
“Oh my God! He can hear you, Lexi!” Mel is red-faced with embarrassment, but the black-haired girl just smirks and winks at me. She’s pretty, but I’ve only got eyes for my Mad girl.
“Hands off ladies. That’smyride.“ There’s an explosion of giggles at Maddie’s comment. Her emphasis on “my” has my whole body jumping to attention. She might not mean it the way I want her to, but she did just publicly claim me. My dick is quick to let me know he’s so on board with it.
She sways precariously close to the edge of her chair as she tries to get to her feet. Ace nuzzles her leg and whines.
“I got her, Ace. Don’t worry.” I tell him as I reach out to steady her.
A dark green railing surrounds the patio they’re sitting at, but it’s only about three feet tall so I hop over it. Maddie’s a bit wobbly, and who am I to pass up a chance to hold her?
Looking around the table, I don’t think any of these ladies are even slightly sober. If I weren’t so concerned about getting them all home safely, I’d be enjoying the show, but I’m not leaving them here by themselves, even though it’s still early evening.
“How are the rest of you ladies getting home? No one is driving, right?” I catch Joslyn’s eye. She seems the most sober. She giggles as she sips her cocktail. So much for that theory.
“Oh, I’ve got a ride of my own.” She informs me with a mysterious smile.
“Oh boy does she!” says Joslyn’s daughter, Lily. She owns the financial firm that’s handling my investments. She stopped by and introduced herself during my meeting this afternoon.
“Lily! Discretion please.” Joslyn reprimands her.
“Whatever you say, Mom.” She sasses back.
“Aren’t they great!” Maddie whisper-yells next to my ear. I wince. “I had so much fun tonight.” She sighs and relaxes back against me. I wrap my arms around her to prop her up. It’s justan excuse to hold her, but I’ll take what I can get. I’m so glad she enjoyed tonight.
“They are.” I say with a straight face. I can’t wait to tell Walker about tonight.
