“A place called Dom’s,” she said as she pulled into the parking lot Eric had mentioned.
“Well, I’m glad I’m with you. Who the hell sends a woman around here alone?” Alex asked, outraged.
She swallowed hard. From the gang of kids on the corner in matching colors and jackets to the homeless man who’d camped out across the street, it was no place for her to be wandering around. Suddenly she was glad Alex was here too.
They stepped out of the car, and he strode over to her, hand outstretched. “Keys. I’m driving us out of here.”
Deciding not to argue, she handed him the set. He pulled her against him, his arm wrapped snuggly around her waist as they strode toward the entrance.
Memories of another time, another place assaulted her, forcing her to recall the times he’d held her tight for far different reasons, when they were a involved. And how much she’d enjoyed it. His strength represented a security she’d never known, his scent and touch aroused her, and damn him, once again she found herself wishing for more than he was willing to give. She stiffened, holding herself apart from him as much as she could.
They paused beneath a ratty awning that hung awkwardly and broken above them, and Alex opened the door for her to step inside, his hand still strong and reassuring against her back.
As she walked farther inside, a mildew-like stale smell assaulted her, and she regretted this meeting even more.
“Can I help you?” a bored-looking woman asked.
“Yes, I’m looking for—”
“Oh my God, you’re him!” she said, now bouncing in her platform heels, her large breasts bobbing along with her. “You’re the hot football player, Alex something.” She batted her heavily made-up eyes at him.
“Oh, for God’s sake,” Madison muttered.
Alex turned on his patented charming grin. “I can’t believe you recognize me in Thunder territory,” he said to her.
“Of course I do! You’re so much hotter than our quarterback, but don’t tell him I said so,” she said, leaning close until her breasts brushed his forearm. Her come-on was clear, despite him having walked into the bar with Madison on his arm.
She’d suffered through being invisible when she was with Alex before. Overly enthusiastic women tended to ignore the girl he arrived with, thinking they had a chance anyway. It was rude and ridiculous, and he’d eaten up the attention. She remembered often feeling pushed aside, but she’d accepted it, telling herself it was part of his life. He’d needed to cater to his fans.
“Thanks,” he said, taking a deliberate step away from the ogling female fan. He reached out and squeezed Madison’s hand.
She blinked in surprise. This behavior was new. After she and Alex had broken up, Madison had realized she’d been making excuses for him. He’d chosen to let her be pushed aside. He could have handled meetings with female fans differently.
And this time he had. Unsure what to make of things, she cleared her throat, intending to move forward with her own agenda.
“Excuse me. I’m meeting someone. Eric Grayson?”
“Haven’t seen him,” the woman said without pulling her attention from Alex. Clearly she didn’t take his distance seriously.
Madison frowned and glanced at her watch.
Alex turned to her. “He’s late.”
“Five minutes. Not bad by Eric’s standards.” She’d give him more time. “Are you sure you don’t want to see if she wants an autograph? Her chest is nearly exposed and waiting.” Madison winced at how catty she sounded, but the words were out, as was the hurt from the times he’d ignored her in the past.
She didn’t understand his lack of eagerness over the attention now and couldn’t allow herself to put any stock in its meaning.
Alex narrowed his gaze, concern in his eyes. “Madison—”
Before he could speak, a young guy wearing dark jeans and an old tee shirt, both arms covered in full sleeves of tattoos, strode over.
“I overheard you saying you’re looking for Eric Grayson?” the guy asked.
“Who are you?” Alex asked, pulling her against him protectively.
“Are you Madison Evans?” the man asked again.
She nodded. “I am.”