Dare to Desire (Dare to Love 2)

He leaned back in his chair and nodded. “Could be.”

“I’m sorry about that last hit. I know how much football means to you.”

Alex stiffened. He didn’t want to get into his feelings with her. “Thank you.”

“So about the offer, I can send something in writing over to your agent if you’re interested.”

And wasn’t that the question. Was he interested?

* * *

Madison feigned interest in the interview with the Wall Street financial advisor they were trying to bring on board to meet with the players on a regular basis. Helping the guys with their finances from the beginning of their careers would teach them fiscal responsibility and remind them to think of the future when spending or not spending their often substantial incomes.

She was able to give her speech to the man by rote, then she turned to Alex to bolster things with the personal touch, the story of a man whose career had been cut short and how good financial advice had kept him from being broke now. Because he hadn’t already blown through all the money in his bank account, he’d had time to think about his post-injury options without making decisions while in panic mode. Something they wanted the financial advisor to impress upon the players. Then teach them how to save.

But her mind wasn’t on business. It was on what had gone on between Alex and Rachel at breakfast. Her head pounded, and the small, windowless conference room they’d rented for the interview didn’t help. She felt as if the walls and her life were closing in on her. Although she hadn’t seen any sexual interest in Alex’s eyes when he’d looked at his one-time girlfriend, his remaining anger told her there were still feelings there. The thought hurt, but it was true.

She’d had to give him the freedom to explore those emotions and work through them in whatever way he needed. She hadn’t seen a ring on the other woman’s hand, indicating she was, at the very least, not married. Which left all the other woman’s options open too.

Madison’s temple throbbed, and she was grateful when Bill Akins spoke, ending the meeting. “Well, it was a pleasure meeting you both. I need some time to think about your offer. The travel involved will impact my family, so I have to run this by my wife before making any decisions.”

“We understand,” Madison said, gathering her things and placing them in her larger purse.

“And we look forward to hearing from you,” Alex told him. “Hopefully with a yes, you’d love to come on board.”

The other man walked out and shut the door behind him.

“Well, that went well,” Madison said. “Hopefully he’ll agree.” She hiked her purse over her shoulder. “I think I’m going to go back to the room and lie down. I have a headache.”

“Can I get you something for it?” Alex asked, concern in his voice.

“No, thanks. I’ll just go upstairs and rest.” She started for the door.

“Aren’t you going to ask what happened at breakfast?” His deep voice and that question stopped her.

As much as she wanted to know what had gone on with Rachel, a part of her dreaded the truth, fearing the other woman’s return would have to change things between her and Alex on some level.

She swallowed hard. “Sure, I’ll listen. If you want to tell me.”

“Madison.” Her name sounded on a low rumble.

“What?”

He held her gaze. “I didn’t think we played that way.”

Uncomfortable now, she fiddled with her bag strap and laid the heavy bag on the table. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Games. Distrust. I thought we were open and honest with each other.”

She nodded. But her thoughts were slamming around in her head at a rapid pace. The one that stuck out was her biggest weakness. When she’d rekindled this relationship, the one thing she’d promised herself was that she’d be the one to walk away first. She’d meant it then. Now it would be that much harder, knowing how deeply she was already involved. But if she got even an inkling that Alex was still interested in his old girlfriend, she would gather her pride and walk away, head held high.

She straightened her shoulders and met his gaze. “Fine. What happened with Rachel? I want to know.”

“Finally something honest.” He strode to the door and turned the lock, taking her by surprise. He then settled into the big conference room chair and pulled her into his lap.

“Alex—” She squirmed in his lap, but he held on tight. His body was warm and hard, his arms around her solid and safe. She wanted everything with him so badly. And she wanted him for a lot longer than a brief sexual affair.

Somehow she’d given him her heart, and she feared he’d break it again. Whether he meant to or not. She swallowed a pain-filled moan.