Dare to Desire (Dare to Love 2)

He narrowed his gaze, but she went on before he could react to that telling statement.

“But the truth is, she probably won’t even know me, so what’s the point of trying to introduce you?”

“What’s the point of denying you care about her? Or that she’s the only family you have left and it hurts you to lose her?” He sat down beside her, his body warm from the shower, his scent clean and strong.

She met his gaze. “You don’t get it,” she said, frustrated. She attempted to rise to her feet, but he grasped her hand.

“You’re wrong. I do.” He pulled her back down beside him. “You’ve had way too much loss and pain in your life. And I contributed to that,” he said, his voice rough with regret. “But if you don’t start to ease up and trust in the people around you now, you’re going to end up—”

“Say it,” she said, folding her arms across her chest to ward off the sudden chill.

He shook his head and rose, walking back into the bathroom and closing the door. He didn’t have to use the words for her to know what he meant.

She was going to end up alone.

* * *

The nursing home was clean and the staff pleasant and accommodating, Alex thought, but he was still depressed just walking into the place. He glanced at Madison, who held herself tightly as they walked toward her foster mother’s room. She hadn’t said much to him since his outburst earlier, and as much as he wanted to regret what he’d almost said, he couldn’t. Not when she was driving him away as often as she pulled him close.

Maybe once this situation with her foster brother was resolved in court, she’d settle and trust Alex more, but for now, he was still busting his ass without knowing how much she really believed in them.

“Ms. Evans?” A nurse approached them before they reached the room.

“Hi, Katie. And I told you to please call me Madison.”

The younger woman smiled. “Madison. I’m sorry you had to get that phone call earlier.”

“Were you here when Eric came by?”

The other woman nodded. “He was badgering Mrs. Grayson about you,” she said, lowering her voice. “He wanted to know how she could put you in charge instead of her own flesh and blood, and then he began yelling.” She paused and glanced over her shoulder. “My supervisor doesn’t like when we gossip,” she explained.

Madison met Alex’s gaze before turning back to Katie. “Thank you. I appreciate you being honest. I’m going to talk to my lawyer and see what I can do to keep him from bothering her again. Although it’s sad. He’s her son.”

The younger nurse touched Madison’s shoulder in understanding.

She looked at Alex then, sudden recognition lighting her gaze. “You’re … Oh my God, you’re the old Tampa quarterback!” She snapped her fingers. “I’m so embarrassed I can’t think of your name, but my husband’s from Tampa, and I’m from Miami, and he’s such a huge fan!”

Alex grinned. Sometimes he actually forgot he was famous, something that had never happened while he was still playing ball.

“Can I get your autograph?” she asked excitedly, searching her pockets for a pen and paper.

He laughed. “Don’t worry. I won’t leave without signing something for you.”

“Thank you!” she practically squealed.

Alex glanced at Madison, who hadn’t said a word since the other woman had recognized Alex. Her tight smile was obvious, at least to him, and she’d taken a noticeable

step back and away.

He narrowed his gaze, realizing it was the fame thing that got to her, and he wondered why. She hadn’t seemed to mind when it was Jake, the kid in the wheelchair. But her uncomfortable reaction now was obvious. And that time at the dive bar, she’d made some comment about him signing the bimbo’s breasts.

Before he could follow his thoughts further, Madison spoke. “I’m going to go into Franny’s room,” she said aloud.

Alex cleared his throat. “I’m coming with you.”

“She’s still sedated, so don’t expect much today, okay?” Katie said to Madison. To Alex, she whispered, “I’ll go find paper and pen.” Her mind was obviously still on getting his autograph.

Madison pushed through the closed door, quietly walking into the room. Alex took in the cheery yellow walls and the floral hanging prints before his gaze came to a halt on a frail woman sleeping in bed.