Dare to Desire (Dare to Love 2)

“Just a little over a month ago, we were having full conversations,” Madison said softly before stepping inside.

“I’m sure if you talk to her, she’ll find it soothing, whether or not you think she can hear you. She’s sedated right now. Maybe next time you see her, she’ll be lucid and having a good day.”

She nodded. “I hope you’re right.”

Even if he wasn’t sure, he knew giving Madison hope couldn’t hurt. “Talk to her,” he said. If anyone needed to express herself, it was Madison.

“Hi, Franny,” she said, pulling a chair up to the bed. “It’s Madison. I brought a friend with me today.”

Alex placed a hand on Madison’s shoulder.

“His name is Alex. I told you and Daniel about him a while ago, remember?”

To Alex’s surprise, the older woman opened her eyes and blinked.

“Franny?” Madison said.

“Gracie?” the older woman croaked.

Madison sighed. “That’s her sister. She passed away,” she explained to Alex.

“No, it’s Madison,” she said, her voice sad.

“I’m thirsty,” Franny said.

“I’ll go get the nurse,” Alex said, leaving the room and returning a few minutes later with a nurse who held a pitcher of water and a cup with a straw.

Before he’d walked into the room again, he’d placed a call to Jonathan and filled him in on what had transpired this morning. The lawyer had promised to do what he could to get an emergency hearing on Monday. He had a judge or two who owed him a favor and would move him up on the docket.

As Alex reentered the room, the nurse was helping Franny to a sitting position and helped her take a sip of water.

“She doesn’t know me today,” Madison murmured.

“It’s probably the sedative we had to give her. You can try again later or tomorrow,” the nurse suggested.

Madison nodded and rose to her feet. “We should get going. Franny, I’m going to make sure you’re not bothered here,” she said, leaning in and giving the unresponsive woman a hug.

Alex’s heart broke for both this woman who was missing out on her life and for Madison, who had again lost someone important. No wonder she was afraid to really trust.

They stepped into the hall and walked to the elevator. Alex waited until they were alone in the enclosed space and hit the pause button.

“Alex!”

“Two minutes.” He backed her against the wall, holding her in place with his body.

“I hardly think this is the time or place for—”

“It’s exactly the right time,” he said, lifting her chin and sealing his lips over hers.

He kissed her firmly, using his tongue and all his coaxing skills until, with a resigned moan, she gave in and wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back. He urged his tongue between her lips and made love to her mouth, thrusting his tongue in and out, rubbing it against hers, mimicking the movement with his lower body rocking against hers.

It took all his willpower to ease back, but he managed, looking deep into her now-glazed eyes.

“What was that for?” she asked, running her tongue over her moist lips.

“That was to remind you that you aren’t alone. You have me. And no matter how hard you try to push me away, I’m going to be right here pushing back.”

She swallowed hard. “Until you’re not.”