Slay (Storm MC 4)

***

Three hours later, I pulled my car out of my driveway and drove to Harlow’s café for breakfast with Madison. When I arrived, she was standing on the footpath waiting for me.

I stepped out of the car, locked it and walked to her. “Morning.” I smiled at her.

She returned my smile. “Hey, big brother.” Her arms came up around my neck as she kissed me on the cheek.

I fought the instinct to pull away from her embrace.

“You’re getting better at this,” she said with a wink after she let me go.

“You’ve no idea,” I muttered, and began walking to the café.

She grabbed my arm and stopped me. “Wait! What does that mean?”

Expectation covered her face while she waited for my reply. Not ready to share my thoughts, I said, “Nothing.”

“That was not nothing,” she insisted, and I mentally berated myself for my words.

“Leave it, Madison,” I cautioned.

Her eyes widened. “Oh my god! You’re seeing someone, aren’t you?” Her excitement levels shot through the roof, and I almost expected her to start jumping up and down on the spot.

“Leave it,” I growled and stalked into the café without waiting for her.

Harlow looked up as I entered and smiled at me. I jerked my chin at her, and began walking to where she was at the counter.

“Good morning,” she greeted me. Harlow always had a smile on her face. I wondered if she had many bad days, because it seemed like she didn’t. Except for lately when I’d seen her and Scott arguing.

I scowled at her. “Morning.”

“Having a bad morning?” she asked softly.

“Sorry,” I apologised, not wanting to take it out on her.

“He’s shitty with me for asking him about who he’s dating.”

I turned to Madison who had come up behind me. If I didn’t give her what she wanted, she’d keep pushing until she got an answer. “Yes, I’ve met someone, but I don’t know what it is yet, so can we just leave it for now?”

She stared at me, stunned. And then a huge smile spread across her face. “Yes! Of course we can. I’m just so happy for you.”

Thank Christ.

Harlow stepped in and led Madison away from that conversation. “Are we still on for shopping tomorrow? I really need a new swimsuit.”

I tuned out their shopping conversation and let me mind wander to my day ahead. Merrick wanted to discuss the new construction job we were bidding for, and Ben, my head of security, wanted to discuss a new lead on Blue he had.

“Blade!”

I focused back on the conversation to find Madison staring at me, waiting for me to say something. “Sorry. What?”

“Do you want anything to eat or just coffee?”

She’d give me grief if I didn’t order food. “Eggs on toast and coffee, please,” I said to Harlow.

“I’ll bring it over soon,” she promised, and we made our way to a table.

I waited for Madison to interrogate me further, but she surprised me by leaning in close and asking me, “Do you know if everything is okay between Scott and Harlow?”