She squared her shoulders and willed a smile to her lips. “When could I come by and take a look?”
“Let’s see.” Rachel tapped her index finger to her chin. “I’ve got to pack some things for my roommate—former roommate—and ship them to her, and then clean. Want to swing by Saturday, after our shift?”
She sipped her tea and considered the logistics. Take a quick look at the apartment, pick up Joy, change, and be on her way to Magnolia Grove. Maybe she’d surprise Hunter with news at the wedding? The longest rescue in history was finally coming to an end. He could have his life back.
He could have her heart, too, if he wanted it, but fairness—and, okay, also pride—demanded she offer it while standing on her own two feet.
That sounded like a huge step in the right direction. She nodded. “Saturday sounds fine.”
“What do you think?” Rachel leaned against the doorframe and bit her lip.
“I think”—Madison turned a slow circle in the center of the generously sized bedroom—“it’s perfect.”
The blonde jumped up and down and clapped her hands. “Oh, good! I’m really happy you like the place.”
“I do.” She reached into her purse and pulled out her brand new checkbook. “Can I write you a check today?”
“Sure. And I’ll give you keys. That way you can move in anytime. Follow me.”
She followed Rachel down the hall, through the open, airy living room, and took a seat at the kitchen counter.
“Can I get you something to drink?”
“No, thanks.” She wrote out the check, her pulse pounding with excitement and nerves. “I have to get going. Joy and I are headed to a wedding this evening.”
“Fun.”
“I hope so.” Hunter had brought his tux home yesterday, and she’d experienced an immediate, overwhelming desire to see him in the dark suit. She’d gotten him out of his jeans and T-shirt easily enough, but then she’d gotten distracted. Very distracted. She detached the check from the checkbook and handed it to Rachel.
Her new landlord took the check and dropped a key into her hand. “Thank you, roomie.”
“Thank you.” She closed her fingers around the small silver key. A little burst of pride filtered through the dull ache around her heart. This was the right thing to do. She’d surprise Hunter with the good news tonight, after the wedding. A spark of hope trailed after the pride. Maybe this was the first step toward a new beginning for them—a normal relationship instead of some haphazard collision of emotions driven by her precarious situation and his hero complex?
“When do you think you’ll move in?” Rachel asked as they walked to the door.
No point dragging her feet. “Would tomorrow afternoon be too soon?”
“Tomorrow afternoon works for me.” Rachel gave her a hug. “Have fun at the wedding. Catch the bouquet.”
Chapter Twenty
Hunter stared at his phone. The last text from Madison filled his screen.
Leaving now. Running a little late—sorry. I have a surprise for you.
Yeah, well, he had a surprise for her, too, assuming she ever arrived. She’d sent the message almost three hours ago. Even factoring in a stop or two for Joy, she ought to be coming through the door any moment. The reception had officially kicked off. John Legend’s “All of Me” spilled from the speakers while Beau and Savannah whispered and laughed their way through their first dance as husband and wife. As he watched, both sets of parents joined the happy couple under twinkling lights.
They’d picked a romantic venue. The big, old, stone and board building had once been part of a plantation. Now round, linen-draped tables and white folding chairs took up half the room, while the DJ, dance floor, and bar took up the other half. The flowers and finery looked nice against the rough-hewn backdrop. Low lighting and lots of little candles added sparkle.
Beside him, he heard the hiss of a quickly indrawn breath, followed by, “Son of a bitch…”
The outburst came from Savannah’s younger sister Sinclair, the maid of honor. He looked at her, somewhat relieved to see her narrowed gaze fixed on the other side of the room.
“Problem?”
The DJ invited everyone to the dance. Sinclair grabbed his hand. “No problem. Dance with me.” She was on her feet—and hauling him to his—before he had a chance to reply.
She had long legs and could cover a lot of ground when she chose. Apparently she chose to now, because she practically dragged him to the crowded center of the dance floor, hung her arms on his shoulders and pressed her slender body against his. Tight.