The similarities between Zane and Jack, Madison’s brother, were striking. Almost uncanny.
Zane’s piercing blue eyes shone bright against his light complexion and short, sandy-blond hair. He smiled easily from behind a rugged military demeanor, exuding a magnetic air of casual confidence.
Still, studying the man up close, Alex couldn’t shake the feeling. You’re nothing like Jack.
With an mmm, the man looked up at Alex, but didn’t release his hug hostage. “Sorry, Al. I’ve gotta give my Frankie a super squeeze.”
So now I’m Al? And he’s calling Madison “Frankie”?
Grinning, Alex leaned in. “Well, I think you’re neglecting another beautiful woman.”
The second Zane unlocked his choke hold to switch over to Joy, Madison was back in Alex’s arms. As she pressed her body against his, his lips met her ear.
Whispering, he asked, “You okay?”
Tightening her hug, Madison reassured him with a subtle nod. The crease in her brow didn’t escape Alex’s notice as he landed a kiss on her temple. The warmth of her growing smile was a relief.
Fuck what people think. I love this woman. And right at this moment, I’m showing her.
As Alex made a move for her lips, he was interrupted by a loud clap from Zane. Enthusiastically, the man rubbed his hands together. A second later, his hands were on Alex and Madison’s shoulders.
Alex’s glare was enough, clearly telegraphing, You’re lucky you mean anything to Madison.
Zane dropped his hands and pocketed them. “So, what’s the game plan today?”
Helpless, Alex shared a regretful look with Madison. “I have to work. But I can break away early. And Paco—”
“Paco needs to work too,” Madison said quickly, interrupting. She ran a hand over Alex’s chest, assuring him that her mind was set. If they were making progress today, Alex and Paco needed to divide and conquer.
At least you won’t be alone, beautiful.
Smiling, Alex nodded back. “Paco and I will be working. Joy,” Alex said to her with a grin, “I’m challenging you to shop till you drop and get this woman properly fed today.”
Excited, Joy bounced in place with a light laugh, her thrilled squeal filling the lobby. “Exotic Asian food and shopping? Consider it done.”
Pleased, he looked down at Madison, still nestled in his arms. “Your entourage is fluent in five or six languages each.”
“Entourage?” Zane asked, making Alex smile.
“You heard right. We’ll have two escorts and a driver to attend to any needs you all have. They’ll give you privacy but be close enough. You know . . . in case anything comes up.”
“That’s not really necessary, is it?”
From behind, Zane laid his hands on Madison’s shoulders, with an annoying and apparent massage before sticking his head next to hers.
Over her shoulder, he said playfully to Alex, “Come on, Dad. We just want to cut loose and relax.” Jumping back, he added, “I’m fluent in French, Italian, and Chinese, and my karate chop’s pretty killer.”
Zane faked a Bruce Lee stance, then synchronized a few flexes of his biceps and pecs.
Madison jumped in. “Sorry, Zane. I’ll feel better if they come with us. Besides, the more the merrier.”
Alex couldn’t help saying, “See, Zane? Dad doesn’t make the rules.” Looking at his bride-to-be, he found her pout begging for his attention.
Stealing the kiss he missed earlier, Alex held it for longer than he should have. But her fingers stroked his back. And her lips moved with his.
Alex hadn’t lied. Where Madison was concerned, he never made the rules. He’d always be there for her, in any way she needed.
As her kiss lingered, his only thought was, I’m not complaining.
Tearing away, he settled for a last peck before releasing her, and looked around. “I guess they got tired of waiting.”
Madison whipped her head around. “I can’t believe they up and left because we smooched for an hour or two.” Her giggle was infectious, and he laughed too as he glanced at the text on his phone.
“Paco says they’re waiting in the car.” Kissing her palm and smoothing it to his cheek, Alex gave her a stern warning. “Call me if you need anything at all. I’ll be there at a moment’s notice.”
“Don’t worry. I will.”
Her final kiss was released with a sigh, and he held in her scent as she stepped out to the waiting pair of SUVs.
It was the one day Alex was grateful that Madison hadn’t chosen to wear a skirt, opting instead for worn-in capris and a relaxed-fit T-shirt. The girl next door made casual look irresistible.
Perplexed, he watched as Madison leaned into speak confidentially to Paco. With a nod, Paco shut the door he’d been holding and led Madison to the traffic side of the car, ensuring she was safely in before heading back.
Even without hearing the conversation, they clearly both stayed in character. No hugs. No air kisses. Paco was just another employee. No discussions about their closeness. Not even a hint that they knew more than each other’s names.
Once the vehicles were on their way, Alex waited as Paco returned inside. Undoubtedly, Alex’s expression asked the question on his mind.
Paco didn’t exactly have an answer. “I don’t know for sure.” Rubbing his chin, he said, “She said she wanted to sit on the other side, and I didn’t ask any questions. And by the way, Joy says Zane’s a colonel now.”
Alex replied with an eye roll. “A ten-year colonel?” Paco didn't reply. He didn't have to. Their feelings were well understood and mutual.
Replaying the scene, Alex thought through the logistics. Joy was on the street side of the vehicle, and Zane was in the center seat. By Madison entering on the street side, everyone had to scoot over to give her room, moving Joy to the center and Zane to the curb side of the car.
“Hmm.”
“My sentiments exactly. Maybe Zane’s rubbing Madison the wrong way too.”
Both men smiled at the possibility.
Patting Paco’s arm, Alex said, “By the way, that was some kiss the other night.”
With a shake of his head and a mild blush, Paco sneered. “Fuck off.” Straightening his suit, he stalked away.
Chuckling, Alex hurried to catch up. “Was it something I said?”
Eleven
Madison sat in the car, letting her mom hold her hand. It had been four years since they’d seen each other, and talking always complicated things. When they did chat on the phone, they avoided topics that were deep. Or dark. And no mentions of Jack that would upset her. Madison never brought him up, keeping her conversations with her mom to topics like “How’s the weather?” and “What are you reading?”
Joy didn’t know much about Alex past the billionaire label, every mother’s dream. Madison’s dad vouching for him wasn’t exactly necessary, and they all decided it was best not to bring up the remarkable connections . . . especially not—
Jack.
Looking at Zane, Madison found it hard not to think of Jack. They had the same height, the same build, though Zane had certainly enhanced his lean frame over the years.