Page 50 of Something’s Brewing

“Nope.”

The answer came too quickly . . . and with too much certainty. He turned toward the door. “I’ll pick you up at two.”

She opened her mouth to protest, then thought better of it. Garrett had already disappeared inside.

Madison’s Sunday routine hadn’t changed much, even at the lake. Laundry. A call with Sophie. A quiet reset before the week began.

Her phone rang right on schedule.

“How are you, Mom? Any big plans today?”

“Big plans? Well, I was invited to Garrett’s family dinner this afternoon. Does that count?”

There was a pause followed by a squeal from Sophie’s end. “Family dinner? That’s serious. So does that mean you’re officially dating?”

“No, it’s not like that,” Madison insisted. “They’re just being nice because I don’t have family here. We’re not . . . I mean . . . it’s complicated.”

“I knew it!” Sophie whooped. “Finally!”

“Finally what?”

“Finally admitting you like him. He’s a good guy. I’m happy for you, Mom.”

Before Madison could respond, a soft knock sounded at the door. “Garrett’s here,” she said.

“Don’t hang up, I want to say hi.”

Madison opened the door, took one look at Garrett, and forgot to breathe.

Faded jeans. Blue dress shirt. Sleeves rolled. How could forearms be so sexy?

“Hi,” he said.

“Hi.”

Sophie’s voice came through the phone. “Mom. Still here.”

Madison laughed and handed the phone to Garrett. “Sophie wants to say hello.”

“Hey, squirt,” Garrett said. “How’s college life?”

Madison grabbed her purse and a bottle of wine while he talked, smiling to herself at the easy sound of his laughter.

They walked out the door, Garrett still speaking with Sophie. When he handed the phone back, Madison smiled.

“I’ll call you tonight, okay?”

“Love you, Mom.”

“Love you too.”

She ended the call, and Garrett opened the truck door for Madison, one hand braced against the frame above her head as she climbed in.

She slid onto the seat, aware—too aware—of how close he still was.

He shut the door and circled around.

When he climbed in behind the wheel, their elbows bumped as he reached for the ignition.