Page 127 of Falling for the Grumpiest Protector

"I have a few things I need to take care of."

His expression tells me he doesn't believe that for a second. I grab my jacket from the truck bed.

"Maddy, wait."

I stop. Jack comes around the front of the truck. "It's not what you're thinking."

I look at him. "You don't know what I'm thinking."

"No. But I know Javier."

"So do I."

The words come out before I can stop them. And that's the problem. I thought I did.

Jack's expression softens. "He should be the one to tell you."

"Yes."

"He will."

I look across the yard. "Then I'll let him."

I pull on my jacket. Jack watches me. "He cares about you, Maddy."

My throat tightens. That's what makes it hurt. If I didn't believe Javier cared about me, none of this would matter.

"I really do need to go."

Jack looks like he wants to say something else. He doesn't. "Okay."

I start toward my car. With every step, last night follows me. Javier across the table. His hand around mine. His mother's name spoken quietly between us. The stories about his grandfather. Cooking for his unit. The farm.

I didn't expect his entire life over dinner. I still don't. But I'd thought we were beginning to give each other the important pieces.

Maybe Diana is simply one Javier hasn't been ready to give me. That doesn't stop it from hurting that I learned about her from Jack.

I make it almost all the way to my car before I hear my name.

"Maddy."

Javier. I stop. For one second, I consider pretending I didn't hear him. I don't. I turn.

He's walking toward me. Diana remains beside her car behind him. Javier stops a few feet away. His eyes move over my face, then past me toward Jack, then back to me. Something changes in his expression. He knows.

"Maddy."

"Hey."

"You leaving?"

"Yeah. I have a few things I need to take care of."

His gaze stays on mine. He knows that's not the whole answer. I know he knows. Neither of us says it. "I'll see you later." I reach for the car door.

"Madison."

My hand stills. I look at him. He holds my gaze. I could ask him. Who is she? Why didn't you tell me? What else don't I know? I don't.