Page 133 of Falling for the Grumpiest Protector

Helen shakes her head. "She didn't say where."

I nod. "Okay."

She studies me. "Everything all right?"

"No." The answer comes before I can dress it up. "But I'm hoping it will be."

She gives me a small smile. "So am I."

I glance toward the driveway. "If she gets back before I talk to her, will you tell her I came by?"

"Of course."

"Thank you." I head back to my truck.

This time, I don't drive away without trying again. I call Maddy. Voicemail. I wait for the tone.

"Maddy, it's me." I grip the steering wheel. "I came by the house. You weren't there."

"Can we talk? I need to tell you some things I should've told you a long time ago." The words sit there. "I don't want to do this over the phone. I need to see you."

I look toward Helen's house. "Please call me back."

I end the call. The screen goes dark in my hand. For a second, I just sit there.

Then I start the truck.

Chapter Seventeen

Javier

Maddy calls a little after four. I'm halfway home when her name appears on the screen. I pull onto the shoulder before I answer.

"Maddy?"

"Hi." Her voice is quiet.

"Hi."

A beat passes. "I got your message," she says.

"I figured." Another beat. I tighten my hand around the steering wheel. "Can we talk?"

"Yes."

Relief hits hard and immediate. "Can you come to my place?"

"Okay."

"I'll be there in ten minutes."

"I'll give you twenty."

I almost smile. "Thanks."

"See you soon."

The call ends. Atlas leans forward from the back seat and nudges my shoulder.