Page 90 of Hot Shot
“I apologized.” He gestures between us. “What more do you want?”
“Yeah, you apologized but then proceeded to tell me you were wrong about what you wanted. When I told you I was dating someone, you asked if it was serious. And you then proceeded to not like my answer. Or did you forget? So no EJ. We can’t go on from here like everything is fine.”
“Fine, Madison. If that’s the way you want it. When he breaks your heart, I’ll still be here. Waiting. But I won’t wait forever.”
My mouth drops open.
Did he really say that?
The nerve of this man. The person who was supposed to be my best friend.
For fuck’s sake.
He should be asking to meet the guy I’m dating or at the very least telling me he’s happy for me. Not insinuating that the relationship will end.
Before I can form words to reply, the waitress returns with our bill, and he pays it.
When he asks if I want to talk more, I just shake my head. I don’t know what else to say to him.
He gets to his feet, and I follow him to the door. He holds it open for me and I walk through, right into a brick wall that’s not a brick wall at all.
Chapter thirty-three
Hunter
Glancingattheclockin my truck, I see that I’m on time for dinner with Elias. Not sure how I did that, but I’ll take it.
I get out of my truck and wipe my sweaty palms on my black slacks and adjust the rolled-up cuffs of my button-down. I wasn’t this nervous playing in my first NHL game, but something about having dinner with my half brother brings on the nerves.
I hear my name as I cross the parking lot and turn to see Elias striding toward me.
He’s dressed similarly to me in slacks and a button-down shirt. His brown hair is perfectly styled, unlike mine, which is a mess from how many times I’ve shoved my hand through it.
“Hey, Hunter,” he says, tipping his chin up at me in greeting.
I let out a breath, glad he didn’t try to give me an awkward bro hug or shake my hand. “Hey, Elias. Want to go in?”
“Sounds good to me.” We make our way silently to the door, and I yank it open, ready to step through the doorway when someone collides with me. I recognize that sweet smell anywhere and know immediately who it is, but why is she here?
“Madison?”
“Hunter,” Madison says. “What are you doing here?” She untangles herself from me, wringing her hands and glancing over her shoulder.
Before I can answer, someone steps up behind her. It takes me a second to register who it is. Elias inhales sharply as he comes to a stop behind me.
Remembering that I’m standing in the doorway of the restaurant, I step farther inside, placing my hand on Madison’s lower back and guiding her with me.
“I’m having dinner with my brother,” I answer, gesturing at Elias.
“Elias Stoneheart.” He steps around me, his hand out.
“Madison Harris,” Madison says, shaking his hand.
“My girlfriend,” I add, as if he hasn’t already figured that out.
“Nice to meet you, Madison. I hope you’re keeping him in line,” Elias says, smirking at me.
I roll my eyes at his attempt to defuse the situation before turning my attention to the guy looming behind Madison shooting daggers my way.
