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At Maddix’s remark, I cut my attention to him. Maddix had risen to his feet and pulled his soaked shirt from his body. He used the material to dab at the water dripping from him.
I wasn’t the only one who didn’t look the same as in high school. He was more ripped. I could grate cheese on those abs. His tattoos were a nice touch too. Not only did they cover his arms but also his chest and shoulders.
We’d planned to get matching ones for graduation, but by then, we’d broken up.
Maddix was staring at me with the look. The one he used to give me before he jumped my bones.
Jesus. Was he still the horny bottom who liked his hands tied up while I screwed him?
“I didn’t want to bother you, dear.” Gladys walked over to the coffee maker. “I heard you up very late last night. Did you have trouble sleeping?”
I cleared my throat. “I slept just fine. Next time, you don’t need to bother anyone when I’m around.”
“It’s no bother at all,” Maddix said. “I’m used to popping by and helping.”
I frowned. Just how much had he been helping my grandaunt? Walking around with his shirt off. Knowing Gladys, I wouldn’t put it past her to break her pipes deliberately to see a half-naked man walk around her kitchen just for kicks.
“Put your shirt on, will you?” I snapped at Maddix.
“And spoil the show?” Gladys sipped her coffee.
“You’re not even into men,” I said.
“I have eyes enough to appreciate the beauty of all of God’s handmades. And he sure took his time on you, Maddix.”
Oh, somebody shoot me now.
Maddix laughed. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“You’re gay, aren’t you?”
“Gladys,” I said in warning.
“What? I’m just making conversation.”
“It’s none of your business what he is.”
“It’s okay,” Maddix said. “I don’t mind. Yes, I’m gay.”
“You don’t have a boyfriend, do you?”
Oh hell, I’m going to need coffee for this.
Was Maddix so naïve he didn’t realize what she was doing? If she was bold enough to suggest we went out together, I would have to say no. Going out with him once was all I needed to know we weren’t compatible. Except when we had been in the bedroom. While specifics eluded me after ten years, I remembered how being with him had made me feel. Like there was nothing in the world I couldn’t take on.
“No, not right now.”
I poured a cup of coffee. So he’d been out with someone else, then. What was that like? Dating someone like Maddix openly?
“There can’t be that many gay men in Rosewood,” she said. “Luckily, I know the perfect person for you. He just returned to town and is the sweetest guy you could find.”
I gulped down some coffee, which scalded my tongue and throat. My eyes filled with tears. “Aunt Glad, that’s enough,” I croaked.
“What? Louisa’s grandson would be perfect for him.” She was all innocent looking. “He’s younger, only twenty-four, but that’s not too big an age gap.”
“Louisa’s grandson? You mean you weren’t talking about…”
Maddix raised his eyebrows.
