Still, I slow down and scan the areas behind us. She’d described the car as black with tinted windows.
There are no black cars coming up behind us. The only one is ahead and when I drive past it, it’s a couple and their kid.
Maddie relaxes and I calm down too.
Even if someone was after her, as long as she’s with me, I’d never let anyone hurt her.
I turn down the lane that leads to Dad’s house and Maddie sits up.
“Where are we?”
I smile. The mansion is tucked in the middle of acres and acres of land we explored as children. I can see how it’d awe someone from the city.
“This belongs to your family?” she mutters.
I nod. Herwowis more breathed than spoken and it satisfies me that I can share the beauty with her.
I turn into the final stretch and we pull up to the house. It’s closed off by a wrought iron gate. Once the security cameras spot my car, though, the gate opens and we drive through.
I stop next to Baxter’s Porsche and I’m on guard immediately. He’s probably here so early to stir up trouble before Maddie and I show up.
With a bit of effort, I push away thoughts of my troublesome brother as Maddie and I exit the car. She spends a minute taking in the environment underneath the setting sun.
I’m focused on her instead.
Finally, she meets my eyes. “Can we go in now?”
“Of course.”
I lead us up the steps to the front door and knock.
Almost immediately, the door opens. And it’s none other than Baxter. Why am I not surprised?
His smile grows wider as his eyes fall on us. “Right on time you two.” He nods at me. “Brother.” Then turns to Maddie. “Miss Lowe.”
“Baxter! It’s great to see you again.”
“And you too.” He flashes a practiced grin at her.
“Good. We’re all happy to see ourselves.” I place a hand on Maddie’s lower back to steer her away, but Baxter blocks our path.
“Whoa. Calm down, big guy. What’s the hurry? I’m still saying hi to Maddie.”
“Hi is a single word and you’ve said so.”
“Not to me it isn’t.” He winks, then turns to Maddie. “Hello, again. For some reason Chance doesn’t want me to say hi to you. Think that’s fair?”
Maddie shakes her head, her eyes sympathetic. “Nah.”
“Right? I thought so too.” His eyes sweep over her. “By the way, you look so gorgeous! What?!”
Maddie laughs. “Yeah, right. You’re the one sporting all the bling.” She points to the single diamond stud in his left ear.
He waves a hand and bows his head as though he’s shy, but I know he’s eating up all the attention with glee.
I bristle. Why are we doing this anyway?
“No, that’s all you Miss Lowe. You’re practically glowing.” He slaps a hand on my shoulder.
