“Aye,” his wife agrees. “We’ve worked up an appetite playing tennis.”
“They are excellent players.” Baxter smiles. “I couldn’t keep up.”
The couple smiles proudly before drifting away.
If only they knew Baxter probably held back to keep them happy.
“What about you, Maddie? Do you play?”
Why is he talking to her? “She—”
“Yes,” she says.
“—does?” I look down at her.
“You didn’t know that?” Baxter smirks. “What a boyfriend.”
“I didn’t tell him,” Maddie says.
Wait, is she defending me? My chest fills up with a feeling I can’t name.
“We should play sometime,” Baxter says, snapping me back to the moment. “Maybe Friday?”
“We’re busy on Friday,” I cut in before he can force Maddie to commit.
“We are?”
“With work.”
“I’m talking evening.” Baxter’s smile is smug.
“We are busy then too.”
“Oh, come on,” he drawls.
“Really? I didn’t know that.” Maddie frowns at me.
“I didn’t tell you. But we’re—” Think.Think. “We’re going on a date.” I keep my gaze firmly on Baxter.
“Oh,” is all Maddie says.
Baxter’s eyes narrow. “Is that so?”
“It is. So she can’t go playing tennis with you.”
His smile is broad. “Too bad, then. Enjoy your date.” He nods toward the Kellys. “I’ll rejoin my tennis buddies.”
I watch him saunter off, knowing I have to explain to Maddie about this sudden date. But glad nonetheless that Baxter doesn’t get to spend any time with her.
Chapter Fourteen
Maddie
I’m pacing my living room. Pacing.
I stop as I feel a trickle down my cheek. I wipe and my fingers come away wet. I’m working up a sweat.
No, no, no.
