Page 217 of No Headlines Please

His eyes were steady. His expression was calm. He looked absolutely lethal. So far, he hadn't said a single word, even as reporters called out questions while the cameras crowded in.

From the sofa, Tessa said, "Wait…I thought he was giving only one interview. There's gotta be fifty people there."

My eyes were still glued to the TV. "Yeah, that's what I thought, too."

Franny said, "It is one interview – just with a bunch of reporters. See?"

Sounding impressed, Tessa said, "You know…that's a smart strategy, getting all of it done at once."

Tessa would know. After all, brand management was her expertise. Still, I held up a hand. "Shush, he's about to say something."

The room went quiet – not only here, but in that Chicago conference room, too.

Maddox's gaze swept the room. "I'll keep this simple." His voice was calm, but it carried. "There's been a lot of noise. Most of it isn't worth repeating."

With no trace of a smile, he said, "I'm glad Sloane was found safe. I hope she gets whatever help she needs."

From the neighboring armchair, Franny muttered, "I hope I can return that book."

On the screen, Maddox continued. "But my decision to call off the wedding was based on information that was private at the time and remains private now. That hasn't changed."

He let the silence settle. "What has changed is the direction this has taken. And let me be clear." A new edge crept into his voice. "I won't allow anyone else to be pulled into it."

From the loveseat, Maisie gave a little squeal. "Oh, my God. That's so romantic. You know he means you."

I didn't answer, because already, a reporter was calling out, "So you're saying you're involved with someone else?"

Maddox replied, "You might say that."

A ripple went through the crowd.

The same reporter asked, "So that's a yes?"

Maddox held his gaze. "Actually, it's a hell yes."

Whoa. I couldn't help but smile.

Another reporter called out, "Does Sloane know?"

When Maddox replied with only an icy look, a different reporter called out, "Well, she does now."

Laughter rippled through the room until Maddox stopped it with a raised hand. "Sloane and I are done, period."

Another reporter called out, "And how about this new person? Can you tell us anything about her?"

"Just this." Maddox paused, his gaze locking on the camera like he was looking straight at me. "When that day comes with her?" His mouth softened just a fraction. "Nothing's keeping me away."

My breath caught. My heart warmed. And I couldn't stop staring.

From my cellphone, Walt's voice called out, "Wait…what day does he mean?"

I startled. In all the excitement, I'd forgotten Walt was still on the line – and on speaker, too.

From the armchair, Franny called out toward my phone, "Oh, come on! You know which day. The big one."

Tessa gave me a puzzled look. "So…are you guys really that serious?"

I looked back to the screen. From that conference room in Chicago, Maddox was still meeting my eyes – even in spite of the pandemonium, in spite of the questions, in spite of everything.