Page 58 of Driven to Love

“You sound surprised.”

“I was, a little. My first impression of Nash was so wrong. Like out-of-the-ballpark wrong.”

“And after his parents’ house?” Marti asked.

“He brought me home, and we found the broken window. Guys, he went all protective hero. He wouldn’t let me go in until he checked out the house. I’m not going to lie. It was kinda hot.”

Marti fanned herself.

“He insisted I call the police.”

“I love a man who takes charge.” Marti snagged another cookie.

“Oh, he took charge and wouldn’t let me stay here until the window was fixed. So, I packed up Lu, and we had a sleepover at Nash’s house.”

“Was Davey home?”

“No. He was at his mother’s.”

“Oooh, that’s interesting.” Marti grinned over the rim of her glass.

“Wait. You and Lu. How did Max and Lu get along?” Laney paused, her wine halfway to her mouth.

“Surprisingly well. I thought Lu would kick the poor pup’s butt. Except he didn’t. They played.”

“Did you and Nash play?” Laney asked.

Heat flooded Addison’s face.

“Say no more.”

“Hold up. I want more. How was it?” Marti leaned in.

Addison couldn’t stop the smile tugging at her lips.

Marti waved her off. “Never mind. From the look of you, he rocked your world.”

“It was… good. Better than good, but…” She scrunched up her face.

“What?” Laney frowned.

“It was strange. I freaked. Not during, but in the morning. I ran like a scared little girl. I never run. Fuck the walk of shame. I strut out the door and own it. Anyway, I took a run to clear my head, and when I got back, I thanked him and said I needed to go home. Other than when he asked for my keys to fix the window, we haven’t talked.”

“You need to.”

“I know. We will. I just needed a day to process it all.” Addison slumped into the chair.

Laney patted her hand. “There’s more going on than you and Nash hooking up. You have a stalker.”

The word slapped her back. She knew someone didn’t like her. Not everyone did, but a stalker? That implied they wanted to do her harm.

“Hey. You have us. We have your back. And now, Nash does too.” Marti put her hand on top of Laney’s and Addison’s.

“And Cade too. We all have your back.”

“Thanks, guys.” For so many years, it was just her mother and her, then Laney and Marti too, but now… She had a feeling she’d need all the help she could get.

Chapter 17