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“Thanks. It was…a lot. He was freaked out. It’s been rough.”
For his father, absolutely. Madison’s heart went out to the man for both his loss and his legal troubles. But that didn’t absolve Matt, because she knew he had been in town for weeks and just never bothered to call. “I’m sure he struggled.”
“Yeah. I’m not calling to give you excuses.”
“Then why are you? Do you need someone to talk to?”
“No. I just need to see you. I need”—he paused—“you. Can you come over? I know it’s last minute. I know you might be out with your girls or… But I moved into my rental house, so I’ve got a bedanda sofa now.” His joke fell flat, and his laugh sounded hollow.
Fury burned her. After waiting four weeks to connect with her, he wasn’t explaining or apologizing or saying anything that might have mitigated how used and discarded she’d felt. Nope. He’d picked up the phone for a booty call.
The sex between them had been ungodly good. She wouldn’t deny that. But she refused to sacrifice what was left of her pride to spread her legs for a guy who only called when he wanted a piece of ass. She’d never done the friends-with-benefits thing before because she had self-respect and a good vibrator. She wasn’t changing her mind for him now.
“Actually, I’m in Washington, DC, on vacation with my dad.”
“Oh.” He sounded both surprised and distressed. “I didn’t realize you’d left town. Are you coming back soon?”
“Originally, I was supposed to be home the day after tomorrow, but I might stay permanently. I’ve been offered a job here. And since I arrived, I’ve been seeing someone. He’s attentive and adoring and everything I could have asked for.” She probably sounded a little petty, but didn’t he deserve it?
“Wow.” He blew out a breath. “I haven’t even thought about anyone except you in the last month, but…okay. Sure.”
Wait. He’d assumed she would wait around for him? Without any communication? And was trying to make her feel guilty because she hadn’t? No. Absolutely not. He wasn’t pinning this on her. “I had no idea what you were thinking, since we haven’t talked. I appreciate the invitation to come over tonight and…whatever, but—”
“You’re staying in DC, huh?”
She hadn’t given her dad a decision yet. Her suitcase was packed, and she’d been ninety percent sure she would leave here with him come morning and resume her uneventful life in Lafayette. But the job her uncle had offered her was a definite pay raise from teaching kindergarten. While she loved her students, she’d get to work on an education council, actually forming young childhood education metrics for the entire country—an opportunity she’d never even imagined she’d be afforded.
Then there was Todd. He seemed like everything Matt wasn’t—uncomplicated, happy for her company, and totally smitten. Granted, he’d only given her tepid kisses so far, and those hadn’t been very inspiring, but if they both invested in the relationship, they would grow together as a couple, right?
“I’m still thinking, but I might,” she finally answered Matt. The last thing she wanted was for him to think she would rush home because he snapped his fingers.
“How serious is it with this guy?”
“I don’t think he would appreciate me discussing our relationship with my last hookup. I’m sorry for what your dad went through, and I’m glad you were able to help him. But—”
“Madison, I’ve stayed away because I’m no good for you. I have tried and tried to forget you. I would never want to ruin your life. And I’m still not sure how to avoid hurting you, but I don’t have the strength to keep my distance anymore. Come home. Please.”
What was he saying? Return to Lafayette, despite the fact he apparently thought he’d tear her down and turn her life inside out becausehe“needed” her? Hell of an offer. “If I do, it won’t be for you. And unless you have a real apology, along with an explanation about why you led me on, then stayed silent for so long, we don’t have anything to say.”
Hanging up on him was an empty triumph. The second she did, she felt a sanctimonious vindication. But the next instant, her heart threatened to buckle. A sob rose up. She’d let anger get the best of her, and everything inside her told her she would regret it. Would he ever speak to her again?
Suddenly, a knock sounded at her door. Quickly, she swiped her tears and flipped on her bedside light. “Come in.”
Madison expected her dad. All day, he’d been asking what she’d decided, and she hadn’t had an answer to give him.
Instead, Uncle Martin let himself in with a benign smile and settled on the edge of her bed. “Every time I look at you, I can’t believe how grown up you are.”
She’d last seen him shortly after high school graduation, when her dad had married Beverly. Life and careers and her former stepmom had gotten in the way of the holidays and vacations the brothers had meant to spend together. It was good they were rectifying that now. The visit had been a great one…when she’d been able to forget the way Matt had ripped her heart out.
“You want to know if I’m staying, don’t you?” She tried her best to smile.
“I hate to rush or pressure you, but the council’s administrator can only hold the position for so long. We’d all really love to have you on board—someone young and energetic with recent teaching experience, especially outside an urban environment…”
“The job sounds great. It’s just a big change.”
But what did she have to go home to? Her friends, yes. But she could visit them, along with her dad. And if she returned tomorrow, how soon before she lost the will to resist and found herself in Matt’s bed, settling for the scraps of his affection?
“I know. I know. You didn’t come here expecting to be offered a job, but I promise this is a great one. I’d consider it a personal favor if you accepted.” He hesitated. “So would Senator Pershing.”
