and Janie had really gone to town the night before. “I’m good, Frank. About that drink…”
“Looks like we’ve got water, whiskey, wine, vodka, tequila…” Dave opened another cupboard. “Coffee, some gross-looking tea…”
“Thank you,” Janie said, entering the kitchen. “Decaf, diet green tea? What the fuck, am I right?”
“You sure are. There’s V8. Dare you to drink that one.” Dave braced against the counter, staring under the cabinets at Frank on the other side of the island. “What’s your pleasure?”
Frank looked at the stools gathered around the island, avoiding Dave’s gaze. “Maybe I better come back—”
The knock at the door cut him off. A flurry of butterflies filled Madison’s stomach. Janie grinned.
“I’ll just grab that.” A computer mouse crunched under her foot as she veered away from the pathway she’d cleared.
Her body sang when she opened the door and laid eyes on the perfect form of the hottest man alive. Going from Frank to this was almost unbelievable. He held two bags of groceries, making his biceps stretch his shirt sleeves.
“Hey,” she said, not quite opening the door. The way Dave was acting gave her the impression Colton wouldn’t be super excited about the situation. “So, just FYI, my ex stopped by. Uninvited, but…”
“Which ex?” His face was unexpressive, but a glimmer of fire lit his eyes.
“Frank. The latest.”
Colton analyzed her for a moment, not speaking. “Should I leave?”
“No!” She laughed. “No, it’s nothing like that. I’m just…warning you, I guess. I don’t know. Forget I said anything.”
“I’m not territorial unless he means you harm, Maddie.”
As if to prove himself a liar, he dropped the groceries beside the door and hooked his arm around her waist, entering the apartment by her side. He stopped up short and his eyes widened at the mess. He grinned. “What did you do?” he said in an undertone.
“Yeah, I know,” she whispered. “Janie’s great idea. Probably. It’s really the worst day Frank could’ve come. Half this stuff was his, as well, though he clearly didn’t admit that to his girlfriend.”
Laughing, Colton turned back for the groceries and closed the door. Clearly, Madison had already made the impression he’d intended to make. He made his way toward the kitchen, passing the couch.
Frank’s face went slack.
“Frank, is it?” Colton asked in a low, rough tone. He put the groceries on the counter and stuck out his hand. “Colton.”
“Hey.” Frank shook, his Adam’s apple bobbing.
“Welcome. Sorry about the mess.” Colton gestured around him, his intense gaze unwavering.
Janie leaned her elbows on the counter with a grin, bracing her cheeks on her fists, watching. Dave was in the same position as before, his stare just as intense as Colton’s. The only sign he’d moved was the fresh drink standing in front of him.
Colton and Dave were like a pair of Rottweilers to Frank’s Shih Tzu.
“I just stopped by to make sure Madison got all her stuff.” Frank dug his hands in his pockets.
“I did, Frank, thanks.” Madison barely kept herself from looking around at the ground.
“Did you want a drink, Frank?” Colton asked. Unlike Dave, he didn’t make a move to see what was available. He didn’t think Frank would be staying long.
The lack of warmth along Madison’s side, or maybe just the lack of Colton, had her drifting toward him, resuming their connection. Frank noticed, his eyes taking on a hollowed look. He slouched even more, if that were possible.
“Or you can stay for dinner,” Madison said guiltily.
Frank’s glance hit Colton for a fraction of a second. He shook his head. “No, that’s okay. I best be getting home to Jenny.”
“Oh, right. How’s that going?” Madison asked.
“Good. Great. It’s going really well. I felt a little guilty that…you know. So I thought I would check on you. To make sure.” His gaze flashed to Colton again, and then away.
“I’m doing really well, actually. I’m glad it worked out for both of us.” Madison tucked a flyaway behind her ear before looking up at Colton. He leaned down to lightly kiss her. When he pulled away, she went up on her tiptoes, wanting it to last a little longer. To go a little deeper. He complied with a smile.
“This is totally awkward for one of us,” Janie said.
“Seriously awkward,” Dave agreed, “for one of us.”
Madison broke the kiss, heat in her cheeks. Taking a deep breath, she smiled at Frank sheepishly. “Sorry. We had a scare with Janie this afternoon, and I’m not myself. Anyway, thanks for coming by. It was great to see you.”
“Sure, yeah.” Frank slouched to