“Getting caught cheating on a test is a mistake, not cheating on your boyfriend.”
Alana gives me a hurt look and walks past me. “I need another drink if I’m going to deal with this.”
Well, fuck me. Looks I’ll be needing quite a few of those tonight too…
CHAPTER SEVEN
NAtalie
When I looked over and saw some beautiful blonde chick in Madden’s arms, hugging him, it had my heart racing and my blood pumping with anger.
Seeing her legs wrapped around his body as if she owned him made me want to go over there and rip her back by her hair. She doesn’t even deserve to see him, let alone touch him after the way she broke his heart. The fact that she doesn’t see that only pisses me off. She had her chance with him and she ruined it. She needs to back off and stop playing with his heart. She’s already hurt him enough, and I don’t plan on letting her rip his heart out again. Not if I can do anything to stop it.
I’m trying my hardest not to walk over there and blow up in her face for the simple fact that I don’t want to upset Madden and give him a reason to break down right here in front of us all. He hasn’t seen his ex in a year, and I can’t even begin to understand what he might be feeling right now. I need to play this cool and let him react first.
All eyes are on Madden as he stands there with his jaw tense, watching as Alana walks away and disappears into the cabin.
He waits until she’s completely out of sight before he stalks over to me and places his lips against my cheek for show—his way of publicly apologizing for the scene I just witnessed—before he takes off into the woods.
“I think we could all use a drink right about now. I’ll get you started while Madden takes a breather.” Jess sounds nervous as she wraps her arm around mine and begins pulling me away from everyone toward the cabin.
I try my best not to focus on Madden as he disappears beyond the tree line, but I can’t seem to take my eyes away from where he just disappeared. It reminds me of his little breakdown back at Logan’s the other night. I hated the way it made me feel—useless. I feel like I should be helping him right now or something. “I should go talk to him.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. I know it must be hard to watch, but trust me, it’s best to just give him a few minutes to adjust.” She pauses to exhale. “I hope this doesn’t scare you off. They have a long, complicated history, but I’m sure you’ve heard all about it. He has a right to be angry with her. I’m sure a little air will do him some good.”
“Yeah… you’re probably right.” I step into the cabin and look around as Jess goes straight for the kitchen, hoping that Alana isn’t anywhere in sight. She isn’t, which relaxes me a bit.
“Please don’t be pissed over this. Alana really had no idea you two were together, and as far as she believes…” She turns to face me while pouring a couple of mixed drinks. “Madden will never be over her. She’s used to seeing him with random girls on social media all the time, but he’s never brought another girl here before. This is all new for both of them. I can’t imagine being in your shoes, but I hope you understand and give this place a real chance, because you must be really special for Madden to bring you here. I’d love to get to know you. I’m sure all of us would.”
“Understandable. I get it.” I reach for the drink when she hands me one of the cups. I immediately take a sip, feeling as if I need one now. My emotions are all over the place, and I seriously don’t know how to act. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m looking forward to getting to know you all. As far as I’ve been told, you’re all very important to Madden.”
Jess eyes me over the rim of her cup. She can sense my awkwardness as I eye the closed door in front of us that Alana most likely disappeared behind. “She’s here, but things will calm down. I promise. I hate to say it, because Alana