"One of the best," Alex murmured, his gaze shifting to hers. An unexpected heat darkened his gorgeous eyes.

Madison shifted in her seat. "So what did you mean by your apartment? What happened to your house?"

He shrugged. "I sold it."

She couldn't have been more shocked. Alex loved his house. Had decorated it to his exact taste, and he'd been so proud to own it. "What? Why?" She couldn't believe he'd parted with his gorgeous Star Island home.

"You know that program we're inst.i.tuting? Post-football planning? Well, even before Ian asked me to help with it, I knew I had to make some serious decisions. I didn't want to worry about not being able to afford the mortgage." He looked away, clearly embarra.s.sed about his change in circ.u.mstances.

She blinked, proud of his foresight and the fact that he'd sacrifice. "Alex, I'm sorry. I know how much you loved the place."

He nodded. "I bought it after I signed my first huge contract, but I didn't grow up with that kind of wealth. I mean, my father had it-his house with Ian's mother was a mansion but my mom kept us in the middle-cla.s.s neighborhood where she felt comfortable. And Dad didn't push because if he bought another huge place, eventually someone would notice him. I'm cool with living within my means and saving for the future."

Warmth filled her chest as she listened to the pragmatic side of him she'd never seen before. She was curious about his childhood, but now wasn't the time to ask. "I think that's brilliant. I know you'll miss the place but-"

"Actually, I don't. It was too big for one person. And it was more for my ego than practical purposes," he said, flushing at the admission.

His reaction only made her like him more, something she didn't want or need, not after he'd offered his help with the lawsuit, something personal and important to her.

"What does your agent say about other kinds of offers?" she asked, knowing he still had to be marketable in many ways.

"I've been one of those a.s.shole clients who didn't want to discuss anything that didn't include playing ball," he said with a wry laugh. "I'm over it now, but I haven't called him since I told him where to shove his last suggestion."

She burst out laughing. "That sounds a lot like you."

He grinned and knocked her breath right out of her chest. It wasn't fair, the effect he had on her. "My agent is a bulldog though. He keeps trying."

She didn't envy him dealing with people like that.

"Aren't you going to ask me about the other thing Emilio said?" Alex asked.

"I don't know what you're referring to," she lied. She knew exactly what he meant. But to talk to him about the women in his life?

No way.

"He said I haven't brought anyone here, and he's right. Maybe you should ask yourself why I brought you."

A frisson of awareness skittered across her skin. "Alex, this is a bad idea. We had our time, and I'm not sleeping with you again." Even if he seemed to have changed, even if she desperately wanted to, she couldn't go there again.

Didn't trust him with her heart. h.e.l.l, she didn't trust anyone, but he'd done the most damage in her adult life. She'd told Daniel all about Alex, and he'd wanted to meet him. Then Alex had broken her heart, Daniel had died, and Franny's mind had developed even deeper holes that caused her to slide in and out of the present. Lately she had moments where she didn't recognize Madison at all.

The last few months had consisted of Madison, all alone, dealing with potential loss yet again, and though Alex was the first one she'd thought of for comfort in her darkest moments, he was also the last person she'd ever call. He was back in her life, but if she let him in this time and he reverted to old patterns, she didn't know how she'd handle that kind of disappointment and pain.

He rose from his seat, coming around to slide into the booth beside her. One strong arm slid behind her as he pulled her close. "Here's the thing. I get why you'd say we're a bad idea, but I don't agree. You need someone in your life, and I intend to be there."

She narrowed her gaze. "You really think you've changed that much?"

"Do you call being celibate changed?"

She blinked at that, surprised he'd been so blunt. Shocked to her toes that he seemed to be serious. "a.s.suming I believe you, I have to ask why."

His eyes focused on her in an unsettling way. "Because I couldn't get you out of my head." He slid his hand over hers, the warmth giving her a strong sense of security the likes of which she'd never felt before.

One she didn't trust. She couldn't. Except the part of her that had always longed for complete acceptance and a place to belong wanted to believe.

THREE.

With his hand on the small of her back, Alex led Madison out of the restaurant. She wasn't immune to his touch. Her body came alive, the tingling traveling from his hand straight through to her s.e.x. It seemed her traitorous female parts were more than willing to lead her astray, and she was amazed at how much she wanted to let them.

Darkness had fallen while they were inside the restaurant, and apparently Emilio didn't splurge on parking lights. n.o.body else appeared in the lot, and her car was in a secluded corner, leaving Madison alone with Alex. So now the fates were betraying her too, she thought, as she hit the unlock b.u.t.ton on her key fob.

She waited for him to open the car door, her heart pounding in her chest. Instead, he paused at the side of her vehicle, his dark eyes boring into hers.

A quick pivot of his big body and he cornered her against the pa.s.senger door, enveloping her in his heat. His hard thighs pressed against hers, and his delicious scent surrounded her, making the urge to bury her nose in the crook of his neck and inhale strong. She curled her hands into fists to prevent herself from acting on the crazy impulse.

He slid his hand around the back of her neck, tilting her head up so she had to meet his gaze. His expression was one of determination. "I want another chance."

Want filled her every pore. "Alex-"

He shook his head. "I'm not giving up."

She parted her lips-to disagree, she hoped-and he took full advantage, sealing his mouth over hers, stealing her arguments along with her breath. His tongue tangled with hers, and any rational thought fled in the wake of his kiss. She'd dreamed of tasting him one more time, and he didn't disappoint. He took over the same way he always had, overpowering. Demanding. And she gave in to him as if she were meant to be his.

His tongue gliding in and out, his mouth mating with hers, he gripped the back of her head in his hand, holding her firmly as he devoured her like he was starving and she was his ultimate meal.

She squirmed, needing to get closer, and each movement brought her pelvis in line with his but not close enough. Using his foot, he kicked her leg wider and settled himself between her thighs, backing her up against the car. His hips nestled into hers, his solid erection hard and unyielding against her pulsing core. She was hot and ready and wanting him.

And G.o.d, he felt good. She arched, and he rocked his hips, enflaming her need further. She moaned at the sensual a.s.sault on her and the intense sensations rocking her body.

He nipped her lower lip and immediately soothed the sting with his tongue. "Remember that, Angel? How good we are together?"

Her p.u.s.s.y throbbed to the heat of his words. She remembered. G.o.d, she remembered everything he made her feel.

"I didn't hear you. I asked if you remember." He tugged harder on her hair.

"Mmm-hmm. I remember."

"And it's so good, isn't it? So f.u.c.king hot?" He ground his d.i.c.k into her s.e.x. "Like you've never had before?"

"Or since," she admitted. She hadn't been with anyone since him. She didn't know if he understood exactly what she meant, but he groaned at the admission.

The sound triggered a primal need, and desire took over what remained of her rational mind. She gripped his shirt in her hands, pulled him close, and kissed him again. Licking his lips, sucking on his tongue. He tasted a little like the beer he'd been drinking and a lot like the only man she desired.

Heat wound its way through her body, and she melted under the thrust and plunder of his tongue. She'd missed this. She'd missed him.

His hips continued a constant rotation against her pelvis, and dampness flooded her panties, bringing her closer and closer to an explosive o.r.g.a.s.m. It wouldn't take much. His unique taste, his masculine scent, and the hard planes of his chest beneath her hands all made her so aware of herself as a woman. Another roll of his hips, his c.o.c.k so hard against her c.l.i.t, and she moaned at the delicious waves tempting her.

So close, so close. Another quick swivel of his hips and a jerk of his hard c.o.c.k and she'd- Suddenly she stood alone against the car, confused and frustrated beyond belief. "You're playing games?" Her fingers touched her swollen lips.

His eyes darkened. "No way, Angel. Not anymore. I said I wasn't giving up, and I meant it."

"So...?" She spread her hands. "What's up with you stopping?"

He grinned. "Believe it or not, this is me being a decent guy. With blue b.a.l.l.s, but whatever. Before that kiss, you were against anything happening between us again. So I'm giving you time to digest the fact that not only are we going to happen, but you're going to want it. When you're not climbing the walls with the need to f.u.c.k me, you can decide you want to give us another shot."

She exhaled a shaky breath. "You left me hanging," she muttered, unwilling to address what he really wanted from her.

"I left us both hanging." His voice sounded strained and raw, and for the first time, she realized his restraint was costing him too.

She closed her eyes and blew out a long stream of breath.

His hand slid behind her neck once more, his touch warm and surprisingly gentle.

Her lashes fluttered open as he brushed his lips over hers. "We're not over."

She was very afraid he was right.

Madison didn't sleep well. How could she when Alex's parting words kept repeating in her brain? Not to mention how she tossed and turned all night. When she was awake, Alex's kiss played in a never-ending loop in her mind. And when she slept? Fevered dreams of her body's response had her writhing under the sheets, needing the completion he'd denied her. She awoke in a sweat, her nipples peaked and hardened, her panties soaked with desire, and despite the battery-induced o.r.g.a.s.m she'd given herself before bed, she was still s.e.xually unfulfilled and needy. Which had been exactly his point.

He wanted her to want him. Or at least to admit to wanting him. Which she did, d.a.m.n the man.

She knew that if she gave in, he'd be an attentive lover. He knew his way around a woman's body, and pleasure was his ultimate goal. Hers before his. She shivered at the reminder of his big, talented hands working her body. Could she keep resisting him if he kept up his sensual a.s.sault and deliberate deprivation?

Did she even want to?

She shook her head, knowing she needed more time to think than she currently had, and continued to dress for her coffee date with Riley.

Madison arrived at Starbucks at eleven. She hadn't seen her friend in too long and was glad Riley had suggested they meet up this weekend. Riley's appearances at work had become sporadic, and Madison worried about her friend. She arrived to find Riley waiting for her in the back, two cups on the table.

Madison headed directly for her friend. "Hey, stranger! How are you?"

Riley rose and gave Madison a hug. "I'm good. You?"

"I'm fine." Incredibly h.o.r.n.y, but fine. Her situation with Alex wasn't something she was sure she wanted to bring up over breakfast.

They settled into chairs, and Madison took a long sip of her skinny vanilla latte. "Thanks for ordering. This is delicious."

She glanced over to see Riley had a tea bag hanging out of her grande-sized cup. "Where's the Chai Latte you normally love?"

Riley waved her hand in front of her face. "Don't say those words. G.o.d." She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply.

Madison narrowed her gaze. "What is going on? Are you okay?"

Riley blew out a long stream of air. "I'm pregnant." Despite her paleness, her eyes gleamed with excitement.

Madison gasped in delight. "What? That's so amazing!" She popped up from her chair and came around to give her very nauseous friend a big hug.

Riley hugged her back.

"No wonder you've been out of the office more than you're in." They resettled in their chairs. "Good thing the boss loves you so much," she said with a chuckle before sobering at the all-too-pale coloring of Riley's skin. "Is the nausea that bad?"

Riley grimaced. "I wake up, and I think I'm going to die or never stop vomiting. Some days I can see how Kate Middleton ended up in the hospital." She placed a hand over her stomach. "The good news is that the doctor says I'm almost at the end of it. If I'm lucky."

"How far along are you?" Madison asked.

"Twelve weeks. Hopefully by fourteen, I'll start to feel human again. I really want to enjoy the experience, but man, n.o.body warns you about this."

Madison took in Riley's washed-out face. Now that she looked, it was obvious her usually curvy friend had lost weight, and Riley had a knock-out figure.

"I'm sorry. I hope you feel better sooner rather than later, but I'm sure you'll bounce back."

Riley managed a smile. "Me too."

"So how does Ian feel about all this?"

Riley grinned. "Mr. Controlling is even more controlling. He doesn't get that there's nothing he can do to make this better for me. But he's excited about the baby at the end." She caressed her belly. "And so am I."

Madison's heart swelled for her friend. "I'm really happy for you guys."

"Thanks. So enough about me. What about you? How's the job?"

Since they'd already had the discussion about Riley blindsiding Madison with Alex at work, she let it go now. There was nothing to be gained by rehashing it.

"Well, I love the challenge of creating something new. And I have my first meeting with some of the players next week, so I'm going to be getting back into the people part of the job that I miss. So all's well!" Even Madison heard the forced tone of her voice, but what was she supposed to say? She was conflicted and still wanted the man Riley had put her to work with?

"How is it working with Alex?" Riley, ever perceptive, asked.

"I suppose it's too much to ask you to not bring up his name?"

Riley grinned. "No such luck."

"You suck," Madison muttered.

"That's what best friends are for, to ask the tough questions. So ... is he getting to you?"

Madison closed her eyes and groaned. Of course he was getting to her. It hadn't helped that she'd seen yet another side to him the other night, a softer, giving side. And he'd apologized.

"Yoo-hoo!" Riley waved a hand in front of Madison's face.