Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 82973 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82973 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
“Shut up,” Matt groused.
“No. Stop moping and listen. You’re not getting over her. I don’t even think you’re trying.”
“I am.”
Nash rolled his eyes. “I’ve seen more effort from a sloth. Ever ask yourself why you’re not getting over her?”
Was his pal insinuating that he was in love with Madison? Since he’d never fallen on Cupid’s bow, Matt didn’t know, but given everything, that seemed…really possible. And if love was the reason his heart refused to let go…maybe he shouldn’t have let his anger and pride make his decisions. Maybe he shouldn’t have given up on them so quickly.
Matt sighed. Or maybe he should have fought harder. Hell, he should probably be fighting right now.
“Yeah. And I’m going to do something about it.” Matt turned and followed Nash’s line of vision. “I see Haisley is here.”
His buddy grinned. “Yes, she is. Damn, that woman…”
“Who has yet to look at you twice?” he teased.
“Fuck off.” He laughed. “I’m getting a brew and going in.”
“Right beside you.”
Nash glared at him. “Dude, if you’re wanting to get back at Madison, don’t hit on her best friend. It won’t end well.”
He had zero interest in the redhead, but he loved yanking Nash’s chain. “Because Madison will be pissed…or you will?”
“Both. Don’t try me.”
Matt burst out laughing. “Don’t worry. I’m just fucking with you. I only want to hear what Haisley has heard from Madison lately.”
Together, they meandered to the bar and ordered a couple of beers. Matt ignored Hannah Jamison as she and another blonde slipped in the front door and wandered toward the pool tables where Haisley and two other ladies stood, all holding glasses of champagne and toasting. Nash swaggered right beside him, giving the beauty with the copper hair a suggestive once-over and a come-on of a smile. Matt saw the attraction. Not only was Haisley’s hair like a beacon, but she had huge green eyes, a pouty mouth, and curves for days. Knowing Nash, it was her sassy attitude that hooked him. That man loved a challenge.
“Game plan?” Matt asked.
“Since telling her she looks mighty fucking fine and that I’d love to take her to bed and make her scream her throat raw won’t work—”
“Tried that already?”
“Yep.”
Matt laughed. “God, that was stupid.”
“I know. I saw her, and I was blindsided. My filter failed me, and the first words in my head just…popped out.”
“Your filter working tonight?”
“Since I haven’t yet told you that you’re a raving moron for sitting on your ass while some other guy makes time with your girl, I’d say so.”
“Ouch.”
“The truth hurts, buddy.”
“Yeah. I already said I’m going to do something about it.”
“What? Are you going to call her again?”
“What’s between us is more important than a phone call.”
Nash gaped. “Are you thinking of going to DC?”
“If she started seeing someone else because I disappeared to get my head on straight, then I need to remind her how good we are together.” And hope things didn’t get out of hand.
Nash nodded. “How? If she’s pissed or hurt, it’s safe to say she’s not going to let you demonstrate with sex.”
“No, Madison deserves an apology and an explanation.” The sex would follow.
It would suck to rip his veins open and bleed for her face-to-face, but he’d do it. Besides, what if his behavior that weekend with her had just been a fluke? What if he wouldn’t be commanding, demanding, and dominating next time?
“That’s not a lame plan.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“When are you leaving?”
Now that he had direction, he didn’t want to wait another fucking minute. He’d given the competition at least a three-week head start and Madison even longer to get over him. “Tonight. I’m going to ask Haisley exactly where to find her. Then I’m going to pack up my Jeep and head north.”
“What about the bosses?”
He grimaced. “I just came back from a week at the Texas border, looking into those coyotes. I don’t think they’ll send me back out just yet.”
Matt had told the rancher who’d hired EM Security to fact-find that he’d seen ample evidence of women and kids being smuggled across the borders. Hell, he even had video. No doubt, those victims had been plucked from everything familiar and would eventually be set up as sweatshop or sex workers. It broke his damn heart.
“All your digging hasn’t turned up any proof about who’s behind the operation?”
Matt shook his head. “There must be locals involved—on both sides of the border. They know the terrain. They know their enemies and allies. And they know when and how to avoid detection. I wouldn’t be surprised if some rogue agents in Customs and Border Patrol are involved, too. But none of those people are organizing this ring. Figuring out who’s funding this shit will take time, but I won’t give up.”
“That rancher is paying EM Security a bundle to make them stop crossing on his land.”