He unlocked the door and walked into the hall. I could hear him going down the stairs, and I wanted to run after him. To fight for a chance to see if this week could be more, but I knew it wouldn’t hold up in the real world.
Abby was his real world. They had been together for a year, and Jax proposed. I hadn’t known him long, but I knew that was something he thought through carefully. Not a rash decision, not like our decisions over the past few days. Their relationship was the real deal, right? Once I flew out of here, their world would restart, most likely with hot sex and discussions of wedding venues and dates.
Grant would love her, and I was sure Daisy and Abby would become besties, if they weren’t already, and plan a beautiful, rustic shindig. The whole town would be there, and Abby would likely be the most beautiful bride there had ever been. With those arms, I was sure she’d choose a strapless dress that was fitted that showed off her freaking fabulous figure.
After the reception, they’d fly off to some tropical destination. Their swimsuit-clad bodies would glisten as they frolicked along the beach in between drinks and more toe-curling sex.
Then on their one-year anniversary, she’d announce she was pregnant. I was certain she would end up being absolutely gorgeous, and the whole damn town would be talking about how she was glowing. Jax would talk to her belly as she lay on the bed we’d been in, and Grant would say what a great big brother he’d be.
Then she’d have the baby, and Jax would be the happiest he’d ever been, while the weather girl would end up with zero stretch marks and lose any baby weight within a week. Everybody would be buzzing about how beautiful she was and that Abby, Jax, Grant, and the new baby Barlowe were the picture of true happiness.
My head hurt, my eyes hurt, and my heart felt like it’d been pulled out and beaten against a wall.
CHAPTER22
ZOEY
My eyes popped open, and I instantly felt that last shot of tequila. Fuck.
The reception went on strong after Daisy and my dad exited. Once she tossed her bouquet and left, Austin and I ordered shots for the whole place and danced our asses off. I slipped the DJ $500 to keep it going for the extra two hours. Money well spent…from what I could remember.
I jumped in Daisy’s soaker tub and instantly felt better, but my mind went to Madison. What in the hell was it with her, and ending up with the wrong maneverytime? I wanted to shake her because she didn’t guard herself AT ALL. She believed what they told her and thought true love was just around the corner, blah, blah, blah.
I’d never have to worry about my heart being busted because I’ll never give it away. I’d certainly dated my share of men—and then some—but wasn’t looking for “the one” because I suspected he wasn’t out there for me. I’d had my one true love, and it nearly killed me. Love may not be in the cards for me, but top-notch sex always is.
I must say, hanging out with Austin had been an unexpected kick. Not my typical type, but he could keep up, was hot as hell, and had a little country bumpkin flair to boot. And he got me home in one piece. A plus.
After pulling on my favorite Vera Wang jeans and red Chanel pullover, I dragged myself into the kitchen. I stood for an entire minute, deciding whether to have coffee or if it was in ahair of the dog situation. I opted for coffee, like a good girl, and two pain reliever tablets.
The door whipped open, and Austin burst into the room.
“Hey, can you get Madison?” Stress was written all over his face.
I crossed my arms over my chest. “Don’t I get a good morning?”
He cracked a grin. “Good morning, Zoey. Can you please, with sugar on top, get your sister and join me in the barn?”
I took a step closer because I wanted to fuck with him and see how uncomfortable I could make him. “Now, why in the hell would we want my sister in the barn with us?” I whispered. “We don’t want things to get out of control, do we?”
I was startled when he stepped even closer and leaned down. “You don’t know out of control until you’ve been alone with me.”
“Look out, cowboy’s got claws.” I tapped him under the chin patronizingly.
“She’s probably awake. Can we go get her?” Austin cocked a brow in warning and crossed his arms over his chest.
I nodded and led the way upstairs and pushed her door open, but nothing. I meannothing.The bed was made, but Madison and her luggage had vanished.
“Huh.”
“Where is she?” Austin slid open the closet door.
I grabbed my phone from my pocket and dialed the Magnolia plane’s pilot and texted Madison, but nothing.
“Maybe she took a walk; let’s go out back.” Austin shook his head.
No Madison outside, or as far as we could see.
“Let’s just go to Jax’s house. She wouldn’t leave, would she?”
