Shit. Dakota was looking for me? And in an official wedding capacity? I could already imagine the girls were pouring over their calendars, trying to find a date that worked best for the ceremony.
That was the reminder I needed to snap me back to reality.
“I should go,” I whispered, stepping out of Maddox’s arms.
“Bristol—” Whatever he was going to say died on his lips, and he let me go.
When I got close enough to Hannah, she lowered her voice. “Did that feel as hot as it looked?”
I blew out a heavy breath, murmuring, “Oh yeah.”
“Well done,” she praised as I headed for the door.
From behind me, I heard Maddox mutter, “Always a pleasure, Hannah.”
“Oh, I know.” Her resulting laughter tickled the back of my brain, reminding me that even if they hadn’t taken things as far as Maddox andI had, there had still once been an attraction, and even now, there was a familiarity between them.
Would there ever come a time when the idea of there being “other women” didn’t bother me? I sure as hell hoped so, or I was screwed.
Maddox had offered to share a ride back to the hotel, but the girls had begged me to stay behind and join them in their post-party girls’ night. When he rubbed at the center of his chest, his eyes swimming with the uncertainty of leaving me behind, I was reminded of his words on the deck.
“It’s easier to breathe when I know you’re near.”
Had he really meant it? Was it truly painful for him when we were apart?
And then there was the biggest question of them all: why me?
Guys knew I was down for a good time, so they never took me seriously, but now, here was this seemingly mature man who wasn’t shy about sharing how deeply he cared about me.
Honestly, I didn’t know how to react. This was all so foreign to me.
Reluctantly, Maddox gave me a sad smile, nodding as he accepted my decision, and told me he’d see me tomorrow at Comets Arena.
The minute the door shut behind him, Hannah pounced, demanding, “All right, spill.”
Dakota’s brows drew down in confusion, even though the permanent glow of happiness never left her bright eyes. “What are you talking about?”
Hannah’s lips curved into a wicked grin. “You want to tell her, or shall I?”
I groaned, throwing back the contents of my wine glass. I held it out for a refill, and Natalie was quick to pour me a healthy serving before offering, “You know, it’s better if you share the details yourself. Hannah has a habit of embellishing for dramatic effect.”
Placing a hand to her chest in mock indignation, Hannah huffed, “I would never!”
Lucy snorted. “Yeah, okay.”
Hannah bit into her lower lip to hide a smile. Holding her index finger and thumb close together, she admitted, “Fine. Maybe just a little.” She spared me a glance, adding, “But our young friend doesn’t need any help in that department. Isn’t that right, Bristol?”
When I glared at her, Dakota snickered. “I remember a time when you were sooooo jealous that I was friends with Hannah. You’re definitely getting a lesson in being careful what you wish for.” She pointed a finger in Hannah’s general direction. “Forget secrets or private moments; Hannah’s all up in your business. And as you’ve already learned, moving halfway across the country doesn’t slow her down.”
Hannah tapped an impatient foot. “We’re waiting . . .”
I took another too-large sip of wine. “It was no big deal. Hannah happened to catch Maddox and me making out on the deck earlier. That’s all.”
Dakota’s blue eyes widened. “Wait. He finally broke?”
“Not exactly.” I still wasn’t sure what to make of his confession.
Lucy held up her hands, halting any additional questions. “Does this have anything to do with me shutting down Arabella Reign for you?”
