Madison shot Sean a glance, the look on her face speaking volumes. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
Since Madison was a former cop, Sean could only bet that she’d just come to the same conclusion as he had, especially considering how he’d gone off with Madison earlier tonight, and not Tara. His jaw clenched and he tightened his grip around her waist. “It’s worth looking into.”
She leaned closer and he could feel her reaching out to him, unconsciously seeking his comfort, the way she’d done only once before, a year ago. “She’s very possessive toward you.”
An eerie feeling fell over him as he thought more about Tara. Not only did he get the sense that someone was watching him lately, the weird, stalker-like letters were getting more and more threatening. He didn’t recognize the handwriting, but with Tara’s controlling behavior, he’d begun to wonder if they were coming from her. He hadn’t mentioned it to Carter because his friend had been dealing with enough of his own personal shit over the last few months.
“Who are you two talking about?” Carter asked, his deep tone pulling Sean’s thoughts back.
Sean glanced past Carter’s shoulders and scanned the tree line. “Tara Kennedy, a reporter I dated a few times, was covering the photo shoot tonight, and was acting a little possessive.”
Carter grabbed his notepad and scribbled in it. “Okay, I’ll check it out.” He turned his attention to Madison. “In the meantime, you need to find somewhere else to stay.”
“She can stay with me,” Haley said. All eyes turned to Madison’s friend. She’d been so quiet throughout the whole exchange Sean had forgotten she was even there.
Sean shook his head. “No. She’s staying with me.”
“I’ll stay with Haley,” Madison rushed out, and when she tried to break free of his hold, he held her tighter, refusing to let her run away from him this time.
Haley nodded in agreement, but when she saw the look Sean was aiming her way, she began back-peddling. “Oh wait, maybe you should stay with Sean. I forgot. I have a friend coming in from out of town and she needs the spare room.”
“Haley,” Madison said, her voice grating in warning. “What are you talking about?”
Haley whacked her palm to her forehead. “Totally slipped my mind.”
“I’m your best friend and you just conveniently forgot to tell me that.”
“I’m also needed at the hospital bright and early tomorrow morning so I won’t be there when you wake up, and after the fire, I’d rather you not be left alone.” She gave a big smile and added, “A therapist’s work is never done.”
“I thought you just said your friend would be there.”
“Oh, well, she has to leave early too.”
“Good, then it’s settled,” Sean said as he climbed out of his work clothes. “You’ll stay with me.”
Madison opened her mouth to voice an argument, but when a loud noise sounded in the background, Carter said, “Get her out of here.” Madison shook her head and gave a resigned sigh.
With that, Sean guided her back to her car. After he threw his gear into her backseat, he held his hands out. “I’ll drive.”
Madison took one last look at the condo, and when he spotted a wave of discomfort moving over her face, his heart went out to her.
She absently shook her head and said, “I can drive.”
Sean kept his hand out. “I know you can drive, Madison, but tonight we’re doing things my way, okay?”
“Sean…”
“Listen. You’re capable, I know that.” Not only did he know it, it was one of the things he loved most about her, but he also knew that there were times when it was okay for a person to drop their guard and let someone else take care of them. And right now was definitely one of those times. “But just give me this, okay? Call it male pride if you have to.”
A moment of hesitation, then he felt something in her give. “Fine,” she said, and as she slapped the keys into his palm, he heard her grumble something under her breath.
After she settled into the passenger seat, he circled the car. Madison turned her head and watched the smoke rise in the sky. Beneath that guarded exterior he once again caught sight of her vulnerability, and it brought his protective instincts out full force.
Sean, of all people, knew how strong she was, and he also knew Madison was always in charge, always taking care of others, and while he respected her and her career, tonight they were damn well going to do things his way. He was going to take care of her, even if it meant tying her to his bed so he could see to all her needs.
Less than ten minutes later they pulled up in front of his bungalow, a house he’d purchased a few years back. He loved his place, even though he rarely spent much time there. He usually crashed at the firehouse, and when he wasn’t working, he was either out with friends or helping out at the animal shelter along with the other guys from the station.
Madison climbed from her seat and met him at the front of the car. He placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her to the side door of his house. When he reached for his keys, he shot her a glance and gave an apologetic look. “My place is a mess.” Honestly, he’d never cared about the disorder before, but it suddenly mattered to him. Probably because she mattered to him and he wanted her to feel safe and comfortable.
“It’s okay,” she said, and stepped inside when he pushed the door open for her.
She stood just inside the doorway and he followed her in, giving her a little nudge. “Come on, make yourself at home.”
Madison slipped out of her sandals and stepped into his kitchen. As she strolled through the house, her sweet
