Alex grinned. Sometimes he actually forgot he was famous, something that had never happened while he was still playing ball.
“Can I get your autograph?” she asked excitedly, searching her pockets for a pen and paper.
He laughed. “Don’t worry. I won’t leave without signing something for you.”
“Thank you!” she practically squealed.
Alex glanced at Madison, who hadn’t said a word since the other woman had recognized Alex. Her tight smile was obvious, at least to him, and she’d taken a noticeable step back and away.
He narrowed his gaze, realizing it was the fame thing that got to her, and he wondered why. She hadn’t seemed to mind when it was Jake, the kid in the wheelchair. But her uncomfortable reaction now was obvious. And that time at the dive bar, she’d made some comment about him signing the bimbo’s br**sts.
Before he could follow his thoughts further, Madison spoke. “I’m going to go into Franny’s room,” she said aloud.
Alex cleared his throat. “I’m coming with you.”
“She’s still sedated, so don’t expect much today, okay?” Katie said to Madison. To Alex, she whispered, “I’ll go find paper and pen.” Her mind was obviously still on getting his autograph.
Madison pushed through the closed door, quietly walking into the room. Alex took in the cheery yellow walls and the floral hanging prints before his gaze came to a halt on a frail woman sleeping in bed.
“Just a little over a month ago, we were having full conversations,” Madison said softly before stepping inside.
“I’m sure if you talk to her, she’ll find it soothing, whether or not you think she can hear you. She’s sedated right now. Maybe next time you see her, she’ll be lucid and having a good day.”
She nodded. “I hope you’re right.”
Even if he wasn’t sure, he knew giving Madison hope couldn’t hurt. “Talk to her,” he said. If anyone needed to express herself, it was Madison.
“Hi, Franny,” she said, pulling a chair up to the bed. “It’s Madison. I brought a friend with me today.”
Alex placed a hand on Madison’s shoulder.
“His name is Alex. I told you and Daniel about him a while ago, remember?”
To Alex’s surprise, the older woman opened her eyes and blinked.
“Franny?” Madison said.
“Gracie?” the older woman croaked.
Madison sighed. “That’s her sister. She passed away,” she explained to Alex.
“No, it’s Madison,” she said, her voice sad.
“I’m thirsty,” Franny said.
“I’ll go get the nurse,” Alex said, leaving the room and returning a few minutes later with a nurse who held a pitcher of water and a cup with a straw.
Before he’d walked into the room again, he’d placed a call to Jonathan and filled him in on what had transpired this morning. The lawyer had promised to do what he could to get an emergency hearing on Monday. He had a judge or two who owed him a favor and would move him up on the docket.
As Alex reentered the room, the nurse was helping Franny to a sitting position and helped her take a sip of water.
“She doesn’t know me today,” Madison murmured.
“It’s probably the sedative we had to give her. You can try again later or tomorrow,” the nurse suggested.
Madison nodded and rose to her feet. “We should get going. Franny, I’m going to make sure you’re not bothered here,” she said, leaning in and giving the unresponsive woman a hug.
Alex’s heart broke for both this woman who was missing out on her life and for Madison, who had again lost someone important. No wonder she was afraid to really trust.
They stepped into the hall and walked to the elevator. Alex waited until they were alone in the enclosed space and hit the pause button.
“Alex!”
“Two minutes.” He backed her against the wall, holding her in place with his body.
“I hardly think this is the time or place for—”
“It’s exactly the right time,” he said, lifting her chin and sealing his lips over hers.
He kissed her firmly, using his tongue and all his coaxing skills until, with a resigned moan, she gave in and wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back. He urged his tongue between her lips and made love to her mouth, thrusting his tongue in and out, rubbing it against hers, mimicking the movement with his lower body rocking against hers.
It took all his willpower to ease back, but he managed, looking deep into her now-glazed eyes.
“What was that for?” she asked, running her tongue over her moist lips.
“That was to remind you that you aren’t alone. You have me. And no matter how hard you try to push me away, I’m going to be right here pushing back.”
She swallowed hard. “Until you’re not.”
He narrowed his gaze. “One of these days, I’m going to put you over my knee and give you a good spanking,” he muttered.
“Alex! Wake up. You’re going to test, they’re going to love you, and you’re going to take the job. Whether it’s weekends or football season only … you’re going to be back in the spotlight.”
“So?” he asked, frustrated, not getting the problem.
“So maybe you don’t remember yourself when you were a star, but I do. And I’m realistic enough to know that you loved that life. The only reason you’re with me now is because that didn’t work out for you. When the fame returns, so will the willing women. In droves. So forgive me if I keep a level head and make sure I can still pull myself together when you decide you’ve had enough of me this time!”
Without warning, a male voice sounded through the elevator speaker. “Is everything okay in there?”
“Yes, sorry.” She pulled out the red button on the wall, and the elevator began its descent once more. “We hit the stop button by mistake,” Madison said in a shaky voice.
Alex wasn’t feeling any steadier as the pieces of the puzzle she’d been presenting since he’d gotten the job offer fell into place. He should have seen it sooner. Madison was uncomfortable with the women who paid attention to him. To him, they were the perks of fame he’d loved as an up-and-coming star quarterback and ones he’d taken advantage of more times than he wanted to admit. And though he no longer encouraged them, when he looked back at the man he’d been before his injury, he recalled how he sure hadn’t pushed those women away when he’d been with Madison in the past.