Winning Streak Read Free Page A

life, big brother. I never thought a lot about love until I watched you fall for Allie. She brought out the best in you, and it made me want better for myself. Oh, and as far as your unofficial first date goes, you’re welcome. To a lifetime of happiness.”
    Everyone laughed, raised glasses, and continued the speeches. She tried to listen, but for the life of her, she couldn’t stop watching Madden fidget with his silverware. He
really
could not stand to be at odds with his sister. Yeah, the few times her sisters, Sophie and Shiloh, wouldn’t talk to her had been pretty miserable. Still. She couldn’t remember ever wanting to comfort a
guy
. She’d always been the comfortee and usually as a means to get something.
    After the final speech and applause, conversation picked back up as people finished their entrees. She poked Madden’s foot with the toe of her pump, then cocked her head toward the door. Without waiting to see if he got the hint, she pushed her chair back and slipped into the hallway. Seconds ticked by, and she folded her arms and leaned against the wall. Those signals were universal, right?
    The door opened, and he strode to her with a raised brow. Then he flashed that trademark smile, even if it was missing some wattage. “Was that code for ‘Let’s make out’?”
    She rolled her eyes and dropped her arms. “You are not that dumb.”
    “So, no.”
    “
No
. I just wanted to talk to you because … it looks like you haven’t talked to your sister.”
    “And you can’t bear to see me upset? Saralynn, I’m shocked. You don’t have a rep for being the nurturing type.”
    Her lips parted and scorching comebacks just begged for release, but she held them in check. No, she hadn’t been known for caring about feelings. Honestly, it was a surprising plot twist for her, too, but she
did
care about his for some reason. He had this talent for drawing people in, and apparently sharing that talent didn’t make one immune to it.
    At least his feelings weren’t the only reason she’d brought him out there. “Your relationship with Jacey is your business. It matters to me because I have to release a statement no later than Monday addressing that reporter’s accusation against you. You said you didn’t gamble. I need a little more than that.”
    The hard line of his jaw tightened, and he glanced through the windowed door at the party. “And you think now is a good time?”
    “No, I don’t. But you didn’t come back to the office yesterday, and tomorrow will be an even worse time, and I don’t have your cell number. Just a short explanation. Throw me a bone here.”
    Mischief tinted his eyes, and she cut him off with an accusing finger. “If you make one boner joke, you’ll be wearing my crème brûlée by the end of the night.”
    “Jeez, lighten up.” He lifted his palms in surrender but amusement remained on his face.
    Lighten up.
She’d never been on the receiving end of that before. Just how much
had
this job changed her? No time to worry about it now. “Look, my job is to protect you—the team. To protect the team. Please don’t complicate my life.”
Any more than you already have.
    His amusement turned thoughtful and sort of sweet, which was somehow worse. She squirmed inside, and she
never
squirmed. She used to be the squirm inducer. What the hell?
    “Do you want my number?”
    The notched-up smartass had pushed her last button. She set her hands on her hips so she wouldn’t lunge for his throat.
    Finally, he nodded. “Before the jousting show, a couple of the guys were playing craps. Not me. I hung back. Scotty won big and handed out chips. I put a couple in my jacket pocket.”
    Her eyes felt like they might pop out of their sockets. “If that’s all it was, why didn’t you clear this up earlier? You’re totally innocent.”
    “Now I am. Problem is, I have a pretty long history of being guilty, so it’s hard for Jace to believe anything else.”
    “But you can prove it.