“Maddox, she’s Axel Devlin’s ex-wife. Axel Devlin. Almost every woman in America wants to be with him. He’s not only famous, he’s loaded. And the worst thing he’s probably ever encountered is a cold. Compare that to me. I’ve spent thirteen years behind bars, have had to watch my back, fight for my life, do things most men never have to. And you know how we grew up.” He stared down at the various nicks and gouges that marked his hands. “Even if she could get beyond what I did, I have too many battle scars.”

He heard Jada say something in the background.

“Jada says to tell you it’s Christmas,” Maddox said. “That means anything can happen.”

“Yeah, for people like Axel.”

“Maybe for you, too. Just so you know, once you walked away, Harper apologized for interrupting us, but we managed to convince her not to hurry back to her table.”

“So where is she now?”

“With her sister and her sister’s husband. She only played one quick game.”

“With you, Jada and Atticus.”

“Yes. And she never once asked how he lost the use of his legs. To be honest, she seemed much more worried about you than she did Atticus.”

“You don’t have to try to mollify me. I’m not a child.”

“I just want you to know how it went.”

“It doesn’t make any difference. Quit worrying. I’m okay. It’s all okay.”

“Tobias, you have a lot to offer. Don’t think you don’t. There’s no one more loyal, more willing to protect those he loves—”

“Stop. I told you I’m fine,” he said and disconnected.

With a sigh, Tobias turned the channel to SportsCenter, but he must’ve nodded off soon after he learned of the latest Clippers victory, because it was late when he opened his eyes again. For a moment he thought the television had awakened him. But then he heard a sound that let him know otherwise.

Someone was at the door.

15

Harper knew she had no business showing up at Tobias’s house, but ever since he’d walked out on her at the Blue Suede Shoe, she’d felt sick inside. She’d been so caught up in her own problems she hadn’t been very thoughtful when it came to him. After all, it had been her idea to sleep together in the first place, and her mistake with the phone. It wasn’t as though he’d done anything wrong.

The night was so cold she could see her breath misting in the air while she waited for him to answer her knock. She’d passed Carl when she drove in. He was standing under the eaves of his father’s house, smoking. The end of his cigarette had glowed red, and she could smell the tobacco once she got out of the car.