Speechless, Sherry lay back down on her side but kept squinting at them. Not good. Not good at all. It was obvious that Jake was developing feelings for Madison. Although Madison seemed to tolerate Jake, or even like him, there wouldn’t be a happy ending. This was a temporary arrangement. But Jake didn’t know that, and even if he did, he was a child without any means to protect his heart as adults could.

I would certainly never develop deep feelings for Madison.

Her thoughts wandered to something Rita Mae had said last night, when she had tried to talk to Sherry after the party. She had spoken about Jake being totally defenseless against all of this. What she’d said about the party also rang true for Jake’s relationship with Madison.

Madison’s breathing had become deep and steady. Had Madison been fully awake when she’d talked with her moments ago?

So much about Madison didn’t make sense. After Madison had told her about her childhood and what Danielle had revealed, Sherry had been sure she understood her. But just when she thought she’d figured her out, Madison had kicked out her friends because of Jake and then let him sleep in their…in her bed.

And now this.

Once more, she looked over to the happy, sleeping pair. What a surreal scene.

Her memory of last night was still jumbled. The incredible kisses, the almost shy expression on Madison’s face afterward, and her repeated attempts to tone the party down.

And then Madison had kicked out her friends because of Jake.

Was Madison developing feelings for Jake?

“Mom?” Jake asked in a sleep-drunken voice.

“Yeah, baby?”

Jake let go of Madison and crawled over to give her one of his wonderful hugs. “Good morning.”

“Good morning, sunshine.” A little bit of Madison’s perfume clung to his frame. So strange. Looking over Jake’s shoulder, she met Madison’s gaze.

It was just a hint, but Sherry could have sworn that Madison was smiling before her eyes fell closed again.

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

“Behave, you hear?” Kneeling in front of him, Sherry straightened an invisible wrinkle on Jake’s shirt.

Madison shifted her weight. How often did Sherry plan to repeat that? He’ll be late for his first class if she keeps this up.

Jake rolled his eyes.

“Don’t do that,” Sherry said.

“But Madison does that all the time.”

Sherry glared at Madison.

Madison hid a grin.

“It’s not nice.” Sherry turned back to Jake. “It’s a bad habit and you shouldn’t do it.”

“But why does Madison do it, then?” He pointed an accusing finger at Madison.

Sherry pulled his hand down. “Don’t point at people.”

“Why not?”

It took all of Madison’s willpower not to laugh. “Just do as your mother says,” she said in a hopefully stern voice.

Jake inspected his polished shoes. “Yes, ma’am.”