“Aha.” Nicki trailed her index finger along Madison’s neck and down between her breasts before finally grabbing Madison’s belt. She bit her lip, then let go of Madison slowly. “Another time, then.” She whirled around and flounced away with swaying hips as if to show Madison what she’d miss tonight.

Great! Her libido hadn’t gotten the message that there would be a little break. It seemed her woman-in-love-act was as convincing as a person on a diet getting caught in a tub of ice cream.

Should she have called Sherry within the past few days? Or should she have even come for a visit to show the hospital staff what a dedicated partner and stepmother she was?

No. She hated hospitals, and she had no idea what to talk to Sherry about. Not that Madison was shy by any means. Maybe it was because she was about to share her home with strangers. But it had been her call, so she couldn’t very well complain about it now.

Why hadn’t she thought things through? Because you never think things through, that’s why. This was all getting so messy. She needed a distraction. Women were not an option for the time being. So spending time with the boys it was.

Finally, she arrived at their booth, but everybody but Phil and Liam were gone. Probably the others were busy dancing or having some other fun.

“Hey, Mad!” they shouted over the loud music.

Phil waved her over to the free spot beside him. “You look like shit,” he said when she sat. Without waiting for an answer, he took a long drink from his colorfully decorated cocktail.

Was it so obvious that her sleeping issues were back after Danielle’s call? And why hadn’t he commented on it earlier? It wasn’t as if they hadn’t seen each other in days.

Ah, who cares? After meeting Danielle tomorrow, things would get better again. Hopefully. “You know how to flatter a woman,” she said instead of telling him about Danielle. He didn’t know anything about that part of her past anyway. “You’re lucky to be gay or your hand would be your only company in bed.”

“Are we in a shitty mood tonight?” He bent closer and lowered his voice. “Seriously, you look beat. Wanna tell me what’s up?”

It was difficult to hide her surprise. He really seemed to care. “Later. Let me get settled first.” She needed a moment to come up with a believable story. Something she should have done already, but time had passed much too fast somehow.

Now would be her last chance to relax. Later tonight, she’d be back in her apartment to enjoy the calm before the storm even if it was just for a few hours.