I toy with my necklace and try to get my head on straight. We were only ever going to be temporary. I know that. So why do I keep thinking about the moment he rose to his feet without hesitation and wrapped her in a hug?

They look good together, I’ll give them that. I don’t know what I expected Brooke to look like, but she’s gorgeous; the epitome of grace and class. Probably the type of woman who dreams of supporting her husband and raising a family. She would be the perfect partner for him now and into the future.

They make sense together.

We never did.

Maybe the kindest thing I can do for him is give him this night. Maybe there’s a reason we ended up at this bar. Maybe this is why he was supposed to be in the city this weekend. I just happened to be along for the ride.

By the time I make my way back to the table, my mind is made up.

Dempsey moves over so I can sit beside him, but I give him a subtle headshake and reach past him for my wristlet.

“I’m actually not feeling well, so I’m gonna catch a cab back to the hotel.”

He wraps a hand around my wrist, freezing me in place. “Did you get sick? Are you okay?”

I resist rolling my eyes as his caregiver instincts take over. I should have come up with a better excuse. “I’m fine. Or I will be. I just want to go to bed.”

He starts to rise as he speaks. “We’ll head back together. Brooke, it was so good to—”

“No,” I insist, pushing against his shoulder and willing him to sit back down. “Stay. Catch up. I don’t need you to come with me.”

“Maddie.”

“Dempsey,” I mimic his stern brunch daddy voice.

“It was nice to meet you,” I offer, turning to Brooke and mustering up what I hope is a cordial smile.

I look back to Dem and school my expression. “Don’t rush. I’m fine. I’ll see you back at the hotel,” I insist with finality as I stride toward the exit.

I make it as far as the lobby.

I don’t know what he said to Brooke or how he took care of the bill that fast. But before I can push out the doors, his arm is ensnaring my waist.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he hisses in my ear. The heat and stink of the city hits me at the same time I feel his solidness at my back. “I’m not letting you walk around New York City alone at night.”

I don’t stop, but he doesn’t loosen his hold. Instead, he guides me to the corner of the bank of doors, tucked away behind a giant potted plant.