I grinned. “I like it when you blush. It turns me on.”
“Okay, we need to have some boundaries here,” she said in her serious work voice, which just seemed to turn me on even more. I still couldn’t fathom how I had worked with her for so long without making a move.
“Boundaries? What do you mean?”
“As tough as this is, I think we need to keep our work life and our personal life separate. I don’t think we’re going to make a very good team if we’re just sitting in the car kissing while the bad guys get away. So, what I propose is that when we’re on the job, we are back to just being partners.”
“God, that’s going to be hard. A full day of not being able to touch you.”
“Yeah, but just think how good it’s going to be when we do get the chance to be alone.”
I grinned. “You have a point there.”
“I always do.”
“Just one more thing though: are you coming over tonight? Because I think we need to have a celebratory dinner now that I’m on the team.”
“Good idea. Anyway, it’s your turn to cook.”
I laughed. “Spaghetti or pastrami?”
“Let’s stick to spaghetti. I’ll bring the champagne. Now, are you ready to go out there and get some bad guys?”
“I’m ready. Team Maverick is back and stronger than ever.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Madison
“Do my eyes deceive me? Do you actually have the day off?” Lyndsey said when I arrived at her house. I’d messaged her the night before and told her to cancel all her plans.
I chuckled. “I have the day off. It’s real!”
“Wow, did they force, you to do this or did you actually do this on your own accord?”
“A little bit of both,” I said. The chief was the one that suggested it. I’d obviously refused, but then he told me that he wouldn’t let me into the office if I came in. “Actually, no, it was the chief’s idea. But I didn’t argue too much. He said he’s going to force myself and Max to take days off every few weeks.”
“Wow, nice boss.”
“He is.”
“So, what are we doing today? My boss said I could have the day off.”
“Aren’t you your own boss?”
She laughed. “That has nothing to do with it.”
“Well, your boss is lovely, then. And I’m not sure. I was thinking that we go dress shopping and maybe go for lunch.”
“Dress shopping? Who are you and what have you done with my sister?” she asked.
I had always been the tomboy of the family. It didn’t help that my job involved never actually dressing the way most women do, but even as a child I’d chosen boyish clothes over girly dresses. I had always liked being comfortable, and I felt like it suited my personality. Lyndsey, on the other hand, loved dressing up. Even though she was incredibly down-to-earth, she still enjoyed wearing dresses and heels and playing around with makeup. She had a whole closet just dedicated to shoes, which was something I had never understood. I had three pairs of shoes in total, and one were heels bought on a whim that I hardly ever wore. Lyndsey had been begging me to go shopping with her for years, but I always turned her down. Usually, I could think of nothing worse. She was looking at me now as if I were an alien that had come down to earth and taken the form of her sister.
“Is it that unusual?” I said even though I knew the answer.
“Are you crazy? It’s the weirdest thing I’ve ever heard you say. Did I hear correct? Do you actually want to go dress shopping? Dress shopping?”
I laughed. “Yes. You heard right. And if you keep mocking me, I’m going to change my mind.”
“Oh, I’m not mocking you. Not at all. It’s the best thing I’ve ever heard you say. But you have to understand why I’m so surprised. This is definitely not something I’m used to you saying. So, you want a dress? Any reason? Special occasion?”
“Max is taking me out for dinner. That’s all, really. We go for dinner all the time too, but I just felt like I should dress up for a change,” I said and shrugged as if it was no big deal.
“You just felt like you should dress up? Oh, Madi, is this love? Because it sure sounds like love to me.”
“Love? Uh, not even slightly.”
She chuckled. “Sure, sure. I believe you.”
“I’ll pretend not to hear the sarcasm in your voice,” I said. “Now, are you going to help me find a dress or what?”
“Of course, I’ll help you. Let’s go now.”
I laughed. “You’re eager.”
“Well, I thought we could stop off first at Dalton’s? He wants us to come for coffee.”
I looked up and saw that she was blushing. “Lyndsey! That’s a great idea. I’m finally going to meet the elusive Dalton.”
“Hey, you’re the one that has been elusive. Hiding away for a year and then running off to a safe house.”
I chuckled. “That’s true. Okay, so coffee at Dalton’s, followed by dress shopping, followed by lunch? I like the sound of this day.”
“Me too.”
I could tell that Lyndsey was nervous for me to meet her boyfriend for the first time. I’d met many of boyfriends before and she’d never once seemed that bothered before. This guy must be something special if she was so worried about what I thought of him.
Dalton lived about a ten-minute drive away and was standing the by the door when we arrived. I thought it was sweet that he was waiting for us and I could tell immediately that he was just as nervous as my sister was. Just like his picture, he had a mop of black hair and round glasses. He was sweet, handsome, and incredibly into Lyndsey. He kept throwing glances her way and smiling at her. I approved of her choice almost immediately.
“So, I hear the two of you met at cooking class,” I said.
“We did. I always knew that the woman I fell in love with would end up being passionate about cooking. I think most of our dates revolve around food.”
“Most of my dates revolve around it too, but I’m never the one cooking it,” I said. I saw that Lyndsey was still grinning from the way he had just casually thrown in how much he loved her into the conversation.
“Don’t you cook?” he asked.
Lyndsey burst out laughing, and I glared at her. “Hey! I can cook.”
“No, you can’t,” she said. “It’s not an insult. I mean, I can’t do half the things you can do. But you can’t cook. You have to admit that.”
“I actually made the most delicious spaghetti bolognese recently.”
“You did? When?”
“When I was in the safe house. I followed a recipe, and it turned out great.”
“You followed a recipe?”
I laughed. All my previous attempts at cooking had involved me completely disregarding the recipe and trying to make something without one. Obviously, they’d all failed.
“I did. You were right; I do need them.”
“Ha! I told you so. Wow, so you actually made something good. Wait a second, did anyone else try this?”
“Yes, Max did.”
“Are you sure Max wasn’t just saying it was good because he wanted to get into your pants?”
“Lyndsey! Well . . . maybe. But the spaghetti was definitely good. It was exhausting, though. I definitely couldn’t cook every day.”
“That’s why you have your little sister to help you out. I have a few Tupperware ready for you to take home, by the way.”
I grinned. “You’re the best.”
“She’s a keeper you know,” I said to Dalton.
He smiled lovingly at Lyndsey and looked at me, “Oh, I know that.”
We said our goodbyes and headed back to the car. The moment we got inside, I turned to look at Lyndsey and squealed. “I love him!” I said.
“You do?”
“Of course. What’s not to love. He’s perfect.”
She sighed. “I think so too. I’m so glad you like him. Although, I knew you would.”
“
He’s so in love with you. Ah, my little sister is all grown up,” I said. “I feel like I’m the little sister now. You’re even taking me dress shopping.”
She chuckled. “It’s good to know I finally have some wisdom to impart on you. Now, let’s go get you a dress. I’m thinking super short, super low cut, and super shiny.”
“No! What’s wrong with you? That’s the last sort of dress I want.”
She burst out laughing. “You do realize I’m just kidding? I know you well enough.”
“Thank goodness. For a second there I was starting to regret asking for your help.”
We made our way over to the shopping mall, where Lyndsey seemed to know the layout like the back of her hand. She had a particular shop that she wanted to take me to and I wasn’t surprised when the shop assistants recognized her.
“How often do you come here?” I whispered to her.
“Often enough. Now, let’s see. I was thinking something like this would be nice,” she said and held out a little red dress.
I shook my head. “No, it’s too much. Can’t we go for something a little more . . . subtle?”
“Okay, fine. I think it will look amazing on you, but I don’t want you to be uncomfortable. So, how about this one? Ooh, and this one too,” she said and passed two dresses to me. The one was a tight black dress, with lace detail around the bottom of the dress that turned into something pretty when it otherwise might’ve been labeled as sexy. The other was a dark green dress, that was long and flowy. Both very different from one another and I wasn’t sure which one would suit me. I kept holding up each one in front of the mirror and trying to figure out which one I liked more.
“You know, the solution to choosing a dress would probably be to try it on,” she said.
“That’s true,” I chuckled. I really was ignorant when it came to shopping.
I walked into the changing room and tried on the dress. I started with the black dress, surprised by how much I liked it. But it was very tight, and I wasn’t sure if it was necessarily the right choice for me. I was just about to pull it off when Lyndsey called out for me.
“Don’t take it off without me seeing it,” she said.
I groaned. “How did you know I was just about to take it off?”
“Because I know you better than you think,” she said.
I pulled open the curtain, and she gasped.
“Good heavens, you’re a girl!” she said in exaggeration.
“Are you going to mock me all day or are we going to take this seriously? Because if you know me so well, you’ll also know that I’m extremely uncomfortable right now.”
“Madi, you look gorgeous. You look sexy.”
“I don’t want to look sexy,” I said.
“Are you kidding me? Who even says things like that? You look incredible. Now, you’re totally getting that dress. But try on the other one too.”
I put my tongue out at her even though I was secretly happy by her reaction and went to try on the next dress. The green dress was beautiful in a whole new way, the fabrics flowed around me and made me feel like a princess. I opened the curtain and smiled at my sister.
“You like this one,” she said.
“I do. Do you?”
“I love it. It’s beautiful. You’re getting both of them.”
“I don’t know . . .” I said.
“Madi, you’re getting both. If you don’t then all that’s going to happen is, we’re going to continue shopping until you can take it no more. Now, we have two beautiful dresses that we found at the first shop we went to. That never happens. We can go for lunch and decide which one you’re going to wear. But you’re getting both of them.”
I looked at the price tags and shuddered. I wasn’t used to spending so much money on clothes. She saw me and laughed.
“You never buy clothes. For once in your life, I want you to splurge a little. Oh, and you’re going to get yourself some sexy underwear too.”
“No way. That’s where I draw the line. Why would I want sexy underwear?”
“I really don’t need to spell it out for you. And if you don’t want to spend any more money then I will buy some for you.”
And so, after purchasing the dresses, we went to another shop where she made me buy a sexy little black number that I refused to show her when I tried on. I also refused to tell her how excited I was to show it to Max.
When we were finally done, we found a little café to enjoy some lunch together.
“I’m exhausted.”
“Shopping is hard work,” she said. “It’s better than going to the gym. Now, which outfit are you going to wear tomorrow?”
“I don’t know. They’re both so different. What do you think?”
“I like them both. But I say go with the black dress. It’s super daring and bold for you, and it will knock the socks right off him. Keep the green dress for another time. Ooh, I wish I could be a fly on the wall tomorrow night.”
“Gross. You want to watch your sister having sex?”
“No. Not for that part. That’s disgusting. I just want to see the look on his face when he sees you all dressed up.”
I sighed. “What if he hates it though?”
“Why would he hate it?”
“Because he’s used to seeing me dressing like I usually do. Maybe he doesn’t like women that dress up? Maybe he’s going to wish I wasn’t wearing a dress.”
She rolled her eyes. “You’re impossible. You look incredible, and he’s going to love it. I’m sure he likes what you usually wear, and I’m sure he likes the fact that you’re not the sort of woman that dresses up all the time. But I’m equally certain he’ll appreciate you dressing up for him.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Trust me. I’m right.”
Later that evening, I sat in bed looking at the two dresses hanging up on the front of the closet. My phone beeped beside me, and I saw that it was Max sending me a text.
Are we still on for tomorrow night? I’m taking you somewhere fancy for a change. A place that might actually have good coffee.
I chuckled and smiled at the dresses.
Oh, we’re definitely on. And, if they don’t have good coffee, we can always go back to your place for some.
We’re going there anyway. Whether the coffee is good or bad, he sent back.
I smiled and willed for the night to come faster.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Max
I was finally starting to feel more like myself again. The memories were mostly back, the pain had subsided, and Madison was back in my life again. I wasn’t sure what was worse: lying in a hospital bed in pain or having her out of my life. It still frustrated me how easily I had given up on her and how determined I had been that I had been in the right. I would never do that again to her, or to me. I would never stop fighting for her. She was worth it. And, as the chief had told us, we both worked better together. We weren’t nearly as good at our job when we tried to do it solo.
The restaurant that I was taking Madison too was a fancy French restaurant called Quatre. As the name suggested, the food came in four sections: two starters, a main, and a dessert. I’d done a lot of research on the place, and everyone had raved about it in the reviews. It was food that people like us would never be able to cook. At our very best we could attempt a good bolognese, but if we wanted perfect dishes, we had to eat out. The restaurant was expensive, but I wanted Madison to know that she was worth it. I wanted her to know that I was just as happy with her at a burger joint as I was in a five-star restaurant. I’d even stepped out of my comfort zone and worn a suit and tie. I didn’t tell Madison that it was fancy, though. I knew she didn’t enjoy dressing up and I didn’t want her to feel any pressure to do so. I didn’t care what she wore, as long as she was with me. I braced myself for how she would tease me for dressing up. She usually saw me in my uniform, or else in casual jeans. We were actually fairly similar in that regard. I could still remember the first time
I pulled up to her driveway and knocked on her door. There was no more meeting at the restaurant or her arriving half an hour late to prove a point. Madison opened the door, and I stood back in surprise at the vision of beauty standing in front of me. In all the years that I had known her, I had never once seen her so dressed up. She was wearing a short black dress, with lace around the edges, and bright red heels. Her hair was loose and had been curled at the edges, and she might actually have been wearing a hint of makeup.
“Wow. You’re so beautiful, Madi. I . . . I’m shocked.” I felt pretty special knowing that Madison never dressed this way for anyone. She had done it for me and coming from her, it meant a lot.
She chuckled. “So am I. I almost changed my mind about a million times and put on some jeans instead. I have never been more uncertain in my life about what clothes to wear. But my sister would kill me if I didn’t wear this tonight. She helped me buy the dress and said that she was going to ask you if I wore it. I cannot believe that girls go through this all the time.”
“I better thank your sister then. You look beautiful no matter what you’re wearing, Madison. But I am still in a very happy state of shock to see you dressed like that for me tonight. Wow. You know, I always knew there was a sexy body hiding under that uniform,” I said.
She laughed. “You’ve already seen me naked. You know exactly what is hiding under my uniform.”
“I have? Oh, how strange, I don’t remember that. Well, you’ll just have to show me later, won’t you? It must have something to do with this screwy memory of mine. Sometimes I just have to be reminded of these things.”
She grinned. “I’ll have to. That can certainly be arranged.”
We walked to the car and made our way to the restaurant. She gasped when she saw where we were going. The bright sign was so big that it was impossible to miss. They had made sure that this was a sign that would be seen from everywhere. Despite the big sign, they had managed to make it look bold and inviting, rather than gaudy and tacky.
“Quatre?” she said as I parked the car. I could hear the excitement in her voice, and I was glad that for it.
Dirty Maverick (The Maxwell Family) Page 21