He looked at her.
“It really wasn’t so secret.”
To her relief, he laughed.
“But when we kissed, all of that seemed to disappear until it was just you, me, and whatever song was playing in the background. I can’t even remember, can you?”
“‘Melt with You,’ Modern English.” Tommy grinned sheepishly. “I remember every moment.”
She had him. The moment he admitted to remembering the song (the right song, as it turned out, she remembered too), and she watched his gaze grow heavy at the memory, she knew it was time to put her plan into action.
“I thought about it a lot when I was held captive.” She leaned toward him, handed him the shot glass, and tapped her own against it. “To nice memories.” She raised the glass to her lips, making sure he tossed his back first before she followed suit. “It’s better than I thought it would be.” She rubbed her lips together as she continued to study him. “I had no idea Ira knew his way around tequila.”
“Not much he doesn’t know his way around.” Tommy refilled their glasses and tossed back another. Madison demurred. She couldn’t afford to lose control of the situation.
“Speaking of . . . did you find anything?” She watched him closely, but he shook his head no. “I wish there was some way I could help. I feel so useless hiding out here all day by myself. Not to mention how lonely I get . . .” She reached toward him and traced a series of slow circles along the inside of his arm. “I want you to know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. I know you’re taking a big risk just by agreeing to look after me.”
“You don’t owe me anything.”
“According to Aster, I do.”
“Did she say something?” Tommy pressed.
“She was just being protective. Doesn’t want to see you get hurt. But why would I do that when I’m completely indebted to you?”
She raised her glass, but instead of drinking from it, she wet her lips and said, “I heard your song. ‘Violet Eyes.’”
Tommy closed his eyes and sighed. Madison could sense the battle waging inside him. He was torn between wanting her and wanting to do the right thing, but she couldn’t allow his conscience to win.
“No one’s ever done anything like that for me.”
It was unclear who made the first move, but the next thing she knew she was in Tommy’s arms as he pressed his lips urgently against hers.
Madison leaned into the kiss. Her tongue swirling in tandem with his, she twined her fingers in his hair and anchored a leg over his hip. It felt good to be back in his arms, with her body pushing hard against his. What a shame there was no time to see it all the way to the finish. Still, that didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy it for as long as it lasted.
She dipped her hand low and was delighted by how quickly he responded to her touch. Good. He was right where she wanted him. All that was left now was . . .
“Tommy?” Her voice barely a whisper, she grinned as she pulled the T-shirt over her head and revealed herself to him.
Tommy squinted, struggling to focus.
“Do you love me, Tommy?” She tilted her head and studied him closely.
He blinked several times. Tried to form words he was unable to voice.
She dropped the T-shirt to the ground, and arched her breasts toward him, practically begging for his touch. “Do you think I’m lovely, Tommy?”
He lifted a hand as though it were leaden and fell face-first into her arms.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered, brushing his hair from his face as she settled him gently against the cushions and arranged his body into the recovery position in case he got sick. “You’re going to be just fine. Get some rest now. You’ve earned it. I only hope someday you’ll be able to forgive me.” She tucked the throw around his body and kissed his lips tenderly.
After jotting a quick note, she changed into one of Aster’s ugly sundresses, pocketed the key to Tommy’s car, grabbed her bag and her gun, and stepped into the hall, shutting the apartment door secur
ely behind her.
THIRTY-TWO
ALL MY DEAD DRUNK FRIENDS