“You all right?” he whispered against her forehead.
She looked up at him. She wanted to kiss him. Maddie tried not to ask for much for herself or be selfish. She’d never wanted anything so deeply and selfishly as she wanted to kiss him.
“Fine. Great. You order breakfast. I’m going to get ready.” She yanked herself from his arms and avoided looking at his face. She grabbed her bag and raced for the bathroom. Shutting herself in, she took long, deep breaths and tried to steady herself. She had no idea how she’d gotten in so deep with Braden in such a short amount of time. She had no idea how to get out of this cavern of intense, romantic, unfamiliar, and distracting feelings.
She’d never been so tempted to say a prayer herself, or text Papa and beg him to have the family pray not just for her and Braden’s safety and success, but for her to avoid falling in love with him. Sadly, she’d never dare open up to her loving family and admit how Braden was affecting her. Even worse, she was afraid she’d already plunged into the chasm of trusting and wanting to love Braden.
ChapterEight
Braden escorted Maddie through the outdoor seating of River Roast, the river glistening next to them and his hand possessively around her waist. She had on a stylish hat, sunglasses, and a fitted knit dress that hugged her smooth curves and kept distracting him. He had been granted more time with her, but that was the best news he had about their relationship, or lack thereof. He’d thought they were growing closer and he was making progress. He’d been more humble, needy, and—he hoped—romantic than he’d ever been in his life.
Maddie’s response? A few tells of rambling and not being her funny self, but that was all she’d given him. She’d shut him out emotionally and was completely focused on the mission. Right now he needed to do the same, to keep her safe and help protect other Americans as well.
He had sunglasses on, which made it easier to search around them for any hidden dangers.
“There he is,” Maddie whispered against his neck, making his pulse quicken.
Braden looked forward and saw Admiral Seamons seated by himself at a four-person table. He had crutches propped against the table because of the gunshot wound to his thigh not long ago. Braden’s heart beat heavier in his chest as he took in the somber but trusted face of his admiral. He hated that nobody trusted Admiral Seamons right now. He could not believe one of his personal heroes was colluding with King Frederick. Braden had looked into Admiral Seamons’ eyes often. Unless the man had been trained by Houdini, Braden had seen that he was loyal and good.
Admiral Seamons’ gaze slowly took in everything going on around him on the outdoor patio and then he searched across the river as well. Was he worried about someone seeing the meeting? As they approached, he focused in on them. Immediately his dark eyes widened and his mouth fell open. He moved as if to stand, but winced as he put pressure on his injured leg and settled back into the chair.
“Lieutenant Moyle?” he asked.
Braden nodded.
“You’re alive.” He let out a heavy breath and passed a hand over his face.
Braden’s loyalty to the man grew. He knew his admiral cared for him and he returned the feeling. “Thank you, sir,” he said with all the emotion he could interject into the words. He got Maddie’s chair for her and then sat down himself.
Seamons’ eyes darted between the two of them. “Madison?” he guessed.
Maddie’s eyebrows rose. “You’re quick.”
He gave a brief smile. “It’s hard to miss a beautiful Delta woman.” He focused back on Braden, not waiting for her response. “They told us you died in the house explosion.”
“Thanks to Maddie, I wasn’t in the house. One of the men who attacked us was.”
“Why would they be going after you?” Seamons mused, not seeming to expect an answer.
Maddie glanced around and said, “Now what information do you have, and how do we know we can trust you?”
The waitress came and they all exchanged pleasantries and ordered waters and a Coke and rum for the admiral.
She left and Seamons zeroed in on Maddie. “Madison, you have to believe I was not in cahoots with Olivet and King Frederick. I only stayed with her to protect Kylee.”
“Kylee’s a grown woman. That’s a little weak.”
He shook his head. “You have no idea the threats that woman is capable of.” He glanced around, then said more quietly, “Please tell Kylee I stayed with Olivet for her. If I reported Olivet’s activities or left her, she would’ve killed Kylee.”
Braden and Maddie looked at each other, but he couldn’t see her eyes behind the sunglasses. She focused back on the admiral.
“Thankfully, she’s in prison now and that’s behind me. If only Kylee would forgive and trust me.”
There was a short pause in the conversation as they both focused on Maddie.
“I’ll tell Kylee,” she finally said.
“Thank you.” Admiral Seamons relaxed into his chair. Did she feel the admiral’s sincerity? Did she trust him like Braden did? What a horrible situation for the admiral to be in.