Free Desire for Love (The Club #13) by S.E. Gilchrist Page A

involvement in the bet, he hesitated, their conversation of
last night echoing in his mind.
    She didn’t believe in
love at first sight. Had practically laughed in his face at the idea. Maybe
fessing up should wait a while until she got to know him better. He’d show her
with his words and actions exactly how much she meant to him.
    By the time he came to
this decision, the moment had passed anyway. Already, his babe had pulled her
hands from his and was busily stacking plates while her brother was packing up
their gear. Looked like they were both eager to leave.
    And although he knew they
had no idea how much this time here together meant to him, it hurt like bloody
crazy that they could dismiss him so easily.
    All he could hope, was
for Madeline to give him a second chance.
    ***
    The drive back to Karim
was enlivened with Harrison tuning in the car’s radio to a country and western
station the instant they set off. Madeline took the hint and remained quiet the
entire journey while her brother, after rolling his eyes, stuck his iPod’s buds
into his ears.
    With Harrison and his
attorney buddy on the case, it looked like her problems were about to
disappear.
    I should feel relieved. Well, she did but there was that niggling little voice in the back of her mind
prompting her to wonder what would happen next. Would Harrison walk out of
their lives? He’d said nothing to explain his reason for being involved in the
bet. What if it was just an ego trip between him and his buddies? Some type of
competition with her as the prize?
    The thought made her sick
to her stomach. Disappointment was like a knife twisting in her belly. What had
she expected? Surely not a happy-ever-after?
    The problem was, the
caring and respectful attitude he’d displayed the last couple of days had
kindled a tiny flame of hope in her heart. One she’d never imagined she’d ever
feel. Add that to the strong sexual attraction pulling her like a magnet into
his vicinity, she’d allowed herself to wonder what it would be like, loving
this guy. And being loved by him in return.
    But his silence in
justifying his actions told her he was just like any other guy she’d ever met.
    They turned into her
street and a few minutes later, the pick-up rolled to a stop outside their
house. Slush and mud lay in thick mounds covering the grass. Icicles hung like
ragged banners from the house guttering and the branches of the Drake Elm tree.
Some kids had attempted to make a snowman a few doors down but there was no
sign of anyone playing outside now. Smoke rose from the chimneys of a couple of
houses and the footpaths were deserted of life.
    Studying her home as if
she’d never seen it before, Madeline realized how run-down the building
actually was. The entire street for that matter was hardly any better. I’ll
feel better once I’m inside and the boiler’s on. It’s only the cold
weather that’s making me feel so low.
    “I’ll help bring your
bags inside,” Harrison said and swung out of the car.
    Madeline grabbed the
blankets, while her brother carried his backpack and a duffle bag. They all
trooped up the path to the front porch where Matty unlocked the door and after
a muttered, “Thanks, dude”, rushed inside leaving an awkward silence behind
him.
    “Yes, thanks for helping
me.” Madeline drew in a deep breath. The cold air stung her lungs and she
shivered.
    “No, worries.” He stared
at a point above her head.
    “Listen…” she began when
he didn’t speak.
    “About that bet—”
    “Forget it,” she cut in
sharply. I don’t want to hear his stupid excuses . Let it go. Let him
go. Blindly, she turned for the door.
    His hand clutched her
upper arm. “I want to explain, but I don’t know if you’ll believe me.”
    Her heart just about strangling
her throat, Madeline managed, “Try me.”
    “When I heard about the
bet, I paid off the bloke who they’d voted on to have sex with you.”
    She squeezed her eyes
shut. I don’t know if I