Mila had texted Maddox that she was out with Tiffany. And he’d found out their current location and was going to surprise her and rescue her simultaneously.
On his way into the restaurant, though, he and Jackson came face to face in the vestibule.
Neither of them spoke immediately. They just…sized each other up. Finally, Jackson said, “I guess you’re here to meet Mila.”
Maddox stiffened. He knew Jackson was at the gala and he probably heard about them. “Did you talk to her?”
“I said hello.” Jackson didn’t waver. “Is that a problem? We were friends once.”
Maddox lifted his chin. Some friend he’d been. “How’s your fiancée? It seems she finally wrestled you to the ground to set a date.”
Jackson smiled humorlessly. “I’ll make sure you’re invited.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.” Maddox nodded as Jackson maneuvered around him and left. Maddox had only learned that they’d set a wedding date the other day. He wondered if Jackson had finally conceded when he found out that Mila was dating him.
After putting up with Tiffany’s sickly-sweet behavior for a few minutes, Maddox pried his girlfriend away from her and tucked her away safely in the back of his car.
Mila leaned back on the seat and stared into space. “That was exhausting.”
“Did Tiffany interrogate you?” Maddox instructed the driver to take them to his house where they wouldn’t be accosted.
Mila nodded weakly. “I think I managed all right.”
Maddox kissed her hand. “I’m sure you did.”
She met his eyes. “Jackson was at the same restaurant and came over to talk to us.”
Maddox took a breath. Did Jackson still carry a torch for Mila? He should have kept him talking longer. “I know. I saw him on the way in.”
Mila dropped her eyes. “I wish he hadn’t come over. I’m sure Tiffany suspects there was more going on than business.”
Maddox figured that Jackson couldn’t resist taking the risk and talking to her. On some level, he understood. But it didn’t mean he was okay with it.
Maddox put his arm around her and kissed the top of her head. “I think it’s time to leave, don’t you?”
Mila nodded but kept her head on his shoulder.
New York had too many old connections for Mila’s good. It was better to keep her out of their reach.