She was an idiot. A blooming idiot who’d overreacted and blown everything way out of proportion. Brooklyn kept hearing the condemning tone in Dax’s voice when he called her flaky. Maybe she was a flake. So, he had a past. Who didn’t? She’d let her hang-ups about Madison and Justin’s betrayal bleed over into the present. Big mistake. And bringing up the Valentine’s dance from high school? What was she thinking? She sank lower into the tub, hoping the Epsom salt and essential oils from the bath bomb would work their magic. Taking a long soak in the tub was an experience she sometimes rewarded herself with after a long day’s work when her muscles were sore and achy. She hoped it would help restore a sense of normalcy tonight, but so far it wasn’t working. After fleeing Dax’s house, she’d come straight home, hoping she’d be able to just forget the whole sordid thing. Yet she kept replaying the evening over and over in her mind. And the more times she did, the more ridiculous she felt. She’d known from the get-go that Dax had a relationship with Cassidy Cline. But that was two years ago. They’d both moved on. It was only natural that Dax would have residual feelings for her. Losing Cassidy would be rolled into the loss of his sight and career. Why couldn’t Brooklyn just be content with the present? No, if Dax weren’t blind, they never would’ve reconnected. He would still be living the fast life of a celebrated racecar driver. But he had the accident, and he was here. And she suspected the Dax she knew today was quite different from the Dax that had partied it up in LA

Tears stung Brooklyn’s eyes, and she blinked them away. She didn’t know how to fix this. A part of her wanted to rush back to Dax’s house and beg his forgiveness. But she was too chicken. Too mortified by her behavior. And besides, he probably thought she was a loon. Most likely he was thanking his lucky stars she was out of his life for good.

Her phone buzzed, causing her heart to skip a beat. Was Dax calling? They’d exchanged numbers after their day at City Creek. She picked up her phone, disappointed it was her mom. She swiped to silence her phone and sank lower into the water, closing her eyes.

A few minutes later, her phone buzzed again. Her mom. Maybe something was wrong. It wasn’t like her mother to keep calling. “Hello.”

“Brooklyn, I’m so glad you answered.”

Her voice sounded odd … strained. Brooklyn’s heart lurched. Had something happened to her dad? “What’s going on?”

“It’s Madison.” She broke into tears. “I just spoke to her. Things are getting really bad between her and Justin.”

A cloud of irritation rained down on Brooklyn. She didn’t need this tonight. “I’m sorry to hear that,” she said flatly.

“Madison said you haven’t stopped by there yet. I really think if the two of you could just talk, it’d be a big help to her.”

“Yeah, I’ve been meaning to get by there,” she said evasively. “But things have been so hectic at the shop.”

More tears. “Madison’s at a low point. Justin’s telling her he wants out of the marriage. He says he’s not in love with her anymore.”

She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, Justin can be fickle that way. Trust me, I know from experience.” The irony of using the word fickle wasn’t lost on Brooklyn.

“I’ve told you, Brooklyn. You’ve got to let that go. You and Justin were only dating. Madison is married to him. This is serious.”

She let out a harsh laugh. “Yes, I know it’s serious, Mother. And I didn’t say it because I’m holding a grudge. I’m just pointing out it isn’t such a big surprise that Justin isn’t committed to their marriage. I mean, he transferred his affections from me to Madison like most people change shoes. What did Madison expect would happen?”

Her mother drew in a sharp breath. “Can you please stop thinking about yourself for one minute, and focus on your sister? I just think if you’ll go over and have a conversation with her that would go a long way toward fixing this rift in the family.” Her voice cracked. “I’m worried about Madison. I’ve never heard her like this before.”

A clutch of anxiety tugged at Brooklyn. “Is she suicidal?” As mad as she was at her sister, she didn’t want anything to happen to her.

Paula’s voice broke. “Maybe … I don’t know. I’m just so worried about her, and I don’t know what to do. I talked to your dad, and he agrees that I need to go there. I booked a flight for this coming Friday. Under the circumstances, I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to stay at Madison’s house. Is it okay if I stay with you?”

Brooklyn sat up in the tub. “Um … yeah, that would be fine.”

“Can you pick me up at the airport?”

“Sure, what time do you arrive?”

“Ten at night.”

“Okay.” Great. Now she was going to have to steel herself for a visit. And she would have to deep clean her house amid her hectic work schedule. “How long are you staying?”

“I fly back the next Thursday.”

“Oh, good.” She forced a cheerful tone. Maybe she was looking at this all wrong. It could be nice to spend some time with her mother. If only she wouldn’t hound Brooklyn about every little thing.

“I figure that’ll give me time to assess the situation with Madison and meet your new beau,” Paula continued.

Brooklyn’s throat constricted, and she coughed to clear it. “W-what?”

“Dax Preston. I looked him up on the Internet. And frankly, I’m surprised and disappointed that you would even go out with him. Fast cars. Fast girls. Not the type of guy I want my daughter to end up with. And to think you’ve got Ramsey waiting in the wing. I just don’t understand your mindset.”

Brooklyn’s eyes narrowed as she tightened her grip on the phone. “It’s not like that, Mother. Dax is a great guy. He’s changed since the accident.” Why in the heck was she defending him? They weren’t even a couple. Heck, she’d probably never see him again.

“Well, I guess that remains to be seen,” Paula snipped. “I’ll make my own decision … after I’ve met him.”

“Whatever,” Brooklyn mumbled. Nicole was right. It was way past time to cut the umbilical cord. When her mother got to town, she’d tell her she wasn’t dating Dax. But she didn’t feel like going into it tonight and getting bombarded with questions.

“Will you please go and see Madison tomorrow? It would be good to have another opinion of her emotional state.” Her voice hardened with resentment. “She’s practically turning herself inside out to please Justin, and nothing seems to be working. I just don’t understand kids these days. When your father and I got married, we made a life commitment to each other, come rain or shine. Every couple goes through their share of hard times, but you have to knuckle down and weather the storm.”

Brooklyn let her mother drone on another five minutes about the merits of marriage and how Justin needed to suck it up and work things out with Madison. The tub water was getting cold, and Brooklyn’s skin was wrinkly like a prune. “Mom, I need to let you go,” she said, when she could get a word in edgewise. I promise I’ll check on Madison, but I can’t tomorrow. I have too many church responsibilities.” That wasn’t exactly true. Brooklyn taught a children’s class, but the excuse would buy her another day. I’ll go Monday, I promise.” She could tell her mother didn’t like Brooklyn putting it off another day, thankfully she didn’t push the issue.

They said their goodbyes, and Brooklyn ended the call, blowing out a frustrated breath. As much as she hated to admit it, a part of her felt a little vindicated that Madison and Justin were having problems. They should’ve realized they couldn’t build their happiness on the misery of others. Where was their mother’s outrage when Justin betrayed her and married her sister? And what of Madison’s betrayal? She didn’t give a second thought to Brooklyn’s feelings when she stole Justin from her. Still, she didn’t want Madison to hurt herself. Was she suicidal, or was her mother overreacting? The only way she’d know for sure was to go and visit her. She pulled the plug to drain the water, then wrapped a towel around herself. All she wanted to do tonight was curl up in bed with a good book and forget this day ever happened.

* * *

“I’ll be okay, boy,” Dax said glumly, rubbing a hand across Tucker’s fur. Ever since Brooklyn stormed out, Tucker had stayed right up underneath him, forever the guardian. Dax went online, searching for information about Brooklyn. Unfortunately, the only things he could find revolved around her flower shop, which didn’t help at all. He kept running their dialogue through his mind, trying to figure out how things had gone so terribly wrong. Brooklyn said she’d been hurt before and couldn’t go through it again. He clenched his teeth. Who hadn’t been hurt? As much as Brooklyn thought she’d lost, it couldn’t compare with his losses. And yet, he’d been willing to go out on a limb to explore a relationship with her. Too bad she wasn’t willing to do the same.

Before the argument, when he put the blindfold around her, he’d felt a strong connection with her. Of course that combined with the intense attraction he felt whenever he was near her. It was crazy to think he could be so drawn to a woman he couldn’t even see. And then it hit him, he could see Brooklyn. He could see her more clearly than he’d ever been able to see Cassidy. Cassidy’s looks were so stunning that he’d seldom looked past them to see who she was inside—vain and shallow, always climbing the social ladder. Dax could tell from feeling Brooklyn’s features that she was also beautiful, but in a more down-to-earth, natural way. Her laughter had an infectious lilt that made him smile whenever he heard it. And she was devoted to her business, and witty. He liked that she had an opinion and didn’t mind expressing it. Along with her good qualities, he felt her insecurities. In high school, she’d been a little unsure of herself, especially around the opposite sex. She preferred reading a book to going to a dance. The corners of his lips turned down. It was astounding to him that Brooklyn got so bent out of shape about a stupid dance. A dance that dragged on longer than a millennium. He’d known from the minute he picked Madison up that it was going to be a long night. She talked incessantly about the latest gossip and what everyone was wearing. Yes, Madison had been classically beautiful, but that’s about all the poor girl had going for her. She was an airhead, the cheerleader type who thought she could breeze through life by simply flashing a smile and batting her lashes. He couldn’t wait for the dance to end, so he could take her home and be rid of her.

A smile spread over his lips. Brooklyn had a crush on him in high school. That was interesting news. She’d never let on. The Valentine's Day dance was girl’s preference. If Brooklyn had asked him, he would’ve gone. Probably would’ve had a great time.

The cake Brooklyn brought was still on the counter, untouched. He’d been so mad at her when she left that he thought about chucking it in the garbage. But now, he had a better idea. A way to put it to good use. A smile spread over his lips. Yes, it just might work.

* * *

Brooklyn’s nerves were jumping like a live wire as she punched the doorbell. Maybe Madison and Justin weren’t home. Please let that be the case, she prayed. Then she could tell her mother she went by and that no one was home. She rang the doorbell again. No answer. She’d turned and was about to walk down the steps when the door opened, and there stood Justin.

He looked surprised. “Brooklyn? Hi.”

“Hi,” she said curtly. “Is Madison here?”

He rubbed his neck. “No, but she just called and said she was on her way home from work.” He waved a hand. “Come on in.”

She stayed where she was. “That’s okay. I’ll come back another time.” Justin was an inch taller than Brooklyn, and had a muscular build. His brown, wavy hair, tipped with golden highlights was his best feature. It was longer than she remembered. He shoved his hands in his pockets, giving her a wispy smile. “So how’ve ya been?”

“I’m okay.”

His brown eyes flickered over her. “You look great,” he said, his voice soft and intimate.

She clamped her lips together in a thin line, wondering how she’d ever fallen for him. Justin was cute in a boy-next-door way, but he didn’t hold a candle to Dax. Then again, few men did. “Thanks.” She stepped back. “Tell Madison I stopped by.”

He held up a finger. “Hang on, she’s calling now. Hey … Brooklyn’s here … I’m not sure what she wants. She didn’t say.” He moved the phone away from his mouth. “She’s asking why you’re here.”

Because I’m a gullible sap, she wanted to say. The hair on Brooklyn’s neck raised. Why had she promised her mother she’d come here? “I just need to talk to her. It’s personal.” She wasn’t about to discuss the marriage thing with Justin. Making small talk was awkward enough.

“She says it’s personal,” Justin repeated, faintly mocking.

Brooklyn stiffened. Was he making fun of her?

“Okay, I’ll tell her.” He ended the call. “Madison wants you to wait for her. She’ll be home in a few minutes.”

Brooklyn’s first inclination was to tell Madison and Justin that they could stick it. As far as she was concerned the two deserved each other. But if she left now, her mother would harass her until she came back. She might as well wait a few minutes and be done with the whole thing.

Justin stepped back. “Come on in.”

She stepped inside, her eyes adjusting to the darkened interior. He led her to the living room where she sat down on the couch. She glanced around. The house was messy, the furnishings shabby. Justin worked at a call center, and Madison as a receptionist for a dental office. Brooklyn had never given much thought to their finances until now.

Justin reached for the remote and turned off the game he was watching. “You want something to drink? I’ve got a couple of beers in the fridge.”

Beers? She didn’t remember Justin drinking before. “No thanks.” She clasped her hands together tightly in her lap, wishing she were anywhere but here. She’d not been alone with Justin since he married Madison. Brooklyn met Justin her senior year at Utah State. Her friends talked her into going to a basketball game, where she happened to sit next to him. They’d had an instant chemistry, and she’d been taken in by his fluid smile, quirky sense of humor, and his not taking himself too seriously. As uptight as she was in school, it was nice to be around someone who balanced her out. She’d been head over heels for Justin and thought he felt the same way about her. Never in a million years could she have dreamt he would fall for Madison when she brought him home for Christmas. She and Justin used to make fun of the cheerleader, birdbrain types who had no idea what was going on in the world, yet knew every brand of hairspray and the latest fashions.

Justin sat down on the other end of the couch. Casually, he draped his arm over the back, a mere inch from where she was sitting. “How are things going at the store?”

“Busy.” Better to keep her answers simple and to the point.

“I’ve always admired how dedicated you are to accomplishing your goals. Not many people have that level of tenacity,” he said, his eyes roving over her in that leisurely way that used to give her goosebumps. For a split second, she had the crazy feeling she’d gone back in time to their college days when they were a couple. This was starting to freak her out! Her skin squirmed like fire ants were crawling over her, and she scooted to the edge of her seat.

“When did you say Madison’s getting here?”

Amusement lit his eyes. “Relax. I don’t bite. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a chance to talk.”

Was he hitting on her? She wanted to wipe that cocky grin off his face and knock him into next week. Did he really think she’d stoop so low as to run around with her sister’s husband? It hit her then. She didn’t feel a thing for Justin Patterson. She saw him for what he was—a cheating sleazeball. No wonder he and Madison were having problems in their marriage. “Yeah, all talk went out the window the day I caught you with my sister.”

“That’s a real shame.” He scooted close to her, gazing into her eyes like she was the most fascinating thing he’d ever seen. “I’ve missed you, Brooklyn.” His tone grew wistful. “I’m starting to think I married the wrong sister.” He stroked her hair. “Remember all the good times we had? Dancing under the stars on the roof of your dorm.” He chuckled softly. “Our midnight dip in the pool.”

She jumped back, her blood running cold. “What’re you doing?”

He laughed. “Don’t pretend you don’t want me,” he uttered, his voice going husky. “I know why you and Madison don’t get along. You never got over losing me. We could have fun together, like we used to. Madison doesn’t have to know.”

How easily the treacherous words rolled off his tongue. “You egotistical jerk,” she seethed. “I’m starting to think I was the lucky one … who dodged a bullet.”

Her anger only seemed to arouse him more as he laughed. “I’ve always loved your spirit.”

She went to slap him, but he caught her arm in an iron grip. He leaned in and kissed her hard on the lips, forcing his tongue down her throat.

Brooklyn gagged, revulsion welling inside as she tried to draw back. In that same instant, the door opened and Madison walked in. Her face crumbled when she saw Brooklyn and Justin on the couch in what looked to be a compromising position.

“How could you?” Madison cried. Rage twisted her features as she shot Brooklyn a blistering look. “I hate you!” She ran out of the room, down the hall, and slammed her bedroom door.

A sense of horror rushed over Brooklyn as she processed all that had just happened. Her mother would come unglued when she heard about this. She’d never believe Brooklyn was innocent. She stood. Angry tears welling in her eyes as she glared at Justin. “You are repulsive. I can’t believe I ever fell for you. What kind of man makes a play for his wife’s sister?”

He grunted. “Sour grapes. Don’t pretend you didn’t enjoy it, babe.”

“Don’t you dare call me, babe! And, if you ever come near me again, I’ll press charges.” She drew herself up to her full height, eyeing him like he was lower than the dirt on her shoes. “You are a low-down, cheating, scumbag. You don’t deserve my sister. I sincerely hope she has the good sense to throw you out on your rear end. If I never see you again, it’ll be too soon.”

With that, she turned on her heel, slamming the door behind her.