Madison turned and put her hands onto Connor’s shoulders, running them slowly down his sides. ‘I don’t want Amsterdam, or Paris, or anywhere else,’ she said, as he caught her hands and stepped closer, kissing along her collarbone. Madison dropped her head back, losing herself to the sensations. She felt his fingers at the zip of her dress seconds before it pooled at her feet.
‘Red.’ Connor smiled at her underwear.
‘I told you it was lucky. Now I want to look at yours.’ Madison giggled, reaching up to undo the buttons on Connor’s shirt before tugging it off. The belt came next, followed by his jeans, which joined the rest of their clothes on the floor. Then he was standing in a pair of black boxer shorts. Madison let her eyes trail upwards, past strong legs, narrow hips and broad shoulders, until she reached his face.
‘I’ve never invited a woman here,’ Connor confessed, his voice silky and warm. ‘Because it never felt right – but you feel right, Madison Skylar.’ He ran a finger lightly down her spine, making her shiver. ‘Why do you think that is?’
‘Science?’ Madison’s breath shortened as Connor’s hands continued to explore, running from the sides of her waist across her stomach – making her suck in a breath – before drifting slowly to the top of her knickers.
‘I’m wondering if it’s destiny.’ Connor’s hands glided to the fastening on Madison’s bra and her knees wobbled as he unclipped it.
‘Destiny?’ Madison gasped as Connor stroked the bottom of her breasts with his fingertips. ‘I thought a man like you didn’t believe in such things?’
‘I believe in a lot of things now,’ Connor admitted. ‘I’ve spent too long living life in my father’s shoes, looking at the world through his eyes, being miserable. I never believed there could be another way.’ Connor captured Madison’s mouth, pushing the bra from her shoulders.
Madison didn’t know what was happening. On one hand she knew where she was standing – in Connor’s house, in her underwear, being warmed by a roaring fire, probably being stared at by Jaws. On the other, she was having an out-of-body experience as Connor’s kiss deepened and she began to lose awareness of everything around her. Except for him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Connor’s skin felt warm and firm. He moved her backwards – until she was closer to the fire – and shifted to his knees, pulling her down until they were facing each other.
The fire felt hot and the flames crackled, but it was nothing compared to the heat in Connor’s eyes. He slid his hands down Madison’s sides again, stopping at her knickers. Then he pushed them over her hips to her knees, where she finished sliding them off. But when Madison started to pull Connor’s boxers down, he took over.
‘Control freak,’ she teased.
‘Old habits.’ Connor traced a finger down Madison’s face, pausing as it reached her chin, then continuing downwards. ‘This feels like a new start for this house – it’s never felt completely mine until now. I like having you here.’ He kissed her ear, moving lower. ‘Especially now I know you’re not leaving.’
‘Not until I’ve had my lasagne,’ Madison joked, shivering as Connor laid her back, following her down until they were both naked on the rug in front of the fire. Then Madison took control, straddling Connor suddenly so she could lean down and look into his eyes. ‘I’m home, Connor Robertson. I’ve been home since I saw you on the dock. I’ve been searching for this place for years, on some misguided adventure – trying to find the place I belonged, desperate not to get in the way, or to connect with anyone because I thought I’d be safer.’ She bent down to kiss him gently on the lips, and Connor traced a path across her back and stomach before feathering down to the warmth between her legs. ‘And now I’m here, where I should always have been – with you.’
‘Connecting,’ Connor whispered, pushing Madison up before pulling her back down – joining their bodies. They moved up and down as the fire roared beside them, and the moon threw slivers of silver light into the sitting room. Madison could feel her body coming alive, every nerve ending tingling. Her breath came in short pants and she closed her eyes. They moved faster, skin against skin, heat against heat. Until they exploded and Madison let herself fall, hugging Connor to her chest, knowing she was finally home – and nothing was ever going to get in the way of that again.
Thirty-Seven
It was still dark and the moon was high when Connor crept out of the house with Jaws. He’d left Madison asleep by the fire, wrapped in a fluffy blanket, surrounded by plates of half-eaten lasagne and an empty bottle of wine.
It took only ten minutes to find his way to the water’s edge and the place where he’d left his father. Connor stood for a moment, taking deep breaths, choosing his words.
‘I’ve come to say goodbye,’ he murmured, feeling a weight lift from his chest. ‘It’s been a long time coming, but I’ve realised you were wrong.’ Connor rolled his shoulders, feeling looser. Water lapped the edges of his shoes and waves pounded in the distance. ‘I’m not a failure. I never was.’ He shook his head sadly. ‘I’ve spent my life trying to prove myself to you. I realise now I never could.’ He looked at the horizon, wondering if a ghost could actually hear him and whether it mattered. ‘You hated me – I’ve never understood why. Now I’ve realised it’s really not important. Perhaps I reminded you of my mother? Or maybe it was just the way you were made. I do know I was headed down the same path – pushing friends, colleagues and family away in favour of work, especially the people who love me. I’m lucky a wanderer came along to guide me in another direction.’
Connor thought of how Madison had looked this morning – her hair spread out like a wild thing on the rug as she’d quietly dreamed – and smiled.
‘I never saw her coming, never thought she’d stay. But she has, and knowing her has changed me. So, I’m here to say goodbye – and to wish you the same peace wherever you are. Be happy, let it fill your world, because at the end of the day, it’s all that really matters.’
Connor stepped back again, away from the water’s edge, watching the waves swirl and sway, sucking whatever was left of his bitterness away. If anything of his father had remained over the past year – memories, duty, guilt – they were long gone now.
It was time for his new beginning. And the first thing Connor had to do was come clean with Madison about The Hideaway being for sale. But when he crept back into his house, ready to watch the sunrise, Madison had already left.
* * *
Connor wrapped his towel tighter around his hips and brushed water from his forehead, putting down his mobile after listening to the message – he’d been in the shower after his run, had heard the phone buzzing, but even a quick sharp sprint hadn’t got him there in time.
A few weeks ago, the message from the general manager of Lake Lodge offering him the contract for the building and maintenance at the hotel would have had him grinning – it was exactly the work he needed to turn the business around. Instead he pulled out one of the oak chairs around the large table in his kitchen and sat with his head between his hands.
He couldn’t accept it. He knew he couldn’t. Somehow, having Madison in his head over the last few weeks had taught him a few life lessons.
Connor picked up the mobile and returned the call. When the answerphone picked up he breathed a sigh of relief. ‘I’m sorry, Mr O’Sullivan… David. Something’s come up and I’m afraid Robertson & Robertson Builders is no longer available to take on the contract at Lake Lodge. I wish you the very best finding another firm to work with.’ He put the mobile down, feeling a weight lift off his chest. Knowing he’d just taken another huge step away from the life he’d always known, towards the woman he loved.
When Connor’s mobile rang again fifteen minutes later, he was dressed and looking for the keys to his truck, determined to find Madison before the celebrations at the cafe kicked off.
‘Dee?’ He headed to the front door with Jaws at his heel, relieved it wasn’t David calling to ask him to reconsider.
‘Now?’ Connor grimaced. He wanted to speak to Madison – for some reason, the urge to confess was eating at him. Maybe because of what they’d shared last night?
‘If you can.’ Dee sounded guilty. ‘I know how you feel about taking time out from work, but if as many people come today as Stanley’s predicting, we’ll be running out of ice cream fast. Chairs over there, no, not there…’ Dee continued to bark orders.
‘I’ll go.’ Connor shook his head at the mobile when Dee let out a cry of thanks. ‘No problem, I’ve always time for my friends – I’m a new man now, hasn’t Madison told you? I’ll pick up the ice cream and bring it straight to you.’
And after that, he’d find Madison Skylar and confess all – he only hoped she’d be able to forgive him.
Thirty-Eight
The sun shone brightly and the air was crisp and cold. Madison stood back to admire the banners she, Amy and Stanley had spent the morning hanging, with a lot of direction from Dee. ‘Grand Opening of The Sunshine Hideaway Cafe’ was displayed across the front of the guesthouse, and colourful red, blue, yellow and pink bunting ran along the whole side of the building, leading to the entrance.
Inside Dee’s kitchen, about a hundred cakes lined the counters and the aroma of chocolate, vanilla and strawberries filled the room, permeating the air like something out of a fairy tale.
‘What time will everyone arrive?’ Madison bounced back into the kitchen for the fifteenth time that morning, eyeing up the trays of cakes. She wore black leggings from her yoga class earlier, matching them with a red top that reminded her of Connor. She’d left his house while he’d been on his run this morning. She’d been so excited about getting things ready for today, but hoped to get lucky when she saw him later. ‘Are you anticipating the entire island will come?’
Dee grinned. ‘According to Stanley we’re expecting hundreds, and they’ll start arriving in another hour. We’ve got enough cake and ingredients for your sundaes to feed an army, and Connor should arrive with the ice cream any minute now.’
Madison giggled, spinning Dee around so that her white apron fluttered like a butterfly. ‘We’ve saved The Hideaway! The place is booked solid for the next two months – we might even have to clear out the other guesthouses. And the cafe looks set to be a hit, meaning we’ll have even more customers.’ She laughed. ‘We’ll be turning people away soon. I can’t believe I thought about leaving Sunflower Island because there wasn’t a place for me here. If it weren’t for Connor, Amy and you, perhaps I would have.’
‘We’re happy to have you permanently – it’s taken long enough to persuade you to stay. But Madison, don’t be disappointed if things don’t work out exactly as planned.’ Dee looked worried. ‘Remember, there’s always a home for you here – whatever the future holds – so please don’t leave.’ Before Madison could ask what Dee was talking about, the front door banged.
‘We’re home!’ a couple of familiar voices rang out.
‘What?’ Dee and Madison said together.
Madison didn’t wait for an answer – instead she charged out of the kitchen into the hall. Her Aunt Sandy and Uncle Jack were standing in the middle of the hallway with four suitcases beside them. They looked tanned, tired and a little shell-shocked as they took in the colourful bunting wrapped around the banisters and up the stairs.
‘Madison—’ Sandy didn’t get a chance to finish her sentence because suddenly Madison was in her arms, then Jack joined in the hug. Madison’s eyes filled as she squeezed them both, aware of how little she’d seen them recently – too intent on avoiding connections in case she got hurt. ‘I’m so glad to see you,’ Sandy said warmly, stepping back to look at Madison. ‘We decided to come home after finally getting your email. Your uncle wouldn’t let me check it at all for the first few weeks, and when I did the email from you had gone into junk. I only found it a few days ago. Then there was a chance of an early flight, so we took it. I was bored of all that sitting around anyway. I know you love travelling, Madison, but I missed being home.’ Sandy looked around the hall sadly.
‘Why didn’t you call ahead?’ Dee asked.
‘We wanted to surprise you. I’m so sorry we haven’t been here,’ Sandy added, looking at Madison again. ‘I’m sure Dee and Amy explained the cruise was last-minute – we’d never have gone if we’d known you were visiting.’
‘It’s fine, my trip was last-minute too. I’m just glad you’re back early. We’ve so much to tell you.’ Madison’s mood dipped as she considered her aunt. Sandy looked tired, her complexion was paler than usual and even her hair – normally glossy and sleek – looked dry and wiry, which seemed odd after such a long holiday.
‘You look wonderful.’ Sandy stroked a hand across Madison’s cheek. ‘Being home agrees with you. How long are you staying for this time?’ She glanced at her husband. ‘I’m so glad we didn’t miss out on seeing you.’
‘I’m home for good, I hope – or for as long as you’ll have me at The Hideaway,’ Madison said shyly.
‘You’re staying?’ Sandy grew even paler, looking around the hallway again.
‘If that’s okay?’ Madison’s stomach dropped.
‘That’s brilliant – I’m sorry, I’m tired. It was an early start,’ Sandy explained, as Madison grabbed her aunt’s hand and led her into the kitchen.
‘I can’t believe you made it back for the Grand Opening of the cafe – we’ve got loads of people arriving in an hour.’ Madison knew she was talking too fast, but something was wrong. She could see her aunt and uncle were unhappy. Had she done something wrong, overstepped a boundary, come on too strong? ‘We’ve made a few changes. Come into the kitchen and we’ll tell you about it,’ she continued, searching for things to talk about.
‘A Grand Opening? Slow down.’ Sandy followed Madison, looking confused.
‘I know The Hideaway hasn’t been getting enough bookings.’ When Jack looked shocked, Madison added, ‘It was obvious when I arrived and Stanley Banks was the only guest. The good news is we’re fully booked for the next few weeks. We introduced yoga sessions and adventure walks, and having the cafe open again will be the icing on the cake. Stanley has arranged loads of PR – there are press attending and a lot of Sunflower Island will be turning up to support you.’ Sandy and Jack looked dazed. ‘You have no idea how much everyone here loves the guesthouse. So much has changed since you went on holiday. I hope you don’t mind us taking over – but we wanted it to be a surprise,’ Madison finished, watching their expressions. ‘I know I haven’t been around much to help with things – I want to rectify that. I hope that’s okay?’
‘You have been busy.’ Sandy looked shaky, and Jack quickly pulled up a chair.
‘This all sounds brilliant, Mads, and I want to know more. But your aunt’s tired – let her sit for a minute. It’s been a long journey.’
Sandy slumped in the chair and Dee bustled around the kitchen, getting water and a pile of chocolate cookies.
‘Are you okay?’ Madison asked, as Connor opened the kitchen door.
‘Ice cream’s in the truck. Where do you want it?’ Connor grinned at Madison, making her insides fizz, but when he spotted her aunt and uncle, he frowned. ‘Jack, Sandy, you’re home.’ Connor’s attention flicked back to Madison, then he dropped his eyes and looked away.
‘Only just,’ Sandy said lightly, standing again so she could give Connor a hug.
‘There’s no time for hellos, people. We need to get the ice cream down to the freezers in the cafe,’ Dee grumbled
, heading for the door. ‘Sandy and Jack, why don’t you go and freshen up, then join us in a while? We’ll stash the ice cream, and Madison can make you one of her almost-famous desserts when you’re ready.’
‘Sure.’ Jack looked at Sandy, who nodded. ‘We’ll see you all in a minute. And Madison…’ Jack’s smile dimmed. ‘There are some things we really need to talk about.’
* * *
The cafe looked magical. Amy had hung white fairy lights along the wall to the left of the bar, and behind the counter a till was flanked by shelves of shiny cups, saucers and plates – stacked next to multiple jars of different coffees, syrups and teas. At the front counter, a glass cabinet displayed Dee’s delicious chocolate, vanilla, carrot and fudge cakes. To the right, a glass-fronted freezer offered multiple tubs filled with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, next to an array of multicoloured toppings.
‘I need to talk to you.’ Connor joined Madison at the counter as she arranged the ice cream and toppings, then rearranged the menus for the fiftieth time. He looked worried and Madison stopped, desperate to smooth the creases from his forehead she’d all but eradicated last night. At Connor’s feet, Jaws whined – perhaps picking up on the mood.
‘Is it my aunt and uncle?’ Madison asked, still feeling a little out of sorts as she stroked the dog’s head. Her uncle wanted to talk to her and she couldn’t imagine why. Unless he wasn’t happy she planned to stay? Perhaps she’d been right all along and she really was in the way.
‘Not exactly.’
‘Work?’ Madison took in the light dusting of stubble across Connor’s jawline, before running a fingertip across her chin. It felt tender and she shivered, remembering their evening.
‘It’ll have to wait,’ Dee sang out, giving Connor a hard stare as the cafe door opened and what felt like a million people began to descend the stairs. Then it was all hands on deck as everyone seemed to arrive at the counter at once, ready to compliment them on the decor, order drinks or gasp as Madison assembled a spectacular dessert. Within ten minutes the place was buzzing, and Madison stood heating milk for another batch of cappuccinos. Someone – perhaps Connor – put ‘Let’s Go Fly a Kite’ on the music system, and she began to hum along. Madison’s aunt and uncle hadn’t arrived yet, but Dee, Stanley and Amy were waiting tables, and the room was sprinkled with people gossiping and catching up. There was Laura from Sprinkles, Gillian from The Red Velvet Bakery, Tom from The Moon and Mermaid, Julie and a few familiar faces from Tips & Toes – while Jesse sat at the bar, gazing at Amy as she whizzed around clearing tables, a small emerald ring sparkling on her finger.
The Little Guesthouse of New Beginnings: A gorgeously feel-good and heart-warming romance to escape with Page 23