“Sure.”
He rose and they meandered to the street. She didn’t seem to be in any bigger hurry than he was in.
Nate glanced at her. “What brings you to this part of Enchantment Bay?” He didn’t want to say to the poorer part of town, but that was what he meant. Not that his old stomping grounds were a bad part of town. It was just that most of the quaint homes were probably smaller than her living room, based on the size of the houses where she lived on the water.
Madisyn shrugged. “Guess I needed some air. You know how parents are.”
“Your parents still giving you a hard time over the dance?”
She bit her lower lip and nodded. “They seem to think that just because I’m home, I have to do everything they want. Dad’s never going to see me as an adult.”
“So, move out.”
Madisyn gave him a double-take. “Just like that? With no money and no job?”
“Why not? You’re beautiful, smart, and talented. I’m sure you can come up with something.”
Pink colored her cheeks, and she looked away.
Nate’s breath caught. She was so gorgeous. He took her hand in his and slid his fingers through hers. His hand felt monstrous in comparison. “Looks like we’re both trying to find our footing in life.”
She looked back at him. “I’m close to finding work. I am. There’s a small boutique that’s looking for someone to design some cute clothes and a department store needing someone to head their personal shopper department. Either would give me some experience while I figure out if I want to open my own business or not. I could potentially do both, plus there are other options I’m looking into.”
He squeezed her hand. “See? Move out and don’t give your parents a reason to think they can control you. Whatever you do, I’m sure you’ll do a crazy-good job.”
“Thanks.” Madisyn nodded, but a sadness seemed to rest beneath the surface.
“Are you okay?”
Her eyes widened at the question. “Yeah, I just… It’s hard to explain.”
Nate stopped walking, turned to her, and took her other hand in his. He took a step closer and held her gaze. A sweet floral aroma delighted his nose. “Try me.”
She didn’t glance away, but she didn’t speak, either. Her fingers fidgeted against the back of his hand.
“My family is tough, too.” Nate inched closer, still staring into her baby blues. “My dad wants to rip into me for staying away so long. I can see it in his eyes. Me leaving town for so long hurt both of them, I know that, but at the same time, they never made it easy for me to want to return. Growing up, they fought—all the time.”
Her brows came together. “Really? Your parents? They always seemed so happy.”
Nate frowned. “Yeah, in public. They wanted to put on a show—probably still do. In fact, I’m sure of it. It sure wouldn’t look good for such a prominent church couple to be at each other’s throats constantly. It’s always been that way. Put on a facade for everyone else.”
“I get that.” She frowned. “My whole life has been about what other people think. I don’t want that to define me. I want to be my own person.”
“Same here.”
She let go of his hand and ran her fingers over his newly-short hair. “Then why a haircut when coming back to town? Who are you changing for?”
A warm chill ran down his back at her touch. He cleared his throat. “I wanted to impress you for our date.”
“Me?” Her luscious lips parted. “You wanted to impress me?”
Nate nodded. “You’re the first person in a long time whose opinion matters to me.”
Madisyn’s eyes widened, and her pupils dilated slightly.
“You’ve made quite the impression on me, Miss Steele.” His pulse drummed in his ears as he stared into her baby blues. He inched even closer to her. There was hardly any space between them now.
Her lush lips parted, but she didn’t say anything. His heart thundered in his chest, threatening to explode through his shirt. Nate grew increasingly aware of how close they were—close enough to kiss. He leaned forward slightly. Her lips nearly touched his. She didn’t pull away. Her eyes seemed to hold the same desire he felt. Nate moved even closer. Their mouths were about to meet. He studied her eyes to make sure she wanted this.
Madisyn’s eyes widened and she squeezed his arm. She didn’t seem to be breathing.
He closed the small gap between them and pressed his mouth on her soft lips. Her floral perfume enveloped him and he pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her. She relaxed in his embrace and closed her eyes. Nate couldn’t stop looking at her. His mind spun as he tried to grasp the reality of them kissing.
This kiss was unlike any other he’d experienced. It was sweet and pure, and it made his heart soar. He wanted to keep his arms around her forever and protect her from everything in life, including whatever caused the sadness that was always just under the surface.
Nate’s phone rang.
Madisyn jumped back, her eyes wide with surprise.
His heart sank. They’d had the perfect first kiss, and now it was ruined.
“You should get that.” She cleared her throat.
“Right.” Nate checked the screen and his shoulders slumped. He wanted to kick himself and then go back in time and silence his phone.
She cleared her throat. “I should probably get back home, anyway. My mom scheduled us for an early brunch tomorrow. For someone who wants me to find a job so badly, they sure keep me busy from morning until night.”
He cupped her chin and held her gaze. More than anything, he wanted to kiss her again. “Maybe we can meet up soon, when you have time. Grab some lunch or something. Or whatever works for you. Coffee. Dessert. It’s all fine with me.”
Her eyes lit up. “I’d love that.”
He relaxed then brushed his lips across hers. “Great. I’ll call you.”
“I’ll answer.” She grinned, showing off her beautiful smile that took his breath away.
Nate squeezed her hand and they walked back to his house hand-in-hand. He paused in front of his driveway. “Do you want me to walk you home? I feel like I should.”
“You’re sweet, but you’re visiting your parents, and I don’t want to interrupt that. It’s just a short walk to my house, and it’s not like I’m eager to return.”
Nate traced her jawline, wanting to pull her into his arms again. “My parents can wait. I can’t let you walk back alone.”
“I came here alone.”
“But that was before I knew you were walking by yourself. Stay right here.” Nate ran inside. “I’m going to drive someone home. I’ll be right back.”
Mom rose from her recliner. “Are you staying the night? I’m going to freshen up your bedsheets.”
Dad turned to her. “You already wash them once a month. He’ll be fine.”
She jutted her jaw. “My boy is back home, so I’m going to freshen his sheets.”
Dad shook his head and grumbled under his breath.
“I’ll be right back,” Nate promised. Outside, he remote-unlocked the doors of his new sedan and held the passenger door for Madisyn.
“Really, you don’t have to,” she protested. “I’ll be fine. It’s just a short walk.”
He gestured for her to get in. “I’m not taking no for an answer.”
She finally relented, and they made small talk over the quick drive.
Once in front of the enormous Steele home, Madisyn turned to him. “At least let me walk up to the house myself.”
Nate thought of her parents, who weren’t happy about him taking their daughter to the upcoming dance. “Okay, but I’m going to wait and make sure you get in safely.”
“You’re so sweet.” She squeezed his hand, kissed him on the cheek, and hurried out of the car before he could pull her into his embrace for a real kiss.
Madisyn hurried up the long driveway to the impressive porch. After opening the front door, she turned and waved. He wave
d back then pulled away once the door was closed behind her.
His mind immediately went back to their kisses. His heart raced again, as though he was right back with his mouth pressed on hers. He smiled at the memory, and even more at the thought that she wanted to kiss him as much as he wanted to kiss her.
The timing wasn’t great—they were both trying to pull their lives together—but something this special didn’t come along every day. He was going to do whatever he could to cultivate what was growing between them.
As soon as Nate walked in the house, his dad stormed over to him, arms crossed and brows furrowed. “Was that Madisyn Steele out there with you?”
“Yes, Dad.” Nate held back an eye roll. Couldn’t he give Nate a day to settle in before judging him?
“Why did you give her a ride home?”
“So she wouldn’t have to walk. Why does it matter?”
Dad’s expression contorted. “Not that you’d know, since you never call, but her father fired me a few months ago. I haven’t been able to find work since. Clyde Steele has spread the word that I’m a thief and a liar.”
“What? You were working for him? And he fired you? You’ve got to be kidding.”
He shook his head. “A younger paralegal was jealous of my seniority and set me up to look like I was stealing from the firm—which I most assuredly was not.”
Nate’s stomach twisted in a knot. Madisyn’s dad had fired his dad? It looked like he was going to need to eat another piece of humble pie.
Twelve
Madisyn turned to the side and squeezed between the cars that filled the driveway at her Aunt Judy and Uncle Gary’s house. Given how many cars lined the driveway and sidewalk, all five of her cousins were there with their spouses. Most of her Hunter cousins were married, so it was going to be a full house.
Laughter roared from inside, and Madisyn smiled with them even though she hadn’t even reached the front door yet.
Then shyness swept through her as she rang the doorbell. She hadn’t seen some of them since high school.
The door flung open, and before Madisyn knew what was going on, her oldest cousin Logan wrapped her in a hug and pulled her off her feet. “Madisyn, it’s so great to see you.”
She laughed and squeezed him back, all her uneasiness gone. It was impossible to feel out of place around this family. They welcomed everyone and were basically the perfect family—at least compared to Madisyn’s. It was hard to believe there was any relation at all. Maybe that was why her dad rarely wanted to visit.
Logan set her down. “Look at my little cousin all grown up. Did I hear right? You have two degrees?”
Madisyn laughed. “Guilty as charged.”
“But no law degree?” Logan arched a brow. He was one of the top attorneys in Enchantment Bay. Madisyn’s dad had helped him and had even offered him a position at the Rutherford & Steele law firm, but Logan had politely declined. Logan Hunter and Clyde Steele were two men who couldn’t have been any more different from each other, yet they both made for successful lawyers.
Madisyn made a face. “No offense, but that’s the last thing I want to do.”
Logan gave her a knowing look. “I get that. Come on in. Everyone’s excited to see you.”
She followed him into the kitchen, where her extended family bombarded her with more hugs and questions. Madisyn answered as best as she could, trying not to say anything bad about her overbearing parents.
Aunt Judy looked disappointed that her sister hadn’t come with Madisyn, but she didn’t say anything.
Freya pulled Madisyn into the living room, and they sat on a couch. “Did any of my references work out? Do you want some more? There are a few an hour or two away, if you don’t mind the drive.”
“I can’t thank you enough.” Madisyn hugged Freya. “I have several options, but I’m not sure which direction I’m going just yet.”
“Like I told you, let me know if you want any help at all. Anything for family.”
Dakota plopped down next to Madisyn and pulled back her thick red hair. “You’re looking for something in fashion?”
“Or business. I have degrees in both.”
“Really?” Dakota looked deep in thought for a moment. “I might be able to use your talent—if you’re interested, of course.”
Dakota owned a fancy wedding venue in Enchantment Bay. Despite the small size of the town, it was a popular wedding destination, and her cousin often planned and hosted weddings for some pretty big names.
Madisyn tilted her head. “You’d want my help?”
“Better you than hiring off the street.”
“What could I do for you?”
“Depends on which degree you want to use. I can always use more help in the office. Clay is constantly swamped with paperwork. Not only that, but my clients often want unique items—everything from dresses to veils to decorations.”
Madisyn’s mind spun. “That sounds like a lot of fun, actually.”
Freya leaned closer. “Guess who’s wedding she’s planning right now!”
“You’re not supposed to tell anyone.” Dakota glared at her younger sister.
“Oh, please. Madisyn isn’t going to tell anyone, are you?”
Madisyn shook her head. “No, never.”
Freya opened her mouth but didn’t say anything for a moment. “Aspen Hampton. Can you believe it?”
Madisyn’s mouth dropped. “The singer?”
“Do you know of another Aspen Hampton?” Freya squealed. “I’ve been offering to help Dakota for free, just so I can meet her. She hasn’t taken me up on it yet.”
Dakota looked like she was trying to hold back both a laugh and an eye roll at the same time. “I can’t throw rabid fans at my clients, Freya. You know that.”
“I’m not rabid. I just want to meet the woman. Besides, she’s practically family.”
“What?” Madisyn looked back and forth between her cousins. “Family?”
Dakota shook her head. “Freya’s exaggerating. A lot.”
“I’m not,” Freya insisted. “Hampton’s twin sister is practically best friends with Haley. That makes Aspen family.”
“That’s quite a stretch.” Dakota threw her an exasperated glance.
“Who’s Haley?” Madisyn asked. The name sounded familiar but she couldn’t place it.
“Sullivan’s wife. They started out as rivals but now run Dad’s real estate business together.” Dakota sighed dramatically. “I love a story like that.”
“Oh, right. Sully’s wife.” Madisyn remembered coming down for their wedding. “Haley’s sister has streaks of green in her hair?”
“I think it’s pink now.”
“Didn’t she change it to magenta?” Freya asked.
“I can’t keep up with that girl.” Dakota turned back to Madisyn. “If you decide you want to work at the Chateau, give me a call. I really would prefer to work with you over hiring someone off the street.”
Freya leaned closer and whispered, “Be sure to get a picture of Aspen.”
Dakota crossed her arms. “If Aspen is family, why are you so desperate for a picture?”
“Because I love my family.” Freya whipped out her phone and held it out. “To prove it, selfie time. Smile!”
Madisyn smiled as her cousins pressed against her.
Freya snapped what had to be twenty pictures. She beamed as she scrolled through them. “This is my favorite. I’m going to make it my profile picture. I’ll send you two the best ones.”
Aunt Judy called everyone for dinner. Madisyn had a blast catching up with everyone over the meal, then she had even more fun as they played board games afterward. She hated to leave, but it was late and everyone piled out of the house.
Before she reached the driveway, Aunt Judy stopped her. “How’s your mom?”
“Good. Planning another big event.”
Aunt Judy smiled sadly. “No, I mean how is she, really? Has your dad lightened up at all over the years?”
Madisyn frowned.
“I see.” Aunt Judy squeezed her arm. “Tell her I’d like to see her soon. Have her name the time and place. I’ll be there.”
“I will.”
“Thank you.” She pulled Madisyn into a tight embrace. “Also know that you’re welcome here any time you want. And for as long as you like. I mean it.”
Madisyn’s heart warmed. At least that gave her another option. The thought of living with her aunt and uncle and working with Dakota sounded like a dream. Especially if she was able to keep seeing Nate.
Thirteen
Madisyn spun around in front of the tri-fold full-length mirror, studying every angle she could. The dress was stunning, and the deep blue really made her light blue eyes pop. Her hair cascaded down her back in freshly-curled waves.
“Are you ready to go?” Her mom appeared behind her, wearing a dress she claimed was an exact replica of what the First Lady had worn just two weeks earlier.
“I wish you’d let Nate drive me.”
Her expression tightened. “We’re arriving as a family.”
“Oh, is Layne coming?” Madisyn didn’t bother keeping the snark out of her tone. Her parents had been wearing on her all day as they prepared for the ball.
“Of course not. She’s pregnant and throwing up every hour. She can’t be expected to come all the way from Dallas.” Mom fixed her hair while she stared at her reflection.
“What if I was going with Reese?” Madisyn quipped. “Then would we go as a family?”
Mom snapped her head toward her daughter, her eyes wide with surprise. “Do you want to? There’s still time—he has plenty of tuxes and could be ready to pick you up at a moment’s notice.”
Madisyn buried her face in her palms. “No. I was just asking if you’d let him drive me.”
“You know we would. Stop being obstinate.”
Blinking back tears, she turned to her mom. “Yet you won’t let me ride with Nate. Why can’t you support a single decision I’ve made?”
Her mom’s mouth gaped, and for once she was without words.
“I graduated from SPU, your alma-mater, with two degrees. I’d think you’d be proud, and that you’d trust me to make the decisions that I want. Do you want me to live a happy life or a miserable one?”
Bayside Opposites Page 5