“It’s a good thing I’m not letting you go, either.” Her face lights up, and her lips close the gap between us, kissing me tenderly.
“I love you,” she whispers. “I don’t think I ever stopped, but this is different.”
I cup her face, featherlight strokes brushing her pink cheek. “You beat me to it.” I stare into her eyes. “I love you, too, Maddy. Always have and always will.”
I get what she means about it being different this time. This is no longer young love. We’re adults. Our consequences attack harder, our feelings run deeper. We don’t rely on parents like when we were kids, limited to rules.
After different life experiences, being pushed down and standing back up, you appreciate people differently. Madison and I have lived apart, missed each other, been angry and hurt. This level of love we have now is different because we are different.
Tears fill her eyes, and she attempts to blink them away, but a few stubborn ones trail down her face and onto my hand. I swipe them away and kiss her. Our tongues twist and tangle as our lips meld together. Madison’s hands tangle in my hair, pulling me closer to her. When I tug her lower lip with my teeth, she moans. I slow the kiss and tap her ass to bring her eyes back to mine.
“We should go before your dad comes out with a shotgun.”
Her laughter brings me pure joy. “Let me grab my bag.”
She’s in and out in seconds, and I hold her hand as we walk to my truck and open the door for her. I am a lucky son of a gun for having her in my life. I keep her hand in mine the entire drive back to my place, Paul not too far behind. As much as I want to be the one to protect her, I’m grateful to have him keeping an eye out, too.
“I was thinking we can order pizza and hang out. Maybe play a game or watch a movie,” I say as I focus on the road.
“That’s perfect.” She lifts our joined hands and kisses the top of mine. “We can play Tic-Tac-Toe or Hang Man!”
“Anything you want.” I squeeze her hand. “I also bought dessert at So Fresh & So Sweet.”
“What’d you get?” Her voice rises with excitement.
“A surprise.” I quickly glance at her out of the corner of my eye and catch her smile.
“I can’t wait!” She dances in her seat. Laughing, I lift her hand and nip the inside of her wrist before dropping a kiss.
When I pull into my house, we head straight inside. I watch my neighborhood the entire time just in case.
“Show me dessert first. Then, we’ll play a game.” Madison is practically bouncing.
“Close your eyes,” I tease.
She rolls her eyes but closes them and places her hands over them. With the open box from So Fresh & So Sweet in my hand, I say, “Open.”
She lights up when she sees the assortment of donuts. “Those look soooo good,” she practically drools.
“I thought you’d like that.” As if on cue, her stomach growls, and a boastful laugh escapes me. Her face turns a deep shade of red as she looks away from me.
“I’ll order a pizza.”
“Good idea. I haven’t had anything besides a cup of coffee.”
“You gotta eat.” I raise my eyebrows.
“I know, but I got caught up talking to my parents and then the lawyer. Honestly, by the time we were done, I wasn’t hungry.”
I wrap my arm around her neck and bring her to me, kissing her forehead. Her arms instantly grab the back of my shirt, holding me to her.
“Why don’t you decide what we play first while I order?”
She nods and walks into my living room. I stare at her while I place the order from the kitchen. She’s scribbling something on a piece of paper she found. I can picture her living here with me, sharing this space with her. If she does decide to stay in Willow Creek, I’ll make it happen. If she wants to go back to Nashville, I’ll find a way to build a new home with her over there.
I stroll into the living room and look down at the paper. “Hang Man it is, huh?”
“Yeah, I thought it could be fun.” She sits back on her heels next to the coffee table.
“Perfect. Pizza should be here in twenty.” I turn the paper so I can see it better. “Where’s my clue?” I ask.
“I forgot.” She writes out ‘movie’ and then looks at me expectantly.
We play until the pizza arrives. Madison is keeping score, letting her competitive side show—and she’s kicking my ass. When she wins again, she hops to her feet and starts dancing, shaking her ass as her arms pump in front of her. The way she moves gives me different ideas, tightening my pants around my crotch. It makes me want to pull her onto my lap and plunge my dick inside of her.
She stops, out of breath, and pushes her hair away from her face. She’s a stunning view, and I get to watch her day in and day out. “Man, I’m out of shape. I’ve been slacking on my workouts since I’ve been here and not planning to go on stage anytime soon.”
“You’re perfect the way you are.” One side of my lips lifts, and I hook my fingers in the belt hooks on her jeans, dragging her over.
Madison straddles me, her chest rising and falling. “You are, too.” Her hands land on my shoulders.
“Watching you dance like that is giving me some ideas,” my eyebrows waggle.
“I can tell.” She wiggles her body on my lap, head tilting back on a laugh.
I lean forward and bite her neck, earning me a gasp and wide eyes. “That’s what you get for misbehaving,” I tease.
“Not funny.” Her hips grind mine, and I growl.
My teeth skim her jaw, tongue peeking out to taste her. “I need you.” I scrape my fingers against the back of her head, twisting them in her hair and pulling her mouth to mine. I kiss her lazily, my tongue finding hers as I savor the moment. Her hands tighten around my shirt, and I know she feels my erection when she hisses.
I trail my hands down her back and under her sweater, feeling her soft skin beneath my touch and reveling in the way she shivers and reacts to me. When I bring the sweater up her body, she lifts her arms invitingly.
Madison’s eyes shine with trust and love, something I’ve missed in my own life. With slow breaths, I calm my body and decide to take this slow. I’m in no rush when it comes to her, and I plan to show her how much I care.
Taking her lips in mine, I kiss her, full of passion and desire, as my hands trail up and down her body, teasing and pinching her nipples through her bra until I strip that off her body too.
She’s a sight pulled straight from my fantasies—a mirage for a thirsty man wandering lost in the desert. I want to devour her hungrily and savor her slowly at the same time. My hands trail down her stomach, palm flattening as I continue to kiss her.
Just as I’m about to work her jeans off, the doorbell rings. We both freeze, and Madison’s eyes go wide with fear.
“Stay here. Put on the sweater.” I hand the piece of clothing to her and adjust myself before going through the door.
Exhaling, I call out, “It’s the pizza.”
I pay for our food and head back into the kitchen to see her covered up and grabbing plates. “We’ll finish that later,” I promise.
The way her eyes darken at my words tells me she wants it just as bad as I do.
Chapter 25
Madison
My anxiety has been at an all-time high the last couple of weeks since we found that note on my car. Fortunately, there haven’t been any other threats, but the one that was made spoke loud and clear. The only places I’ve ventured out to are Beauty and the Books to hang out with Miles and June and to Tate’s house.
They’ve all been amazing during this time, easing my nerves. Tate’s been the MVP, though. He’s shown me how much he loves me, made me feel safe. The time I spend with him is my favorite, but I don’t tell Miles that, or he’ll get butt-hurt. He thinks his twin brother role should come before anyone else.
I hope that after Thanksgiving this week things, will get sorted out. My lawyer, my parents, and I are flying to Nashville for
the first court appearance with Sadie Lynn. The thought alone makes my heart race. Uncertainty swims in the air at what will happen. I can only hope it turns out in our favor. I want to see Wright rot in prison, or worse. We’ll also meet with the label to terminate my contract. That alone alleviates the weight that has been crushing me.
When the label realized I wasn’t the only one accusing Wright of assault, they called my lawyer to meet outside of the courtroom while we’re in Nashville and come to a deal that will release me from my contract.
They also dropped the two lawsuits for defamation and payment of the missed events. I think they’re covering themselves and trying to distance themselves from Wright and salvage their reputation, but something tells me the other executives aren’t as squeaky clean as they’re presenting themselves to be. However, if it gives me my freedom, I’ll take it.
When all this started, I didn’t want to speak. I didn’t want people to know what had happened or for the media to dig deep, believe lies, and write truths. I was embarrassed, hurt, and so, so lost. I still hate that everyone knows what happened to me. Other people have the liberty of keeping their privacy. Not only has my disappointment in the music industry grown, but it’s given me a chance to witness life in the limelight differently.
I’ve never been so confused about what I want in my life. Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a singer. I used to perform at home and make Miles listen to me sing and clap when appropriate. I would dress up, listen to music on repeat until I learned the details of the chords on a guitar. I took lessons.
And now…
The very dream I worked so hard to achieve is the one that broke me. I have no clear vision as to what my future holds. And that’s damn scary.
My ringing phone snaps me out of my thoughts, and I answer when I read Sadie’s name on the screen.
“Hello?”
“Hey! Oh my God, did you hear?” Her voice is full of excitement and revenge.
“Hear what? No…” I wrack my brain but come up empty.
“Wright got fired from the label a few days ago. RWB released a statement that after further investigation, they have decided to cut ties with him. I’m not sure I trust some of the other executives, but I’m so glad this happened. He deserves it.” She reads my earlier thoughts about the label’s moral standards.
“This is… Wow,” I breathe out. I never thought they’d go this far. They were protecting him from the beginning.
“I know. Honestly, I think some of the other artists started asking questions, and RWB needed to act instead of remaining quiet. It came down to him or them.”
I put her on speaker and search on my phone browser for any articles talking about this. “Holy shit…”
“What?” Her voice sounds nervous.
“Get a load of this… Apparently, the EEOC found an old complaint from seven years ago from an employee at RWB Records that accused some of the executives at the label of harassment. I guess the EEOC found it when processing my claim, from what the article says. It was overthrown by a judge and dismissed. With everything going on, they’re reopening the case. Seems the foul play at the label runs deep.”
“Shut the front door. Oh my God, Rose!” I cringe at her use of my artist name.
“Sadie?” I wait for her to acknowledge me.
“Yeah?”
“Can you call me Madison from now on? I hate Rose, but the label insisted my middle name was a better fit for my brand.”
She’s silent a beat. “Of course,” I can hear a smile. “I personally like Madison better.”
“Thank you,” I sigh in relief. This is the first step to completely transforming back to Madison Carlisle instead of Rose.
“I guess I was just born with a country name because I’ve been Sadie Lynn my whole life.” Her twang rings loud, and I laugh.
Sadie and I talk a little longer, reading more articles as we find them, both in shock at the turn of events. This can only help our case next week. It has to be good news. Justice will be served, and then I’m going to celebrate my freedom.
After hanging up with Sadie, I get to work on a pumpkin pie I promised Tate I’d take to the firehouse this afternoon. It’d be nice to meet his peers and get reacquainted with some I knew growing up.
I’ve been excited about it for days. From what Tate’s told me, sometimes wives and families go visit firefighters while they’re working, usually on special occasions like birthdays or holidays. It’ll be nice to experience that and take them dessert during Thanksgiving week. This year I’m grateful for a lot, and the man who holds my heart is number one.
While the pie bakes, I meet my parents in my dad’s office. Our lawyer called to update us on the current events at the label.
“Sadie called to tell me,” I let them know when he mentions Wright’s been fired.
My parents’ gazes snap to mine. “I was going to tell you.”
“This will help in our favor,” my lawyer says. “If the label let him go, then there must be a foundation to the accusations. That’s how the judge will see it.”
I smile, breathing out slowly.
“It will still be a process,” he warns. “We’ll have to go through the motions, but I feel confident about this.”
“Okay,” I let out with a nod. I wish it would all be over quickly, but I’m aware that we have to follow the steps, and unfortunately, in situations like this, women have to work harder to prove themselves. It’s all so fucked up.
After we finish the conversation, I check on the pie and thank Ms. Sullivan for removing it from the oven and placing it on a cooling rack. Everything finally seems to be on track in my life. And when I send Tate a message to make sure it’s a good time to head to the firehouse, my heart bursts with joy. Something so silly like visiting him at work gives me a permanent smile. To know I’m someone important in his life that gets to share this with him makes me look up at the sky and give thanks.
My palms sweat as Paul rides up to the fire station. Inhaling and exhaling, I catch Paul’s eyes through the rearview mirror. He gives me an encouraging nod, and I step out of the car, carrying the bag holding the pie. Smiling, I see Tate waiting for me by the door.
“Hey.”
“Hi.” He walks toward me, draping his arms around my waist and kissing me. I sigh into him, my smile growing against his lips.
“The guys are excited for pie.”
“I hope they like it.” What I don’t add is that I hope they like me. My heart’s been beating unevenly all day at the thought of Tate’s brothers not accepting me. I learned quickly that these men are more than co-workers; they’re family.
“Come on.”
As soon as we walk in, the sound of heavy bodies turning around and whistling sounds around us in the living room area. I hold back my laughter at them spying on us. Who knew they’d be nosy?
“Y’all are terrible actors,” Tate says, raising his eyebrows. I don’t miss the ghost of a smile, though. With his arm wrapped tightly around my waist, he pulls me closer to him and says, “This is Madison.”
“Hey.” I wave shyly.
Tate tells me their names, although I do remember most of them from my childhood.
“And you know Rafael,” he finishes off.
Rafael nods once, face impassive. Great, his best friend hates me.
“Hi.” I lift the bag. “I brought pumpkin pie.”
“Tate mentioned something about that.” Greg, one of the older firefighters, walks up to me, taking the bag and placing it in the large kitchen.
This place is just like a house. The kitchen opens to the living room, where plenty of recliners are facing the television hanging on the wall. It also has a section with armchairs and a coffee table. A few guys sit there with a deck of cards on the table. A dining table with chairs separates the kitchen from the living room.
“This is really cool,” I whisper to Tate.
“We spend a lot of time here, so it’s as comfortable as possible.” He leads m
e to the kitchen, where Greg is slicing the pie.
“You’re our guest, so take a seat,” he demands
I look over at Tate with a questioning look, and he shrugs. “House rules.”
“I can help,” I insist.
“You made the pie. We’ll serve it.”
I sit at the table and talk to a few of the guys sitting with me. They’re all nice, and no one brings up my career, for which I’m grateful. Today isn’t about that. I’m not here as a celebrity. I’m here for the man I love.
Looking over my shoulder, I catch him looking at me with a small smile. His eyes meet mine, and he winks.
“Do you know Kaylee Quinn?” One of the guys asks about another singer.
“Mike,” Tate growls in warning.
“What?” He shrugs, winking at me.
I giggle and shake my head.
“We said no mention of Madison’s career,” Tate’s voice is tight.
I look at him with raised eyebrows. So he gave them the warning speech.
“I know we did, but this is the closest I’ll ever be to Kaylee, and I need to know if I stand a chance, Tate.” Mike looks at me expectantly.
Laughing, I say, “I know her, but she’s taken. Sorry,” I shrug.
Mike’s face falls. “Nuh-uh. I’ve never seen a boyfriend.”
“It’s not easy keeping your life private when you’re constantly in the spotlight. She tries to. She’s been with him for years, sooo…” I smile apologetically.
“So, I don’t have a chance,” he finishes.
“Sorry.”
The other guys laugh, one slapping his back. It’s such an easy-going environment, much more chill than I imagined.
They all compliment my baking when they eat their slice of pie, inviting me to bring more whenever I’d like. I laugh at their honesty and watch with humor as they inhale the food.
“I should’ve made two,” I lean into Tate, chuckling.
“Nah, you’ll spoil them.” His hand squeezes my thigh under the table. A shiver runs down my spine at the rough touch on my sensitive body.
Homecoming Queen: A Second Chance Romance (Carlisle Cellars Book 2) Page 18