by Sara Noble
“You look great, Maddie,” Connor couldn’t help but say as they made their way to the black Mercedes waiting out front.
“Thanks,” Maddie replied shyly. Her skin shimmered like diamonds in the afternoon sun, and her hair was swept off her neck and secured into a side ponytail. Connor found the way her bare skin glowed extremely irresistible. He had a short thought of canceling his interviews so he could take her up to bed, but that quickly vanished as Patty began to rattle off the details of the night.
The three discussed their plans as they headed back to the speedway outside of town. First, Connor would do a series of interviews with reporters from sports magazines and cable networks. Then, he would spend about an hour doing a photo shoot for an energy drink he endorsed. Finally, he would sign autographs in a booth setup on pit road. Patty figured he’d be done with everything by eight o’clock and then they could all go out to dinner. As much as Connor had liked doing things for his fans, all he wanted was the evening to be over with so he could spend the time Maddie instead.
For the next few hours, Connor wowed the media and fans with his charming smile and humble responses to the questions they asked. Maddie took in all the chaos with stride and he noticed that she was mesmerized by every second of it. Occasionally, Connor would look over and wink at her, just like he did in high school. He knew he was taking a chance of someone noticing, but no one seemed to pay attention to the pretty girl sitting next to his mother.
At half past eight, they finally were able to leave the track and head to dinner. Connor instructed his driver, Kirk, to take them to the best steakhouse in Indianapolis. He scooted close to Maddie in the back seat of the car. Patty sat up front and chatted with Kirk about the city, completely oblivious to what was happening behind her. Connor let his fingers dance up Maddie’s thigh; he grabbed her hand when she began to swat him away. She looked at him with concern in her eye; she was probably worried that the two up front would catch them flirting with each other.
“It’s okay,” Connor whispered into her ear. He inhaled the scent of her shampoo; it reminded him of almonds and vanilla. It made him yearn to kiss her neck and nibble on her earlobes. She smells so good. There’s just something so enticing and irresistible about her. I want her so bad, right now. He inhaled again, completely spellbound.
“Connor, no drinking tonight. You’ve got an early start tomorrow,” informed his mother from the front seat. He jerked his hand away from Maddie and slid over next to the window.
“Yeah, Mom. I know.” He glanced over at Maddie to catch her reaction. She looked terrified of being caught, even if they were just holding hands. Her hazel eyes grew round with anxiety as Connor shot her a coy smile.
The three chatted while they had a quiet dinner in the back section of the exclusive restaurant. Connor tried his best not to dwell on thoughts of his guest, even though she made it hard when her skirt crept up her thigh whenever she crossed her legs. He wasn’t sure how he was going to handle his emotions for much longer. It was going to be difficult to keep it hidden from his close friends and family, especially since she’d be staying for the weekend.
“Maddie, what do you say about having a girl’s day tomorrow before practice starts? We can get our nails done, maybe a pedicure and a facial. Does that sound fun?” Patty asked before she sipped on her merlot.
Maddie shifted in her seat. Connor wanted her around in the garage and he tried to sway her response with a pleading look. She ignored him and smiled sweetly at Patty.
“That sounds…great. That will give Connor a break from having me loiter around the garage while he’s trying to work.” She narrowed her eyes at him, sending the message that they needed to appease Patty. Connor sighed heavily at the thought of her absence.
“You’re no bother, Maddie. Don’t feel like you have to leave,” he replied, still trying to convince her without saying the words.
Patty set down her wine glass and glowered at her son. “Connor, this isn’t your vacation. This is your job, your career. Let me take Maddie out so you can concentrate. She’ll be back before practice starts. I promise she won’t miss anything important.”
Connor knew there was no arguing with his mother. She was right, after all; he needed to concentrate and be ready to win another race. “Have fun,” he said dryly as he gave in to her demand.
The driver dropped them off back at the hotel by ten. Connor and Patty walked Maddie to her room on the tenth floor and said good night. The two then took the elevator up to the next floor where their rooms were located. Patty said good night to her son and then joined Jim in neighboring suite where he was already sound asleep. Jim never liked going to do all the publicity stuff with Connor and Patty; he preferred to rise early and walk around the track to meet new people and collect swag for his collections.
Even though it had been a long day, Connor wasn’t tired. He paced the hotel suite, trying to decide what to do next. He jumped into the shower to refresh himself and then pulled on a clean t-shirt and a pair of basketball shorts. After thinking about it for a whole two minutes, he decided to sneak out to Maddie’s room.
Everyone should be asleep by now, he thought, as he tiptoed out into the hall and softly closed his door. He took the stairs at the end of the long corridor so the elevator noise wouldn’t wake up anyone. He had to be as discreet as possible, even though he thought it was real corny to sneak around. Luckily, no one else in his crew had a room on the same floor as Maddie. He was glad that all of the other rooms on the eleventh floor had been booked when he had Patty call to get the extra room for his special friend.
Connor knocked softly and waited for Maddie to answer. She opened the door, clad in only a plush, white towel draped around her body. Her long, wet hair cascaded over her shoulders.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I’ll come back later,” Connor said quickly and turned his eyes away. He really didn’t want to leave at all; he wanted to tuck inside the room and see what was under that towel.
“Come in,” Maddie whispered and held the door open for him.
And at that moment Connor began to feel ecstasy. He floated inside and took her into his arms. She let him sweep her onto the bed; the large towel fell to the floor. His lips made tracks over her moist skin, from the hallow of her neck to her soft abdomen. Connor stripped off his own clothes and then pulled the cool sheets over their bare bodies.
“This is what I’ve been waiting for,” Connor breathed out as they melted together in the dark. He pressed his body into hers as he kissed and licked the skin on her chest and neck. Her breasts were firm with arousal as he swept his tongue in between them. He moved down to her navel and did the same; she beckoned to him by slightly lifting her hips and wrapping her legs around his waist.
He went on like this for a while, enjoying every blissful second. A deep, throaty moan escaped from within her, calling for more as he let his hands touch her delicately in all the right places. When he couldn’t resist any longer he gave in to the warmth between her legs. She clawed at him and moved rhythmically as they rocked back in forth in the night. Her hands found their way to his bottom and she pushed up with all her might, forcing him deeper inside her. Her breath hitched, then escaped forcefully while he panted from the exertion. The intensity built and the two erupted in complete rapture as the sweat poured from their bodies. Connor closed his eyes as he rode the wave of the satisfaction; he trembled from the surge, but loved the way it completely took him over. Maddie cried louder as she also surrendered to her climax. She dug her nails into his drenched back and pleaded for more. He gave her what she desired and let go of all his responsibilities. They were the only two souls that existed in the world, entirely attentive to each other’s needs. Connor loved her until the bleak morning’s first light crept in between the drawn curtains. He waited until her breathing slowed and she was fast asleep before he gently crawled out of bed and left her to dream of the magic that was just created between them.
Chapter 7: Maddie
A wi
spy stream of light peeked through the gossamer curtains, tickling Maddie’s face as it reached her eyes. Her delicate lashes fluttered and reluctantly lifted to meet the new day. She yawned and stretched; then smiled benevolently when she remembered where she was. She rolled the other way, expecting to see Connor lying next to her. Instead, the bed was empty.
Maddie sat up to the view of a room service cart with a sterling silver serving tray and coffee carafe. A fresh fruit plate and croissants were waiting for her, along with a note in a white envelope with gold lettering embossed on the flap. Maddie shuffled across the bed and read the note.
Sorry, but I had to leave early. I really didn’t want to get out of bed with you. I can’t wait to see you later. –Me
Maddie beamed. Beautiful images of the late night fluttered into her mind. She remembered making love to Connor for hours and then falling asleep in his arms. She had never felt such compelling passion and rapture for another person. It was the single most satisfying event of her life and she would never forget it.
A knock interrupted her thoughts.
“Maddie? It’s Patty. Can you be ready in twenty minutes?” called the voice.
“Um, sure,” Maddie replied out of breath as she tumbled out of bed. The tangled sheets twisted around her ankles. “I just need to shower real quick!”
“Okay, hun. See you downstairs in the lobby.”
Maddie quickly showered, dressed herself in shorts and a tank top, and then shoved a croissant down her throat before she left the room to meet Patty. She had almost forgotten about their girls' day out before all the events of the weekend. It would be impossible not to think about the special time she shared with Connor while she was out and about. I hope Patty can’t read it all over my face, she thought while she rode the elevator to the bottom floor. The doors opened up to the bright, natural lit atrium; the light stung her eyes and she slid her sunglasses down from the top of her head to the bridge of her nose. Better to hide my eyes, anyway.
“Good morning,” Patty said sweetly as Maddie approached. She was completely decked out in Connor Gray racing gear; a baseball cap and a teal polo with his name embroidered on it. The number 27 stood out in bright yellow thread. She was definitely his number one fan.
“Hi. Sorry I’m getting up a little late. I’m not used to traveling.” Or staying up all night with your son, Patty. She smiled to herself as more wonderful thoughts clouded her mind. It was taking every ounce of her strength not to shout to rooftops that she had just spent all night making love to Connor Gray. Her teeth clasped down on her lower lip to hold in her surprising news. Usually Maddie didn't divulge such personal information, especially to someone as motherly as Patty, but it would have been nice to have a friend to confide in so she wouldn’t have to keep it all bottled up inside.
“Oh, don’t worry about being late, sweetie. We have plenty of time before we have to be back to the track for Connor.” Patty shoved a brand new Connor Gray baseball cap into Maddie’s empty hands. It was teal, like hers, but had a different style of embroidery on the front. Maddie traced Connor’s name with her finger then proudly put the cap on and followed Patty out of the lobby.
The two climbed into another awaiting black car out front and then off the driver sped as he took them to a high-end salon in the downtown area of Indianapolis. Patty had arranged for them to have a complete spa treatment: pedicure, manicure, facial, and a massage. Maddie had never had such a special treat and kept thanking Patty for it, even though she brushed it off as nothing. “You can thank Connor,” Patty had said.
Most of the time Maddie was alone for her treatments and didn’t have to worry about disregarding the curious glances that Patty had been throwing her way. She let her thoughts drift to Connor as the masseuse’s firm hands kneaded her already soothed muscles. A permanent smile curled at her lips while the chatty nail tech slicked clear gloss onto her polished nails, completely unaware of the commotion around her. The lengthy time she had to marinate in the surge of emotions was satisfying and she sighed with delight as she relaxed with her feet in a tub of bubbling hot water.
It wasn’t until that moment of complete serenity that Patty started with the unwarranted advice.
Connor’s mother sat in the cushy chair beside Maddie. She carefully rested her freshly polished nails on the armrest, making extra sure she didn’t knick her wet coat of aquamarine. It was the same lacquer as Connor’s race car. “So, you like spending time with Connor? You two seem to get along really well,” Patty commented while getting her feet massaged with a buttery sugar scrub.
The overpowering scent of nail acrylic and chemicals poked at Maddie’s nostrils. “Yes, he’s really sweet. I can’t remember having a better friend.” Maddie replied.
“So, you only think of him as a friend?”
Maddie hesitated. She wasn’t sure if she should be truthful with Patty or just to give her a little taste of the story. She respected Patty, after all, and wanted to stay in her good graces. Maddie also had a feeling that Patty would take her side if Connor ever clued his mother in about what has been happening between them. It was clear that she didn’t like Makaela and wouldn’t be upset to see her go. And it would feel so good to have someone to talk to and confirm that there was a chance Maddie and Connor could withstand a long distance relationship.
“Well, I don’t know. I guess it’s obvious I like him more than a friend.”
“It doesn’t bother you that he’s engaged to Makaela?”
Maddie stared blankly at the floor. She had tried so very hard to forget that one detail, his engagement. Yet, it was something that she did have to face, since she just realized that she was falling in love with Connor. Still, that engagement was a treacherous thorn in her side.
Patty continued rambling. “You know, he’s not married yet. And by the way he looks at you, it probably won’t be hard to change his mind.”
Maddie was so flabbergasted she nearly slid out of the massaging chair. Patty sure liked to gossip. She then wondered if it would be the right thing to talk about her relationship with Connor with his own mother. Probably not the smartest thing, that’s for sure. “Wow! I don’t know what to say about that.”
Patty smiled devilishly. “Let’s be frank; I can’t stand Makaela. She’s a gold digger and I am not convinced that she loves my son. I have to listen to Connor complain about how often she’s out of the country or off skiing with friends in Aspen. It seems that she only shows him special attention when he wins a race. I know him too well; he wants someone who’s going to stick by his side and love him unconditionally.”
Maddie was starting to get what Patty was insinuating. “And you think I could give him that?”
“Much more than she could. And the best part is that you make my son smile like I have never seen. How could I not want that for him?”
“Do you think he will break up with her soon?” Maddie was beginning to feel extremely guilty about sleeping with a man that was engaged. Somewhere in Sweden his fiancée was probably planning their wedding.
“That depends. I know this seems harsh, but he has to look at it from a business point of view. The world knows the two of them being happy and in love, the perfect couple. If he breaks up with her it may hurt his image and upset his fans.”
Maddie gulped. “I’m afraid I’m a little confused. So, you want Connor to be with someone who can give him a family and take care of him, but you don’t see him making a move anytime soon because of his status as a driver. It’s hard for me to tell if you want me to back off or steal him from her.”
“I just want you to keep your guard up. Maybe you can convince him to back out of his engagement, nice and slow. That way the media won’t go crazy and you won’t get thrown into the mess, either.” Patty shifted uneasily in her seat as the nail technician scrubbed the bottom of her feet with a pummis stone. “Now that tickles,” she laughed while Maddie soaked in the conversation.
“I’d like to think Connor would follow his heart. He’s
not that shallow.”
“No, he’s not shallow. He’s just very conscientious. I can see him thinking about this long and hard. He’s going to want to make the right choice.”
“I would never do anything to hurt his career,” Maddie assured her.
Patty smiled at her. “I know you wouldn’t, doll. You’re a smart, reasonable girl. I just don’t want you to get in too deep with your emotions when he’s not sure what he wants to do. I don’t want to see anyone get hurt.”
It couldn’t get any deeper than it did last night. There’s no way I could shut off my feelings for him now. If he decides to stay with Makaela it’s going to rip my heart out--- again.
Maddie nodded and kept quiet. She knew deep down inside she should back off and leave Connor alone until he was freed from his relationship with Makaela. It was just too hard to resist the temptation to be with him. She had to figure out a way to convince him that he would be happier with his hometown girl.
***
Maddie checked her cell phone for new messages as her and Patty left the salon that afternoon. Connor had left four texts while she was busy being pampered; all of them stated how much he missed her and couldn’t wait to feel her body against his again. She tingled all over and felt intoxicated when arousing thoughts of him clouded her mind. It was going to be difficult to keep her hands to herself for the rest of the weekend. His inviting words would make it hard for her to say no, even if the thought of his blonde fiancée hovered in her mind like a vengeful spirit.
Patty led Maddie down to the pits once they got back to the speedway. The boxes weren’t set up yet with all the team gear, so they just strolled around, listening to the sounds and taking in all the wonder. They stood next to the concrete barriers beside the track and waited for Connor to fly by during some of the practice laps. After they noticed that his car had quit speeding by, they headed back into the garage area. Maddie clutched at the lanyard around her neck; it held her credentials for access to the restricted area. She felt like royalty as she headed through a security checkpoint while other fans anxiously waited on the other side of the gates for their favorite driver to make an appearance.