Marking Madden (Hearts of Hollis Book 1)

by Nicole Dykes

  I hear a loud pounding on the door, “Jade, hurry up!”

  “I’ll be right out!” I yell back at Casey as I turn the water off and climb out of the shower. I wrap myself in a towel and walk out seeing that’s she’s ready and sitting on the couch.

  “Eager?”

  She nods, “Hell yeah! I’m going to dance with my man tonight. He’s a damn good dancer.”

  I roll my eyes and go into my bedroom, closing the door behind me. I walk over to my dresser and pull out a matching black and pink, lacy bra and panty set. I stare at it for a minute. It’s not like anyone will see them, but they do make me feel confident and sexy.

  I shrug. Couldn’t hurt. I slip them on and then grab the teal, knee length sundress I picked out from the bed and put it on. Followed by my brown cowboy boots I love. It is Texas after all and I’m a country girl at heart.

  I dry my hair and leave it down with curls after applying simple makeup. I finally walk out of my room and Casey stands up, “Damn girl. You look hot.”

  I laugh, shaking my head. She’s wearing jeans and a cute tank top. She looks beautiful and Caleb won’t be able to keep his hands off her. “Right back at ya.”

  She grins and walks into my kitchen, taking out two shot glasses and a bottle of tequila from my freezer. She pours two generous shots and hands one to me, clinking the glasses together, “Cheers, bitch.”

  I laugh and down the shot quickly. Hey, it’s tradition. You don’t mess with tradition. I put the glasses in the sink and then we leave my place to walk back to the carnival. “So, is this dress for Brady, or for Madden?”

  I think about that. I honestly have no idea anymore. I shrug, “It’s for me. Of course.”

  “Good answer.”

  When we get to the bar, Caleb and some of the guys he works with and hangs out with are standing out front. Caleb grabs Casey and wraps her in his arms, whispering “You look fucking gorgeous” in her ear loudly.

  He then looks over at me, “Who the hell are you all dressed up for?”

  He’s forever protective of his best friend, Brady. Well, screw him, I’m not the one who broke it off. I brush it off and grin when I see Madden walk out of the bar. Not bothering to answer Caleb’s question, I just glide over to Madden.

  He looks me up and down, so slowly I can feel my skin heat where his eyes touch, “You look beautiful, Jade.”

  I smile with pride and assess his outfit. He’s wearing a pair of tight, faded jeans with a black button up shirt, folded to the elbow. It’s sexy as hell, just enough to blend into this crowd, yet still has a hint of Madden Steele. “You look good too. The jeans look really fits you.”

  He looks down and then his eyes meet mine again, “Yeah, they are starting to grow on me.”

  I laugh, “Did you really never wear jeans before?”

  He shakes his head, “Not really. Especially after I turned thirteen. It’s always been dress slacks, khakis, or tuxes.” There’s some more insight into his life. He nods out to the street and wraps his strong arm around my waist, “Show time!”

  I’m still caught up on his arm being around me, when I notice Brady walking over with his girlfriend. Their hands are intertwined and her head is resting on his shoulder. Brady stops when his feet are almost touching Madden’s shoes. His casual look of a t-shirt, faded jeans, and boots are the exact opposite of Madden. But that’s Brady. “Madden.”

  Madden stiffens, not exactly glaring at him, but his face is stone. “Brady.”

  Brady looks in my direction, eyeing my dress, “Jade, you look nice.”

  I give him a polite smile and then decide to mess with him myself, “Well, Madden used beautiful, but I guess nice works, too.”

  Madden pulls me closer to his side, “I’m right. Trust me.”

  I laugh and then he nods his head in Brady’s direction, “Well, you guys have fun.”

  Madden takes my hand and leads me toward the carnival. “Wow, he did not look happy. Maybe I took it too far.”

  He shakes his head, “Nah, make him really feel it.”

  “You may be evil, Madden Steele.”

  He chuckles at that, “You have no idea.”

  We play some carnival games for the next hour, each enjoying a beer or two from the vendors, and walk around until the sun is about to set and the band announces the dance is starting. The crowd makes their way to the open street, blocked off from cars.

  It’s the same band it has been for the last three years and I’m happy because they’ve never let me down before. They mostly play nineties country with some southern rock mixed in.

  “Welcome to the Annual Hollis Day Street Dance!” One of the lead singers announces and the crowd goes crazy before they go into their first song.

  They start with “Maybe It Was Memphis” by Pam Tillis and Madden grabs my hand, pulling me into the crowd. He definitely doesn’t dance like a haughty, rich, city boy. His body is near mine as our feet and hips do the work. It’s fun and freeing.

  Three songs later, I’m having a good time and look up to see Caleb and Casey, clutching on to each other. They seem to be having a good time also. Then I see Brady and his girl. She looks content staring into his eyes, but his eyes are on me. Madden must notice this too because when the band starts playing “Anymore” by Travis Tritt, he pulls my body tight to him. I take his cue and wrap my arms around his neck as he holds me around my waist. I breathe in his cologne as we dance in the street at sunset. I ignore Brady’s eyes on mine and close my eyes allowing myself to get totally lost in the moment.

  When the song stops playing and another one begins, Madden and I stay frozen in each other’s arms. It isn’t until I feel a tap on my shoulder that I put a little space between us and notice Brady standing next to me, “Hey, Jade, can I cut in?”

  I’ve never seen Brady look nervous before, but that’s how I would describe him now.

  Madden looks almost angry when I look to him for what I should do. I’m enjoying my time with Madden, but isn’t all of this supposed to be about Brady?

  Still, I beg Madden with my eyes to object.

  I’ve been so caught up in wanting to make Brady jealous that I’m actually enjoying spending time Madden. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that, but I still need more time to figure out how I feel. It couldn’t hurt to spend that time with Madden, right?

  Chapter 16

  Madden

  I can look at Jade and tell she’s torn, at war with herself on what to do. We’ve been having a great time dancing and now Brady shows up out of nowhere asking to cut in. Jade’s eyes are pleading with me, practically begging me to tell him no so she doesn’t have to.

  “Jade…” Brady persists.

  “I don’t think so.” I answer and pull Jade closer, our noses almost touching. The band continues playing “Come A Little Closer” as though our little interaction isn’t even happening.

  I feel a large hand push my shoulder and my face heats with anger. “I think Jade can answer for herself.” Brady argues.

  I slowly ease Jade away from me and give Brady a hard shove back. “I think she fucking answered you when she turned to me!” I growl. “Go back to your little ditz over there!”

  The punch Brady delivers makes me stumble back into Jade and the coppery taste of blood instantly fills my mouth.

  “Oh my God!” Jade yells, but her screams are lost on me as I swing and feel the satisfying crunch of my knuckles against Brady’s jaw. I’m ready for an all-out brawl, but security breaks us up before we can even get started.

  “You two have to go!” Rent-a-cop informs us.

  Both of us have busted lips and are fueled with anger as we’re separated. Ditz is checking up on Brady and Jade is at my side, rubbing her thumb over my lip. I watch Brady throw his arm over his girlfriend and lead her to where the majority of my co-workers are. After a few seconds, they all head into Jack’s bar.

  “Let’s get outta here.” I offer and Jade nods. I grasp her hand and lead her to Jack�
�s. I ignore Brady and the raucous laughter coming from his table as we walk past. He’s no doubt embellishing details of the fight.

  Jade and I reach the bottom of the stairs and I glance over my shoulder as Jade takes a few steps up ahead of me. Brady is glaring in our direction with his arms crossed over his chest. I cock an eyebrow at him and follow behind Jade. Douche.

  I turn my attention back to what’s in front of me and my mouth waters at the sight of Jade’s long legs. Her dress reveals just enough to be a temptation and my mind instantly changes from trying to piss Brady off to wondering what she’s wearing beneath the soft fabric of her dress. Anything?

  Jade’s leaning against the wall, patiently waiting for me when I reach the top of the stairs. I unlock the door and hear it click close as she shuts it behind her.

  I don’t waste any time. I can’t find it in me to keep wasting any more time when it comes to Jade Bowen. I want to fuck this woman and right now that’s all that matters. Not Brady Thompson. Not Amelia Kensington. And definitely not the fact that it’ll probably ruin the only friendship I’ve made in this shit town.

  I crash my lips against hers, ignoring the slight sting it causes, and I’m relieved that she doesn’t resist in the slightest. In fact, she’s just as eager as I am, unbuttoning my shirt and pushing it off my shoulders. We slam against my door and I feel the heel of her cowboy boot as she hooks her leg around my thigh. I reach down and push it until I hear it clink to the floor.

  I hoist Jade in my arms and she wraps her legs around my waist. I hear her other boot clunk to the floor and I know she must’ve toed it off. I reach my hands under her dress and grip her ass, grinding her core against me.

  Her sweet, apple scent is all around me as I reluctantly move my lips from her mouth to her neck. Her gasps for air are like a symphony in my ear as I breathe her in.

  I slip one hand in her panties and begin teasing her already wet pussy, dragging my fingers up and down her folds. When I plunge one inside, she tightens her legs around my waist and moans.

  “God, Jade.” I groan, working a second finger inside her.

  “So good, Madden.” she mumbles. “Don’t stop…please.”

  I close my lips over hers again and feverishly work my fingers until I feel her pulsing around them. Only then do I lower her feet to the floor and pull her dress over her head. Her breasts are encased in black and pink lace as well as the sweet pussy I just had my fingers in.

  I swallow hard, unable to form words at the sight of her. I don’t know if it’s the alcohol we consumed or the adrenaline from the fight that’s caused this sudden need to take our relationship a step further. Maybe it’s the fact that we’ve been dancing around this since we met. Either way, we’re crossing a line that can’t be uncrossed. Part of me worries that she’ll want to slow things down. Or worse, stop altogether. But Jade steps forward and reaches for my jeans.

  I toe off my shoes and then shove my jeans to the floor. Once I step out of them, I lift her in my arms again. I’ve quickly found that I like having her legs wrapped around my waist. As much as I enjoy seeing her in black and pink lace, I ache to see and taste what’s beneath even more. I flick the clasp on her bra and slip it over her shoulders as I carry her to my bed. I don’t know where it lands as I fling it over my shoulder. Don’t care.

  When my knees hit the edge of my bed, I brace us with one arm and lower us down. Once Jade is beneath me, I suck her nipple into my mouth, causing her to arch into me. Her fingers grip my hair and tug me closer.

  Blood rushes to my already hardened cock and I feel as though I’m going to explode. Fuck, she hasn’t even touched me. I tell myself to focus, to slow down, but it doesn’t work. I need to be inside her and damn the consequences.

  I lean back on my heels and grab a condom from my nightstand. I shove my boxer briefs off and sheathe myself in record time. I notice Jade looking down at my cock with wide eyes and I smirk.

  I reach for her panties and slide them over her hips, tossing them to the floor. I capture her nipple again as I rise over her, needing her to relax again. I trail kisses up her chest and chin then stop when I reach her lips.

  “It’s okay, Jade. I got you.” I whisper and press my lips to hers. The fire that consumed us moments ago is back and rages through us again. Jade spreads her legs and grips my ass, pulling me to her, letting me know she wants this just as much as I do.

  I surge into her and I swear, it’s the most exquisite feeling I’ve ever experienced. I nearly come with my first stroke.

  “Yes…” Jade hisses and raises her hips to meet me as I drive into her. Her nails dig into my ass cheeks as I fuck her slowly at first, but then I can no longer hold back. It’s like she’s unleashed some deep need inside me and I can’t seem to bury myself inside her deep enough.

  “Oh fuck, Jade…” I groan. “Incredible.”

  “Please, Madden…please.” she begs.

  I want to make it last for her, so I grip her legs and roll until she’s on top. Jade rocks back and sets a rhythm.

  “That’s it, Jade.” I encourage her.

  The sight of Jade on top of me, her blonde hair wild and her tits bouncing with her movements makes me start to lose control. When she throws her head back and yells out my name, I grip her hips and grind her against me as I pulse my release into her.

  Jade collapses onto my chest, breathless. I can feel her heart pounding as heavily as my own. I situate her so I can ease out from under her and go dispose of the condom.

  “I’ll be right back.” I tell her.

  “Mmm-hmm.”

  I slip into the bathroom and tie the condom off before throwing it in the trash. When I return, Jade is already asleep. Her naked form is stretched out on my bed, her perfect ass exposed. My cock pulses at the sight of her. Damn.

  I slip into the bed beside her, not bothering with any clothes. She doesn’t even stir. I lie on my back and stare at the ceiling. The realization of what just happened slowly starting to creep in.

  I fucked Jade. My friend.

  What now?

  Chapter 17

  Jade

  I’m awake, but I don’t open my eyes. I can feel Madden’s strong body next to mine in his bed. I had sex with Madden last night.

  Was it just to make Brady jealous or was there something else? There was definitely something else there. I’ve never been more eager to tear someone’s clothes off in my life. I couldn’t get his shirt off fast enough, revealing his sexy chest that I have seen already. The rest of him is just as exquisite. I bite my bottom lip thinking about his hard, impressive cock last night. Just wow.

  Madden stirs next to me and I open my eyes slowly to see that his are still closed as he sleeps peacefully next to me. I squint as the sun streams in through the open window in his apartment. My mind goes over the events of last night and is swirling with question after question.

  What the hell did last night mean? Is it going to happen again? Do I want it to?

  My eyes scan Madden’s statuesque body and I grin. Yeah, I definitely want it to happen again. I slowly creep off the bed, still totally naked from last night’s activities. I find my dress near the front door and slip it on over my head.

  “Damn, I was enjoying the view.”

  I’m slightly startled and then laugh as I make my way back to the bed where a smiling Madden is propped up against the headboard. The thin sheet covering his lap, with one bare leg sticking out. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”

  He looks more relaxed than I’ve ever seen him and I have to admit I feel the same way. Last night was just what I needed. Madden pats the bed next to him and I take a seat. “Not a problem, it was a damn nice way to wake up.”

  His eyes are still hungry, like maybe he’s replaying last night also. I should feel embarrassed, but I don’t. I feel oddly comfortable with him. He pulls me to him, wrapping his arm around me. I settle next to him on the bed, grateful he doesn’t seem to want me to leave right away.

  “So, last
night…”

  He turns to me, his eyebrow cocked, “The talk?”

  I nod, “The morning after talk. Gotta have it, right?”

  He chuckles at that, “Yeah, we probably should.”

  Neither of us says anything though. Finally, I break the awkward silence. “I think we succeeded in the making Brady jealous scheme.”

  His face darkens slightly as he nods, “Yeah. I’d say so.” But that’s not all it was. I want to scream that before he adds, “Of course, I forgot about that douchebag the second the door closed.”

  I turn to him, happiness radiates from me, “Me too.”

  I’m sure I’m wearing my worries on my face the next second though because I have no idea what any of this means. I may still be hung up on Brady and Madden is still hung up on his ex for sure. He’s also not planning to stay here for long that I know of. My home is here.

  Madden pulls me even closer to him, the feeling of his bare chest on my arm is calming, “Don’t worry, Jade. I’m not talking love or anything. It was a nice….”

  “Release?”

  He laughs hard at that, “I was going to go with time or even night, but yeah it was a damn good release.”

  Now my cheeks are red with embarrassment. “Right.”

  He laughs, “Look, I like you. You’re a cool chick and fun to hang out with. We both have a shitload of baggage and aren’t equipped to start anything, but I don’t think that means we can’t have fun with each other occasionally.”

  I turn my body so I’m facing him, his arm still around my shoulders. “So, like a friends with benefits thing?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe just a “friends who enjoy each other’s bodies while they are going through some tough shit and figuring things out” thing.”

  I laugh. That’s exactly a friends with benefits thing, but it doesn’t sound terrible. Maybe it’s what we both need right now. I nod my head and shrug my shoulders, “I wouldn’t be against that.”

  He smiles and quickly pins me down on the bed, his body hovering over mine. “Good and anytime I can make that asshole Brady squirm, I’m there.”