“So what is the problem?” Chad asked, a brow raised. “Neither of you are defined by past relationships. We all have them, but we live in the present. Forget about Fawn and her selfishness, just as I’m sure Madison is trying to forget about her ex. If you two hit it off, give it a chance before looking for excuses to go your separate ways.”
“You’re right,” Stuart said. “I think I just needed a fresh perspective. Guess I’m being overly cautious with the girls since they’re at the age where they’re vulnerable—”
Chad scoffed. “They’re not that vulnerable. Kids understand more than you think. I think they get that parents do not always work out and that other people can enter the picture. If you like Madison, I’m sure Carrie and Dottie will cozy up to her in a hurry.”
“Maybe so,” Stuart said, sipping his drink. “I always want to do right by them.”
“And you’ve done right by them as the ideal dad,” Chad said. “Now it’s time you do right by yourself, too. I’d say Madison is a very nice step in the right
direction.”
Chapter 10
“I was wondering if you’d like to check out a movie tonight,” Stuart said to Madison after he had dialed her through an iPad video chat.
She looked at his handsome face and didn’t have to think about it long. “I’d love to see a movie with you.”
He smiled. “Anything in particular you’ve been waiting to see?”
Madison thought about it. “Nothing in particular, but I am a sucker for romantic comedies.”
“So am I,” he said. “Can I pick you up at six?” Stuart asked.
“Six is good.” Madison gazed at him. “What about your daughters?”
“They’re having a sleepover at a friend’s house,” he said happily.
“Sounds like fun.” She remembered doing the same thing with her childhood friends. But she also liked the idea of having the evening to themselves.
“I’ll see you then,” Stuart said.
After disconnecting, she immediately called Jacinta on her cell phone. “Hey there. I’m going to have to reschedule our trip to the mall. I’ve got a movie date tonight with Stuart.”
“How nice, and that’s totally understandable,” Jacinta said. “We can shop anytime.”
“Maybe next week?”
“Sure, next week will work. Hope you enjoy the movie, assuming you can take your eyes off each other.”
Madison smiled. “You’re such a romantic.”
“Guilty as charged,” Jacinta said. “Now I just have to latch on to a devilishly handsome, well-educated, successful man that I’ll actually want to make out with at a movie theater.”
Madison chuckled. “I’m sure it will happen soon.”
“Not soon enough, girlfriend. But hey, with things moving along for you, it’s giving me inspiration.”
“Well, it’s just a movie.”
“It’s never just a movie when you’re in the company of a single man who’s obviously into you.”
Madison wasn’t sure how to respond to that. She was just as into Stuart, but she was smart enough to know that it still didn’t mean they were about to become an item. That would only happen if they were both willing to fully put themselves out there.
“I think I’ll know a little more about where things are headed soon,” she said.
“I’d better let you go, then, and get ready for your date.”
“Talk to you later,” Madison said.
She freshened up and changed from lounging attire to something appropriate for a movie date.
* * *
The movie was funny and romantic with lots of sexual chemistry between the lead actors, but truthfully, Stuart was more attuned to Madison. He put his arm around her and she rested her head against his shoulder, and Stuart enjoyed just how good it felt.
Madison almost felt as if she could fall asleep on Stuart’s firm shoulder. Instead, she shared popcorn with him and did her best to get through the movie, though she wished they were in a more intimate setting.
Don’t wish for more than you should, she told herself. Take each step as it comes.
She believed that Stuart also did not wish to push things too quickly. Not when they obviously enjoyed each other’s company and there seemed to be plenty of potential for moving forward.
When the movie ended, Stuart drove Madison home. He wondered if she would invite him in. Or should he not get his hopes up that she was ready for more?
“I’m glad we saw the movie,” he told her, glancing her way as they got closer to her home.
“So am I,” she responded, smiling. “I don’t go often enough.”
“Neither do I—at least not to grown-up movies. I try to go whenever I can with the girls.”
“But it’s not quite the same?”
He chuckled. “Not quite.”
“Whenever you want to see a grown-up movie again, let me know.”
“I will,” Stuart said. “Same with you.”
Stuart parked the car in her driveway and walked Madison to the door.
She didn’t want to see him leave just yet. “Do you want to come in for a cup of coffee or tea?”
“I’d love to,” he said eagerly.
Madison unlocked the door and they went inside. She turned on the light and faced Stuart. Unable to resist, she stepped closer to caress his cheeks and then kiss his mouth, letting her lips linger on his for a long moment. Her body was on fire and she suspected that only he could extinguish the flames.
“Maybe we should forget about the coffee or tea,” she whispered through his lips as the kiss continued.
“Maybe we should.” His libido was working overtime as he slipped his tongue inside her mouth and held her firmly.
Madison rolled her hands around Stuart’s back as his chest brushed against hers, causing her nipples to tingle like crazy. She wanted this man, right now, and had little doubt that he wanted her just as much, feeling the bulge in his pants that was dying to get out.
She broke free of the powerful kiss and gazed hungrily into his eyes. “Do you have protection?”
“Yeah,” he said, reaching in his pants pocket to retrieve it. He’d anticipated that something could happen.
Listening to what her body craved, Madison began unbuttoning his shirt and practically ripping it off his broad shoulders before kissing him again ravenously. She stepped back and pulled her top over her head, flinging it away. She waited for Stuart to take off her bra. He did so slowly, then he admired her small, rounded breasts as if they were a work of art. They removed the rest of their clothing and shoes till both were stark naked.
Madison stared in awe at Stuart’s fully erect penis, sending a fresh wave of yearning shooting through her. She felt a tad embarrassed, but her unbridled lust to be with him overcame it. She tilted her face and reached once more for his mouth. Stuart delivered, giving her the most passionate kiss yet and causing the temperature to rise in the room.
Stuart, bursting with needs this woman had brought to life, backed her up to the sofa even as their mouths never parted, gently laying her down. He wanted her more than he had ever wanted anyone. He tore open the condom packet and slipped it across his erection.
He looked down at Madison, her eyes hungry for him and her long, lean legs splayed invitingly. Falling on his knees, Stuart placed his face between her legs, wanting to taste her sweetness and increase her longing for him even more. He found her bud, ripe for his mouth and tongue, and went to work.
Madison was overwhelmed by the sheer pleasure he was giving her. Shamelessly, she took his head and held it in place as an orgasm ripped through her almost immediately.
She gasped, a prisoner to the moment and the man. “Make love to me,” she ordered. She needed the feel of him inside
her more than anything.
Stuart lifted his face, more than ready to heed to her demand. Nestling himself between her thighs, he entered Madison. She was wet and tight, and the combination sent him into a tizzy as they began to make love.
Madison’s breasts heaved as she met Stuart’s powerful thrusts halfway, pulling him deeper and deeper inside her. She cried out as he hit the spot again and again.
Desperate for his mouth on hers, she brought his face down and they kissed while their bodies pressed together.
When her climax came, Madison practically elevated off the sofa with her legs wrapped tightly around Stuart’s buttocks. He had ignited every fiber in her until her breathing quickened and turned into moans of ecstasy.
Stuart felt the trembling of Madison’s moist and supple body, and her sounds of pleasure were music to his ears. Having held back as long as he could, there was no stopping him now in joining her in the throngs of satisfaction.
He burrowed deeper inside her as their slickened bodies stayed in total sync while unleashing his sexual pleasure. A grunt left his mouth and Stuart quavered wildly during the moment of release.
Madison held on to him for dear life as they both rode the wave of passion together, soaking up each and every second of their first time together.
When it was over, she was thoroughly exhausted but felt more satisfied than she could ever remember after sex.
“Wow....” the word slipped out while Stuart was still halfway on top of her.
“Wow, indeed,” he said, squeezing one of her breasts while inhaling the intoxicating scent of their sex. “I’ll take that over coffee any day of the week.”
“Are you sure you can keep up that type of performance?” she teased.
“I’m sure.” Stuart lifted on an elbow and kissed her shoulder. “Especially if it’s you I can perform with.”
“Sounds perfect.” He had instilled in her a desire that she didn’t see going away anytime soon.
He grinned, taking her response as a sign that the connection was real. “We’re definitely on the same page.”
Madison couldn’t help but wonder what this meant for their future. Or should she not look too far ahead?
When Stuart suddenly kissed her again, she turned her attention to the here and now, opening her mouth to embrace his fully.
Chapter 11
Stuart peeked in on the girls, who were both in Dottie’s room. They were on the bed playing a game, unaware of his presence. He loved the fact that they were so close, virtually inseparable, even though they had their own rooms and had been given space to grow up independently. He did worry a little that they might not be able to cope as well when they eventually would have to live apart. But overall, he was sure it was a good thing that they were here for each other, no matter what came their way in the years ahead.
He smiled as he gazed at his little darlings before quietly slipping away and down the hall. Glancing into the master bedroom, Stuart felt a snippet of desire as he imagined making love to Madison in his king bed. It had been two days since their mutual attraction gave way to unbridled passions. She made him feel good about himself, and he hadn’t had a woman do that in a long time.
But was he ready to take her in his own bed? With his kids down the hall?
Would they see her as his girlfriend or as someone who could assume the role of mother in their lives?
Stuart pushed aside his thoughts for now, content to take things one day at a time.
He went downstairs to his study and phoned his editor, Malcolm Warner.
“Thanks for returning my call,” Malcolm said.
“Always nice to talk with you,” said Stuart.
“I’ve looked over your novel, and I have to say that it just might be your best one yet.”
Stuart grinned. “You really think so?”
“You know me, I never sugarcoat anything,” Malcolm insisted. “It’s a damned good novel you’ve got here. I love how you mix the suspense, thrills and romance so seamlessly, and you did it well here.”
“That’s always the plan,” Stuart told him. “Sometimes it works a little better than others.”
“Well, trust me when I tell you that it works great in this novel. I really believe you’ve outdone yourself.”
“I appreciate hearing that,” Stuart said.
“By the way,” Malcolm said, “I loved that piece on you last month in your local magazine.”
“Thanks. It was a great interview.”
“Maybe the interviewer will do it again just before this novel comes out?” Malcolm suggested.
“I’ll work on that,” Stuart told him. He suspected that Madison and her boss would welcome another collaboration. For his part, he was more interested in continuing to see Madison on a nonprofessional basis.
* * *
Madison didn’t exactly have to drag Jacinta to the mall on Saturday. Especially when she’d told her that Stuart would be there signing copies of his last two novels. Madison wanted to go not only because she was dating him, but to show support for his work.
“Are you sure he won’t mind if I bring along some of my old books to sign?” Jacinta asked, adding, “I still plan to buy his newest book.”
“Stuart will be happy to sign all your books,” Madison assured her. “He takes his fan base seriously.”
“And we take him just as seriously. The man can flat-out write!”
“You’ll get no arguments from me there,” Madison said as they approached the bookstore.
“Didn’t think so.” Jacinta winked at her. “Not when you’ve got the ins with him.”
“Those ins can only take me so far,” Madison said. She thought about how she had yet to be invited into his home. She believed it would happen sooner or later, but for now, she could only wait for Stuart to open up in that respect.
“Who knows how far those ins might get you in the long run, girlfriend.” Jacinta batted her eyes teasingly. “I’m just saying...”
“Well, say no more,” Madison told her as they entered the store. “Let’s just see what happens.”
Jacinta had practically already forgotten the conversation as she surged ahead to stand in line to get an autographed book.
Madison caught up to her. Though she suspected that Stuart had spotted her, she decided to stay with Jacinta in line rather than cutting to the front to see him.
* * *
Feeling tired from signing books, Stuart’s face lit up when he saw Madison standing before him. Next to her was a tall, dark-skinned woman with braided hair in a ponytail.
“Hey, Mr. Author,” Madison said, smiling.
“Hey, you,” he responded.
“This is my neighbor, Jacinta Poole.”
“Nice to meet you, Jacinta,” Stuart said, stretching to shake her hand.
“You, too,” she said. “I’ve been a fan for years, and now I finally get to have my books signed by you, if that’s all right.”
Stuart smiled at her, then Madison. “Of course. I’m happy to sign whatever you brought with you.”
“Thank you,” she gushed, and grabbed a new hardcover book off the stack on the table. “I definitely want an autographed copy of your latest book, too.”
“Even better.” Stuart held his pen. “What would you like me to say?”
Madison watched with pride as he generously wrote down every word she wanted in each book, much to the chagrin of others waiting their turn.
She tried to imagine what it must be like to be a famous author. What she knew was that Stuart handled it with poise and professionalism. While he seemed to revel in his success, it clearly was not the most important thing in his life.
His daughters took that spot, and rightfully so. Though she would never want to compete with such affect
ion, Madison did wonder if there was enough room in Stuart’s heart for her to be the woman in his life. She hoped so, because she enjoyed his companionship and was optimistic about the direction in which their relationship seemed to be headed.
She grabbed a book from the pile, setting it before Stuart. “Sign it,” she said, smiling.
“I think I have a few extras at home,” he said. “I’m sure one already has your name on it.”
“Yes, this one.” Her lashes batted playfully. “I can afford to pay for my copy like any other fan.”
“If you insist...” Stuart signed the novel, though they both knew that she was anything but just another fan. An image of them making loved flashed across his mind before he came back down to earth. He admired how beautiful she looked in a multicolored peasant top and white skinny pants. “Here you are,” he said.
Madison’s heart skipped a beat when she read his words in the book—“To a wonderful, gorgeous woman who is now a part of my life—Stuart.”
“Thank you for that,” she said softly.
“My pleasure,” he said, beaming.
Realizing she was hogging his time, Madison said, “See you later. Have fun.”
“I will see you later.” Stuart winked then turned to the next person in line.
* * *
That evening, Stuart showed up at Madison’s place, after he’d gotten Grace to watch the girls.
“I couldn’t wait to see you,” he said between kisses as they got naked in Madison’s bedroom.
“I couldn’t wait for you to see me and for me to see you—all of you,” she said.
Stuart removed his boxers and tossed them to the floor. His desire for her was so strong that he could barely keep his hands off her.
Madison was turned on by seeing him completely naked. His erection made her even more desirous, for it told her just how much he craved her. She would not disappoint.
She pushed him down on the bed and climbed on top of him. Straddling him, she leaned down, kissed his rock-hard chest, and then moved to his mouth where she peppered his lips with hot kisses.
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