Her First

by Mckenzie, Diamond

  He looked down at her finger. He leaned closer to her so she could hear him. “How do you explain this then?” He pointed at the ring.

  “It’s a long story. But I’m far from being married.”

  “I have all night. Do you want to go outside on the patio so we can talk?”

  Madison remembered how he left her outside of the restaurant, so she declined.

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Besides I’m about to leave anyway. Bye.”

  She abruptly turned and walked away. Ethan watched her and made a mental note on how graceful her stride was. Some of the other men in the club couldn’t keep their eyes off her as she strutted by each one of them. Either she was used to the attention or just didn’t care, because she ignored their advances as she headed for the door.

  Ethan didn’t move. He didn’t know what to do. But he didn’t want to let her get away from him a second time either. The moment she informed him that she wasn’t married he knew that he had to make things right between them. He looked around the club for Frederick and Charlotte and saw them sitting at the other end of the bar and made his way towards them.

  “Hey, bro,” Frederick said to Ethan as he approached them at the bar. “Looks like you lost your best friend.”

  “Looks like you found one,” Ethan said, referring to how comfortable Frederick and Charlotte looked with one another.

  Frederick looked over at Charlotte. “Charlotte and I work together,” he confirmed.

  “But speaking of best friends,” Charlotte interrupted, “where’s mine?” Charlotte began looking over Ethan’s shoulder for her friend. “What have you done with Madison?”

  “He’s harmless,” Frederick assured her. “This is my brother. This is Ethan.”

  “Ethan?” Charlotte asked with excitement. “The Ethan, huh?”

  “I’m Ethan,” he confirmed. “I don’t know about the Ethan, but I’m definitely Ethan. But anyway, your best friend left.”

  “Left?” Charlotte said with a puzzled look on her face.

  “Yep; headed for the door,” Ethan informed her.

  Charlotte’s first thought was to get up and go after her friend, but then she had a second thought. “Ethan, as you can see I just started my drink. Would you mind being the designated driver?”

  “What do you mean,” Ethan asked confused.

  “Madison, she’s going to be needing a ride home seeming she rode with me.” Charlotte winked.

  Ethan hid the grin that was trying it’s best to take over his lips. He wanted to jump up and click his heels. But instead, he kissed Charlotte on the cheek and exited the club. He felt a surge of confidence at the opportunity to make things right with Madison.

  ***

  Madison rushed out of the club before it dawned on her that Charlotte had drove. She was fuming mad. Ethan acted as if they were long lost friends. Infuriated, at the same time his stare caused a warm sensation to go through her entire body and she felt like poking his eyes out for making her feel uneasy inside.

  She decided that she would head back towards the club when she heard someone call her name. She turned around and came face to face with Ethan.

  “Are you following me?” she asked him.

  Ethan tried hard not to laugh, because he knew she was stranded. “No, but I do know that unless you plan on waiting all night for Charlotte, you need a ride home.”

  “Did my ex-best-friend tell you that?”

  Ethan was unable to control his laughter. “Yes and I kindly told her I would take you home, since you were ready to leave and she wasn’t.”

  Madison didn’t find any of what he was saying amusing. “Don’t worry. I came here with Charlotte and I’ll leave with Charlotte.”

  Ethan pulled her body against his chest and began kissing her intensely. Some onlookers shouted, “You need to take that home.”

  Ethan pulled away first. “You were saying.”

  Madison stuttered, “Where are you parked?”

  “Now that’s more like it.” He led her to his car.

  Once they were in the car, Ethan reached over her to help fasten her seatbelt. Unable to hold back his desires, he kissed her again. This time their kisses were more relaxed and they only stopped when Ethan accidentally hit the horn.

  “Maybe this isn’t a good idea,” Madison said, pulling away. “I can still get Charlotte to take me home.”

  “I promise to behave,” Ethan smiled. “Now how do we get to your place? There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

  She stared at him. Her eyes revealed she didn’t believe talking was all that was on his mind. She gave him directions and they headed towards her place.

  ***

  Ethan maneuvered the car into Madison’s driveway. Before she could make a move, he jumped out and ran around to open the door for her. She got out and he closed it behind her, following her trail as he walked her to her door.

  Madison was confused, but bluntly said, “I hope you don’t think I’m indebted to you because you brought me home.”

  He looked directly into her eyes. “No. I’m indebted to you.”

  She nervously fumbled with her keys before losing her grip and dropping them at her feet. Ethan picked them up and opened the screen door for her. Madison couldn’t understand why this man made her so nervous.

  “Would you like to come in for a minute?” She couldn’t understand how he made her so weak.

  Ethan glanced at his watch and contemplated on whether to go in or go home. Madison unconsciously took her tongue and licked her lips. At this point, Ethan decided to throw caution to the wind. “I’d love to come in,” he replied.

  Madison led the way into her home. He watched her as she turned on the lamp.

  “Why don’t you wait in the living room and I’ll get us something to drink.”

  Ethan sat down on the couch and before he could relax, Madison walked back in the room carrying a couple of glasses of ice, Sprite and bottled water on a tray. “I brought out both. Take your pick.”

  At that moment, watching her enter the room like a ray of sunshine seeping from behind a dark cloud, the only thing he wanted to do was drink of her sweet juices. He snapped out of his trance and replied. “Sprite will be fine.”

  Sitting the tray down on the oblong, dark tan coffee table in front of the couch, Madison sat down next to Ethan, and then kicked off her heels and crossed her legs. “Are you ready?” she asked.

  He almost choked on his Sprite. “Come again?”

  “You said you wanted to hear my long story behind the ring. Are you ready?”

  Realizing that he almost made a fool of himself, Ethan responded, “Sure, I’m all ears.”

  Madison decided not to look directly in his eyes, because she needed to concentrate. She hoped after hearing her story he wouldn’t think less of her.

  While she spoke, she paid close attention to his facial expressions. She went as far as to tell him that her co-workers and family thought he was her invisible husband. “I understand if you don’t want to have anything else to do with me, but you don't know my mom. I'm only twenty-two but she doesn't care. If it was up to her I would have married the moment I graduated from high school.”

  For a moment, he didn’t say anything. All of a sudden he burst out laughing. “If someone else would have told me this story, I would have said they were kidding. But for some reason I believe you. Either we’re crazy or they are. Believe it or not, I can understand why you did what you did.”

  “You can?”

  “Yes, of course. I get the same thing all the time from my family and friends. Frederick is older than me, but because he’s always had the reputation as a ladies’ man, he doesn’t get any flack. I’ve always been considered the responsible one, so people assume I would be married by now with at least one child.”

  They both laughed. Madison wiped her right eyebrow. “I feel so much better getting everything off my chest.”

  “I do have one question though.”<
br />
  “What?”

  “When do we consummate the marriage?”

  She picked up one of the red and gold pillows on the couch and threw it at him. He picked up one and they got into a pillow fight and ended up in each other’s arms.

  Madison led him into her master bedroom. They laid back on the lavender and cream colored satin bedding that dressed the king sized bed. Their kisses intensified as Ethan’s hands took pleasure in roaming over her body. Moans of satisfaction escaped Madison’s lips. The desire for Ethan was about to overtake her.

  “Ethan, nooo…stop,” she moaned.

  Ethan looked into her eyes. He saw how frightened she was as they almost took their relationship to another level. He didn’t want to rush her.

  His voice was hoarse when he responded, “Okay, baby. Let me hold you.” Madison nestled against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her warm body until sleep overtook them.

  Chapter 6

  The next morning, Ethan did a double take when he opened his eyes to be staring at an eggshell ceiling trimmed with a border of lavender and cream designs. He slowly lowered his chin to his chest and looked down, convincing himself that he wasn’t dreaming. The skirt Madison wore was bundled up around her waist and her legs were entwined in his. His pants were snug in one spot and he needed to move, but he didn’t want to wake her up.

  Last night while he was listening to her recant her story, he felt a need to protect her from everyone. He was drawn into her more than he should be, but couldn’t help it. There was something about her that made him want to be everything she needed.

  Madison stirred before opening her eyes. “I’m sorry for falling asleep on you. I felt comfortable being in your arms.”

  Ethan brushed the hair from her forehead. “You can fall asleep on me anytime.”

  “It’s almost eight o’clock,” Madison said after looking at the clock. “I can’t believe I overslept. I hate being late. I’d rather not go at all than to walk in late.” She thought for a moment. “I think I will call in sick today.”

  A mischievous look came across Ethan’s face. “I think I’ll play hooky from work too.” This would be the first sick day he’d taken in two years. “I don’t mean to disturb this very relaxing position, but let me go get my cell phone out of the car. I need to make a couple of calls but then I’ll be back to join you in your sick bed.”

  “Don’t be using me,” she teased.

  He assured her before standing up, “Trust me, I’d never use you. Only love you.”

  Madison reached over and took the cordless phone from its cradle and handed it to Ethan.

  “You can use this. I’ll give you some privacy. I need to go jump in the shower,” she said as she fumbled for undergarments in her dresser drawers.

  Ethan walked over and sat down in the chair that was beside her bed. He watched Madison as she walked out of the room and into the attached bathroom to go take a shower, his eyes focused on her ample behind.

  He was quite tempted to join her in the shower, but opted to remain sitting in the chair. He had been careful about getting involved with anyone, but in less than a month, Madison had him committed to her.

  While he waited on Madison, he made several phone calls. One of the first calls he made was to Joyce. He apologized to her for his behavior. Joyce pretended not to forgive him, but reassured him that she would handle everything while he was out.

  ***

  “Can you pass me the outfit that’s hanging in the closet? Right there to the left,” she yelled as she stuck her head out the bathroom door.

  He opened the closet door and was amazed at all of the clothes and shoes. It was like her own private boutique. The closet floor was full of shoes in different styles and colors. He shook his head as he thought about her attitude about one pair of shoes. He handed her the outfit. “I couldn’t help but notice that you’re a shoe freak.”

  She laughed. “Takes one to know one.” She then disappeared back behind the bathroom door.

  “Do you mind if I use your guest bathroom? I have some gym clothes out in my car that I can change into,” Ethan yelled while she got dressed in the bathroom.

  “Sure. It’s down the hall and to the right. I’ll be out in a minute.”

  By the time he made it back inside with his gym bag, Madison was dressed. She showed him where the towels and extra soap was located. While he showered, she cooked breakfast. They spent the entire day talking and laughing. They realized they had more in common than they originally thought. Both of their last relationships ended when the ones they trusted betrayed them by cheating. They both poured themselves into their work to hide the disappointment. They were equally surprised that they were bonding in such a short time.

  Nighttime was closely approaching and they hadn’t left Madison’s house. They were deciding on a movie to watch when Madison’s cell phone rang. “Hello,” she answered.

  Charlotte’s voice echoed from the other end. “Are you okay? I called you at work and the receptionist said you were sick and she also added that you were probably somewhere with your handsome husband.”

  “Oh she did?” Madison sighed. “I’m fine, but I have company right now, so I’ll have to call you back.”

  “You can't just drop that bombshell on me and then rush off the phone. Is it Ethan?”

  “Maybe.”

  “I told Frederick that you two were probably together.”

  “You talked to Frederick?”

  “Yes. He called to see if I had talked to you because he was trying to reach his brother. He got the same response from Ethan’s secretary. I can’t wait to tell Frederick where he is.” Charlotte giggled.

  Ethan walked behind her and looped his arms around her waist. He planted kisses on the nape of her neck. Madison could barely concentrate. “I’ll tell Ethan that Frederick’s looking for him.”

  “I knew it. You just confirmed my suspicions. You go girl!”

  “Bye, Charlotte.”

  “Looks like your brother and my best friend have been looking for us. Don’t worry, she can’t wait to call him and let him know that you’re safe.”

  Ethan turned Madison around to face him. “My brother is the last person on my mind right now. Come here.”

  He took her hand and led her to the oversized living room chair. He sat down first before pulling her onto his lap. “Girl, you’re so tantalizing, I could devour you right now.”

  “Oh really? Well, you’re not too bad yourself.”

  “Before we take this further, I think we need to discuss where we both want this to go,” Ethan said.

  She ran her hands through her hair, hoping Ethan couldn’t sense her nervousness. She’d never wanted anyone as much as she wanted Ethan. Yes, she wanted him in the physical sense, but she also wanted to share her thoughts and dreams with him. Perhaps her family's past concerns about her living the single life had finally gotten the best of her. She didn’t want to do the dating thing anymore. It was both time consuming and a waste of time knowing that the person you are with is no more than a date, a time filler. She wanted more. She wanted Ethan. She desired to have him be the person she could be herself with and not worry about being judged. She didn’t know what his response was going to be, but she felt like she had nothing to lose by being completely honest.

  “I want more than a sexual relationship,” Madison resolved.

  “I agree. From the moment I laid eyes on you, I’ve been drawn to you. At first I admit it was your physical essence, but your inner spirit has captivated me. I’ve tried forgetting you, and the more I tried, the worse off I felt,” Ethan confessed.

  “Really?”

  “Yes. I needed to see you one more time to get you out of my system. It’s too late, because I realize now I can’t get you out of my system.”

  “You’re not just saying that are you?” she asked, feeling like she had won the lottery.

  With a stern, yet soft look on his face, Ethan answered. “I don’t say anything I
don’t mean. If you don’t remember anything else I tell you, remember this; I don’t play when it comes to my emotions. I know this may not be an appropriate time to be asking you this, but I’m going to ask anyway. If you’re dating other men, will you please stop and allow me the chance to show you that we can have something wonderful? All I’m asking for is a chance, Madison.”

  “I’d love to, but there’s one problem,” Madison said, looking down.

  Ethan felt his heart dropping. “What?”

  “I’m not dating anyone else,” Madison looked up and smiled.

  “You had me worried for a minute.” He released his breath.

  So that there would be no misunderstandings, she asked for clarification. “Does this mean we’re going to exclusively date one another?”

  Ethan took his hand and placed it on the back of Madison’s neck. He gently pulled her mouth down to his. He kissed her with tenderness before responding, “Yes. That’s exactly what it means. After all, I‘m already your husband, aren‘t I?”

  Madison stuttered, “I…I…I can’t believe this is happening.”

  “Neither can I. Who would’ve thought that I would be sitting here with a woman who seems to be everything my heart has ever desired.”

  “You know how to make a girl feel special.” Madison laid her head on his chest.

  “You are special and don’t you ever forget it.” They formed a special bond that day as they sat in the chair talking.

  They were so into each other that the night passed and the dawn of a new day found them still awake. They remained in the bed the majority of that Saturday. Between watching movies and talking, nighttime approached once again. Although they had cuddled and done some heavy kissing and panting, they had not yet crossed the realm of physical intimacy.

  Madison hoped Ethan understood her reasoning for not wanting to have sex with him this early on in their relationship. But the only way to find out was for her to talk to him about it.

  While they cuddled, Madison brought up the subject. “Ethan, how would you feel about us taking it slow?”