Her First

by Mckenzie, Diamond

  Madison turned the TV off and went to her bedroom. She laid across the bed and thought about the events from the past few months; buying that stupid engagement ring, participating in that stupid wedding shower, having that stupid wedding celebration dinner with her family. The only good thing that had happened recently was meeting Ethan. If it wasn’t for all that stupid made up stuff about an invisible husband, perhaps she wouldn’t have met the man that could very well be her future husband, her real future husband…one that everybody could see.

  Madison reached over and picked up the phone and dialed Ethan’s number. She got under the covers as she waited for him to answer. Disappointed that his voice mail picked up, Madison hung up. She threw the phone on the other side of her bed before closing her eyes.

  ***

  Ethan decided not to answer when he saw Madison’s number pop up on the caller ID. He was still upset with her from earlier. He enjoyed her company and really wanted things to work out between them, but he didn’t feel like dealing with her attitude right now.

  He sat up on the burgundy leather living room couch where he had laid down and collapsed in thought about what had just transpired between him and Madison. He then picked up the phone to dial his brother’s number, but inadvertently dialed Madison’s instead.

  “Hello,” Madison said in a gentle voice.

  Ethan held his finger over the disconnect button. He paused. “Madison?”

  “I called to apologize.” She sounded more alert.

  “I saw that you called and didn’t know if it was an emergency,” he lied.

  “In a way it is. I hate to leave things up in the air.”

  “Oh you got your point across loud and clear.”

  “Look, Ethan, I’m sorry for how I acted earlier. Lying to my family took more out of me than I thought it would.”

  “So why are you doing it? Why don’t-”

  Madison interrupted him. “I can’t. I have to pull this off or my family will never forgive me.”

  Ethan began to feel sorry for her. “I guess your apology is accepted. I can’t understand why you’re doing it. But if we’re going to make this thing work between us, I guess I’ll have to go along with it.”

  Madison sounded surprised. “Does it mean we’re cool again?”

  A smile came across Ethan’s face. “I guess. But we need to set up some ground rules if I’m going to help you fool your family and friends.”

  “What kind of rules?”

  “Hmmm, let me sleep on it and we can talk about it tomorrow.”

  “You got me wondering what’s going on in that head of yours.”

  “Miss Allen, you’ll find out tomorrow. Until then, get plenty of rest because you’ll need it.”

  Ethan hung up as he heard Madison ask, “What are you…”

  He laid the phone on the cradle and walked up the spiral staircase to his two-room master suite. He couldn’t help speaking out loud. “She wants to act does she? Let the charades began.”

  Chapter 10

  Ethan woke up the next morning in a chipper mood. He dreamed of him and Madison in every sexual position imaginable. Although he agreed to take it slow with her, he knew it was going to be difficult to restrain himself much longer. He woke up with emotions he didn’t know existed. It was because of her, he now had something else to occupy his thoughts instead of his next sale.

  After getting dressed, he poured himself a glass of orange juice and a bowl of his favorite Captain Crunch cereal. His brother teased him about his choice of cereals. He had been eating Captain Crunch as long as he could remember. He ate and placed the empty bowl and glass into the stainless dishwasher that matched the other stainless steel appliances in his kitchen. He grabbed his black leather briefcase and cell phone before rushing out the door.

  He was halfway to work when his cell phone rang. Frederick’s name was displayed on the screen. He hit the speaker button.

  “Hello,” he answered as he maneuvered between lanes.

  “Man, where have you been hiding? Madison must have really laid it on you,” Frederick teased.

  “It’s not even like that.”

  “All I know is my little bro used to call me every day and now I barely hear from him.”

  “Like you really care.”

  “I do care.”

  They both laughed.

  Ethan slammed on his brakes after the car in front of him abruptly stopped.

  “Damn!” Ethan exclaimed.

  “Man, you okay over there.”

  “Yes, but somebody decided to go one point five miles in the fast lane. Now every lane’s jacked up.”

  “You must be on LBJ Freeway.”

  “You know it.”

  “So what's up with this Madison?” Frederick asked, getting back to the topic of conversation.

  Ethan took the phone off speaker and put in his earpiece. It’s a long story, he thought, but since it looks like I’m going to be stuck in traffic, I might as well get a second opinion.

  “Before I go into details, promise me this conversation will stay between us,” Ethan said.

  Frederick was silent for a second. “I promise. Now what’s the deal?”

  He updated Frederick on his and Madison’s situation.

  Frederick laughed uncontrollably throughout the entire conversation.

  “Stop laughing. It’s not even that funny.”

  “Yes, it is. Now I know why Lifetime is television for women because, man, what you just explained to me sound like the making of Lifetime movie. And on top of that, I can’t believe you’re going along with it, and her family and friends must be crazy not to see through her game.”

  “Man, I told you it’s complicated.”

  “I wouldn’t touch that situation with a ten-foot pole or with my remote control,” Frederick laughed.

  “I know I just met her, but I really think she’s the one,” Ethan said over his brother’s laughter.

  “Man you got it bad.”

  Someone blew their horn at Ethan as he jumped in front of them. “I don’t know what it is about her, but I’ll do whatever I can to keep a smile on her face.”

  “I’ll have to talk to Charlotte about her girl.”

  Ethan took the Hillcrest Road exit. “I have a plan, but I hope it doesn’t backfire on me.”

  “Before you say anymore, are you sure she’s worth it?”

  “I know she is.”

  “Whatever you decide to do, I’m behind you one hundred percent.”

  “Thanks. I’ll let you know when I work some of the details out.”

  “You know there’s a bright spot to all of this, don’t you?”

  “What?” Ethan curiously asked.

  “Since you’re pretending to be her husband, you should take advantage of her wifely duties.”

  Ethan laughed. “Don’t even go there, man.”

  “I’m just trying to help you out. You've had a drought so this works out for both of you. Let me go. Tell my not-really-my-sister-in-law I said hi,” Frederick teased.

  “Bye,” Ethan said as he ran a yellow light.

  ***

  The day at work was typical for Madison, except for the fact that she couldn’t get thoughts of Ethan out of her mind. She checked her voice mail at home, on her cell phone and at work and she had yet to receive a call or message from Ethan.

  Did I dream our whole conversation? she thought. When he called last night, she was dosing off. She was happy to hear his voice and glad they were now speaking again. She was curious to find out what he meant by setting up some ground rules. At least, he’s willing to help me with my dilemma. So what’s a few rules?

  Madison was startled when Owen walked up to her desk and said, “A penny for your thoughts.”

  “It's none of your business.”

  “I was only concerned. You don’t seem like your normal self.” Owen sat down in her extra chair.

  “It’s nothing. I’m tired. I haven’t adjusted to juggling work and marr
iage yet.”

  He leaned in closer as if he didn’t want to miss anything. “Tell me more.”

  Madison looked down at her notepad. “I’ve said enough.” She looked directly at him with a frown. “Don’t you have work to do?”

  Owen stood up. “I guess so, since it doesn’t seem like I’ll get anything else out of you.”

  Madison’s mouth went from a frown to a smile. “Now you know I don’t tell you anything I don’t want repeated.”

  He took his hand and placed it across his chest. “I’m appalled that you think I would break your confidentiality.”

  With a bit of sarcasm Madison said, “Now why would I think that?”

  Owen pushed the chair back and before walking away said, “Don’t come running to me when you feel like talking. I’ll probably be too busy.”

  “Bye Owen.”

  ***

  Five o’clock arrived and Madison still hadn’t heard from Ethan.

  Oh well. I guess I was dreaming.

  She was surprised when she spotted Ethan’s SUV parked in her driveway when she pulled up. He opened her door before she could get her seatbelt off.

  “What a pleasant surprise,” she said.

  Ethan helped her with her briefcase. “I didn’t get a chance to call because of meetings all day, but thought I would meet you here and possibly cook you dinner.”

  Two double-beeps were heard as she turned on her car alarm. “I’m always game for a free meal.”

  “Let me get the bag out of the truck and I’ll meet you inside.”

  Madison felt like skipping to her front door, but refrained. She was barely through the door when Ethan came from behind her.

  “That was quick.”

  “I only had one bag.” He laid her briefcase by the front door and carried the grocery bag to the kitchen.

  Madison yelled, “Let me get freshened up and I’ll help you.”

  “I got it. Take your time,” he responded.

  Madison began humming a song by Alicia Keys, one of her favorite singers.

  She opted on a quick shower instead of a bubble bath. She sprayed on her favorite perfume and put on a comfortable pair of jeans and a Dallas Cowboys t-shirt.

  She smelled an aroma of oregano and garlic as she made her way to the kitchen. “A girl can get used to this,” she said upon entering the kitchen.

  Ethan turned around and was wearing one of her aprons. She tried not to laugh, but couldn’t hold it. “You look so cute.”

  He poured a cup of chopped vegetables in a pot and stirred. “Don’t go there.”

  “If you could see yourself in my apron, you’d say the same thing.”

  “Keep joking like that and you’ll starve.”

  Still laughing, Madison said, “Seriously, everything smells good.” She walked over to the stove.

  Ethan placed the spoon close to her mouth. “Taste this.”

  “Mmm, this is good,” she said after taking a taste of the sauce he spoon fed her.

  With a splash of spaghetti sauce still on her lips, Ethan leaned down and kissed her. The sound of the stove’s timer going off broke their kiss.

  “I agree. It’s very good,” Ethan said as he turned off one of the burners. “Dinner will be ready in a minute.”

  “Did I tell you Italian food is my favorite?”

  “Yes, among other things.”

  Madison’s heartbeat accelerated. She had to get her hormones under control. “I’ll set the table while you finish up.”

  Ethan responded, “Okay.”

  They worked in silence. Madison sneaked a look at Ethan, only to catch him looking in her direction.

  By the time she placed the silverware, plates and glasses on the table, Ethan was bringing in the food.

  As he sat two plates of spaghetti on the table, he commented, “It’s a little hot, but by the time we eat our salad, it should be ready for consumption. Have a seat.”

  He pulled out her chair. “Thanks. You’re really spoiling me.”

  He walked to the refrigerator to take out the salad and said, “I plan on doing more than that.”

  He placed the bowl of salad directly in front of her before taking a seat at the glass kitchen table with a seating for four, directly across from her.

  He reached for her hand. “Precious Lord, we thank you for this food we’re about to eat. Thank you for allowing our paths to cross. Amen.”

  Madison, teary eyed, said, “Amen.” He had prayed over his food the first dinner they had together, but he had done it in silence. Now he was praying out loud for them both.

  The only sound heard between the two at first was the clinking of silverware.

  “Madison, after we eat, there’s some things I want to discuss with you,” Ethan stated.

  Madison went back and forth in her mind on what to say, but decided to see what was weighing heavily on Ethan’s mind first.

  Chapter 11

  After clearing the dishes from the table, they lounged around in the living room on the couch as Madison turned on the television where a movie with Sandra Bullock was playing.

  Ethan took his hand and gently rubbed it against Madison’s face. “You’re beautiful,” he said almost in a whisper.

  She stared into his eyes. “You’re not too bad looking yourself.”

  He continued to hold her hand as he talked. “Our relationship is far from conventional.”

  “To say the least,” she said, turning her attention back to the television.

  “Listen, Madison, if I’m going to help you fool your family, some things will have to change.”

  “Like what?” Madison asked with a puzzled look on her face, now looking back up at Ethan.

  “Number one, if we’re pretending to be husband and wife, we need to be under one roof.”

  She removed her hand. “I vowed not to just live with a man, not unless…”

  “I’m not just any man, I’m your husband. Remember?”

  “No you’re a man I’m dating. Living together is out of the question.”

  Ethan pulled out his cell phone. “I guess we can call your folks now and tell them the marriage is a hoax.” He pretended to be dialing some numbers.

  Madison grabbed the phone out of his hands. “Maybe we can come up with an alternative solution.”

  He held out his hand. “Give me my phone back.”

  “Only if you promise not to make that call.”

  “Okay.”

  She placed the phone back in his hands and said, “Why don’t you move some of your stuff over here? So if someone stops by, they’ll see your clothes or something. It’ll look like you live here.”

  “I have a better idea. Pack up some of your things and move over to my place. I have a four bedroom home and it needs a woman’s touch.”

  “Why don’t you just do what I asked and we’ll both be happy?”

  “Ms. Allen, you don’t get off that easy. You roped me into your little scheme, so now it’s either my way or deal with it on your own.” Ethan stood up and walked towards the door.

  Madison yelled, “Ethan, wait. Maybe we can work something out.”

  “Now that’s more like it.” He turned around with a wide smile on his face.

  He walked back to the couch. “Now on to rule number two.”

  “You sure have a lot of rules.”

  “Only a few.” He removed a box from his pocket. “Instead of the ring you’re wearing, I would like for you to wear this one.”

  Madison’s mouth dropped open when she saw the two-carat pear shaped diamond ring and band. “This is gorgeous but I can’t wear this.”

  “Don’t you like it?” Ethan asked, not sure what to make of her reaction.

  Madison turned her hand in several different directions admiring the ring. “Like it. I love it. But I can’t.”

  Ethan held her hand. “But you will. Rule number three.”

  “Not another one.” She stood up.

  “Please sit. I promise this is the last
one.” Ethan kissed the back of her hand. “We already said we would date exclusively, so this last one shouldn’t be too hard.”

  Madison held her breath. “This must be a doozy.”

  “Rule number three. You have to tell everyone you come in contact with that you’re Mrs. Campbell. Even if you meet another man you might be interested in.”

  “But I-” Madison couldn’t finish without Ethan interrupting her.

  “Take it or leave it.”

  “Before I got interrupted, I was going to say, I don’t have any intentions on talking to another man. I can tell you’re going to be a hand full.”

  “One last thing.”

  “I thought you were finished.”

  Ethan leaned closer to her. “If at any time you feel the need to consummate our relationship, please let me know. I’m ready, willing and able.”

  Madison felt like slapping the smirk off his face.

  “I have a feeling I’m getting more than I bargained for.”

  “Isn’t this what you wanted? We get to learn more about each other and you get to look good in front of your family.”

  Their closeness had Madison’s hormones jumping through hoops.

  Ethan devoured her mouth and they became one with a kiss. Moans seeped out of her throat. Before realizing it, Ethan was on top of her. She felt the hardness of his manhood.

  She was quickly losing control. She used her free hand to get his attention. “I think we should slow it down.”

  Ethan sat up. “I think you’re right. Sorry, I got caught up in the moment, Mrs. Campbell.”

  Madison pulled down her t-shirt. “I did too, Mr. Campbell.”

  Ethan stood up and reached for her hand. He pulled her up and they walked towards the front door.

  Ethan stopped at the door and turned around and looked directly into her eyes. He kissed her one last time before walking through the door.