“Yeah, we didn’t know either but they wanted to come see the game,” Carter explained.
Hunter shook her father’s hand and smiled at his mother. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“Thank you, Hunter. Why are you here so early this morning?”
“I was going to drive Madison to the all star game,” Hunter said as he looked toward her. Madison’s smile quickly disappeared as her mother shot her an upsetting look.
“Why would you do that?” her mother asked.
Madison quickly spoke up. “Because Carter and Alicia have so much to take with them and there wasn’t room for me. So, Hunter offered to drive me so I could tag along.”
Her mother looked at her and then at her brother. “Can I speak with you, Carter?” They disappeared into the den and closed the door. Her father headed out onto the deck and shut the door behind him.
Madison realized that she was holding her breath as she let it out and collapsed onto the couch. Alicia rushed over to her and put her arm around her. “It’s ok, Madison. There is nothing that they can do about your relationship with Hunter. You are an adult. They didn’t like me either but they realized that I wasn’t going anywhere and accepted me. We were all blindsided by their arrival. Please don’t let them upset your visit.”
Hunter sat down next to her and took her hand. “I feel like this is my fault. I probably shouldn’t have told them that I was driving you but I didn’t even think I just spoke. I’m sorry, Madison.”
She smiled at him and realized how happy she was to see him again. “No, it’s my fault. I panicked. I just don’t know how to act around them because they don’t approve of anything that I do. I just wasn’t prepared for them to find out that I was in a relationship right now but I guess I can’t go back now.”
The den door cracked opened as Carter exited in front of their mother. “Madison, can I talk with you for a second?”
She nodded as she stood up and followed Carter into the kitchen. “Why do I feel like I’m about to be yelled at for something I didn’t do?”
Carter sighed. “You know Mom. She’s concerned about you and Hunter.”
“Concerned about what? Nothing is happening?”
“I told her that. I told her that you were just talking and hanging out with him. She wants you to stay here.”
Madison started to cry as she sat at the breakfast table. “I’m so sick of everyone telling me what I should do and how I should act. She didn’t give a damn about me as a child, what gives her the right to give a damn now? Why would she even care if I wanted to date someone?”
Carter knelt down in front of her and grabbed her hands. “Maddy, I hate to see you like this but I’m afraid if you come with us, she will just keep attacking you.”
“Why do you keep siding with her? You keep telling me that you are on my side but when she shows up you cave just like everyone else around her. I’m sick of people telling me what to do.” Madison stood up and walked back to the living room.
Hunter stood up and grabbed her arm. “Are you ok? What’s going on?”
“Mother, I’m so sick of you pitting me and Carter against each other. I’m sick of you telling me how to live my life when in reality you haven’t cared at all. I know you don’t want to me attend the game but I’m going. I want to have a real life. I want a boyfriend. I want to share my thoughts and life with someone. Hunter is incredible. Was I expecting to have this discussion with you today? No but you chose to show up unannounced and stumbled across it.”
Just then, their Father appeared at the front door and looked at Madison. “You need to calm down and show your mother some respect.”
“You want me to show her respect?” Madison asked. “She hasn’t shown me any respect in twenty one years.”
“Madison, you need to grow up and stop crying. You are way out of line,” her mother said. “Carter has a big event coming up and you are distracting everyone.”
Madison couldn’t take it anymore as she looked at Carter. “I’m just tired, Carter. I can’t do this anymore. I want you in my life but I can’t deal with the stress of you and her working against me. When she isn’t around, we have a wonderful relationship but having her here now just reminds me of the past and I can’t go back there.”
Alicia stepped in and tried to diffuse the situation. “Madison, look at me. We love you and I don’t want to lose you as my sister so we need to figure this situation out.” She turned to look at her future mother in law. “You need to respect Carter and myself when you enter our house. Madison is a part of our family even if you don’t want to include her in yours. When you are back home, you can say or do anything that you want but you arrived unannounced and started an unnecessary situation.”
“Alicia, you don’t have to get involved. I don’t want her to resent you,” Madison pleaded.
Alicia waved in hand in the air. “She already doesn’t like me but dealt with me because Carter loves me.”
Their mother looked at Carter. “Well, we are leaving to head to the hotel. I will call you later. You know how I feel about things and I assume you will make sure the right thing happens.” They headed back to their car and pulled out of the driveway.
Hunter grabbed her hand and led her out to the patio. “Are you ok?”
Madison started to cry as she wrapped her arms around him. “Was I out of line?”
Hunter stepped back and tilted her chin up so he could look into her eyes. “No. You spoke your mind and that was a beautiful thing. Madison, I don’t want to be the cause of any of this though. If you need me to step away, I will find the strength to do just that.”
Madison softly said, “Could you really do that?”
Hunter leaned down so he was inches from her lips. “It would be one of the hardest things I would have to do, Madison. But, if that was your request, I would try.”
She covered his lips in one swift movement. She sunk her fingers into his hair as he wrapped his arms tighter around her. She kissed him with every ounce of passion that she had inside of her. He parted her lips as their tongues danced together and the world seemed to disappear around her.
When they came up for air, they just looked into each other’s eyes when he finally spoke, “Come to the game with me, you can sit in my family’s suite and stay with me. You can have your own room and just continue to enjoy your vacation. I don’t want you to get any ideas about going home. I can’t let you leave, not yet.”
Madison nodded. “I would love that.”
As they entered the house, Alicia ran up to her. “I feel so bad. I’ve heard the stories but I never thought it was that bad until I witnessed that.”
Madison nodded. “Yep, that’s my life.”
Carter walked up behind Alicia. “Maddy, please forgive me.”
She just looked at him for a minute. “I can’t keep letting myself get hurt by this family. I thought we finally found a place of equal ground but whenever she shows up, you cave to please her every whim. What did she say to you in the den?”
Carter sat down at the dining room table and placed his head in his hands. “She wanted me to send you back to Canada immediately. She could tell that you liked Hunter and she doesn’t approve. She said you are too young to date someone like him.”
Hunter gasped. “I thought she liked me!”
“It’s not you. She doesn’t approve of Maddy dating anyone.”
Madison screamed out loud as everyone looked at her. “Sorry.”
Carter jumped up and hugged her. “I’m so sorry, please forgive me. Look at it this way, I’m didn’t send you back to Canada.”
Madison sighed as she looked at Hunter. “Are you ready to leave?”
He nodded. “I’m ready when you are ready.”
“We will see you later tonight,” Madison said she as grabbed her overnight bag and headed to Hunter’s truck.
The drive into the city was quiet. Her thoughts were filled with her family issues. She stood up to all of them and she wa
s proud of herself. But, she couldn’t help but feel bad about the way she treated Carter. He tried to mend their relationship and Madison understood how difficult it was for anyone to deal with their mother. She would have to talk with him later that evening if her mother wasn’t around.
“Are you doing ok? You have barely said a word since we left the house?” Hunter asked as he reached for her hand.
Madison nodded. “I’m ok. I stood my ground and did what I wanted to do. I’m proud of myself but I feel bad about my conversation with Carter.”
“Don’t worry about him, just sit down and talk with him. I’m sure you can work it all out.”
“Thank you for standing by me. I feel bad though, you barely know me and I’m afraid you will realize how messed up my family is and run screaming for the hills.”
Hunter laughed and winked at her. “I told you, I like you. I’m not going anywhere unless you tell me to leave.”
“I don’t see that happening.” Madison smirked.
“Then, we are good,” Hunter said as he kissed her hand.
They talked the rest of the way into the city about her family and the issues she had growing up. She noticed that Hunter didn’t open up about his minor league hockey experience as much as he could have because he knew it would upset her. She smiled at him as he talked about his brother. Madison gathered that they were a very close family but worked hard at it because of Hunter’s career and his brother going to law school.
As they pulled into his parking garage her cell phone rang. “Hey, Jessie!”
“Hey stranger, I haven’t heard a thing from you lately. How’s everything going?”
“It’s been interesting, that’s for sure,” Madison said as Hunter jumped out the truck and reached for her bag.
“Where are you now?” Jessie asked.
“At the all star game, we just drove into the city.” Madison smiled at Hunter as he leaned against the truck and waited for her phone call to end. She reached up and touched the side of his face.
“How’s Hunter?”
“He’s wonderful. He’s standing with me right now, want to say hi?”
“No, I will wait to meet him in person if you bring him back home,” Jessie laughed.
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, we just arrived at his apartment, can I call you later?”
“You are at his apartment?” Jessie yelled. “Are you sleeping with him already?”
Madison turned ten shades of red. “God no! I’m just staying here because of some family issues.”
Jessie sighed into the phone. “I’m so afraid that you are going to rush into things, Maddy. Just remember there is no reason to hurry anything and don’t let him pressure you either.”
“Why is everyone worried about me rushing into things? I know I’m new to all of this but I’m adult and can make my own decisions.”
“Of course, you are! I didn’t mean anything by that. I just wish I was there to help you or guide you.”
“I’m doing just fine, Jessie. I swear that Hunter is a total gentleman.”
“I’m coming home shortly, so I hope to see you when you get back.”
“Of course, we will talk later.” Madison shut her phone and put it in her jeans pocket. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I’m just worried that people are going to talk you out of having a relationship with me.” Hunter explained.
Madison smiled and lightly kissed his lips. “I’m an adult, Hunter. I make my own decisions,” she paused at looked him. “Are we in a relationship?”
Hunter smirked. “I hope we are but if you want to keep it casual for now, that’s fine. But, I warned you. Once I set my mind on something, I normally get my way.”
Madison smiled and looked at the ground. “I would like to be your girlfriend.”
Hunter reached out and lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. “I love the sound of that, Madison.”
She leaned in and covered his lips with hers. He groaned softly as he twirled her around and pushed her back against the side of his truck. They were hidden by the concrete wall so no one could see them. He pressed his body tighter against hers as his hand reached underneath her t-shirt and touched her bare skin.
Her arms went around his neck as her fingers slid up into his hair and pulled lightly on it. His lips continued to attack hers as his fingers started to explore her lower back. She could feel his response as he pressed her harder against his truck. His fingers glided over her skin and around to her stomach. She gasped softly as she felt his grip around her waist tighten.
She finally broke the kiss and took a deep breath. “Wow.”
“I love how your lips get so red and tender after I kiss you. I love the way you respond so quickly to me.”
She blushed as she suddenly felt very aware of the situation and where they were. She felt nervous as she looked around the parking garage.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” He asked.
“It’s nothing, I don’t know. All of a sudden I felt very aware about certain things and I just don’t know how to handle it,” Madison explained as her nerves got the best of her again. Her body was on fire and she didn’t understand everything that she was feeling.
Hunter gave her a quizzical look. “I’m not following you.”
Madison blushed and tied to change the subject. “It’s nothing. Show me your apartment.” He backed off and she followed him to the elevator and thought about how she noticed her body reacting to Hunter; his feel, his touch. She read about it but never felt the power of it before until now. She wanted to explore the sensations more but needed to talk with someone first.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Hunter’s apartment was beautiful and overlooked the beautiful city. Madison stood on his high rise balcony and looked at all the high rises and office buildings. She could feel his presence as soon as he onto the balcony behind her. “It’s beautiful, Hunter.”
“Thank you. I like it too. Honestly, I will stay here a lot during the season. It’s so close to the arena so it makes the commute a lot easier. Carter has it more difficult because of Alicia. She likes the house better but I can’t really blame her.”
Madison smiled. “It reminds me of Toronto. Jessie and I snuck away one night before she left for college and we walked the streets looking up at all the buildings and dreaming of what it would be like to see it from above.”
Hunter wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to his chest. He leaned down and kissed her cheek lightly. “You are welcome here anytime, Madison. No one except me and my family ever come here.”
“Thank you, Hunter,” she paused. “Can I ask you a question?”
“You can ask me anything, honey.”
“Would you mind if I wanted to go talk with Carter and Alicia?”
“Of course not but I think he will be at the arena by now. He likes to be the first one to arrive so he can make sure everything is going as planned.”
“Let me call Alicia because I would like to speak with her first anyways.”
Hunter leaned down to kiss her lips lightly. As he pulled away, he whispered, “I’m getting addicted to your kisses.” He left her standing on the balcony and returned inside.
Madison dialed Alicia’s number and waited for her to answer.
She quickly answered. “Madison, I’m so happy that you called me. I’m so upset about this morning and I know Carter is too.”
“Hunter mentioned that Carter may be at the arena already, if he is, can I stop by and talk with you for a little bit?”
“Of course you can. You can tell him to drop you off. We are apartment twenty three. Just click the button in the lobby and I will buzz you in.”
Madison headed back inside of Hunter’s apartment and found him in his bedroom. He had a towel wrapped around his waist as he was getting dressed to head to the arena. She stood in the hallway and stared at his back muscles. Clearly, he worked out and all his hard work paid off. He moved around his room as he gather
ed his clothing and made a pile on the bed.
Madison couldn’t stop herself from watching him. Everything about his perfect chiseled body turned her on. She noticed herself biting her lower lip as she held her breath. As he moved into his closet, Madison entered the room and cleared her throat. He turned around and smiled. “Hey, were you spying on me?”
She nodded slowly as if she couldn’t find the right words to say to him. Her body betrayed her as she tried to keep her eyes locked with his but they slowly moved up and down his body. He walked over to her as she instinctively put her hands on his chest. Her eyes watched her fingertips as they traced over his chest muscles. She continued to move them down over his abs and noticed the trail of light hair as it disappeared beneath his towel. She quickly looked up at him and saw the fire burning deep in his eyes.
“You can’t do this to me, I’m already late and I can’t start anything,” Hunter said as he backed away from her. “You claimed that you are innocent but when I see that look in your eyes and that curiosity on your face and it drives me insane.”
“Sorry,” she softly whispered and sat on his bed.
Hunter knelt in front of her. “Please don’t be sorry, I love it. One day when I have the time, I will properly show you exactly what you do to me. But, I’m still trying to get to know you better and trying to remember that you are my best friend’s sister.”
Madison blushed as she felt those new sensations rush through her body again. She took a deep breath and changed the subject. “Alicia asked if you would drop me off at their apartment.”
Hunter nodded as he traced his finger down her cheek and wrapped his hand around her neck softly. He nuzzled and kissed her neck softly. “Can we continue this later tonight?”
Madison nodded. “Where am I sleeping?”
Hunter smirked and shook his head as if he was shaking away a thought. “I will show you, can you give me a minute to finish getting ready?”
She nodded as they both stood up. She braced her hands against his chest as they slid up around his neck. She quickly brought his lips down to meet hers. He groaned softly as she parted his lips and softly played with his tongue.
Ice Dreams Part 1 Page 6