Marking Madden: Hearts of Hollis

by J. L. Leslie

  of me makes me chuckle. “What’s going on?”

  Jade is walking around her room in a set of matching turquoise bra and panties and her cowboy boots. Clothes are strewn everywhere. The bed. The floor. The doorknob.

  “I can’t find anything to wear,” she complains. “I can’t...I can’t do this!”

  “Jade―”

  “I mean, look at you! You’re wearing slacks again.”

  I look down at my attire, black slacks and a slate gray button-up that’s been crisply ironed and neatly rolled up to my elbows. Exactly what my family would expect me to be wearing.

  No jeans. No t-shirt. Not my usual Hollis clothes I’ve come to love.

  “Anything you wear will be fine,” I assure her and pick up the sundress she wore to Hollis Days. “This will be perfect.” I approach her and help her put it on. “See. Looks just as great as before.”

  I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her in for a kiss. Her tense body slowly relaxes against me. I know I’m asking a lot of her. Exposing her to my family. Subjecting her to an awkward night with Keegan and Amelia. She’s doing all of this and we’re not even together.

  “I won’t leave your side. I promise,” I say, and she nods.

  I help her toss a few things into her worn out suitcase and carry it outside for her as she heads down the hall to the bathroom. I patiently wait in the truck, wondering if she’s backing out when she finally emerges from the house. She climbs in and I lean across the seat and give her a kiss.

  “Thank you.”

  She smiles over at me, her nerves somewhat settled as I pull out of her drive. She plays with the radio, changing the stations several times before she turns it down low.

  “Tell me more about your family,” she says. “Might make me relax.”

  “Ok, I’m the youngest of three, being twenty-four. Keegan is twenty-seven and Landon is twenty-nine. No sisters. Stanton, my father, only wanted sons and he lucked out with three of them. Keegan and I look like my father, dark hair and eyes, but Landon took after my mom. Blonde hair and green eyes. My mom, Elizabeth, is your typical trophy wife. She does whatever my father tells her to do. We come from money, Jade, which I know you are aware of, but please don’t let my family get to you. My brothers are great, parents not so much.”

  I look over at Jade and she is completely engrossed in my words. I’m not sure if it’s because I’m making her more nervous or because she’s truly interested in hearing about my family.

  “My father will probably be on his best behavior since you’re there. At least, that’s what I’m hoping for. He’s pretty pissed about the money I stole and wants it back. I didn’t really take that much.”

  “It looked like a lot of money to me.”

  “He’s angrier that he’s not in control.”

  “So, he feels like he can’t control you right now?” she asks.

  “Exactly. I was supposed to start my position at Steele Industries right out of college,” I explain. “Only now I’m working a construction job in Hollis and he has no idea where I’m at. Keegan and Landon are both doing what they were supposed to do, but I’m not and he hates that. He hates anything that isn’t what Stanton Steele wants or approves of.”

  Jade nods as if she understands and I feel like she does. She may not have grown up with money like I did, but I think she knows what it means to want independence. She got out of her house, out of a bad environment, and gained her own independence. She went through hell to get it, but she accomplished it.

  “We’re here,” I announce and see Jade take a deep breath. The busy Dallas street is normal for a Saturday afternoon in early August.

  I open Jade’s door and take her hand, leading her to Teddy’s Tuxedos. I push the door open and the chatter ceases. My father and brothers all look at me in surprise before their gazes shift to Jade and where our hands are joined.

  “You made it,” Keegan says. He approaches me and folds me into a hug. I slip my free arm around his back and notice my father’s stern glare.

  “Yeah. Of course, I did,” I answer. Landon comes in next and I give him a quick hug, too.

  “Who’s the blonde?” he grins and breaks the ice in only a way Landon can.

  “This is Jade Bowen,” I inform them, not bothering with specific introductions. “Jade, these are my brothers, Keegan and Landon, and my father, Stanton.”

  Jade shakes hands with both Keegan and Landon, but my father keeps his distance, eyeing us both curiously. His cold, gray eyes linger on Jade a moment, eyeing her up and down, before focusing on me.

  “Glad you could make it, Madden,” he says, stiffly.

  I squeeze Jade’s hand and she gives me a soft squeeze back in return. The tension in the air is so thick it could be cut with a knife. It’s not that I didn’t expect this, but still, it’s suffocating.

  “Are we ready to get started?” I ask, anxious to be finished so I can go check into the hotel. I made reservations at the best hotel in Dallas, wanting to make good on my promise to Jade.

  Landon nudges my arm. “We’re waiting on―”

  “Amelia!” Keegan says. “There you are, babe. Did you tell the man what you wanted?”

  Amelia steps in with the clerk and Keegan slips his arm around her waist. She nods and leans up to let Keegan press a kiss to her lips. I shift on my feet and look down at the floor.

  “Oh, he did make it!” Amelia says and I feel her body against mine, her arms around my neck. “Thank you,” she whispers, her lips brushing my ear lobe.

  “You’re welcome,” I whisper back and then clear my throat. “Amelia, this is Jade. Jade, this is Amelia Kensington, my brother’s fiancée.”

  “I’m so glad to see Madden with someone!” Amelia exclaims. “She’s gorgeous, Madden.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Amelia,” Jade says, quietly.

  “Are you bringing her to the wedding?” Amelia asks, looking up at me with her big doe eyes. Damn, I used to dream about those eyes.

  “I plan to,” I answer and glance at Jade.

  “Do you have a dress yet?” Amelia turns her focus back to Jade, who is still looking up at me.

  “We’re going shopping this afternoon,” I state, trying to read Jade’s expression. Does she feel uncomfortable? Because I sure as hell do.

  “She can come with me!” Amelia exclaims. “You don’t want to sit around here while these men get fitted for tuxes. They’ll start smoking cigars and talking business and we don’t want any part of that, now do we?”

  I glare at Amelia, but I know she’s only trying to be friendly. Truthfully, Amelia doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. She wants to make Jade feel welcome and she wants me to patch things up with my family. She thinks the only way I can do that is if I talk with them.

  “I think that’s an excellent idea, Amelia,” my father chimes in. “Just bring her to dinner with you tonight. Six p.m.”

  “No,” I protest. “We’re not able to stay for dinner.”

  “Nonsense, Madden. Your mother has already made arrangements,” my father states with a finality I know not to argue with.

  I pull Jade a few feet to the side. “We don’t have to stay, and you don’t have to go with her. We can just go back. Forget all of this.”

  She presses a kiss to my cheek and says, “Room service and expensive sheets, remember?”

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Jade

  I expect Madden to protest more, almost want him to, but he fishes his wallet out of his pocket and gives me his platinum credit card.

  I immediately shake my head. “I can’t take this.”

  “You’re going to buy a dress for a wedding I’m demanding you attend with me. Please, buy whatever you want. I trust you.”

  He kisses me and I hear his father clear his throat, obviously wanting to move things along. I give his brothers a wave and tell them it was nice meeting them as I follow Amelia out of the store.

  “I know the perfect place,” Amelia says. “It’
s only a few blocks down, so we can get to know each other while we walk.”

  It pains me to admit it, but she’s gorgeous. She has long, brown hair and sweet brown eyes that are full of life. She has this bubbly personality that immediately reveals she’s a genuinely good person. How could Madden not fall in love with her? I’m halfway there already.

  “Tell me how you and Madden met.”

  “Oh, um, he came in the...um...restaurant where I work.”

  It’s not entirely a lie. Jack’s does serve food and Madden did come in there. I’m just not sure how much he wants her to know and it isn’t my story to tell.

  “Do you live here in Dallas?”

  She’s full of questions but doesn’t come across as if she’s prying. Instead, she sincerely seems interested.

  “No, a town nearby.”

  “You are as tightlipped as he is,” she says with a light laugh. “Well, I’m glad he met someone. We were all worried.”

  I could keep walking and go dress shopping with her, pretend that I don’t know what happened between the two of them. But my gut tells me not to do that.

  “I know about you and Madden,” I say, and her step falters a moment. “It’s hard for him to be here, to see you and his brother together.”

  She sighs. “A part of me thought me and Madden would end up together. There were times years ago that we tried to date but the timing was never right. It never worked out in our favor. Then, Keegan was there, and it was the perfect timing and I just knew. I fell in love with him so fast and I couldn’t stop it from happening. I’m sure Madden gets that now.”

  I frown. “I don’t know about that. You’re marrying his brother, Amelia. That’s going to be hard for him to get past.”

  “That’s not what I meant,” she says. “I saw the way he looks at you. Not once did he look at me like that.”

  “We’re friends.”

  She points toward a dress shop and we walk inside. “Don’t sell yourself short, Jade. You’re leaving your mark.”

  I decide to change the subject. I ask about her wedding dress and that’s all it takes. She is very clearly head over heels in love with Keegan. A part of me is sad for Madden, while the other part of me is relieved I don’t have the competition of this incredible woman.

  It occurs to me as we talk about the Steele brothers that things could’ve gone so much differently. If the timing had been right for her and Madden, he wouldn’t have shown up in Hollis.

  I wouldn’t be here browsing dresses I can’t afford. She thrust one into my arms and demands that I try it on. Of course, it’s a perfect fit and makes me feel like a princess. Looking at the price tag though, I feel like a bought woman.

  “I can’t get this dress,” I say, emerging from the dressing room.

  “You can, and you will,” she replies sternly. “Madden wants to buy you a dress and you’re going to let him.”

  No amount of protesting I do stops her from making me buy the dress that cost more than I make in a year. As I swipe his card, past memories fill my head. Memories of getting paid for my body. Paid to belong to a man for the night. How is this any different?

  Amelia and the Steeles grew up in such a different world than I did. Hell, they live in such a different world than I do.

  Madden belongs here with the money, platinum credit cards, and expensive things.

  I belong in Hollis.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Madden

  I am officially alone with my father and brothers. I know the interrogation is coming. Jade was supposed to be my buffer, my crutch. Frustrated, I follow them back to a room where our measurements are going to be taken.

  “Where’d you meet Jade?” Keegan asks.

  “Around,” I answer, vaguely, not falling for his attempt to get me to tell him where I’ve been.

  “She seems nice,” he comments and my father snorts.

  “She seems like a fucking gold digger,” my father snips. “By the way, did you bring my money?”

  “No, sir.”

  “I’m disappointed in you, Madden. It’s time you stopped playing this ridiculous game of yours. You have responsibilities.”

  I clench my jaw and let the seamstress continue to do her job. “I’ll bring the money when I come back for the wedding.”

  “And when do you plan to assume your position with the company?” he persists.

  “I don’t.”

  I can see that my answer isn’t what he or my brothers expected. Keegan looks torn, even heartbroken, while Landon looks like he’s fighting the urge to smile. He hates working for my father, but he won’t leave the company. He’s too damn good at his job and feels like it’s his responsibility to stay.

  We spend the rest of the time in silence. I don’t think anyone really knows what to say or how to act. I’m rebelling against my birthright. I’m telling my father to take his company and his money and shove it up his ass. He’s definitely not happy with me.

  As I pull up to my family’s estate, I know the night will only get worse. At least, I’ll be finishing it off inside Jade on expensive sheets with room service to greet us in the morning. That’ll make this trip worth it.

  I walk into the large mansion and I can already smell dinner. Carmella rushes around the corner and instantly scolds me for staying away for so long. Carmella has been our housekeeper since I was four years old. She’s been more of a mother to me than my own has.

  “I brought a friend. I hope it’s not too much trouble to set another place at the table,” I say.

  “Of course, it’s not!” she laughs. “Your mother really out did herself with this menu,” she brags. “Salmon and shrimp scampi.”

  “Sounds delicious.” I smile, knowing my mother didn’t lift a finger to actually cook any of it. She does know how to host a party though.

  I’m still talking to Carmella when Amelia and Jade walk in laughing. Amelia’s arms are full of bags while Jade carries only one bag.

  “I love this girl, Madden!” Amelia smiles. I approach the two of them and give Jade a light kiss on the lips. “Don’t show him the dress until the day of the wedding.” Amelia warns and heads off to put her bags up.

  “You okay?” I ask and she nods.

  “She’s really nice,” she says and leans up to give me another kiss.

  “Excuse me,” my mother’s voice cuts through the moment. “I didn’t realize you brought a guest. I’ll have to change my entire seating arrangements.”

  “I’ve already informed Carmella, Mother. It’s fine,” I say as I turn to face her. “This is Jade.”

  Jade steps forward with her hand extended and introduces herself. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Steele.”

  My mother looks down at Jade’s outstretched hand with disdain before turning and walking away, her heels clicking on the hardwood floor. I put my hands on Jade’s shoulders and apologize for my mother’s rude behavior.

  “Told you my family was awful.”

  “Just dinner. We can make it through this,” she says, positively, but I don’t know who she’s trying to convince.

  I lead Jade into the dining room and hear a small gasp escape from her mouth. Her eyes are wide as she stares up at the crystal chandelier hanging above the dining table. They wander over the mahogany wood table at the fine china plates and real silver serving dishes.

  I give her a light nudge toward the empty seats beside Keegan and Amelia. I can tell by the look on her face when she sits down that she’s stumped by the amount of silverware in front of her.

  I lean over and whisper in her ear, “You’ll use that one first.”

  Her face heats a deep shade of red, so I grip her hand under the table, giving her the assurance that I’m right here with her as Carmella begins serving.

  “Jade Bowen, is that correct?” my father asks.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “What do you do for a living?” he continues. “Do you have a career?”

  Jade swallows and then answers. “I c
urrently waitress at a restaurant, but I’m saving my money so I can go to college.”

  “You haven’t attended college yet? How old are you?” he persists.

  “I’m twenty-one. I’ve almost saved enough so I plan to start next year,” Jade answers, confidently. “Madden tells me you own Steele Industries. You specialize in the production of oil?”

  “I’m certain what my company does would be way over your head, dear girl.”

  “That’s enough.”

  I stare icily over at my father and silence falls over the table. His gaze matches mine and I realize in that moment that I hate how much I look like him.

  “Elizabeth, the bridesmaid dresses have turned out to be beautiful.” Amelia changes the subject and shifts the conversation to wedding talk.

  Jade and I manage to make it through the dinner without any more questions or badgering but I can tell the way she’s been treated by my parents has taken its toll on her. She can hardly look at me.

  “I suppose we’ll be back in a couple of weeks,” I inform everyone and stand from the table. “Let Carmella know dinner was great.”

  “Madden, where you are going?” my mother asks, feigning disapproval that I’m leaving so quickly.

  “Jade and I are staying at a hotel tonight and leaving in the morning. I made no promises that I was coming back to Dallas,” I explain, firmly.

  “You can’t stay at a hotel, Madden!” Mother says, worry clear in her voice. “The Bells have already seen you here. If you stay at a hotel, they’ll think we didn’t welcome you home. There’s plenty of room for you and...your friend to stay here tonight.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “You’re upsetting your mother, Madden,” my father clips. “Look at the damage you are causing.”

  I look from him to my mother, who is now wiping her eyes with a napkin as though I’ve upset her enough to cause her to cry. I look down at Jade and she averts her gaze.

  “Madden, please,” my mother says in a distressed voice.

  Although I know it’s all a show, I feel my resolve slipping. “Fine,” I grumble. “We’ll be in my room.”