Madden (Boston Bay Vikings #17)

6. Tessa

6

TESSA

My parents' house is impressive at first glance. It's been my sanctuary for a while now, but looking back, I don't think it ever settled me the way Madden does. The man, a total stranger at the time, stayed with me in the hospital. He held my hand, wiped away my tears, and never left my side until my parents arrived. I couldn't believe the kindness of a stranger. Now I want to be with him. Hold on to what started in the hospital. And last night... last night he made me feel. Like, really feel. Something I've never felt before. He looked past my flaws, or what I think of as flaws.

As he pulls up to the big double doors at the front of the house, I look at him, wondering what he's thinking. He gives me a wry smile. "Can I see your bedroom?" he says, wiggling his eyebrows.

I burst out laughing. "No boys in the bedroom," I tease. "Although I'm not sure you're a boy."

He chuckles. “Sweetheart, I haven't been a boy for a long time."

I unbuckle and move closer to meet Madden in the middle. He cups my face and places his lips over mine, kissing me softly. I feel the warmth of his touch and the intensity of his gaze, making my heart race. With a gentle tug, he deepens the kiss, sending a rush of desire between my legs.

The sudden banging on the windshield of the car shakes me and makes me freeze in fear. It was sudden and unexpected.

Madden curses and throws himself out of the car. "What the hell?" he shouts as he walks around to me in the passenger seat. He opens my door and lifts me out into his arms. "It's okay. Breathe with me, sweetheart."

"Oh, Tessa," Dad hesitates. "I didn't mean to scare you, honey.” His eyes glance quickly at Madden before returning to me. "Why don't you come inside and sit with your mom for a while?"

Madden's hand tightens around my waist. I lift my hand and stroke his face, a small smile on my lips. “We’ll be on the road soon,” I whisper, reaching up to give him a quick kiss.

"Dad, you like Madden, so please stop frowning at him."

He stutters. "I'm not frowning!"

"If you say so." I take Madden's offered hand. "Where's Mom?"

"Sunroom." Dad stares whimsically at the house. "You know how she loves to watch the snow fall. So do you." He smiles and turns to Madden. "I apologize for the less than warm welcome. Please come in and let's start over." Dad waves his hand toward the house.

We follow and pause with Dad on the doorstep. "I should warn you, Ralph is still here." He winces. "I didn't realize what a worm he is until this morning. Money. That's why he's here. Asshole."

I chuckle, and Madden's eyes dance with glee. "Well, I'm the hot guy who wears hockey skates for a living. I own a few suits, but you'll have to take me as you see me. One thing I can promise you, sir, is that I have zero interest in your fortune." He winks at me. "But I am interested in your daughter's assets." He smiles.

My cheeks flush as I push into him.

Dad clears his throat. "Enough of that, young man." To me. “Are you're really going to Boston with Madden?”

I grin. "Yes, Dad." I let go of Madden and kiss my dad on the cheek. "We'll go say hello to Mom, then Madden will help me pack. Don't worry about me. I'll be safe with him.” Another quick kiss on the cheek and I'm dragging Madden through the house.

"Hey," Madden says, pulling me against him as he pushes me against a wall, "I was serious. I'm only interested in your—" he raises his eyebrows "—assets." He nips at my neck and bites my earlobe.

I grab his face and bring it up to mine, wanting to say something. I don't get the chance because his mouth slams into mine with a force that takes my breath away. His kiss is intense and demanding, leaving me feeling both exhilarated and overwhelmed. Gasping for breath, I break the kiss. "We need to get this over with so we can go. I want you naked so I can put my hands and mouth all over you."

Madden's eyes darken at my words. He rubs against me, his erection straining behind the zipper of his jeans. "I won't be able to walk."

"You'll be fine." I pat his erection and slip out of his grasp, while he mutters about having blue balls.

My giggling stops the moment I enter the back of the house and remember what Dad had said about Ralph still being here. I grab Madden's hand and stop in the doorway. "We're leaving as soon as I'm packed," I announce.

"Really, Tessa. We raised you with better manners." Mom nods at Ralph.

I sigh. "Ralph, you know we weren't going anywhere?—"

"Did I?" he interrupts.

Madden bristles beside me. I squeeze his hand. "Honestly, Ralph, you insult me every chance you get. What did you expect?"

"That you would do something about it."

Madden approaches Ralph. "You bast—" I quickly put my hand over Madden's mouth.

"Ralph, you need to leave." I pause. "Mom, I'll let you know when we get to our destination." There's no way I'm going to say where I'm going with Ralph in the room. The man is struggling to control his temper, which I can see simmering just below the surface. Madden notices, and keeps his eyes on him.

Sensing trouble on the horizon, I grab Madden's arm and gently pull him along with me, whispering under my breath, "He's not worth it."