Chapter 10 Liam #2
She opens the door to shout, “Liam Ferguson, you’re a pain in my ass!” before slamming it closed again. I hear the lock click as she bolts the door, though, so I’m smiling as I get in my car.
Media day was long and more tiring than I remember. Apparently, when you’re the captain, you get to do a bunch of extra social media and pictures. I’m dragging by the time we get to the hardware store, but damn if we’re going another night without some security in place for Mads.
Walker seems to know exactly where to go and what to buy, so I let him take the lead, but I pay attention.
We look through all the security options available.
There are so many to choose from. Fortunately, the two cops from last night gave Walker some solid ideas.
He grabs a doorbell camera and a couple to mount on the wall.
They come with an app for your phone, and it looks easy to use.
I wonder if she’ll let us have access. Probably too much to hope for knowing Mads.
Next, we head to the aisle with the deadbolts.
He grabs three, which is overkill, but hey, I wanted to buy her a brand-new door, so who am I to judge.
I still think she needs to have her landlord upgrade it.
I’m tempted to call him myself, but even I know that’s stepping over the line. Maybe I can convince her to call him.
By the time we’re done and headed to her place, it’s almost six, and we are both cranky as hell. We need some food before we start this project, or bad things are going to happen.
“Should we call Mads and see what she wants for dinner? I’ll buy but I need some food.” Walker must be reading my mind.
“Me, too. Let’s just order and get it delivered there. Her last class was at five, so I’m sure she won’t care. What do you want to do? We need to keep it somewhat healthy?”
“What about that raman place we tried last week?” he throws out.
“Ooh! Let’s do that. Do you know what Mads would like or should I call her?” I ask, pulling out my phone.
“Nah, I got you. Check under her name in my phone. Under notes.” He tosses me his phone, and I look up her name in his contacts.
There’s an entire section under the notes with all her favorite foods.
Holy shit! He’s a genius. This is information that I desperately need.
I take a few screenshots and text them to myself before I find her favorite raman dish and start the order on my delivery app.
“You want extra meat?” I ask Walker. We have practice tomorrow, and we need the protein. After last night, I also need some sleep. Knowing Maddie’s safe tonight will go a long way toward that goal.
“Always.”
I get the order set up and send it off. It should get there around the same time we do. My stomach grumbles with anticipation.
We arrive just in time to grab the food from the delivery driver before we head upstairs.
“Oh, good you brought food.” Is the only thing we get from Maddie when she opens the door.
I’m not offended. We can talk after we eat, which is always a better option when we’re all this hungry.
She doesn’t have a kitchen table, just the island with a breakfast bar and four chairs, so we spread out all the food buffet style and dig in.
No one says a word until we’re almost done eating. Maddie groans and pats her stomach.
“Oh God, I love Raman but I’m so full. Today was forever long.”
“Yeah, it was.” Walker adds, still packing away huge bites of chicken and noodles.
I just grunt because I’m still chewing and I have manners.
Most of the time. We finish, but there’s still a ton of food.
I always order too much. Which is better than not enough, I guess.
At the very least, we’ll have leftovers.
We all just sit in silence for a few minutes, too full to move or even talk.
It would be funny if I didn’t feel like stuffed turkey.
A knock at the door startles all of us.
“Are you expecting someone?” I ask Maddie.
“Nope.” She looks nervous, and I don’t blame her after last night, but I don’t like it.
“Want me to get it?” Walker asks.
“Yes please.”
Walker heads over to the door, opening it just a crack to peek out.
“Holy shit! She’s gonna kill you, dude.” Walker’s smug tone suggests he might enjoy that.
“Hey Maddie bear, Kenji’s here and he brought you a present!” he shouts, which is completely unnecessary since we are literally two feet away. I hear someone mutter asshole in the background before Kenji steps through the door.
Is that a dog he’s got with him? Holy shit!
That’s a German Shepherd, and he is one big boy.
Wow, gotta give him credit. The man’s got gigantic balls.
I hope for his sake that she knew about this or Walker’s right.
She’s going to kill him. I might even enjoy that a little, or a lot. Who me? Jealous? Maybe a little.
“Is that him? Oh, he’s such a handsome boy!” Maddie asks.
What? No shock, no surprise, no killing? Damn. I’m disappointed.
Maddie’s already out of her seat, full stomach forgotten. Within seconds, she’s flopped down on the floor, with the dog practically in her lap, hugging him as he licks her face. It’s absurdly adorable.
He’s a beautiful dog. He’s a long-haired German Shepherd with gorgeous caramel brown and black fur. His face is mostly black, and he’s got the black-tipped ears of a Shepard. His neatly brushed hair looks soft, like he’s freshly groomed. He’s also head over heels in love with Maddie.. already.
Yeah, buddy, me too.
He’s not the only one. I’m a bit surprised, because I never knew she wanted a dog, and I feel like I should have known that about her.
I grew up with dogs. My parents bred Australian shepherds when I was young.
They gave it up once hockey got competitive and took more of their time, but we’ve always had at least two dogs around the house.
The only reason I don’t have one now is because of the traveling I have to do.
I thought about getting one anyway and just leaving it at my parents while I was out of town.
However, our last discussion killed that idea.
Mom doesn’t need more on her plate right now, especially since this isn’t the only traveling they plan on doing this year.
Dad told me he’s got three more trips planned, so no dog-sitting for them.
“Who’s your new buddy, Kenz?” I ask, approaching slowly with my hand out. Always good to let a dog get a read on you before you move into their space.
“His name is Ace, and he’s a former police K-9. Recently retired.” Kenji tells us. Well done, Kenji. I mean, if you’re going to get a protective dog, it’s nice if they come already trained, and K-9‘s are next level.
Ace sniffs me and nudges my hand, showing I have permission to pet him. I smile and give him a thorough scratch on the head.
“Good boy, Ace. Aren’t you handsome?” I tell him. Ace preens as if he understands my compliment. Looking at me with those soft brown eyes full of intelligence. Yup, I’m a goner.
Kenji did well, and it’s killing me I didn’t think of it first.