17. Madeline
Chapter 17
Madeline
T he day was fantastic. My heart was so full giving that check to the fire department. And saying the words “I’ve come home” felt even better. It felt natural. And that’s exactly where I want to be.
“I think this is a record. In the five years I’ve been running this Spring-Break-A-thon, we’ve never pulled in this many donations. It’s amazing.”
I chuckle and add the last of the checks to the tally, and whistle. “Wow, you're right. I don’t ever remember it being this high. The town loves their firemen!”
“Do you?”
I look up. “Do I what?”
“Love your fireman?”
I drop my hands and sigh, while Sarah grins at me, already knowing what I’m going to say. “I do.”
She squeals. “So this means you’re going to accept my offer?”
Early yesterday morning, Sarah presented me with a contract offering me the position as head nurse practitioner. The role changes within the hospital and also the finality of it being my last position, scared me. Between that, the cottage and changing my license plates over, all the acts together suddenly brought on a panic attack. Because what if I’m doing all this and Ryan can’t forgive me for leaving? What if he can’t take me back one hundred percent because he’ll always think I’m going to run again?
Then I spent the day in the town and realized, even if I’m not with Ryan, I love it here. And knowing I can make myself happy will only make the transition easier and let me know wherever I am, it’s going to be okay. If I’m in a good place first, I can only bring more good to everyone around me. You know the old adage about once you’re happy with yourself everything else just falls into place.
I nod and she scrambles to hug me. “This is so amazing. I’m so happy you’re choosing to stay here. Can I announce it tomorrow at the ceremony?”
“Might as well go all in, right? No need to hide anything now!”
“Okay, let’s get out of here. The dance is soon and I imagine you’ll need to get ready for your date.” She gives me a know-it-all smile.
“I’ll see you there!”
I curled my hair, put on makeup and slipped into the sexiest dress I could find. I feel tonight is a complete turning point and I’m ready to dive in. I can’t wait to tell him I’m accepting the nurse practitioner position and making Love Beach my home. A knock on the door has me running towards it. And when I open it, I lose my breath. Standing in a tan suit with a white button- down shirt, with the top two buttons open, is Ryan Donnelly. And I've never seen him look sexier.
“Wow,” I breathe out.
He leans against the doorframe and his eyes wander my body. I instantly feel my nipples pebble under my dress as if he physically touched them and my heart begins to race at the look in his eyes.
He pushes off the door and approaches me with intention.
“The guys were talking about their claim to fame earlier.”
“Do I want to know what that entails?” I back up as he continues to prowl toward me.
He laughs. “Probably not all the details but...”
“Details huh? Were you giving out details that I’ll need to discipline you for?” He walks me into the kitchen and a few steps later, my back hits the counter of my island and his hands fall to the side of me, caging me in. My breath catches as he emits a husky laugh.
“Maddox's claim to fame is that he fucks Marigold in public places.”
“Ryan! Why are you?—”
“Jace’s claim to fame is that he ripped a dress straight from Poppy’s body.”
My heart races as he speaks, his hot breath tickles my neck and I swallow hard, asking, “And do you have a claim to fame?”
He shakes his head. “I don’t. But we’re changing that right now.” He turns and swipes his arm across the island sending the mail and my car keys that were placed there flying. Then he grabs the bottom of my dress, pulling it to my waist before picking me up and placing me on the island. The tile is cool against my skin and the desire in his eyes makes me instantly wet.
“My claim to fame is that I’m going to fuck you hard right here on this island and then we’re going to go to the dance.” My heart races with excitement. I love this side of Ryan. He unlatches his belt and pops the button on his dress pants. “I’ll only be thinking about the way your pussy grabs my cock all night and you’re going to walk around still feeling me inside you.” He slides his pants down, along with his boxers and grasps his cock that’s already hard. “When we leave, you'll suck my cock in the truck while I drive us home.” I whimper as he reaches for my panties, pulling them off and dropping them to the floor and inserts a finger, twisting and turning, already bringing me very close to an orgasm. “Then we’ll make love nice and slow for the rest of the night.” He pulls me to the edge of the counter and slides inside me. I call out as he thrusts into me, hard and steady. His eyes drop to my pussy and he rubs my clit with his thumb.
“And the entire time we’re at the dance, you'll be remembering how this feels right now. Every brush of my fingers on your arm, my hand on your waist, a kiss on your forehead… it’s going to bring you right back to this moment.”
His thrusts get faster.
“This moment where my cock is so hard inside of you.”
His thrusts get harder.
“This moment where I’m playing with your clit and you’re so fucking wet, we’re both about to break.”
His breathing is labored. I gasp with every strike. “Ryan! I’m coming!” I shatter around him, my body arching from the counter as his own locks up and he comes with a shout. I feel him pulsing inside me and I work my hips, riding out every last bit of ecstasy.
He grips my waist, rocking into me slowly then pulls out. His mischievous grin is so cute and sexy as he stuffs himself back into his boxers, pulls his dress pants up and latches his belt once more.
“I think your claim to fame is your dirty talk. Mr. Donnelly you are top notch!” I laugh and lay on the counter, unmoving. He drifts his hands across my stomach and down over my pussy. It makes me shiver and I feel like I could orgasm again. I let out a soft moan and he freezes, his hands now on my thighs, thumbs dangerously close to my core and raises a brow.
“Do you need one more before we go?”
My lips roll in and I breathe deep. “I don’t care about going to the dance at all anymore.” He chuckles then leans down and kisses my clit, giving it a quick suck. “Ryan!” My hips move against his face of their own free will, seeking the release that only he can give. “Fuck. Keep going. Yes, I need one more!” I cry out as he eats me with desperation and I break once again, my hands gripping his hair.
He raises his head to look at me and wipes his face with the back of his hand. “You’re so fucking hot.” He steps back, collecting my panties from the floor and hands them to me, then offers me a hand jumping down from the counter. I step into them and smooth out my dress, running a hand through my hair.
“I better go check my makeup.” I turn to walk and he captures my hand, pulling me in close.
“No, you’re beautiful with a freshly fucked look.” He kisses me. “Wear my claim to fame proudly.”
Walking into the dance being held at the Bed and Breakfast, which is owned by Jace’s parents, feels like I’m coming home. The decorations, the smells and sounds, this place just embodies Love Beach. Plus the people. This town is amazing, welcoming and warm at every turn. They’ve had nothing but kind things to say to me since my return and it’s something I never want to be without.
I’m just as excited to tell them I'm staying as I am to tell Ryan. I want to erase that night three years ago where I chose to run instead of staying with the man of my dreams.
It almost slipped out while he had me spread out on my counter. I wanted to grab hold of him, scream I’m staying and beg him to know it and want it, too. I also know I need to present it in a manner that lets him know I'm serious, and not just high from an orgasm. If there is anything I know about Ryan Donnelly, it’s that he’s literal and moves with purpose. He’s thought out and caring and is always looking ahead. He plans and wants someone to plan with, as well.
I also know I can’t wait much longer. Sarah has done a good job at keeping my new position under wraps but the website will go live with the updates later tonight and I want to be the one to tell Ryan, not have him hear it from the gossip train.
“Good evening, Ms. Torre. You look beautiful.” Bill Baylor and Candee approach Ryan and I as we make our way to the seating chart. “Ryan.” He shakes his hand and I can’t stop the blush from running up my neck thinking about where his hand has been. Ryan was right, every touch and look has me remembering that moment.
“Candee! You look gorgeous! This color is perfect for you!”
I hug her and she says, “Reece picked it out.” I smile at her knowing she and Reece had a rocky go for a few years. So many miscommunications and hurt feelings but I’m so proud of Candee for taking the steps to make their relationship better.
“You guys are at our table tonight, come on over.”
We follow them and sit at the table numbered one, right up in front. Ryan pulls my chair out and as I sit, his fingers dance along my back. I close my eyes trying to keep my composure. When I open them I’m met with the eyes of Poppy from across the table. She gives a wink and I hide my smirk as Jace adjusts himself in the chair next to her.
“I love that dress, Poppy.”
She places her hand over Jace’s that is resting on the table. “Thanks. It’s nothing special.”
“Told you,” Ryan whispers in my ear and I giggle.
“Oh, Madeline! I’m so glad you’re here. Can you come with me quickly? I have a hospital matter to discuss with you.”
“Oh, Sarah, no one is working tonight. Leave Maddie alone,” Candee tries to dismiss her.
“No, it’s okay.” I stand from my chair and follow Sarah. “What’s up?”
She turns to me with excitement. “We’re all set! I spoke with the website designer earlier today and went over placing you as the head nurse practitioner and moving Naomi to the travel nursing position. She’s so excited for the opportunity and can’t wait to travel with her new little family.”
“I love this for her. Her little baby is going to be a world traveler by the time she’s one!”
“It still leaves a hole for us within the department when she gets called out but I think with you in charge, it’s going to be a seamless transition.” She grabs my hand. “I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I am that you've chosen to stay. What did Ryan say?”
“He doesn't know yet.”
“Why? What are you waiting for?”
“I just want to make sure I say it in a way that’s genuine. I want him to know I’m doing this for both me and him, you know?”
“Well, do it soon, the website goes live at midnight and you know this town. There will be no rest once it hits.” She checks her watch. “Oh, let me go welcome everyone so we can begin the night. I'll talk to you later.” She runs off and I head back to our table. Ryan stands when I approach and pulls out my chair. As I lower myself into it, he whispers, “Can you feel me?”
I bite my bottom lip and shake my head. “Just behave yourself.”
“Never.”
“Is everything alright with Sarah?” Candee asks.
“Oh yes. She just needed to bring me up to date with something.”
“So Madeline, what's the next move at the hospital?” Bill asks as he pours water for Candee.
“It’s not official yet but there’s a bit of restructuring happening.” I feel Ryan tense beside me. “Some people are moving into new roles, here and abroad. We have to wait for final contracts but the changes will be good.” I glance at Ryan who’s staring blankly at the table.
“Well that sounds exciting. Where does that leave you?”
Ugh, Bill. Stop with the questions . “It leaves me stepping back into a position I know well.” I see Ryan shifting in his seat and I touch his hand. “Hey, what's wrong?”
He shakes his head. “What kind of restructuring?”
“Just roles at the hospital. We can talk about it later.” I don't want to tell him here. I want it to be the two of us, I want him to feel everything I’m feeling when I tell him I’m staying and that I'm in love with him.
“Hey, hey! What a great table we get to crash!” Maddox and Marigold come and sit down with us.
“Are you sure this is your table? I don't remember seeing you here in the seating arrangement.” Ryan holds the chair next to him so Maddox can’t sit down and I chuckle.
“Nope. I double checked. It had Baylor right next to the top dog. Last I checked, that’s you. Fire chief is your claim to fame right?”
Ryan narrows his eyes at him and I put my hand on his leg and whisper, “He’s just teasing you.”
“Oh I know what he’s doing.” He lets go of the chair and Maddox falls into it.
“Son, you’re late,” Bill reprimands him.
“We had to stop by the bakery quickly.”
“Oh? Everything okay?” Candee asks.
Jace and Ryan eye each other while Poppy and Marigold exchange looks. “I had to fill the cream puffs for tomorrow,” Marigold says.
“I helped, nothing two pumps couldn’t fix.”
Ryan begins to choke on the beer he just took a sip from and I stifle a laugh, shaking my head.
A microphone screech echoes through the air as Sarah stands in front of the room. “Hello! Good evening, everyone! I want to welcome you to the annual Spring Break Dance! It’s so good to see new faces and many familiar ones, too! Tonight is all about having a great time and letting loose as well as saying a huge thank you for your support of Love Beach! We raised a lot of money today for the Love Beach Fire Department but I’m not allowed to give out any secrets yet! You’ll all have to show up to tomorrow's final event to get the grand tally and hear about some new changes!” She makes a motion of zipping her lip and locking the key and it makes me chuckle. But Ryan stiffens next to me.
“Why are you so jumpy tonight?” I smooth my hand across his shoulder and squeeze his bicep.
He shakes his head and takes a drink. “I’m fine. Just don’t like surprises much.”
I lean in close and coo in his ear. “What can I do to make it better, Chief Donnelly?”
He traces his bottom lip with his thumb and side eyes me. “We may need to leave early.”
I giggle. “Anything you need.”