Chapter 21
CHAPTER 21
MADISON
M y attempt at sleep consisted of visions of Grant and Jax sitting with me inside my she-shed, Jax holding me against a wall somewhere, kissing me the way he does, and how the hell I would ever be able to leave HIM. And, of course, there’s Grant. How could I just walk away from that little guy? Somehow, I did manage to fall asleep, and I woke to the sun streaming onto my pillow when Daisy burst into my room with a full head of curlers, a hot pink robe, and high heel slippers.
“Today is the day I’m marrying your Daddy!”
She disappeared as quickly as she arrived, leaving a wonderful perfume trail behind her.
I quickly checked my bank balance; still shitty. I’d probably have to bum a ride with Zoey to make it home the next day. I jumped in a hot shower and pulled on a pair of Zoey’s jeans that made my tush look good, a super-soft Lisa Yang black sweater, and the CELINE Bulky lace-up boots that I was thrilled I’d forced Zoey to buy. I couldn’t stop smiling at my own reflection as I swiped on my cheap-ass mascara.
Then it hit me like the many walls I’d run into over my lifetime; Maybe I could stay? Maybe? Planning my events and working with the hotel marketing team long distance. I already did a great deal through Zoom and emails. Would it really be too difficult to pull off?
I was damn good at my job and had my vendors and contacts in place. But would Jax actually be okay with me being gone a week at a time in Paris or Miami? My “home” life was not traditional by any means, and I’d always loved that.
My mom would flip, and Zoey would lose it, given that we were like a little team and saw each other all the time. Maybe it wouldn’t work?
Jax’s face popped into my mind’s eye, and the bottom line was fate put this man in my life. I would be insane to let him go. Right? But the Hot One had only known me for a hot minute. What if I stayed and he realized he wasn’t into me, and my heart got crushed? AGAIN.
My brain felt like my junk drawer was being dumped onto a trampoline.
After a few curls in my hair, I bounced down the stairs, and not in a cute way. In true Madison fashion, I slipped and bounced on my ass toward the living room. Seems the CELINE boots were more dangerous than my tap shoes. My dad met me at the bottom of the staircase and helped me up.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, you should know by now, this is how I roll.” I shrugged.
“Come on, I made us a little breakfast.”
He took my hand and led me to the kitchen. There was a vase of white flowers, two bowls, and a box of Captain Crunch in the center of the table. His gesture hit my heart. This god of all cereals was something we ate together when I was little. I was touched he remembered.
We ate and laughed as he told me more about his family and the “passionate” people we came from. How his father was a hot head and that my grandmother was on a plane, heading to California for a new job, when my grandfather stopped the plane by punching out a guy at the gate. He entered and professed his love for all to hear. Yes, she decided to stay, and yes, he was detained by airport security for some time.
“I think Zoey didn’t fall far from the tree, right?”
I nodded.
“But you’re a little different. Always have been.”
He knew.
“Even when you were a baby, you were different. Zoey would throw fits while you would sit back, watch, and learn. You had a little more patience. Do you know who you remind me of?”
I shook my head and realized this was as close as I’d ever felt to him.
“My grandmother, your great-grandmother. Yes, you’re the spitting image of her. I wish you could have known her.”
“Me, too. I bet she would’ve loved Daisy.”
He sat back in his chair. “I think you’re right about that.”
Grant burst through the door. “I love Captain Crunch!”
My dad laughed. “Well, sit yourself down, and I’ll grab you a bowl.”
He not only sat by me, but scooted his chair over so we were as close as could be.
“Madison, do you know I get to have a sleepover at Katie’s house? I can’t wait! Jax and I got her some eggs from the chicken coop.”
“Wow, she’ll love that.” I filled the bowl my dad placed in front of him. “You’re very thoughtful.”
Jax strolled in, gave me a wink, and I instantly felt that jelloey feeling that began the moment we met. Those jeans and the black I Fix Stuff t-shirt that showcased those magnificent biceps made me want to bite him. And then I wanted him to bite me. Stop it!
Zoey entered, clapping her hands. “Captain Crunch! It’s been forever!”
She plopped down next to me and poured some into her bowl. “Delish.”
Daisy’s voice filled the room. “Jim, you can’t see me; it’s our wedding day. Get out.”
“I guess that’s my cue.” He pointed to Jax. “I’m running into town to tie up some loose ends and taking mine and Daisy’s bags to the hotel. Let’s meet there to head for the wedding at three, okay?”
Jax nodded. My dad gave a wave and disappeared out the door. Once out of sight, Daisy entered, grinning ear to ear.
“Good morning, all.” She pointed to Zoey. “When you’re through, will you run to the bridal boutique with me? I have to pick up my dress, and I wanted you to try on yours just to make sure the fit is good. Does that work?”
Zoey nodded and shoveled a spoonful of cereal into her mouth. “Sounds good. I’ll be ready in a second.”
“Super. Would you stop by the reception with me to make sure it’s all good to go?”
“Sounds like fun.”
Katie’s head popped in the door. “Is there a boy looking for a day full of fun?”
Grant sprung to his feet. “Me!”
“Jax, I’ll have him back here at ten tomorrow morning. Is that alright?”
He got up and gave her a hug. “Yes, and thank you for watching him.”
“I saw his suitcase on the porch and put it in my trunk. This is a treat for me. We’re going to the bouncy house, getting pizza for lunch, and then some ice cream.”
Grant jumped. “Yeah!”
Katie laughed. “Let’s go!”
They started to leave when Grant turned, ran to Jax, and threw his arms around his waist. Jax’s face lit up, and it was amazing. Before I could let out my breath, he was at my side and hugged me as well.
“I can’t wait to see you guys Sunday.”
He and Katie walked outside as Daisy ran over and gave Jax a hug before grabbing Zoey by the arm and following Katie out.
Jax leaned back against the counter. “Are we alone, Miss Madison?”
The vital organ in my chest pulsated out of control when I looked at those sky-blue eyes. We were, in fact, alone, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted him to throw me against the refrigerator and let his fingers do the walking, or if my nerves would have me sprinting towards Highway 370.
His stare was making me melty, and it was all I could do not to go all slack-jawed and drool.
He stood, and I jumped as if I were facing down a dangerous animal in its natural habitat.
He shoved his hands in his pockets. “How about we do a little fly fishing?”
Sigh. His ability to read me was spot on.
Twenty minutes later, we were standing next to the river as Jax dropped a bucket of bait at the shore while I pulled on a fishing bib.
“It’s your dad’s, and it looks way too big.”
“I’ll be fine, really.”
He tugged on my strap to tighten it, giving me an opportunity to fully take him in. So damn sexy.
He jumped into his fishing bib before we got our worms on our hooks and waded out from the shore.
“The current is fast. Stay close, okay?”
I cast my line, noticing how the fall sunshine made the yellow cottonwood leaves twinkle in the light.
We stood silently for a few minutes, and I watched him cast his line before he smiled back at me. Ugh.
I squealed when I felt a tug on my line. “I got something!”
I took a few steps and tripped over a rock under the water. As I leaned forward to catch my balance, freezing river water poured into my fishing bibs. I attempted to take a step, but they were so heavy I fell face first in the water.
Within seconds, Jax pulled the straps of my bibs and got me on my feet. The sound of his roaring laughter penetrated my water-logged ears. “Are you okay?”
I nodded, grateful I hadn’t inhaled very much water. “I think so.” My teeth started chattering.
“Come on.”
I nodded as he pulled me by my shoulder straps to the shore. Once on solid ground, he helped me out of my water-filled fishing overalls just as the shivering kicked in.
“Well, this could go down as the quickest fishing excursion ever.”
He grabbed our poles and then my hand. “Come on, we’ll get you warmed up.”
We walked to his house, my teeth chattering uncontrollably. Once inside the bathroom, he turned on the shower and turned back to me.
“Put your arms up.”
My blood ran hot as I lifted my arms over my head, and he pulled off my soaking sweater and tee before letting them drop to the floor. His eyes met mine while he unbuttoned my jeans, pushed them down, and I stepped out, wearing only a light pink pair of panties and bra. Light steam filled the room as his hungry eyes ran down my body.
“You get in and warm up. I’ll go change.” He took a step back, but I caught his shirt with my hand.
“No.”
I tugged his shirt, and he held his arms up to aid me in getting it off of him. I lifted it as far as I could reach before he whipped it off and tossed it to the ground. He stood still while my hands caressed and learned those abdominal muscles, and my lips traveled his chest. His orgasmic cologne hit my nose, and I reflexively breathed him in, my fingers dropping lower to the waistline of his jeans.
His kiss was erotically slow and passionate, but I needed more of him. His hands found my ass and squeezed before they traveled slowly up my back to my bra. I sucked in my breath as he took my lower lip between his teeth while unclasping it.
Lifting me and wrapping my legs around his waist, he carried me into the shower. The steamy, hot water streamed down our bodies, making his muscles glisten.
I emitted a breathy giggle. “Your pants are on.”
“Shut up.” With primal urgency, he pushed me against the wall of the shower, took both of my hands in one of his, and held them above my head. Awareness that I couldn’t break from his grasp if I tried, sent excitement and a new type of security through my veins.
The trust I felt in this man was overwhelming, and I knew instantly that whatever he wanted was his. My senses were heightened between the steamy water, my vulnerable position, and those lips consuming me.
The kiss hastened as his hand found my breasts, and I pushed myself to him. His lips left mine, trailing kisses down my neck. Desperate to touch him, I struggled against his hold.
He held me tighter. “You’re mine,” he hissed, then slammed his lips over mine once again.
I was dizzy when his hand caressed my stomach, and he began to feel his way lower. I was melting, pulsing, and burning as I tried to get my hands free.
“Please, Jax.” My voice wasn’t even familiar to me. “Please.”
He pushed my panties down my thighs with his free hand and used his still booted foot to bring them to the bottom of the shower. Still holding my hands above my head, he looked down at me.
“You’re so beautiful.”
I was dying as his fingers moved over me, taking me to a place I swore I hadn’t been before. “Please, Jax,” I cried out.
“I knew you’d beg for me.” He bit my shoulder gently. “Only for me.”
Everything went black as his fingers worked their magic. My body stiffened, and my world shattered. Waves rolled through me, all the way to my toes. He released my hands, and I languidly fell against him and held fast to his shoulders. I clung to him, breathless, as he gently kissed my face. “You’re perfect.”
He turned off the water, took my hand, and led me out, and we stood on the rug in front of the shower. He took a towel from a hook on the wall and dried me from head to toe. He lifted my arms, wrapped the towel around me, and tucked it in just above my breasts.
Picking me up in his arms, he kissed my cheek reverently, carried me to his bed, and laid me down. I popped up on my elbows, waiting for him to kick off those work boots.
Maybe I was nervous or finally was bat shit crazy, but I started giggling. “Do a strip tease for me, Jax.”
His brows furrowed as he laughed. “What?”
“Pleease. I know how you like it when I beg.” More giggles. “Please.”
That was when my dreams came true; it was better than the Thunder Down Under show in Vegas because I had him all to myself.
He whipped his belt out of his belt loops, drug it sexily between his legs, beckoning me to the edge of the bed. He shook his wet hair as droplets went everywhere. He slowly unbuttoned his wet jeans and worked the heavy material to the floor, drawing hoots and claps from me. Not only because the show was freaking hot, but because I got a glimpse of, well, you know.
He shook and shimmied his way over to me. In a fast move, he picked me up and spun me around until he was seated on the bed, and he had me in his lap, like a reverse lap dance. His hips slowly lifted up and down, teasing my center.
It was the hottest lap dance I’d ever seen. While most shows probably have a no-touching policy, mine definitely did not. I pushed him until he was lying back, then slid my way off the bed and down on my knees. His hand dug through my hair as I took control of him for a change.
After a bit he pulled back on my head, and ordered me to stop. The man’s voice was just raspy enough to make me follow any order he saw fit to issue. Reaching down, he guided me by the elbow to climb back up onto the bed, then flipped me onto my back and entered me with one long thrust.
Hands were everywhere, exploring, learning as if our time together was limited. The weight of his body on top of mine was a dream, and his large hands on me sent shocks through me as he cursed into my mouth, which was one of my new favorite things.
I gasped, unable to get enough of him; it would never be enough. We fit so perfectly together and knew each other’s minds. And I could feel what he wanted with just one look. Everything was building to a magnitude I never knew existed.
We moved together while I shook and begged him not to stop. He seemed to be reading my thoughts and bringing me to such a high that I thought I might just lose consciousness. The animalistic cry I heard was coming from me. I should have been embarrassed, but I wasn’t. I never imagined that one person could cause another to experience any of what was happening in his bedroom.
After he shouted his own pleasure, I lay with my head resting on his chest as he caressed my arm. The room was dim, the curtains drawn and swaying with the much needed cool breeze coming through the open window.
I imagined how wonderful it would be to stay with Jax every day in that bed and house.
We could have a rule where he couldn’t wear shirts in the house at all, and on Saturdays, we would spend the whole day in bed, drinking magical hot chocolate and licking whip cream off of one another; yeah, that would be the best. Hmmm, might not work if Grant were still staying with us, but maybe after he went to bed every night.
We were silent, and I didn’t move an inch, fearful that it would break the spell. I wanted to stay in that place as long as humanly possible. I must’ve dozed off because a bit later, Jax sat next to me and handed me a cup of coffee that smelled dreamy.
“Hi.” He pushed a piece of hair off of my face. “I put your clothes in the dryer. Should be done in forty-five minutes.”
I sat up and took a sip. “What will we do for forty-five whole minutes?”
He grinned, put both of our cups on the nightstand, and crawled under the covers beside me. He pulled me on top of him, and we lay chest to chest.
He whispered. “I love your hair in my face. Almost as much as your begging.”
I giggled. “I think I’m addicted to you, Jax.”
He let out a belly laugh that rumbled through me. “Oh baby, I can hook you up anytime. I got what you need.”
His lips overtook mine while his hands journeyed, getting me hot and bothered. I heard my raspy voice begging and saw that flash in his eyes yet again.
Another hour and I finally got dressed before he walked me to the door. He pulled me close and kissed me gently on my lips, swollen from the amazing mid-day roll in the hay with my man ?
“I’ll see you at the wedding.”
I nodded and hopped off the porch. I walked over the hill, looking back to see him standing on the steps in his sweatpants, with bare feet and no shirt, watching me. How can this be my life right now?
As I approached Daisy’s, my heart was singing acapella because I knew I wanted to stay with him. I also knew Zoey and my mom would lose their lovin’ minds, but I could figure out a solution. I knew I could.
I whipped open the door as Daisy jumped in front of me and I nearly jumped out of my skin.
“You’re just in time!” She was beaming. “Since your daddy’s at the hotel, we all can get ready for the wedding together!”
She grabbed my arm and led me into the kitchen where Zoey sat in a chair. There was make-up on the table, mirrors, and three women standing there.
“Surprise! These wonderful ladies, Gabi, Taylor Lynn, and Penny, are here to help us get all gussied up!” Daisy walked to the refrigerator. “I thought we’d have some bubbly while we get beautified.”
Daisy motioned to the make-up artists. “Ladies, can we start in ten minutes?”
They nodded and went into the living room.
Daisy popped the cork and screamed with laughter. I was grateful she and my dad were a part of my life now.
She filled our glasses.
“Madison, what did you do all day?” Zoey sipped from her glass.
I did Jax all day. That thought did a nasty tango through my mind making my lady parts feel tingly all over again. “Just caught up on some emails, did some checking on my event next week, and then took a walk.” Man, I was good.
Daisy did a little two step across the room and turned on some music.
Zoey leaned in close and whispered. “Nice try, but I know that face. You had sex.”
I looked around to make sure Daisy had not, in fact, heard her. “Did not, did not. What on earth would make you think that?”
Ignoring me, she started shaking her booty in her chair, quietly sing-songing, “Madison had seex. Madison got it oon.”
Her phone buzzed. “I’ll be back in a jiffy. This discussion isn’t over.” Zoey stood and walked onto the porch while Daisy took a seat in the chair next to me.
“It’s been quite a week, hasn’t it?” She took a long drink from her glass.
Oh fiddle sticks. Had she heard Zoey?
“Yes, I’m so glad I’m here. Reconnecting with my dad and getting to know everybody has been great.”
I took a drink of champagne—good shit.
“Some things have really changed here.” Her eyes met mine.
Oh, no, I was getting a weird vibe as my cheeks grew warm. I swallowed hard and took another gulp from my glass. She knew, she knew, she knew.
My eyes darted around the room. I needed to say something. “Daisy, have I told you how much I love, uh, the, um, way you display your broccoli in that basket?” Dear God, I sounded like a fruit loop. “I mean, most people would put them in a drawer, but you have it right there on the counter. Very cool.”
I chugged the rest of my drink, hoping Zoey would reappear soon.
She smiled and patted my hand. “Honey, you’re fine. I don’t know anything for sure, and I’m not asking. But I know my boy.”
Shit, shit, shit!
She laughed. “Calm down. I just wanted to tell you that in only a few days, there’s a peace within him I haven’t seen before.”
I had no words.
“Jax has always had a little wall up. It comes from all he went through as a child before he was with me, and I’ve never been able to crack that shell entirely. He’s carried himself all his life like someone who is ready for a punch. Waiting for someone to hurt him and his guard is always up.”
Still, no words.
“It’s none of my business, but I wanted to let you know one thing.”
Was this it? Was gun-toting bridezilla going to take me out for rolling around with Jax?
“His peace is because of you.” Her head nodded. “He hasn’t had that before, and he goes hard after what he needs; he has since he was a little boy.” She ran her finger around the top of her champagne glass. “I want you to know that he will fight for you, Madison. And nobody fights like Jax.”
I didn’t know what to do with that. I felt her eyes boring into me, and nearly whipped a cartwheel when Zoey finally entered the house, saving me from further conversation.
I was relieved when Zoey and Daisy chatted on and on while the make-up artists did their thing, while at the same time my mind circled around Jax over and over again.
Once the beautification was complete, I stood in front of the mirror in my bedroom, wearing my bridesmaid dress. It was deep burgundy, and long. Of course, it had a plunging neckline because it was Daisy’s wedding, after all. The dress looked fabulous on Zoey, but it required some work for me, even after the fitting a few days ago. I was relieved Zoey had an extra push-up bra, but even with that, it required a fair amount of tissues tucked in just the right places to pull it off.
The ladies downstairs did a phenomenal job with my hair and make-up, which looked flawless. My hair was in a half up-do and curled in the back. I liked it so much I took a picture of it in case I needed a new look for the future. And for my Instagram followers.
Zoey and I poured Daisy into her dress, which was a full blown ball gown that was skin tight on the top and covered with bling, bling, and more bling. She looked beautiful and was giddy when we zipped her up and helped her with her veil.
“I tell you what. I never, in a million years, thought I’d be blessed with a man like your daddy. And don’t you worry a bit. I’ll always take care of him.”
She was beaming.
“Girls, I’d kill anyone for that man. I came into this world kicking and screaming, covered in someone else’s blood, and I have no problem going out the same way.”
Not what I expected from the blushing bride, but right, wrong, or otherwise, I felt my dad was in good hands with this one.
Ten minutes later, a car pulled up out front, and we helped Daisy and her huge-ass gown into the backseat.
We arrived at the church, greeted by flowers everywhere. At a glance, one may not be certain if it was a wedding or funeral, but she’d pulled off whatever her vision was.
Daisy, Zoey, and me, along with a flower girl from hell, stood outside the sanctuary behind a door. I peeked inside to see what appeared to be the entire town waiting for Daisy and my dad to be united forever.
Or at least until someone pissed off Daisy because, apparently, she could easily be pushed into a gun-toting maniac if she deemed it necessary. Aerosmith’s song ran through my head, but it was now “Daisy’s Got a Gun.” It made me laugh.
Piano music filled the church, and I looked back to see Zoey adjusting her girls and Daisy putting on a thick coat of frosted pink lipstick before tucking the tube down her cleavage.
I didn’t know who Anna the flower girl (Spawn of Satan) belonged to, but she kept dumping her rose petals on the floor, and when I’d bend down to pick them up, she’d beat me with her little basket. Geez, what was her damage? I was trying to be cool, but she was starting to really piss me off.
The door in front of us opened, and all eyes turned to the back of the church. In front of the altar were my dad, Austin, and Jax. Jax was so drop-dead gorgeous in his tux, it was almost sinful.
The flower girl started to walk down the aisle, but instead of dropping the flower petals on the floor, she was throwing handfuls in the faces of the guests, giggling as she went by. The innocence of a child, my ass.
As I started to stroll down the aisle, my gaze locked with Jax’s. He had a grin on his face while I felt my damn cheeks catch fire yet again. Images of the past days streamed through my mind. From him being all lit up on edibles and the fireworks any time he touched me, to the arrival of Grant and my she-shed, I felt like I’d been living a dream on steroids.
I finally made it to the front of the church before Zoey and then Daisy came down the aisle. Daisy was bursting with happiness, smiling ear to ear.
They exchanged vows they had written themselves, truly heartfelt and sweet. I peeked over at Jax to find him staring back at me. No grin at that moment. His look was different and a little more intense. I smiled, but his stare remained unwavering. I couldn’t pull my eyes away and wondered what was going through his mind.
Once the “I Do’s” were complete, the church burst into applause when my dad kissed Daisy and then escorted her toward the back of the church. Jax walked to me and extended his arm. I smiled bashfully, placing my hand in the crook of his arm.
* * *
One of the sucky jobs of us bridesmaids was that we had to haul all the flowers from the church to the reception. Jax pulled his truck up to the back of the church, joining Austin, Zoey, and me, as we loaded them in the back.
“I think that’s it.” Austin looked over at Zoey. “Want to ride with me?”
Zoey cocked a challenging brow. “Depends. Are you worth the ride?”
Could I ever get away with strangling my sister in a church? Come on, Zoey!
Austin laughed as they exited, and for some reason, my face burned at her crude innuendo. Jax, on the other hand, appeared greatly amused by their banter.
“Must be something in the air, making Zoey, umm, fall off her rocker.” I didn’t want him to think my sis was a ho on the regular.
We got in the truck, and he started it up.
“You’re amazing, Madison,” Jax said quietly. He took a deep breath. “No matter what you decide, I want you to know that.”
I couldn’t make the smile on my face go away. I tried to bite the insides of my cheeks, but no luck.
The reception was at a pretty hotel, and once we brought all the flowers inside, we joined my dad and Daisy at the head table. After dinner and toasts by the two best men, the DJ started to hit the music.
I finished my second or maybe third glass of wine, when Jax saw me chair-dancing before I had a chance to stop.
“Look at you go,” he chuckled.
“Sorry, I’m just one of those people who love wedding receptions. I love them from Apple Bottom Jeans and AC/DC to the YMCA and anything by Taylor.” I shrugged. “I’m not a great dancer, but I normally chug a few glasses of wine and shake my money maker until the lights come on.”
“I like the way you roll.”
Austin and Zoey joined us at the table, talking quietly between themselves. Jax grabbed my legs under the table and put my feet in his lap, concealed by the long tablecloth. He raised his eyebrows, slipping off one of my shoes and started the best foot rub EVER. Almost orgasmic, those hands. I mean, wow.
Jax leaned back and talked to Austin while he continued my incredible foot massage. I looked over to see a beautiful woman, wearing a sleeveless cocktail dress, standing next to our table with a smile on her face. She had long, thick blond hair and looked super fit. I imagined she could hold a plank for like an hour.
Her arms were super cut. They were the exact arms I promised myself every New Year’s Eve I would attain, and after going to the gym and hitting weights for about a week, I’d throw in the towel. She was a reminder of my failed-arm dreams.
She cleared her throat and looked towards Austin and Jax.
Austin did a double take. “Holy shit.”
Jax saw her and looked as if he’d seen a ghost. He stood up quickly, and my feet dropped to the floor with a thud. It did not feel good.
I looked back at her, and she lifted her left hand up.
“Yes, I’ll marry you, Jax.”
Jax appeared as stunned as I felt. I looked at the ring on her perfectly manicured hand, the cut and clarity about as perfect as the woman who was wearing it.
He took a step towards her. “What are you doing, Abby?”
I wanted to jump up and echo Jax. Yeah, what are you doing, Abby?
Okay, calm down. So, the fitness freak was Abby. Abby was the run-away fiancé, who had apparently just returned. Right then, at the wedding reception. Remain calm! The stunning woman next to me was back to make her claim on Jax. Inhale, exhale. I cannot calm down.
“You just took off? Who does that?”
I wanted to hop on the table and scream the answer to Jax’s question. Only a bitch would do that, Jax, only a bitch! Tell her to hit the road!
“I know, and I’m sorry. I just needed a few weeks to think things through.”
I swear I could see all of the perfect moments they had spent together reflected in Jax’s beautiful eyes. It seemed he had forgotten anyone else was around. AKA, me.
Then the timeline resonated with me. It had only been a few weeks since Jax was in love with and proposing to the beautiful woman standing at our table. Weeks ? I felt like the ship of “Madison and Jax” was going down. It was sinking fast, and while I still held some hope of bailing out the water pronto, it wasn’t looking good.
He took her by the elbow and led her to a corner of the room.
“What’s going on?” Zoey looked at Austin.
“I’m not sure. That’s a fire and ice situation. They dated for about a year, and it was fast and furious or not at all. He’d break it off, then she’d break it off, and they’d end up hot and heavy again. Then Jax proposed, and she took off. She took a news anchor job in Minneapolis, and he figured that was it. She never returned messages or anything. Until tonight.”
I looked over at Jax and Abby having a heated conversation in the back corner of the room. They both were freakishly good-looking people, and I imagined everywhere they went together, all eyes were on them.
And you know what else made sense? Jax and his fit physique. They probably worked out all the time when they were together, and I bet Jax even bench pressed her in his bed. I’m sure they would watch each other lift weights and get all hot, sweaty, and horny.
I looked down at my tissue filled bust and felt a little deflated, literally.
Zoey threw her hand in the air. “That’s bullshit. She can’t disappear and just show back up whenever the hell she pleases.”
Amen, Zoey. Because, well, what about me, right? The man I was crazy about appeared to be an engaged fellow. Fuck.
I excused myself and walked to the bar. Well, not walked—wobbled. Clearly, I’ve had more to drink than I realized, but a reappearing fiancé is reason enough for one more. I stood in the group of people waiting for drinks, and watched the beautiful couple. Jax seemed angry while she talked and wore a perfect smile on her face. Of course, I don’t know what she said next, but whatever it was, his face softened a bit.
It was then, as the drink line moved forward, that I realized I wasn’t wobbling because I was drunk. I was wobbling because I was only wearing one shoe. The other had been dropped under the table when Jax’s orgasmic hands had massaged my foot prior to the shit show that was the last five minutes of my life.
Forget the shoe—my head nearly exploded as I watched Abby pull Jax in and kiss him. A quick kiss, but still, my heart hopped out of my chest and threw itself against the floor begging to be put out of its misery. It was clear that my life could be summed up in one sentence: That didn’t go as fucking planned .
I watched them walk back to our table and quickly came up with a plan. The plan was to have no plan. It was risky and maybe plain stupid, but I was going to have to wing it.
I’m usually the kind of person who goes over situations a few times in my mind to try to prepare. Maybe put together some rehearsed sentences so I can know what I’m doing. But not tonight. I was going to be cool and just go with the flow.
I decided to hold my head up high, wobble back to the table, and spin up a plan on how to leave this reception as soon as possible. I sat in the chair next to Zoey because Abby was in my seat. Of course she was. She was talking to Austin and then looked at me.
“Hi, I’m Abby.”
I smiled because it would be rude to grab a chair and beat her. “I’m Madison.”
Jax chimed in. “She’s Jim’s other daughter.”
Jim’s other daughter? Not the woman he partook in appetizers with all afternoon. Not the woman he wanted to stay in Montana forever, and ever, and ever. Nope, suddenly, I was only Jim’s daughter. Yeah, it blew.
“You look great in that dress.” Oh, it figures; she was nice. Super.
“Thank you.” I realized the fake smile was likely my go-to until I could get myself the hell out of there.
I casually looked around for my shoe under the table, but it appeared to be gone. It was nowhere; what a weird way for the universe to kick me when I was down.
That’s when I saw the flower girl from hell in the distance. She held up my shoe, waggled it in the air, and stuck her tongue out at me before she ran away. I could see out of the corner of my eye that Jax was looking at me with an odd expression.
Stupid Abby chatted with Zoey, but all I saw was what appeared to be her reaching under the table and taking Jax’s hand. Or did she grab something else under there?
“Water!” I croaked out. All eyes shot to me. “Yeah. Yeah, umm, I need some water. Who else would like water?” Everybody just looked at me. “You know, we’re supposed to be drinking eight glasses of water a day to be healthy.”
I wanted to shut up, but in true Madison style, I couldn’t.
“I’m behind on my H2O for today, that’s for sure.” I let out a laugh while everybody just continued to stare. That’s when I pointed to Abby. “You probably know that, huh? You look pretty healthy there.”
I glanced at Zoey, who was looking oddly at me, and mouthed, what the fuck are you doing ?
Good question.
“Anyone else need some water?” My whole playing it cool thing was officially extinguished.
“Only if you put some whiskey in mine, Sis.”
“Good idea, Zoey. Screw the water. I need alcohol. Lots of alcohol.”
The table roared as I stood up quickly, knocked over my chair, turned, tripped over it, flailed backward, and landed on my ass. Perfect. Jax hopped up, picked up my chair, and pulled me to my feet. I looked down at his hand holding mine before jerking it away.
“Thanks, Bro. I’m good.” Bro ? WTF? I bowed to my audience at the table. “I’ll be back.”
He looked down at my feet. “Did you lose your shoe?”
Everyone stretched their necks to check out my feet. I was glad my pretty toenails were red, which seemed appropriate because I felt like that could be the night someone would die a bloody death.
“Yes, Jax, I did lose my shoe. Down-right hilarious, huh?”
Jax just stared at me as I forced out a laugh, and the table joined me.
“Now, if you’ll all excuse me, I started the day with Captain Crunch, and you can bet your ass I’m ending it with Captain Morgan.” I smiled, before removing my second shoe, handing it to a bewildered Austin, and bolting to the bar.
Once there, I grabbed and tucked two cocktail napkins under my sticky armpits just as Zoey rolled up beside me.
“What is going on between you and Jax? You definitely had your sex face on earlier.”
“Nothing.” The bartender approached. “Is this an open bar?”
“Yes.”
“Fantastic, I need a cup of your strongest liquor.”
“Straight?” His eyes squinted at me.
“You got it, Buddy.”
He walked away.
Zoey shook her head. “Don’t give me that shit. Spill it.”
I whispered. “Okay, so we had sex this afternoon. No biggie.” I shrugged my shoulders like I didn’t have a care in the world.
“Sex is always a biggie for you, and now his girlfriend has returned. So it was a rebound?”
I shrugged. “I didn’t think so.”
“Well, you just got out of a relationship, and so did he. I think that makes it a rebound for sure. But now his ex is back.” She put her arm around me. “Are you okay? Are you pissed?” She dramatically nodded. “Silly question. Of course, you’re pissed. So here’s my advice: when you get angry, take a breath and count to ten, and throw a punch when you get to eight. Yeah, nobody expects that.”
I felt the damn tears. “No, I’m not pissed, and I don’t even know how to punch. I’m just really sad. I thought?—”
She hugged me. “It’s going to be alright.” She pulled back and wiped my tear away. “But you can’t let the rebound guy see you crying. You never want a man to think he got you. Do you know what you need to do right now?”
I blinked back more tears as I awaited the answer. What in tarnation do I do now?
“You put on a smile and let him see you are having a great time. Trust me.” She nodded.
“Really? I shouldn’t talk to him?”
“Hell, no. We both saw his chick return, sporting an engagement ring. I think it’s safe to say this thing is done. Bastard never should have led you on.” She hugged me again. “I’m sorry, sweetie.”
I sighed. “I’m going to go.”
She pushed me back. “But first, it’s important that he sees you having a moment of fun so he doesn’t think he got under your skin. You’re a bad bitch, right?”
I did not feel like a bad bitch. “Uh, I don’t think so.”
Her hands went to my shoulders, and she shook me hard, causing my head to bob all over. “You’re a bad bitch, right?”
“Sure.”
“I’m here to tell you that you are the baddest bitch in the West!”
A little smile crept across my lips.
“Before you go, here’s what’s going to happen.” She leaned back and tapped on the shoulder of a cute guy. “Hey, Bud. Are you single?”
“Zoey!”
“Yes.”
“Will you take this beauty for a spin around the dance floor?”
He eyed me up and down and smiled. “Sure.”
Zoey pulled a twenty out of her bra and stuffed it in his pocket. “And kiss her real good.”
“Zoey stop this!”
She winked at my new friend as he grabbed my hand and pulled me onto the dance floor. I looked back to see Zoey shooting finger guns at me. The guy was talking about something as we swayed to the music. With one eye on me and the other on my bare feet, he was gentlemanly in his effort to keep me from getting stepped on. Unfortunately, I only had eyes for Jax, who was in deep discussion with Austin. I didn’t see Abby. She was probably waiting naked in his truck while Jax said his goodbyes.
My new dance partner didn’t suck, but I stepped on his toes twice.
“Thank you for the dance, but I think I’m just going to go.”
I started to turn when he caught my arm and pulled me to him like Fred Astaire twirling Ginger Rogers back into his arms. “I owe you a kiss.”
“It’s okay, really.”
He pulled me close, and while the kiss was okay, he wasn’t Jax. I could’ve pulled away quickly, but Zoey’s voice was shouting in my brain. Don’t let him know he hurt you.
“Get a room, Madison!” Zoey’s yell cut through the music.
No sooner had I pulled away Jax was at my side. He shoved my friend before grabbing my hand. “Madison, I need to talk to you, please.”
“Fine! Meet me by the bar in five minutes.”
He nodded as I apologized to my paid dance partner and exited the dance floor before darting between people and running out into the parking lot. I inhaled the crisp air, and it felt good, as a few tears ran down my cheeks. I walked to the hotel entry, where a cab sat as if the driver was expecting my predicament.
I figured the cab ride would clear out the rest of the money in my pathetic checking account, but there was no other option.
Once on the road, I called my dad and was grateful he answered.
“Hi, Dad. I’m heading back to the house. I have a headache that won’t quit. But I wanted to let you know how happy I am for you and Daisy. The wedding was beautiful.”
“You and Zoey being here is what made it such a special day. Daisy and I are staying at the hotel, so you go home and get some rest. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
An expensive cab ride later, given my dad and Daisy lived out in the boonies, I finally arrived at the house. I just wanted to be alone.
I was relieved I remembered the code while I used the little electric keypad on the door and entered. I went straight to the kitchen, cracked open my last can of SpaghettiOs, and heated a bowl of them in the microwave. I ate and cried as emptiness filled every cell of my body.
I decided to put my butt in a bubble bath, which helped a little. Skin like raisins, I headed to my room, locked the door, lay on the bed, and cried my eyes dry. And you know what? It felt good.
I reached over to grab a tissue from the box on the nightstand and knocked everything from the top onto the floor. It was the perfect ending for the day where I thought I’d found my perfect guy, experienced things I’d never known I could in the bedroom, and lost it all to the stupid damn weather girl before midnight.
I jumped when a knock came at my bedroom door. I was home alone, and locking the door appeared to have been the best decision I’d made in hours. But I was out in the middle of nowhere by myself. I was pretty sure I’d seen this horror movie play out before.
I hopped out of bed and looked around. Daisy must have a gun in there somewhere, right? If so, was there time for me to Google how to use it? Fucked. I was fucked.
“Madison, we need to talk.”
Jax’s muffled voice made the acid in my stomach churn. Partially because it was him, and partially because it looked like I would live to see another day. But I didn’t want to talk to him, and I certainly didn’t want to see his beautiful face or topaz eyes.
“Go away, Jax. I’m done.”
“No.”
No? He apparently thinks he’s the boss of everything. “Well, I’m not opening the door. Go away, Jax.”
He knocked louder.
“I’m not leaving until we talk.”
“Well, I’m not talking, so this should be interesting.”
“Come on, Madison. Let me in.”
I lay back down in bed.
“Madison, I’m not kidding. Open this door!”
I was getting pleasure out of his annoyance, and you know what? I deserved that.
He pounded louder, and I didn’t make a peep.
“Fine!” He hit the door, causing it to rattle. “You know what? You drive me crazy!”
I heard him walking away from the door using some colorful language. My body ached and already missed his eyes, the way he held me, and of course, his cologne. I guess it was time to say, ‘Sayonara, Jax. Adios Amigo, Hasta La Vista, baby.’
It was then that I jumped and fell off my bed. Someone was looking through the window at me. Not just someone; it was Jax’s face pressed against it. I ran over and opened it, moving away so he could crawl inside. His dirt-spotted tux was all rumpled, and who knows where his bowtie was.
“Are you stupid? What are you doing climbing up two stories?”
“Done it a hundred times. I grew up in this house, remember?” Dusting his hands and pants off, he turned to me.
“You’re going to break your neck!”
“Not tonight.” His breath was heavy after his climb, and I remembered what it was like earlier at his house when I felt his breath on my cheeks, my stomach…I needed to stop. He’s engaged. Engaged to the sexy weather girl. The woman with the stupidly perfect hair, unfairly cut arms, and the future fucking Mrs. Jax.
“Go, Jax. This week was just a little fun, but I want you out of here.”
“No. You need to understand, woman! It’s you that I want.”
I took a step back. “Well, as the old song goes, ‘you can’t always get what you want.’ Besides, this was just a rebound thing. Now she’s back, and you need to get back to that life. I’m out of here tomorrow.”
He shook his head adamantly. “Absolutely not.”
“This is stupid. You were with her for a year, and you asked her to marry you a few weeks ago! You want her, and I don’t want you!”
His jaw clenched. “That’s bullshit, and you know it. You’ve never felt what you did today.”
“Oh, yeah? Well, well, well. Aren’t you just full of yourself, Jax Barlowe? Now go!” I needed him gone before I turned into a weepy mess.
“I’m not going anywhere! What we have is?—”
“Well, you’re totally wrong, Jax. As a matter of fact, it wasn’t that good. Yeah, that’s right. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings, but this afternoon wasn’t really that hot. I’ve had better.”
He took offense to my statement, and I felt an evil grin on my face, which I quickly made disappear.
“That’s a lie.” He spoke through gritted teeth.
“Nope. I’m a truth speaker, not a B.S. keeper.”
“That’s a lie.” He was growing furious.
I crossed my arms over my chest. “You can keep saying it, but it still won’t make it true.”
He took a step towards me. “You can say anything you want, but we have out-of-this-world chemistry.”
“Maybe a little chemistry—more like a fizz—but that’s it. I think I’ll visit Idaho next weekend. I’m sure I could find some of the same thing there. No biggie.”
His eyes flashed as he advanced on me, and his lips crashed down over mine. One of those searing Jax kisses that radiated through my body. I may have lost consciousness for a moment because when he pulled away, I had to blink several times to get my bearings.
“Tell me that didn’t make you hot.” I loved his breath on my cheek.
“Nope.” I could only whisper. “It actually made me cold.” I would not let him win.
He released me. “Stop it.”
“What? You can’t take it that your kisses make me feel cold as ice.” The song, Cold as Ice , ran through my mind.
“You are nuts!” He was flustered, and his face got red.
“You just can’t take it that your kisses are cold. Actually, they make me want to vomit.” A little much? Maybe.
“Stop it, Madison!” He paced the room.
“This is done! She’s back. You wanted to marry her a few weeks ago. Now go!”
He let out a breath. “Okay, let’s just cool off for a minute.”
“Well, I’m still frozen from your kiss, so I’m good.”
His jaw clenched again. “Stop it! You’re acting like you don’t give a shit!”
“Please go.”
He took a step toward me but halted when I held out my arms to stop him.
His voice was quiet. “Please, let’s talk in the morning, okay?”
His blue eyes were hurting my heart. As I stared at him, I knew my best option was to somehow get to the airport, hop on the Magnolia jet, and be back in New York by sunrise.
“Okay.” Truth or lie? I wasn’t sure what my answer was.
He unlocked the door and walked into the hall. I could hear him going down the stairs, and I wanted to run after him. To fight for a chance to see if this week could be more, but I knew it wouldn’t hold up in the real world.
Abby was his real world. They had been together for a year, and Jax proposed. I hadn’t known him long, but I knew that was something he thought through carefully. Not a rash decision, not like our decisions over the past few days. Their relationship was the real deal, right? Once I flew out of here, their world would restart, most likely with hot sex and discussions of wedding venues and dates.
Grant would love her, and I was sure Daisy and Abby would become besties, if they weren’t already, and plan a beautiful, rustic shindig. The whole town would be there, and Abby would likely be the most beautiful bride there had ever been. With those arms, I was sure she’d choose a strapless dress that was fitted that showed off her freaking fabulous figure.
After the reception, they’d fly off to some tropical destination. Their swimsuit-clad bodies would glisten as they frolicked along the beach in between drinks and more toe-curling sex.
Then on their one-year anniversary, she’d announce she was pregnant. I was certain she would end up being absolutely gorgeous, and the whole damn town would be talking about how she was glowing. Jax would talk to her belly as she lay on the bed we’d been in, and Grant would say what a great big brother he’d be.
Then she’d have the baby, and Jax would be the happiest he’d ever been, while the weather girl would end up with zero stretch marks and lose any baby weight within a week. Everybody would be buzzing about how beautiful she was and that Abby, Jax, Grant, and the new baby Barlowe were the picture of true happiness.
My head hurt, my eyes hurt, and my heart felt like it’d been pulled out and beaten against a wall.