25. Bristol

Chapter 25

Bristol

I cross-referenced the address Maddox had texted earlier with the giant house I was parked in front of for the third time, my brain still not wanting to believe that this was where he wanted to have dinner.

Blowing out a breath, I hit dial on his contact and placed the phone to my ear.

It rang twice before his rich timbre filled the speaker. "Hey, babe. You almost here?"

"Um. Maybe? I'm sitting in a very upscale neighborhood and thinking I took a wrong turn."

"561 Filmore Street, right?"

That matched the placard affixed beside the front door and the lettering on the mailbox near where I was parked. "Yeah. I thought you were taking me out to dinner."

I could hear the smile in his voice. "I never said that." The front door opened, his massive body filling the doorframe. "Are you gonna sit out there all night or come inside?"

"I'm coming." I sighed. This was not at all what I had expected .

"No, but you will later tonight. As many times as I can manage before you pass out from the pleasure." His husky tone had me clenching my thighs.

I had been lucky to get any work done after our little rendezvous in his office. My mind couldn't focus on the words I tried to type. Ironic, considering I'd made a point to Barry earlier this morning that my relationship with Maddox wouldn't impact my job performance. It was just in a different way than he was expecting.

Hanging up, I took a cleansing breath.

Yes, he'd seen me naked. Yes, we'd slept together. Yes, his face had been buried in my pussy mere hours ago.

But that was sex. It was about making each other feel good.

This—him inviting me over to what I could only assume was his home for dinner—was decidedly different. It was borderline domestic and so different from anything I'd encountered to this point in my life.

I had a feeling that the moment I crossed the threshold, I would be entering another world. One where the man living inside had made it clear he wanted to take care of me. And not only in bed, but all the time. It was frightening and exciting in the same breath.

Maddox's eyes tracked my movements as I exited my car, his legs crossed as he leaned against the doorframe, hands tucked into his pockets. There was nothing but adoration shining in their green depths, and it warmed me to the core while sending tingles down my spine.

The man looked edible in a gray sweater over dark wash jeans, his feet bare even though it was December. His dark hair was messy, lacking the product he used to style it while at the rink, likely having showered once he'd returned home .

In a suit, he was powerful and sexy, but I liked him dressed down like this better. It gave off an aura of coziness, making me want to curl up in his arms before a fire.

"I'm overdressed," I said, gesturing to my dress and heels as I climbed the porch steps.

A warm smile filled Maddox's face, and the second I was within reach, he pulled me into his arms, brushing his lips against mine in a soft kiss. "You look amazing."

I shivered at the sincerity of his words. "Thank you."

Stepping backward, he tugged me further into the house, closing the door behind us. My eyes scanned the interior of the open-concept house. The staircase in the foyer featured a wrought iron railing, leading to what appeared to be an open hallway bridging both sides of the house. That overhead hallway created a thruway to the visible living room, which I could tell from here spanned two stories.

"This place is beautiful," I mused.

Point for the older guy, being well-established already.

Maddox chuckled beside me. "Thanks. I was slightly nervous you'd think it was a shack after being in Jaxon Slate's house."

The Slates did have an impressive residence, but I would never expect Maddox's home to rival theirs. They had a large family, whereas he was a single man.

I shot him a teasing smile. "Guess that's the difference between a player and a coach."

A shadow passed over Maddox's face, and his body tensed as the playful mood between us shifted.

"Come on." His voice was gruff as he urged me further into the house with a hand on the small of my back. "Don't want to burn dinner."

Shit. Did I take it too far and mess this up already ?

Mentally kicking myself, I let him lead me into the kitchen, which was completely open to the living room. Maddox pulled out a stool at the marble island for me, and I took a seat while he moved to check on whatever was simmering on the stove. With his back to me, I could see the tension vibrating through his muscles.

The silence was deafening, so I asked, "Can I help with anything?"

Maddox's body shook with the force of a heavy sigh, but with it, he seemed to relax, and when he turned around, he was smiling. He was dealing with something, that much was clear, but he shoved it aside so as not to ruin our night. Maybe someday, he would talk to me about it. When he was ready to share, I'd be there waiting. Just like he'd been there for me.

"You wanna grab a bottle of wine out of the chiller?" He gestured to a glass case near the fridge.

"Sure." I nodded, sliding off the stool. Pausing at the wall of wine, I asked, "You have a bottle in mind?"

"Dealer's choice." Maddox didn't spare me a glance, back to working the food on the stove. Whatever it was, it smelled delicious, the aroma making my mouth water.

I could see the label for a chardonnay on the top shelf, so I raised on my tiptoes and stretched my arm to reach it. My fingers grasped the cool neck, pulling it down. When my heels came down, my trick ankle twisted, and I stumbled, the bottle slipping from my hand.

Almost as if in slow motion, I watched the glass crash to the tiled floor and shatter into a thousand pieces. Wine splashed everywhere, drenching my legs and the front of my dress.

My gasp was drowned out by Maddox's shout of, "What the fuck?"

Instantly, arms banded around my waist, lifting me into the air. My ass hit the cool marble of the island as Maddox stood before me, scanning for injuries .

The chill of the wine soaking through my clothes had me shivering, but I managed to get out through chattering teeth, "I'm okay. Just clumsy."

His eyes closed in relief, and he asked, "What happened?"

Trying for levity after embarrassing myself, I joked, "Didn't quite land the dismount."

That did the trick, and Maddox's laughter filled the space. Pressing his forehead to mine, he whispered, "Scared the hell outta me."

My hands threaded through his hair. "I'm sorry. And I'll clean all this up. Just point me in the direction of where you keep your broom."

I moved to slide off the counter, but he held me steady. "You're going to sit right here. I don't want to see your feet touch the ground until I've cleared it of every sliver of glass, do you understand?"

A thought tickled at the back of my brain, and I protested, "You're barefoot, Maddox!"

"I'm a big boy. I'll be fine." He gave me a stern glare. "I expect to find you sitting right here when I get back with the broom."

"Fine," I grumbled, wincing as he stepped around the mess I'd made.

This is why we can't have nice things. Because of me. I'm a little girl compared to his grown man, and it shows. Why would he even want to be with me when I'm a walking disaster with baggage for days?

"I can see your brain working overtime from here." Maddox's voice had my head snapping up to find him standing near a closet, broom in hand. "I'm not mad. I'm just glad you're not hurt. You're all that matters. Got it?"

Swallowing, I managed a nod, pushing my doubts to the back of my mind.

He eased me onto my feet after sweeping the glass and soaking up the remaining wine with a towel. I noticed the food was off the burner as we passed the stove, and he ushered me toward the stairs .

Nervous laughter fell from my lips as we entered what could only be Maddox's bedroom. "Are we skipping straight to dessert?"

He pinched my ass as he stepped past me, and I jumped. "Tempting, but no. You're in desperate need of dry clothes."

Crossing my arms, I teased, "Not sure we're the same size."

Maddox's eyes heated as they trailed over my body in appreciation from where he stood, digging through a dresser drawer. "No. Definitely not." He plucked out a T-shirt and a pair of joggers before handing them to me. "But this will have to do."

"Thanks."

"Dinner's almost done. Get changed and come down when you're ready." He pressed a kiss to my lips before leaving the room.

Now that I was alone, I took a moment to appreciate that I was in Maddox's private space. Whoever he paid to decorate did a great job capturing his essence. The room screamed of masculinity.

The walls were mostly cream, but black crown molding lining the ceiling matched the black-stained hardwood floors. The only pop of color came from a slate blue accent wall behind the mahogany headboard of a king-sized bed made with black silk sheets.

Everything smelled like him, and I wondered if there was a way to smuggle a pillowcase out of there without him noticing so I could put it on my pillow at home. Bringing the clothing in my hands to my nose, I took a deep whiff of his scent, finding the hints of sandalwood and amber comforting.

Resigning myself to the fact that I was going from overdressed for dinner to underdressed, I stripped off the wet clothing. The chardonnay left my skin sticky where it had soaked through the fabric, so I stepped into his bathroom in search of a washcloth to wipe myself down.

The ensuite matched the theme of the bedroom. Black marble was featured on the sinks, and an open shower stall featured three shower heads. A white claw-foot tub rested beneath a corner window facing the west, perfect for sunset baths.

There were two doors inside the bathroom. The first revealed a toilet room. The other was the linen closet I'd come in here to find.

Snatching a washcloth, I ran it under warm water from the sink before cleaning myself off the best I could under the circumstances. Maddox would probably have no issue with me showering, but he'd said dinner was almost done, and I had already caused enough delay.

My panties were another casualty of my earlier blunder, so I slipped into Maddox's joggers commando. I was an average-height woman at five-five, but Maddox had at least ten inches on me, so I was forced to roll the waistband of his sweatpants three times and then the ankle cuffs twice. I looked ridiculous, especially after adding the T-shirt, which swallowed me whole, the hem coming to rest slightly above my knees. Deciding to go all in with the frumpy look I was sporting for dinner, I threw my red locks into a messy bun atop my head.

So much for making an impression on a "first" date. I looked like a little girl playing dress-up in her dad's clothing.

Taking a deep breath, I walked down the stairs. This was the moment of truth. He either took me in all my messy forms, or he didn't.

I knew I was safeguarding my heart by even thinking that. Maddox had already proven himself to be a better man than anyone I'd dated. Nix would have screamed at me for being a klutz the minute he heard glass shatter before spouting off how much money he'd spent on that particular bottle. Then, he would have demanded I clean it up, not caring if I was cut or bleeding as a result. God, what the hell had I been thinking, being with him ?

Because you'd never had a guy treat you right, and that was your benchmark.

I paused at the threshold to the living room, keeping out of sight as I heard Maddox setting what sounded like the island for dinner.

"Might as well stop lurking and come join me." The humor in his voice carried to where I stood.

Stepping into view, I threw my arms wide as I spun in a circle, showcasing my new look. "What do you think?"

Maddox leaned a hip against the island. "Honestly? I like you better like this." When I rolled my eyes, he doubled down. "Seriously. Because right now, when I look at you drowning in my clothes, I see a girl who belongs in my home. My girl."

I raised an eyebrow, closing the gap between us. "Is that so?"

"Mmhmm." He pulled me into his arms once I was within his reach. "You're gonna smell like me." Maddox dipped his head, letting his nose trail along the curve of my neck.

Arching into his touch, I sighed. "Maybe I'll just keep these clothes, then."

"They're yours. Everything I have is yours."

I pulled back, frowning. "Come on, Maddox. We just got the all-clear to date today. Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

He let out an annoyed huff. "Do you really believe that? That today is the start of us?"

"Isn't it?"

"Not in my mind. We've been tiptoeing around this for months, on a collision course with this moment right here, where you finally accept that there's something deeper between us. It was always going to end here. With you in my arms, in my home, a permanent fixture in my life. "

Bristling, I stepped back. "So, that's how it's going to go? You've decided the rest of my life for me without asking what I might want?"

"Of course not." His brow furrowed. "I don't want to bully you around in our relationship, and I'm sorry if that's how you see it. All I'm trying to do is tell you how I feel."

"And how is that?" I challenged, my heart racing in anticipation of the unknown answer.

"That I'm falling for you. Hard. So fucking hard. And it's terrifying to think that you might never get to that same place."

My lungs stopped working, the ability to draw in air seizing at his words.

Maddox's hands cradled my face, concern alighting in his stunning emerald eyes. "Why are you crying?"

"Am I?" I brushed my fingers across my cheeks, surprised when they came away wet.

"Was it too much? I know you think it's too soon, but I can't help it."

Swallowing, I tried to find the words. "I think I am too."

"You're what?" His eyes searched mine.

I knew once I said it, there would be no taking it back. But my heart had already decided, so what was the point in denying it any longer?

"Falling." When Maddox simply stared at me, I added, "In love. If that wasn't clear."

He let out a ragged breath, his eyes sliding closed as his face transformed into an expression of pure relief. "Thank God."

It was impossible to stop the joy bubbling within me. Maybe this was it. I'd kissed my fair share of frogs and had finally found my prince. Only time would tell, but for now, I would allow myself to be happy with a man who wanted to cherish me—his words, not mine. Seemed like a pretty good deal from what I'd witnessed of my best friend's relationship.

"Maddox?" I looped my arms around his neck .

"Yeah?"

"Suddenly, I'm not very hungry anymore."

His head dropped to the crook of my neck. "Hmm. That's too bad. Because I'm starving."

I moaned when his teeth sank into the skin of my shoulder where the neck of his shirt I wore gaped. Maddox gripped my hips through the loose fabric of his clothing, lifting me with ease, and I locked my ankles around his waist.

Moving rapidly up the stairs, he laid me gently onto his massive bed, eyes scanning hungrily when I sat up to tear the T-shirt over my head to reveal I wore nothing beneath.

"Fuck yes," Maddox groaned, his hand dropping to palm his hardening cock over the fabric of his jeans.

"Your turn." I gestured to his clothes.

His sweater was gone in a flash, revealing his muscular torso. I bit my lip, eager to run my hands over every hard-earned ridge. His jeans were wrenched off next, leaving him wearing only tight boxer briefs that did very little to hide the size of his cock. My mouth watered, remembering the feel of it in my mouth while hiding underneath his desk.

"Keep looking at me like that, and this isn't going to last very long." His voice was low and rough.

I smirked up at him, easing the loose joggers down my thighs and kicking them away. "I'm not too worried. My boyfriend loves to go down on me, so even if he's a two-pump chump, I'll leave satisfied."

"Boyfriend, huh?" Maddox quirked an eyebrow, shedding his underwear and stroking his cock as he stepped up to the side of the bed, his eyes fixed on where I lay open for him.

"Is there a problem?" I teased, my fingers trailing over my breasts, over my stomach, intent on easing the ache between my thighs.

"No. Sounds amazing rolling off your lips." His hand clamped down around my wrist, moving it to the side as my hips bucked, searching for contact. "Oh no, you don't. This is my pussy. It's my job to take care of it."

"Then do it already," I whined.

He swiped a finger through where I was drenched for him, humming. "Goddamn, Bristol. You're so fucking perfect. Every inch of you."

His praise had my back bowing, trying to take him inside.

Maddox chuckled. "Such a greedy little thing, aren't you, love?"

"Please," I begged. "I need you, Maddox."

"Fuck," he cursed. "I can't wait to hear you screaming my name all night long."

That was the last thing he said before he shoved two fingers inside me and lowered his head. His groan at the first swipe of his tongue sent shockwaves of pleasure down my spine. I fisted the sheets by my side, trying to hold back, but there was no stopping the orgasm that barreled through me—courtesy of his skillful mouth. I gasped as my vision darkened, my body trembling with the force of pleasure crashing over me in intense waves.

When he didn't stop, I tugged on his hair, weakly trying to pull him away, too sensitive to handle any more. There was a momentary reprieve when Maddox lifted his head, his chin glistening with my arousal, a lazy smile on his face.

"That one was too easy," he taunted. "Besides, you didn't scream my name. Let's try to do better this time, shall we?"

My mind was hazy, so it took a minute to register that "next time" meant right now. I got the message loud and clear when his teeth latched onto my clit, and his fingers pressed on the perfect spot inside me. The deep groan that filled the air sounded foreign, but my raw throat suggested it came from me.

The pulsing of his fingers grew rougher as his tongue toyed with the sensitive bud he held hostage. Every muscle in my body coiled tighter and tighter in warning that I was about to shatter. There was no denying Maddox was staking his claim on my body—proving he owned my pussy—and I was more than happy to let him if it meant a lifetime of this.

Just as he wanted, it was his name I cried when I came on his tongue for the second time.

"Such a quick learner," Maddox breathed against my inner thigh, where his head rested.

I couldn't manage a reply as I sucked in huge gulps of air, my heart beating out of my chest. I was only vaguely aware of him crawling up my body, my eyes sealed shut even as tears leaked freely down my cheeks.

Maddox kissed a path across my skin on his upward trek, setting tiny fires everywhere his mouth touched. He paused to lick across my nipple before sucking it deeply into his mouth. My whimper was barely audible over the sound of blood rushing in my ears.

Fingers dug into the flesh of my hips as he nestled his pelvis between the cradle of my thighs. I gasped when the length of his cock pressed against my seam. Maddox groaned into my neck, nipping at it as he rocked his hips.

"Oh my God," I moaned. With how overstimulated I was, it wouldn't take much rubbing against him to get me off again.

Rising on his elbows above me, Maddox captured my lips in a druggingly slow kiss, letting me taste myself on his tongue. Breaking away, he said softly, "I'll be right back, baby."

He tried to move, but I dug my fingers into his back, holding him in place. "Don't leave me."

His forehead dropped to mine. "Gotta grab a condom. "

Right. Of course. It made sense. Except . . .

"How about you don't?" The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them.

Rearing back, Maddox stared down at me in surprise. "What?"

Hair had fallen into his eyes, so I shoved it back with my hand, only to have it spring forward again.

Maddox swallowed so hard that the sharp point of his Adam's apple visibly bobbed along the length of his throat. "What are you asking me for, Bristol?"

I rushed to explain, "I'm clean. I got tested after . . ." My voice trailed off; I didn't want to say his name. Not here. Truth be told, if I never said it again, it would be too soon. "And I'm on birth control. I don't want there to be anything between us. If you want me to be yours, then I am."

Those green eyes I'd come to love widened, and he let out a sharp breath. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah." I nodded.

Uncertainty filled his voice. "I've—I've never . . ."

He had a past, but he'd been safe. It was comforting to know, considering I hadn't always been smart enough to protect myself.

I turned my head, unable meet his eye as I said, "It's okay. We don't have to."

"No." Maddox's fingers gripped my chin, forcing me to look at him. "I've never trusted anyone enough to go bare." A corner of his lips turned up. "I'm glad you're the one."

Thank God I was lying down because that would have been enough to make me swoon.

"You ready, baby?"

"Yes." I rocked my hips in answer .

He pulled back enough to center himself, the tip of his cock nudging against where I so desperately needed him. We'd been this close before, only to have him leave me. I wouldn't survive if that happened again, so I brought my legs around his waist, locking my ankles so he couldn't escape. I mean, he probably could've if he tried—he was a lot stronger than me—but that simple action got the point across, and he drove home in a single thrust, stealing my breath away with the sudden stretch.

Maddox's groan sounded in my ear from where his head had dropped as soon as our bodies joined. "You feel so fucking good, Bristol."

"And you feel . . . big." Yeah, I wouldn't be winning any awards for writing poetry anytime soon.

His raspy chuckle vibrated where our chests touched.

The skin-on-skin was intimate, and I could appreciate he needed a minute—hell, I probably needed more than a minute to adjust to the size of him—but the throbbing between my legs was insistent. I needed him to move and couldn't wait, so I thrust against him.

"Jesus." He moaned, and it was the hottest thing I'd ever heard.

When he lifted his head, I could see the restraint noticeable in every tensed muscle, the tendons in his neck pronounced with his jaw clenched.

"We're gonna do this my way," he gritted out, gripping my hands and clasping them together before raising them above my head.

I tried to buck against him, but he raised on his knees, widening his stance enough to dislodge my hold around his hips, my legs falling to the side.

Bringing his mouth to my ear, he whispered hotly, "I'm going to enjoy every fucking second of this; draw it out for as long as I'm able."

Practically pinned beneath him, I threw my head back on a breathy moan as he pulled back and thrust forward with agonizing slowness. I was on fire as his length dragged along every nerve ending I possessed .

"Maddox." His name was said on a breathy sigh.

He hummed, gliding into me again and again steadily, never increasing his pace. Moving our hands to rest beside my head, he kissed my jawline before sealing his lips over mine. His tongue slid into my mouth as slowly as his cock, the combination driving me wild.

I'd never had sex like this—something I was coming to discover described every time with Maddox so far. I was used to guys grunting as they pounded into me hard, racing toward the end goal of their climax. This slow, sensual dance was foreign to me, but I didn't hate it. I was quickly learning that the connection was as crucial a factor as knowing which erogenous zones to exploit.

Maddox was making love to me, his body trying to coax mine into falling over that sharp cliff with him. Not just over that peak of pleasure, which promised ecstasy, but the one where you jumped on blind faith, the future unknown. It was a tempting proposition—one I was dangerously close to accepting.

Our skin grew slick with sweat, and I writhed beneath him as his slow strokes teased me with the promise of an orgasm that loomed just out of reach.

"Please," I whined, fingers curling to grip his hands tighter.

"Do you need to come, love?" Maddox's voice was strained. He was holding back.

"Yes!" I cried as he ground his hips leisurely, like he could do this all night.

"Tell me you're mine," he gritted out.

"I'm yours! Please!" I sobbed, mindless with pleasure.

A low growl sounded, and the next time his hips pulled back, it wasn't a slow, firm stroke; it was a jarring slam. My neck arched as my eyes closed, and I gasped, "Right there. More. "

One hand let go of mine. His forearm hooked under my knee, spreading me open even wider. Maddox grunted, pounding into me, sending me careening over the cliff I'd been teetering on all night.

"Fuck yes!" I screamed, my throat raw, as my pussy clamped down on his cock, never wanting to let it go.

After a few more jarring thrusts, Maddox stilled on a guttural groan, his eyes slamming shut as he emptied himself inside me.

When he collapsed off to my side, he tucked me against his heaving chest, keeping our connection intact. Normally, I was the first one to jump up to clean myself, but with him, I didn't mind the mess. His arms were where I belonged, where I felt safe, and nothing else mattered more than that.

Our breathing leveled out, and Maddox hooked his fingers beneath my chin to tilt my face up. With a dazed expression on his, he asked, "Are you sure this isn't a dream?"

My heart swelled. "If it is, I never want to wake up."

Placing my ear directly over his beating heart, I let the steady rhythm soothe me until my eyes grew heavy.

My last thought before I slipped into unconsciousness was one of thanks to Braxton for his interference on my first night in Indy. If Maddox and I hadn't hooked up after connecting at Pipes before I knew who he was, I wouldn't be here, wrapped in his arms, happier than I'd ever been in my life.

All the hardship between that moment and now was worth it if this was the end result.