Chapter 26

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

RYAN

I’m sitting in my car waiting for Maddy when her car speeds into the parking lot and parks beside mine. She slams her car door and marches over to my car. She doesn’t even wave; she just yanks the door and slides in.

“I take it that the news didn’t go well?”

Maddy huffs as she slams the passenger door shut. “Just drive.”

“You’ve got it.”

I place the car in drive and pull away from the strip mall. Tons of questions zip through my mind, but I refrain from asking them. If I know anything about Maddy, she’ll open up when ready. Pushing her won’t do any of us any good.

We’re halfway to Malibu when she finally speaks.

“My parents are ridiculous.” She tosses her hands in the air. “They’re so full of themselves, they can’t even see it.

I want to agree, especially since I haven’t shared what her father said in high school or about the settlement offer. I never wanted her opinion of her dad to be negative. Perhaps that was a mistake on my part.

“Dad lost it first. Mom … she couldn’t believe it. She even argued that I’ve always wanted to be a dentist. How can they be so blind?”

“I don’t know. Anyone can see how much joy sketching brings you.” I wrap my hand around hers and bring it to my lips. I kiss softly before saying, “I’m sorry they don’t understand you.”

This calms her down. Though whether it’s from my kiss or my words, I don’t know.

“Dad will never accept it. You know they threatened to pull my funds?” She huffs. “They insist on me not working. But I guess that was only while I complied and went along with the rules.” She twists to look at me. “I’m done trying to please them. I’m only going to please myself.”

“Can I watch?”

That earns me a smack, but she starts laughing.

“God, I needed to see you.”

“I’m glad I can be here to help.” I squeeze her hand. “I’ve always got your back.”

Her anger melts away, replaced by appreciation. Her stare bores into my center and warms places that don’t need warming right now. The last thing I want is a hard-on during a heavy discussion.

I shift in my seat and shake off images of her going down on me. But it’s impossible. My sick mind is now thinking of road head. That is one thing I’ve never received. Such a shame.

“How’d he finally agree? Assuming he did,” I ask, shifting the convo to places that will make any man deflate.

“Oh, he didn’t. But he shut up when I threatened to make an Only Fans account.”

“You’ll come live with me before that happens,” I practically growl.

“Hmm, sex whenever I want and a warm bed … sounds tempting.”

“Daily blowjobs from this hot artist? Yes, please.” I expect to be slapped, but I’m met with hunger. I may have met my match.

“I do like a challenge.”

Guess I have met my match.

We approach the turnoff as Easton’s parents’ house comes closer. Thank goodness. I need to steer my dirty thoughts somewhere else.

I clear my throat. “Was the dinner at least good?”

“No!” She scoffs. “Not that it was Applewood’s fault. I was too nervous to enjoy anything.”

“Ah, you have it catered?”

“You don’t think Mom is getting her hands dirty, do you?”

“I didn’t realize she doesn’t cook.”

“Her skills are coordinating dialysis for her patients. Cooking is better left to the professionals. Her words, not mine.”

“You really aren’t like your parents, are you?”

“Night and day difference.”

Somehow, I knew that, but I’m also glad. Because Maddy is the type of girl I want to be with. Genuine. Passionate. She is not afraid to speak her mind and go against the grain.

“Though, I have one thing in common with Mom; I can’t cook either.”

“Is it because you don’t want to learn or nobody has taught you?”

She stares straight ahead, giving it thought. “I wouldn’t mind learning how, but honestly, I’ve never had to before. Amanda does the heavy lifting when it comes to our meals.”

“You’d be great at whatever you set your mind to,” I say with conviction because it’s true.

“Thanks.” Her voice is soft, making me smile. I’m glad her anger is lessening.

I pull up to the Malibu house and park. I turn and look at her. “I’m really sorry you had to go through that.”

“Thanks, but it’s not your place to apologize. I should’ve done this a long time ago.”

“But you did now. That’s what counts.”

She practically beams as she stares up at me. With the slightest shake of her head, she leans back in her seat and looks out the windshield. “You sure Easton’s parents aren’t home?”

“Nah, East joined them in Aspen. Since we have practice this weekend, he’s returning to campus on Friday.”

“The place looks beautiful in the daylight.”

I take in the expansive home and agree.

Once inside, we bypass the inside of the house and head to the back patio. This place is incredible. I can’t imagine owning a place like this.

We found our place by the infinity pool.

“The skills competition is coming up. I want you to go to it.” It’s more of a command than a request, but I’m tired of her not showing up for my games. The girl loves hockey.

“Okay.”

Her quick answer catches me off guard. “What, no flack?”

She shakes her head. “No flack. I want to be there for you.”

My chest constricts. God, I love this girl.

“You don’t know how happy that makes me.”

She beams like I’ve just given her the world. “I’ll be there, cheering you on.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.” She places a hand over mine and meets my gaze. There’s an intensity in them that leaves me breathless. “I don’t want to hide anymore, Ryan.”

Her words hit me like a sucker punch because I don’t want to hide either. The thought of her coming to the skills competition, of being able to openly show the world she’s mine, is electrifying. But then, reality sets in.

“And I hate keeping this secret from Amanda. Now that I’ve already made Dad angry, there’s no point in hiding it.”

I hesitate. “I want nothing more than to come clean, but Maddy, your dad can still call Dr. Steinberg. That threat hasn’t been taken off the table.”

Her shoulders sag, and I want to take away that defeated look. “I guess you’re right. I forgot about the team.”

“I only bring this up because…” God, I don’t know if I should say something, but the lawsuit is a big deal.

“Because what?”

“Did you know your father offered fifty grand to settle the suit?”

Her eyes widen. “What? When?”

“A couple weeks ago. Dad received the notice the day we played Colorado.”

The color drains from her face. “Oh, my God. He did that in retaliation because he found out we were studying.”

I jerk back. “Your dad found out. How?”

“Yeah, through Becky. Remember the day he summoned me to his office? He warned me to stay away from you.”

The fresh outdoor air suddenly seems stuffy and stagnant. That bastard really will use everything in his power to keep me away from her, including a bullshit offer.

“And don’t worry; I chewed Becky’s ass for blabbing.” She looks away momentarily, and when her gaze returns, she seems older and somehow wearier. “Ryan, he won’t give up. He’ll do anything to keep us apart.”

“We won’t let him.” I squeeze her hand. “I’m not going anywhere, Maddy.”

“I know,” she says softly. “And you’re right. We should keep this a secret for the sake of the team.”

The words sting, but it’s our only choice. We can’t risk everything we’ve worked so hard for.

“It’s not what I want,” I admit.

“Me neither.”

“Seeing you at the skills competition and not being able to touch you is going to sting like a motherfucker.”

She licks her lips and gives me a wry smile. “It’s a good thing I’m a masochist.”

This dirty, good girl.

“Get on my lap.”

She doesn’t waste time padding over to me. Straddling my hips, she leans down to kiss me. Our external situation may suck, but this right here? It’s fucking on fire. Exactly how I like it.