Chapter Eleven Jaxson

“ B abe, are we still going to the market today?”

The soft subtle voice of a woman causes me to freeze as I slowly turn from the window I’d been staring out of for the last ten minutes. The voice, eerily familiar, sends my mind tumbling through where I’d heard it before. Moving slowly, I make my way towards the ensuite bathroom attached to my bedroom.

Everything’s in place, including the monogrammed towels a client gave me at Christmas.

But the sound of that woman… I know that voice and deep down, that voice doesn’t belong anywhere near me or my bedroom.

Turning the corner into the bathroom, I freeze. My eyes widen at the sight of Madison standing before the mirror brushing her hair. Her eyes meet mine through the glass reflection and she smiles. The same bright smile I’d become used to seeing over the years.

“What are you staring at?” she asks, before turning to face me, placing her brush on the counter.

“Uh—nothing. Just watching you.”

It’s the first thing that comes to mind as I watch her. Because honestly, I have no idea why she’s here. The sight of her within my apartment, within my room, is foreign to me. Sure, when we were kids, we played at each other’s houses once in a while, but this… this is different. And the swell of confusion within me makes me question my sanity.

Madison’s quiet for a moment, her eyes still holding mine as she steps closer. The silk of her robe slips down her shoulder to reveal the bare skin underneath. Her fingers reach up, running gently over the front of my chest before pulling at the buttons of my shirt, one by one.

As if she has set my body on fire, I relish in her touch. The soft brushes of her fingers touching bare skin, and the electrifying feeling that she causes to course through my body. A desire for her that burns brighter than the sun itself.

“You know, we could always put off going to the market,” she hums softly, my heart racing with every move she makes. “Maybe… stay in bed all day?”

Goddamn this woman…

I can barely contain myself and the way Madison makes me feel. Never in my life would I have thought that Madison would intrigue me as much as she does, let alone be a woman I’d consider more with… but she never leaves my mind. The desire to claim her is more than I can handle.

Reaching up, I grasp the back of her neck before pulling her face to mine. My cock already throbbing within the confinement of my slacks as I brush my lips across her own.

“Is that what you want to do?” I whisper, letting my lips trail across her cheek towards her neck. “You want me to fuck you instead?”

The moan that escapes the soft space between her lips is like music to my ears. “Yes… please.”

Reaching down, I catch her by surprise as I lift her up and over my shoulder, carrying her towards my king-size bed, the black silk sheets an open invitation. Tossing her down upon it, I admire the breathless sight of her, and damn it’s enough for me to lose control.

With the silk robe wide open, I take in the black lace of her bra and panties that do nothing to conceal the prize behind them. The loose waves of her hair, the depth of desire that hides within the hazel of her eyes. Everything about her drives me fucking wild, and having her right here before me is more than I can ever ask for.

Though I plan to savor every second of her. Over and over again.

Just as my hands brush up against her soft thighs, a ringing startles us both. My eyes search for where the sound is coming from, but as soon as I do—everything begins to fade.

***

Jolting from bed, the ringing continues. A grogginess rushes through me as I groan, realizing that everything was just a dream. Or more like a fantasy I wish I could live in forever.

Rolling over, my hand fiddles with the light on the nightstand before finally grabbing my cell phone. The screen lights up and my eyes take a moment to adjust to the brightness before I see my agent’s number across the screen.

This better be fucking good.

Swiping my thumb across the green call button, I answer it. “Hello?”

“Jaxson! Buddy… Sorry to wake you.”

“No, no…” I reply sitting up in bed, my legs swinging over the side as I rub my hand over my face. The soft images of Madison still playing through my mind and my cock, judging by the aching hardness that’s still nestled between my thighs. “Everything okay?”

“Yes! Everything is wonderful actually,” he replies quickly. “I was hoping you had a moment to talk, superstar. I heard back from the networks and we finally got a reply!”

I glance at the clock. Five-thirty in the morning.

This better be good news. “Shit… what did they say?”

My mind races with what the replies could entail. Everything I’ve wanted for my future rested upon the network shows. I’d built something for myself since beginning my career, but nothing ever compares to the moment you’re told that you’re good enough to have your own cooking show. The idea of bringing a little bit of sophistication to the average person’s home. Teaching them how to produce elegant easy meals, while still being able to take on the normal tasks of everyday life.

It’s like a golden light has been set on you, and everything I’ve worked so hard for has paid off.

“Well… two different stations want you. But—I know you want World of Foods.”

“You’re shitting me?” I gasp, listening to him chuckle on the other end of the line. “They said yes?”

“They said yes, Jaxson. Actually, both did. However, there’s a catch… one final thing you have to do before they are willing to talk numbers with you.”

Of course, there’s a catch. But, if it means I have a chance at landing World of Foods, I couldn’t care less. “What’s that?”

“Well, they both would like to interview you, meet-the-artist-in-person kind of thing. Watch you create your masterpieces.”

I’ve cooked for people in person for years, and to cook for these producers—well, the answer is a no-brainer honestly. “Let’s do it. I can fly back tonight… shall we set them up for tomorrow evening?”

The moment that I’m off the call with my agent, I’m scouring the internet. My fingers work over my phone as I navigate the airline site booking my ticket home. Regardless of what’s going on here in Willowcreek with Mrs. Kendall’s house… I can’t and won’t miss this opportunity.

Not for anything.

Though the idea of leaving Madison makes my mind wander. The dream she starred in slowly fades from my mind, but the image of her face staring up at me from the bed is forever imprinted.

Part of me wants to see her. To run into her once more before I leave, to tempt fate and find out whether or not what had happened between us could lead to something.

Reaching for my phone, I lift it checking the time. Half past seven in the morning. The bakery is definitely open right now, and the thought of seeing her again is tempting. Though part of me can’t help but wonder if it’s a good idea. When I came here, it wasn’t to reconnect and form new relationships. It was simply to pay my respects to a woman who had once been a big part of my life .

And yet, one moment in a room with Madison alone was enough to make me reconsider what I’m doing here. Whether or not, maybe things can be different. With Madison, that is.

Contemplating over my next move I decide to call Knox and tell him what’s going on first. But the moment I move to dial his number, my phone begins to ring and Madison’s name flashes across the screen. Shit.

“Hello?” I answer, trying to keep myself together as my mind continues to replay the dream.

“Hey… Sorry if I woke you, but I need you to come to Mrs. Kendall’s.”

Furrowing my brows, I glance around the room at the items I have stacked to pack back into my suitcase. As much as I want to tell her I can’t because I have to get ready for my flight in a few hours, I don’t.

“Yeah, sure. Give me a bit and I’ll head over.”

“Sounds good. I’ll see you soon.”

As the line goes dead I’m left standing in my hotel room, Madison’s voice running through my mind as well as everything that’s happened since I came back home. How is it that one woman can capture my attention as much as she has, and in so little time?

***

Two hours later, I sit in Mrs. Kendall’s living room with the rest of my friends. Knox and Madi, standing by the fireplace, are busy talking in hushed tones about a book that lays within her hands. While Sam and Asher seem to be in a better mood, the two of them seemingly more comfortable around each other as Knox takes a seat between them.

“Madison, come on, the suspense is killing us all. What did you find?” Kylie pipes up, sitting on the end of the sofa.

It’s clear that whatever it is that Madison has found, she’s nervous about it. Which isn’t typically her sort of behavior, but the way she seems to fiddle with the book in her hands makes me ponder how important what she found is. Moving to stand by the entertainment cabinet, she takes a deep breath and opens the book .

“Okay guys, this is Mrs. Kendall’s diary, and in it, I found a letter addressed to her late husband. I just have to read it to you all. I think this will impact any decision we make,” she tells us.

My ears instantly perk to attention as she begins to read.

“ My Dear Pete,

It was extra quiet here this morning. I don’t enjoy the quiet because I always end up thinking about you, and it makes me miss you so dearly.

But then, something wonderful happened, all the kids came over after school to play in the treehouse. And the quiet ceased to exist.

I know I’ve told you this hundreds of times before, but thank you, my love. Thank you for bringing me the children of the neighborhood when we couldn’t have any of our own. Thank you for building a sanctuary where they can play and have fun while allowing me to get a small glimpse into the joys of childhood.

Oh, how I miss you, even now.

I think of you when I look at the treehouse. I think of how you built it. How we maintained it together. How the joys and laughter of children filled it, and continue to do so.

Mostly, I just think of you. Thank you for giving me joy and love, even in your absences. Thank you for giving me family and community. Thank you for giving me the treehouse.

True love is not confined to simple moments. It transcends time and grabs hold of the memories themselves, forever imprinting them onto our hearts.

My only wish now is that the moments our neighborhood children share in this treehouse will forever be memories of love, just like my memories already are.

Forever yours,

Your dear wife,

Betty.”

The moment Madison finishes reading, her eyes lift and meet mine. It’s as if she had been saying those things to me herself, and somewhere deep inside those words touch me in a way I didn’t imagine words could. As if Mrs. Kendall herself was sending a message to me, to all of us.

Reminding us that there is more to life than simply living.

“So, what do we do now ?

Kylie sniffles, “We do as she wanted. This house and the treehouse brought her so much joy. Can we really do anything less?”

“She’s right guys,” Sam says, rubbing Kylie’s back. “After hearing that, can any of you honestly tell me you would be okay with selling this place and having someone come and tear it down?”

We talk it over for a little longer, but finally, everyone agrees that the best option is to honor Mrs. Kendall’s wishes to restore her home, as well as the treehouse, for the neighborhood.

“Then I guess this is what we are doing,” Asher speaks up, his eyes scanning us. “We’re making this place into a neighborhood clubhouse.”

“Leave the furniture repairs to me,” Knox offers. “I can do all of that stuff at the shop with Dad.”

“That’s right,” Kylie chimes in with a smile. “Knox and I can handle the repairs. I can move my art studio here for a while, and help Knox with any paint work and design plans.”

I open my mouth to speak up, but Madi does at the same time and I quickly gesture for her to go ahead. As much as I want to offer my own input, I’m more interested in what she has to say.

“Thank you, Kylie,” Madison says. “I think that’s a great idea. Besides, I missed you and would love for you to stick around. Samantha, you too!”

The excitement in her voice makes a smile creep across my lips. Just seeing her eyes light up over the prospect of spending more time with her friends, touches something in me I can’t explain.

“That’s a great plan, guys,” Knox says, standing to his feet. “We can fully restore the treehouse for the kids, and the home can be used for gatherings by anyone in the neighborhood. Since I still live in town, I’ll be happy to manage the keys and rental sign-up schedule. I’ll also ensure that no unsupervised kids are using the place for wild parties and such.”

The comment causes us all to snicker in our own way. But for me, it brought up memories of the parties that Knox, Asher, and I used to have back in our high school days. Back when we didn’t really have responsibilities and lived in the moment. Never knowing what was going to happen the next day.

Standing to my feet, I clasp Knox’s shoulder. “Can I talk to you for a moment? ”

My question seems to grasp the attention of the others. Knox nods, a smile on his face stretching from ear to ear. “Sure, man. What’s up?”

“I have to actually head back to New York tonight… I’ve got a few things I need to check on, but I’ll be back in a few days.”

Out of the corner of my eyes, I can see Madi’s beautiful smile fall. Her lips tighten into a thin line before she turns her gaze from me and towards Sam who says something to her. The last thing I want after the meeting we just had was to upset her. But her reaction seems to leave me with more questions than answers, which means I’ll have to come back.

Because I want the fucking answers to them.

“Yeah, no worries,” Knox replies, pulling me from my thoughts. “We can handle things here.”

Clapping his shoulder, I smile. “Thanks. I promise I’ll be back to help with things in a few days.”

Waving goodbye to the others, I check my phone and quickly rush from the house to my car. I have a little over an hour to get to the airport, get checked in, and prepare to board. Nothing like waiting till the last minute to get through TSA.

Everything about the idea with the house is spot on for what Mrs. Kendall would have wanted. I may not have known her as well as some of the others, but she was definitely a sentimental woman who liked things a certain way. My mind drifts to the traditional block parties she would hold, and the water days in her backyard with slip and slides and sprinklers, making me wish I was back in those time periods reliving the fun we used to have.

If we’re really going to make this place the center of the community, and a tradition to keep Mrs. Kendall’s memory alive—we need to do it right.

Picking up my phone, I dial Knox’s number. His voice comes through after the third ring.

“Hey, Jaxson, did you forget something?”

“No, no,” I mutter in amusement. “I had an idea… something I want to contribute to the project.”

“Oh, what’s that?” he asks, the sound of talking in the background lets me know that he and some of the others are more than likely still together .

“I’d like to draw up plans for a new kitchen for the house. I’ll supply everything for it. All the equipment, everything.”

He’s silent for a moment. A low heavy breath releases slowly. I can almost picture him, eyes wide running his hand through his hair with a smile on his face. “Are you sure? I mean… that’s a huge contribution. It would mean a lot.”

“I’m sure.” I laugh, a smile on my own face imagining the ideas of how I can design the kitchen and the events that can take place in it. “As long as it’s okay with you and everyone else.”

“Hold on a sec…” Knox is quiet for a moment, the sound of muffled voices talking in the background before his voice finally registers once more. “Everyone’s on board. If you want to do it, the kitchen is all yours.”

“Great, we can talk more about it when I get back.”