Chapter Twenty Madison

“ A re you seriously still giving that stupid app a shot?” Sam gasps, her eyes meeting mine with more dramatic flare then needed. The three of us are gathered at the bakery after closing, catching up and grabbing a bite to eat. Kylie and Sam both have been overly busy with their own lives. Kylie with her art and Sam with another event.

“Yes,” I groan shaking my head. “It’s seriously not that big a deal. I mean, you both get dick whenever you want it. I’ve gotta get mine, too!”

“Madi!” Kylie exclaims. “Why do you have to say it like that?”

“Like what?” I question, the corner of my lip lifting into a smirk as I glance at her. I know exactly what she’s referring to. “You mean dick?”

“Yes, that!” she sighs, shoving a piece of a french fry into her mouth. “Why do you have to say it the way you do…”

Laughter escapes both Sam and I as we watch Kylie’s face tinge with pink over my derogatory term. She may be a fiery vixen when she wants to be, but she is still sweet and innocent at times. One of the many qualities about her that Sam and I love.

“Would you rather me say that I want some sexy blue-collar man to rail me in the bed of his truck until the sun comes up? Or perhaps, you want me to tell you about the dream I had where an Italian guy bent me over his kitchen counter and called me his good little chef as he made me come unglued… twice.”

The memory of the dream drifts through my mind like a swift breeze. There was nothing really memorable about the guy per say, except for his cock and that was because of the prince albert that hit the right spot every time. I literally woke up pissed off because it hadn’t been real.

“Jesus!” Sam and Kylie exclaim at the same time. Sam’s laughter fills the room as Kylie tries to pretend she didn’t hear anything by shoving more fries into her mouth. It was conversations like this that made me miss them, even when they are in front of me. Because I know deep down, eventually they will be gone living their lives with the men they love.

While I’m here, just trying to get laid.

Sam lets out a soft sigh as silence fills the room. Her eyes drift towards her phone, as she pushes the power button watching it light up. “I miss him…”

The him she is referring to is Asher. He’s been back in Chicago for a while now for training since the season will be starting soon, and though she’s been back and forth a few times to see him, it’s clear that she doesn’t like the distance. Not that I can blame her, I wouldn’t either.

“Don’t,” I say firmly, her eyes meeting mine as Kylie looks between the two of us. “Don’t let yourself be consumed by it, Sam. You will see him again soon. In the meantime, you get to spend more time with us. Especially since you’re in New York more often with work.”

This brings a smile to her lips as she lets out a heavy breath and nods in agreement. “You’re right.

“I’m sorry…” I reply, glancing at them both. “I don’t think I heard you correctly… what was that?”

“I said!” she exclaims in an overdramatic tone causing Kylie to laugh. “You’re right. ”

Her words cause a smile to spread wide across my face. “I am, aren’t I?”

“So, what’s everyone doing tonight?” Kylie pipes up, as I lean back in my chair.

“I’ve got some paperwork to finish,” Sam sighs. “It’s never-ending.”

“I get that,” Kylie replies. “I’ve got contracts to look over for this new project.”

Hearing how busy both of them are makes me slightly happy that I spend my time in the kitchen. It means I don’t have to do paperwork. At least not like Kylie and Sam. Granted, this place is my mom’s, but it’s mine as well. My place of sanctuary. The only place where I don’t have to worry about things hurting me. Unless you account for the occasional burn mark from the oven. Otherwise, I’m safe here.

“Well, I have a hot date.”

Their eyes dart to me, curiosity filling their gaze.

“With who?” Sam asks, leaning forward.

“His name’s Tate. He owns a construction company in the next town over. I started messaging him yesterday after we matched and he asked me to grab a bite to eat. I guess he’s in town for something and figured that he would get to know me while he’s here.”

“Are you going to sleep with him, too?” Kylie asks, making me swat at her as we break into laughter once more.

“No! Jesus, woman. I’m not a hoe. The only reason I slept with Alex was one too many Sangrias and a dry spell that desperately needed to end.”

“Just make sure you’re safe,” she replies. “There are a bunch of weirdos out there.”

It’s always like Kylie to look out for everyone. Her sweet, caring demeanor is one of her most unique qualities and honestly, I think it’s exactly what captivated Dante.

“I will,” I reply, lifting my arm to show off my muscles. “I’m stronger than I look.”

“Sure you are,” Sam replies, shaking her head. “Hey, by the way… isn’t filming supposed to be starting soon?”

I can’t help but freeze at her question. My smile falls as my mind trails back to Jaxson and the fact that I hadn’t heard from him in months. Filming was indeed to start soon. Hell, in a few days actually. The film crew were already in town, and have been by to see my mom and I. But Jaxson is nowhere to be found. Not that I should be bothered by that.

“Uh, yeah,” I reply hesitantly. “In a few days actually.”

Kylie frowns as Sam raises a brow. “Wait, then where’s Jaxson?”

“Yeah, where is Jaxson?” Kylie says, repeating Sam’s question.

Just as I open my mouth, the door to the bakery opens and who should appear… but Jaxson.

“Speak of the devil, himself,” Sam replies, leaning back in her chair with a smile. “Where have you been? I was just asking Madi when filming was supposed to start.”

He’s silent, his hazel eyes catching mine as he stands staring at me. The door slowly closes behind him. It’s as if the happiness and fun that was flowing between Kylie, Sam, and I had disappeared and quickly was replaced by tension so thick, you could cut it with a knife.

After a moment of silence, Sam clears her throat. My eyes drift towards her to catch a glimpse of the uncertainty in her eyes as she stands to her feet, Kylie following behind her. “Well, we have to get going. Kylie promised me that she was going to show me her latest work for my new office. Isn’t that right, Kylie?”

“Mhm,” Kylie quickly stammered. “You two have fun, we can catch up later!”

There’s no painting or anything of that nature. The two of them are purposely leaving me alone with him. Traitors.

“Madison—”

“Don’t,” I snap, cutting him off. “Don’t say whatever it is you’re going to say. You ghosted me while you were gone. You made promises, and you fucking broke them.”

His eyes narrow as he steps forward, clenching his fist at his side. “It isn’t like that, Madison. Will you just let me explain? I came to apologize.”

“For being an asshole? Well, that wouldn’t be the first time you’ve done that.”

Was I going a bit overboard? Perhaps. But honestly, can he blame me? He blew me off for months after making promises to me about us staying in contact and he couldn’t even send a one word text to let me know he was okay. Hell, the only reason I knew he was alive was because my messages sent to him were left on read.

“Madison,” he says once more, stepping forward slowly. “I’m sorry. You’re absolutely right. I could have texted… Hell, I could have found time to call. And I didn’t.”

“No, you didn’t…”

Taking my hand into his, he stares down at me with the same mesmerizing hazel eyes I remember from when we were younger. Their gaze causes a stir of emotions to swell within me as he opens his mouth once more. “I let my work get in the way of us. And that’s not an excuse. I don’t want you to be mad at me, Madi. Please forgive me?”

As much as I want to say no, I can’t. Not to Jaxson.

“It’s fine,” I mutter through gritted teeth letting out a heavy breath. “I have to get ready to go.”

“Go?” he asks as I grab my bag and make my way upstairs to my apartment to change into my outfit for tonight, Jaxson right on my heels “Where are you going?”

As much as he might want an explanation, he isn’t getting one. Our relationship is purely friendship and business related. That was made very clear quite some time ago.

I head to my bathroom, slamming the door in Jaxson’s face, before slipping out of my work clothes. I pull out the little red dress from my closet. My fingers work it over the curves of my body, as it fits me like a glove.

As much as I love expensive things, I’ve never really seen a need to pay a fortune. Especially when I can get something expensive offline, second-hand. And for a fraction of the cost.

God, for fifteen dollars, this was a steal. I’m so getting laid.

Taking a glimpse in the mirror, I turn from side to side, admiring myself. My hands slip up into my hair as I pull it from the confines of my hair tie, letting my locks fall down over my shoulders in loose waves. I don’t look like the hotties in New York with their million-dollar outfits and flawless makeup. But I feel sexy nonetheless.

Reaching back into my closet, I grab my purse and I slip on my black three-inch heels before exiting my bedroom. I don’t miss how Jaxson’s eyes go wide the moment he sees me. Or how his lips part before snapping shut.

“Where are you going dressed like that?”

I raise a brow, as I stop before him. “Excuse me?”

“I said—” But I stop him short with my hand held up.

“Oh, no… I heard what you said Jaxson. But what I don’t understand is why you’re asking.”

His lip curls back with clear irritation as his eyes narrow. “You’re dressed like you’re going to the club, Madi. And the last I checked, there aren’t clubs around here like that. So, where are you going?”

I don’t have the slightest clue what’s gotten into him or why he thinks he can just walk in here and demand to know why I’m wearing what I am or where I’m going as if he is responsible for me or something of that nature. “I’m going out, Jaxson.”

I step around him, my feet moving me towards the door as he steps in front of me again.

“With who?”

Are you fucking serious right now?

Letting out an irritated sigh, I frown. “It’s none of your business. Now, move.” I bypass Jaxson before heading back downstairs to the bakery.

My hope is to meet Tate outside in the parking lot, but as luck would have it a knock at the door to the bakery announces his arrival. His tall large frame fills the doorway as he pushes the door open and his blue eyes meet mine. He’s gorgeous, in a rugged mountain man kind of way.

Tate’s eyes drift between Jaxson and I, watching as Jaxson stands his ground, refusing to move out of my way as the two men eye each other like an old-fashioned shoot off. “Tate, I’m sorry it’s taking me so long. Are you ready to go?”

When his eyes shift back towards me, he smiles. “You’re gorgeous… I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”

“Oh,” I gasp, looking at Jaxson with a small laugh. “No, no. This is Jaxson, he’s an old childhood friend. He’ll be using the bakery for his next project. He just stopped by to say hello.”

Tate nods, glancing towards Jaxson who takes a step forward. “You’re not from around here are you? ”

“No, I’m not,” Tate replies flatly.

“So, why are you taking her out then? If you’re not from around here.”

Hearing Jaxson talk makes me cringe. Who the hell does he honestly think he is acting like this to my date, in my fucking bakery. “Enough, Jaxson. Tate, let’s go please.”

“No,” Jaxson replies, grabbing my upper arm. “He could be a fucking serial killer for all you know. A complete wack job, and you’re fucking going out with him. And dressed like that?”

What the fuck?

Ripping my arm from his grasp, I narrow my gaze at him. The anger boils inside me as I try to keep myself in check. “Tate, will you excuse us for a moment? I’ll meet you outside.”

Tate doesn’t bother to argue. He simply nods and steps back outside to wait for me as I turn my focus on Jaxson, who has crossed the line for the last time. There are so many things I want to say, but gathering my thoughts together to be cohesive is an entirely different situation.

“I don’t know why you’re acting like this, but you need to stop. You have no right to be gone for as long as you have only to come back acting like this. Especially after blowing me off for months. We aren’t dating or anything of that nature Jaxson. If I want to go out with someone, I have the right to. Now please leave, I need to close up.”

Hesitating, he stares at me in silence before turning towards the door. My heart sinks into my stomach as I watch him go. It doesn’t make sense for him to be acting the way he is, but something about it not only irritates me—but part of it thrills me.

To know that he cares in some sort of way. Though I’d never voice that.

“Goodnight, Madison. Don’t do anything stupid.”

Never mind… he’s infuriating.