“Hopefully we’ll luck out and this will all blow over by the end of the weekend,” he said.
“What if we don’t luck out?” Maddie asked, her sea-blue eyes wide.
“Then we’ll tackle that together when we get back,” Nick said. “We’re a family now, people. No one is doing anything alone.”
Six
“Oh, wow,” Maddie said, exhaling heavily as Nick pulled onto the winding driveway that led up to the Denton mansion.
Blackstone Bay was a kitschy town, heavy on personality and light on modern conveniences – like big box stores and movie theaters. In essence, the town was small on style and big on heart. Still, many of the homes that spotted the hills and fields were impressive. Numerous affluent people chose Blackstone Bay to retire in, and the houses tended to reflect that.
Aaron Denton’s familial home put every other house in the area to shame. In addition to the proximity to the river, the house boasted three floors, servants’ quarters in the basement, two full libraries, a ballroom, and actual turrets. Maddie was in love at first sight. It was like she was visiting a castle.
Nick kept one eye on the road and the other on her face as he purposely slowed his approach so Maddie would have time to soak it all in. “Impressive, huh?”
“I just … I’ve only read about places like this,” Maddie said, leaning forward. “It’s like we’re in a fantasy book and this is our castle.”
Nick smirked. “Does that mean I can call you my princess all weekend?”
“You can call me whatever you want,” Maddie said. “Although … .” She broke off, shifting her eyes back out the window.
There was no way Nick was going to let that go without commenting. “Although what?”
“I don’t want to tell you. You’ll think I’m being schmaltzy.”
“I happen to like you schmaltzy,” Nick said. “Tell me. It’s going to drive me nuts if you don’t.”
“I like it when you call me ‘love.’” Maddie kept her face turned turned away from his. “It makes my heart flop when you say it. I can’t explain it, and I know you’re going to tease me about it, but there it is.”
After a few moments of silence, Maddie finally risked a look back in Nick’s direction. He was focused on the road as he pulled into one of the parking spots on the circular drive, but Maddie sensed something was on his mind.
“What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking I love you,” Nick said. He put his truck in park and shifted on the seat so he could face her. “You are my love. I don’t think it’s schmaltzy that your heart flops. Mine does every time I look at you.”
“You look at me all the time,” Maddie said, her expression rueful. “You must think you’re constantly having a heart attack.”
“Sometimes I do,” Nick said. “I have to remind myself that this real, that I’m not dreaming, and that you are really mine. I never thought it was possible to be this happy, love. Never doubt that.”
Maddie leaned over and gave him a soft kiss, promises of fun for later on her lips. Nick cupped the back of her head and held her steady for a moment, relishing their moment of privacy, and then he released her. “Do you want to call Maude now that we’re up here to make sure she’s settled?”
“How did you know I was thinking that?”
“I know you, Mad. It’s okay. I want to make sure she’s still at Beverly’s house, too. I don’t trust her not to go back. As it stands, I don’t think it would hurt us to go for a drive a couple times this weekend … and just happen to drive past the house.”
Maddie smiled. “Thank you for understanding.”
“Why wouldn’t I understand?”
“You shouldn’t have to deal with stuff like this,” Maddie said. “It’s not your fault that I’m so … weird.”
Nick sighed, exasperated. “You’re not weird. You’re special. I’ve known you were special since the day I met you. I had no idea how special until recently, but if you think I’m ashamed of you, then we’re going to have a problem. I couldn’t be prouder of you if you saved a busload of kids from falling off of a cliff.”
“That’s a weird comparison.”
“Maybe I’m the weird one,” Nick suggested. “Have you ever considered that?”
“Just every morning when I catch you singing Beyonce songs in the shower.”
Nick flicked her ear. “Call Maude. I want to be able to enjoy the rest of our evening, and you’re not going to relax until you talk to her. I’ll grab our stuff.”
“WELCOME to my home,” Aaron said, gesturing widely and bowing as he ushered Maddie and Nick into the house. “It’s ostentatious and over the top, but my mother can’t do anything like a normal person, so it is what it is.”
“It’s beautiful,” Maddie said. “I love the turrets.”
“She wants to be a princess,” Nick said, winking at Aaron.
“Is she going to make you wear tights and put a glass slipper on her foot?”
“Only when we’re alone in our bedroom tonight.”
“You know I can hear you, right?” Maddie asked.
“I’m not trying to be subtle, love,” Nick said.
“You guys are the first ones here, although Brian and Max are supposed to be here already. Max said something about going on a beer run before he gets out here. I explained that my father has more liquor in this house than we could ever go through, and my parents leave it stocked when they’re out of town like they are now, but old habits die hard.”
Nick chuckled, and Maddie realized she was missing an inside joke. “What are you talking about?” she asked.
“We had a couple of parties up here back in the day,” Nick explained. “Aaron was so terrified his father would notice the liquor was missing he paid a bum two towns over to buy for us.”
“I don’t remember you coming to parties up here,” Maddie said.
Nick bit the inside of his cheek. “Oh, well, it was a long time ago.”
“But … .”
“It was after you took off for college and left him crying in his Gatorade,” Aaron supplied. “Those first six months after you stopped talking to him were some wild times. He was going to classes in Traverse City, but we were partying here every weekend. Those were some great times.
“Do you remember those twins we picked up at that bar that one weekend?” Aaron continued, clearly missing the mortified look washing over Maddie’s face. “We got so drunk we couldn’t remember which one was which. I ended up sleeping with your date and you ended up sleeping with mine. They didn’t realize it wasn’t on purpose until the next morning. Man, were they pissed off.”
“Mad,” Nick said, searching for a way to explain.
“I’m so sorry,” Maddie said, shaking her head. “I’m just so … sorry.”
“Mad, don’t do that,” Nick said, reaching for her.
“What did I do?” Aaron asked, confused.
“It’s not you,” Maddie said. “You didn’t do anything. I did it.”
“You didn’t do it,” Nick said. “Well, you did, but … I’m sick of talking about it. I’m over it.”
Maddie arched a confrontational eyebrow.
“Okay, I’m mostly over it,” Nick said. “It hurt when you left and I lashed out. It’s over now, though. We’re together. I don’t want to keep having to rehash this.”
“I’m really sorry,” Aaron said. “I didn’t realize this was still a thing between you guys.”
“It’s not,” Nick said. “We’re over it.”
“No offense, but it doesn’t look like you’re over it,” Aaron said.
“We’re mostly over it,” Maddie corrected. “I still feel guilty, though.”
“Well, if it’s any consolation, he was miserable without you, Maddie,” Aaron said. “The twins did help for a couple days, though.”
“Shut up,” Nick said, shaking his head. “Show us our room. We want to get unpacked before dinner.”
“Well, since I’ve already stuck my
foot in my mouth, how about I make it up to you?” Aaron suggested.
Nick narrowed his eyes. “What did you have in mind?”
“I WANT to live here,” Maddie gushed, buzzing around the circular room excitedly. “We’re sleeping in the top of a turret, Nicky. A turret. I really am a princess.”
Nick reclined back on the bed, which was the first thing he tested, and rested his head on his hands as he watched Maddie excitedly explore the room. Since he was worried he’d upset her, Aaron rewarded her by assigning the couple one of the coveted turret suites. It boasted its own bedroom, sitting room, and bathroom. It was like a segregated apartment.
Nick didn’t feel like a princess, but there was no way he was going to argue about the room assignment. Maddie was giddy, and that was exactly how Nick liked her.
“I wish I had a tiara for you,” Nick said.
“I think that would be a bit much,” Maddie said. “Especially for my outfit.”
Nick grinned. “Come here, love.”
Maddie bounced over to him, jumping onto the bed and landing next to him. “Are you going to let me sit on your throne?” She arched her eyebrow suggestively.
Nick barked out a coarse laugh, grabbing her around the waist and rolling on top of her. He kissed her lightly at first, deepening the exchange when he felt her body melt against his. After a few minutes of making out, he pulled back and brushed her hair away from her face so he could study it.
Her heart was pounding and she was flushed with excitement. In this exact moment, Nick had everything he’d ever wanted and he realized he’d never been happier. “I love you, Maddie.”
“I love you, too,” Maddie said. “Now … come on … worship me.”
Nick grinned.
“Yes, your highness.”
“ARE you sure I look okay in this dress?” Maddie smoothed the front of the floral frock down nervously.
“You look like every dream I’ve ever had about you, Maddie,” Nick said, pressing his hand to the small of her back and prodding her down the stairs. Everyone was supposed to meet in one of the libraries for drinks before dinner, and Maddie was understandably nervous. Nick spent almost an hour trying to calm her. To him, she looked better than okay. Her long legs, tanned from hours under the sun, practically gleamed under the short dress, and her shoulders – which were one of his favorite things about her – were also on display.
In the back of his head, Nick knew it was wrong to parade Maddie around like she was a trophy. She was beautiful, though, and he was always proud to have her on his arm. Tonight was no exception. In fact, tonight she looked like something otherworldly, her blonde hair falling past her shoulders in honey-colored waves as the dress set off her blue eyes.
“I think the dress is too short,” Maddie said.
“That dress makes your legs look a mile long,” Nick said. “I love it. I’m going to buy Christy a house I love that dress so much.”
Maddie pursed her lips, fighting the urge to laugh, and then gave in. “I think you’re just a smooth talker when you want to be.”
“I think so, too,” Nick said. He gave her a short kiss. “Will you do me a favor?”
Maddie waited.
“Please try to relax,” he said. “For me. I’ll be right here. I’m sure people are going to ask some uncomfortable questions about why you left. They’re going to ask how we got together. You don’t have to answer them.
“Remember, Christy is going to be here,” he continued. “If you just tell people to buzz off, they’ll do it. They think they’re joking. They don’t understand that this is a touchier subject for us. They honestly don’t. There’s no one here that’s going to purposely try to upset you.”
“I know,” Maddie said. “I’ll agree to relax if you agree to do something for me.”
Now it was Nick’s turn to wait.
“Don’t step over everyone and try to protect me,” Maddie said. “It will be okay. If I need you, you’ll know it. I want to have fun this weekend. You don’t have to constantly be on alert to make sure I’m okay.
“As long as I have you, I’m always going to be okay,” she said.
“You’re always going to be okay then,” Nick said. “There’s nothing in this world you can do to shake me.”
“Not even if I make a royal decree that you have to spend the weekend naked?” Maddie teased.
“Not even,” Nick said, cupping the back of her head and kissing her deeply.
Maddie reached up and wiped the tinted gloss from his lips. “Okay. Let’s do this. Do you know where this library is?”
Nick tilted his head to the side, listening. The sound of happy revelers wafted to their spot at the bottom of the staircase, and Nick slipped his hand around Maddie’s and started to pull her in the direction of the voices.
“I’m kind of excited about dinner,” he said. “I haven’t eaten since breakfast. I was going to grab something at the house before we left, but then we had that whole thing with Maude.”
“I’m hungry, too,” Maddie said, fidgeting a little as Nick paused outside the library door.
“You look beautiful, Mad,” Nick said. “Stop doing … whatever it is you’re doing.”
“Stop hovering,” Maddie countered. “Nothing is going to go wrong this weekend. Everything is going to be absolutely perfect.”
Nick pushed the library doors open, greeting a few curious faces with a welcoming smile. The smile froze in place when he recognized two figures standing near the drink cart in the back of the room. “Oh, crap.”
“I totally jinxed us,” Maddie said.
“I … why?”
Marla, her attention drawn to the new guests due to the sudden silence in the room, grinned evilly when she saw Maddie and Nick. At her side, Cassidy Dunham – Nick’s ex-girlfriend – shift uncomfortably.
“I’m not joking,” Maddie said. “I jinxed us. I’m not the princess, but there are my evil stepsisters. Someone had better call for my fairy godmother.”
Seven
“Hey, we were starting to think you guys weren’t going to come down.” Aaron moved away from Marla and Cassidy and crossed the room. “Do you guys want a drink? Dinner won’t be ready for at least a half hour.”
“Um … .” Nick glanced down at Maddie, unsure.
“A drink sounds great,” Maddie said, forcing a smile and squaring her shoulders.
“Are you sure?” Nick asked. “We can go upstairs and pack if you want.”
“Why would you pack?” Aaron asked. “Is something wrong?”
Nick shifted his gaze to Marla and Cassidy momentarily, and then back to Aaron. “I wasn’t aware that Marla Proctor was invited,” he said, keeping his voice low. “Her name was never brought up in all the conversations we had.”
“I didn’t invite her,” Aaron said. “Apparently she and Max hooked up last night. He invited her.”
“Max invited her to your house?” Nick asked dubiously.
“Max practically lived here with me when he was a kid,” Aaron said. “It’s kind of his home, too. I don’t understand why this is a problem.”
“It’s not,” Maddie said.
“No, it is,” Nick countered. “We’ve had a few … problems … with Marla over the past two months. She’s been less than welcoming to Maddie.”
“She’s a bitch,” Aaron said, not missing a beat. “She’s always been that way. Can’t you just ignore her?”
“It’s not just her,” Nick said. “I … um … .”
“Okay, you’re going to have to spit it out,” Aaron said. “I’m not a mindreader.”
“You don’t need to be,” Christy said, slipping between him and Maddie and handing the willowy blonde a glass of wine. “Drink up, Maddie. I think you’re going to need something to take the edge off.”
“Will you tell me what’s going on?” Aaron asked.
“Well, let’s see,” Christy said. “How can I explain this in a way you’ll understand?”
“Try English.”
“When Maddie came back to town, Nick was involved with someone else,” Christy said.
“Of course he was. He had a six-month cycle,” Aaron said. “What? My mom keeps me up on all the gossip. Since she’s only here six months out of every year, I have no idea how she keeps up on everything twelve months out of the year, but she does.
“Trust me. I know about Nick’s cycle,” he said. “I was actually pretty impressed with it. I tried to implement it into my own dating life, but I found I was the one who kept getting dumped. I’m starting to think it’s me.”
Maddie pursed her lips to keep from laughing. Aaron was a lot wittier than she remembered.
“Not everything is about you,” Christy said, patting his arm. “Anyway, Nick was just getting ready to end his cycle when Maddie breezed back into town. Since everyone was waiting for him and Maddie to throw down and get busy in the middle of town, Nick decided not to break up with his girlfriend right away.”
“Why?”
“Because he didn’t want everyone in town assuming it was because of Maddie,” Christy said.
“When did Blackstone Bay turn into a soap opera?” Aaron asked.
“I’m pretty sure it was 1985,” Christy replied, not missing a beat. “Anyway, Nick and Maddie talked over their issues, and Nick realized he had to be with her or he was going to explode, but he still had that pesky girlfriend to deal with.”
“You never could just tell a story in a hundred words or less,” Aaron grumbled.
Christy ignored him. “The girlfriend figured out Nick was going to break up with her and proceeded to hide from him to try and put it off,” she said. “Nick finally found her and dropped the hammer, and then he and Maddie got together the next day.”
“So? That sounds like a happy ending to me,” Aaron said, nonplussed.
“The ex-girlfriend in question is the woman Marla brought as her plus-one this weekend,” Christy said.
“Oh,” Aaron said, casting a look at Cassidy over his shoulder. The auburn-haired woman was staring at the small group with a dark look on her peaches-and-cream face. “Why couldn’t you just say that from the beginning?”
Grave Misgivings Page 5
