by S. E. Brown
Declan thought once the gym in Columbia was established he’d settle down. He hadn’t expected to have another location, but when Billy died and left him everything in Charlotte, he couldn’t say no. There were too many memories. Memories of Billy, Aidan and him learning how to box, and his family cheering them on during matches. During middle and high school, that place had been his home away from home. There was no way he could have just sold it. Besides, knowing Billy, he’d have hunted Declan down and clocked him one for doing it.
Now both gyms were operating smoothly, making him enough money to be more than comfortable and he had managers he trusted. It was time to open his life to someone that could share it with him – someone outside the gym. He’d always wanted a wife and family, he just wanted to be financially secure when it happened. He’d achieved that and more.
Thinking about Madison, he wondered if she could be that person. They obviously had a connection, and just thinking about the kisses they shared the previous night and months ago under the pier made his body start to respond.
She was different than the women he typically envisioned himself with. Yes, she was warm, funny, and had a good heart, but in addition to those qualities, there was also a bit of an edge to her. She spoke her mind, which he found refreshing, and she didn’t beat around the bush to do it. And she was beautiful. He chuckled to himself as he thought about how concerned she was about how she looked having just finished a class. He thought she nearly looked better that night than when she had been all dolled up for the wedding. There was just something about a woman being all hot and sweaty after a good workout he found extremely attractive.
Changing the channel in his mind so he didn’t walk up to her door with a hard-on, Declan focused on the neighborhood he was driving through. According to his GPS, he was less than a half mile from Madison’s house. It was a nice area. Quiet, even, with only a few kids playing outside. Overall it had houses that looked cared for, manicured lawns and nice cars in the driveways.
He turned into the driveway of a blue two-story home with bushes in front of the porch and a white swing slowly swaying in the breeze.
It took Madison a few seconds to answer the door after she heard the doorbell ring. She had been upstairs still getting ready. Not sure where they were going, she had decided on a dark royal blue halter dress that fell just below mid-thigh and showed off her legs. As long as they didn’t do a lot of walking, the four-inch heels she was wearing wouldn’t be a problem.
Smiling at herself in the mirror one last time, she went downstairs to answer the door. As she walked down the stairs, she noticed a black Challenger with dark charcoal racing stripes in the driveway.
She was secretly happy he hadn’t shown up on a motorcycle. Not that she was against bikes. In fact, she would be more than happy if he rode. She just didn’t want to have to change her outfit again.
“Hi there.” She greeted him with a smile as she opened the door.
Declan stood still for a moment while he took her in.
That dress … and those legs … and …
“Wow,” he said softly when his mouth would finally cooperate.
“You look pretty nice yourself,” Madison chuckled lightly. He was in a dark gray button down shirt tucked into a pair of black denim jeans. The best part was the lightly faded black boots he had on. “Come on in. I just need to grab my purse.”
Declan walked into the house and took in the living room. It was modernly decorated in bright colors, but not over the top. A dark red sofa provided the main seating area that faced a fireplace and TV mounted over the mantel. It just looked comfortable.
“You ready to go?” he asked as she walked back into the living room.
“I am,” she smiled. “Lead the way.”
Declan opened the door for her to exit the house and waited patiently while she secured the lock. Then, like the gentleman he was, walked her to the passenger side of the car and opened the door for her there, too.
“Why, thank you,” Madison smiled as she got into the car.
“You’re welcome.”
Declan walked around the car and had to hide the huge smile on his face as he slid behind the wheel.
This is gonna be fun.
After a short ride, Declan pulled the car into a mom-n-pop Italian restaurant and turned off the engine.
“You like Italian?” he asked.
“Hmm. Love it.”
“Good thing. Guess I should have asked that last night, huh?” he grinned.
“It’s one of my favorites. You did well,” she teased.
Declan bowwed as well as he could while sitting in the driver’s seat. “Well, thank you. Let’s go eat.”
After they were seated and had ordered a glass of wine, they looked at each other, both wondering whether or not they should bring up the conversation they’d had with the Ryan/Cody duo. Madison was the first to break.
“I spoke with Ryan today,” Madison said, startling Declan a bit.
It was like she had been reading his mind.
“You did? How’s she doing?”
“Good. I understand you had a nice chat with Cody last night.”
“Busted!” Declan laughed. “You know, you can’t tell one of them something without the other knowing. Damn married couples.”
“I know!” Madison agreed. “I guess in fairness though, I should tell you the reason I called her was to check in about you.”
“You did, huh?”
Madison grinned and nodded. “I did. I had to see what Ryan thought of you. I figured she would approve since you’re a friend of Cody’s, but I wanted to get her take.”
“And…?”
“Well, we’re here, aren’t we?”
Declan laughed, finding it interesting they had both done the same thing.
“And what about you? Were you calling to see if I was worth your time? See if you had made a mistake asking me out?” she teased.
“I already knew the answer to that,” he answered sincerely. “I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t want to spend more time with you.”
“Well, good to know,” she smiled. “Maybe you were just trying to get dirt on me then.”
“A little dirt never hurt anyone,” he replied with a grin. “Did she have any thoughts on us going to dinner?”
“Oh, she was all for it. In fact, I think she was getting ready to send out our wedding invitations. She even mentioned something about our kids getting married.”
“Aw shit. I never figured her for one of those types.”
Madison laughed. “She would love nothing more than for us to hook up, get married, and have little kids running around that could play with her kids.”
“I see. No pressure then, right?”
Laughing again, Madison answered, “Right.” She took a drink of her wine and turned the tables back on Declan, refusing to fill him in on the rest of the conversation she’d had with Ryan. “And what did Cody have to say about this outing of ours?”
“He thought it was a good thing.” Declan took a drink of his wine, but there was an expression that flashed across his face that Madison caught, and it looked like worry.
“Something tells me you’re not telling me everything,” she retorted, looking him in the eye.
“Cody said you were funny and beautiful …”
“Aww, isn’t he sweet.”
“He just warned that you might be a bit more adventurous than the women I usually date.”
“And what did he mean by that?” Madison tried to keep her tone in check and not snap at him. She was starting to feel like she had while on the phone with Ryan.
Declan sighed. “Listen. It’s way too early for this conversation, but maybe after what Cody said, I just need to be straight with you.”
“Straight about what?”
“Shit, we haven’t even ordered dinner yet.”
Madison looked at him, trying to decide what tool she could potentially use on Cody to hurt him with.
What the hell?
“Just spit it out, Declan.”
“Okay,” he sighed. “It’s just, I’m not a one-night stand kinda guy. I did it once, it sucked, and I don’t look forward to ever doing it again.”
Madison nodded. “Okay …”
“Meeting you at Ryan’s bachelorette party was like a breath of fresh air. Yes, you were, are beautiful. And when you told me in Nashville that you’d try anything at least once, I think my heart did a backflip. And you’re funny. And spending time with you under the pier was amazing.
“I’m sorry I never called after Cody and Ryan’s wedding. I hated that I had to leave so suddenly, and I should’ve called to explain. I … I would like to see where this can go. See if there is anything here between us. I know I’m coming on really heavy here, but I don’t want to waste your time or mine. I’m just … I’m not looking for a fling.”
Declan paused to let what he’d said sink in. If she was going to bolt, it would be now. He’d drive her home and she’d never hear from him again.
Madison was quiet, taking in everything he told her.
It wasn’t like she hadn’t had similar thoughts, and Ryan had made her opinion known. It was just …
Nothing like taking this dinner from first date to damn close to proposing marriage.
She knew that wasn’t what he was suggesting, but damn.
She picked up her glass and downed the remainder of her wine then signaled the waiter for a refill.
Declan was afraid he’d gone too far. He’d said too much too soon and put too much pressure on her. It was only the first date, but he felt like he needed to get it all out on the table. They were both in their thirties. Mid-thirties at that. He didn’t feel like he had a lot of time to waste, not if he wanted the wife and family he’d always dreamt of having.
“I’m not proposing marriage or anything.” He felt like he needed to fill the silence. Madison had been quiet for too long. “I just wanted –“
“I hear what you’re saying,” Madison finally responded. Looking up to his eyes, she smiled softly at the pretty light blue color of them. With his blonde hair and light complexion, his eyes really were beautiful.
“And?” he prodded when she didn’t continue right away.
“I was intrigued when I met you at the bachelorette party, too. In fact, I was kind of mad at Ryan for keeping you hidden all that time.”
Declan chuckled, feeling a small wave of relief wash over him. “Is that so?”
Madison nodded with a grin. “You were easy to talk to. And that night under the pier … let’s just say I was really enjoying myself.”
Declan’s smile grew.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen after tonight. Hell, I don’t even know what’s going to happen tonight, Declan.” Madison couldn’t believe she was about to say the words. She placed her hand on top of his and looked him squarely in the eye. “But no, I don’t want this to be just tonight.”
Declan let out the breath he’d been holding. “Well, okay then.”
Madison laughed, actually glad they had gotten that out of the way.
Shaking her head, she finally added, “Is that it for the big stuff? Anymore bombs you want to drop?”
“Hey! You’re the one who brought up the conversations with Cody and Ryan, ya know.”
“I didn’t think bringing up that topic would lead to this conversation.”
“Okay, that’s fair. How about we consider the heavy topics done with for the night and just enjoy each other’s company?”
“Before we do that, there is one thing you have to do,” Madison’s expression had turned mischievous.
“What’s that?”
“Lean over here and kiss me,” she whispered.
Declan smiled as he moved his feet under him and raised himself from his chair. “That I can definitely do.”
He raised his hand and gently cupped her face, never breaking eye contact. He slowly wet his lips then softly brushed them against hers. Madison brought her hand around his neck and pulled him back to her when he went to break the kiss. She wanted just another second of his lips on hers.
Chapter 6
Madison was an artist that liked to doodle. She would draw little pictures while on the phone, thinking of new graphics for her clients’ websites, and during meetings when she would do nearly anything to keep herself awake. But when she caught herself starting to draw little hearts and writing Declan’s name in various scripts, she crumpled up the piece of paper and tossed her pencil onto her desk.
Madison: I’m drawing hearts on my desk.
Jessa: LOL!
Madison: What the fuck is this? It’s so not funny! What the hell is wrong with me?
Jessa: Somebody’s got her panties in a twist. Sounds like you might actually like this guy.
Madison: Have you been drinking? It’s a little early, don’tcha think?
Jessa: It’s okay, Q. Fall to the dark side. You’re allowed to like a guy, ya know.
Madison: This coming from the girl who’s been dating her tonsil-hockey partner now for how long?
Jessa: What can I say? He’s a hell of a lay!
Madison: Nuh-uh. I saw something the other night. What kinda Kool-Aid have you been drinking? You LIKE this guy!
Jessa: Okay, so maybe I have fallen to the dark side. :)
Madison: Did I tell you Ryan is writing out wedding invitations already?
Jessa: LOL!
Madison: Shit. Gotta run. Time to go kick the shit outta something.
Madison had a great time at dinner and the minutes seemed to drag by until she could leave the office and go to another class. And since her mind had drifted off, she was going to be late if she didn’t hurry.
As soon as she’d walked into the gym, Declan came out of his office and met Madison at the reception desk, as if he’d been waiting for her.
Issy was working again and quickly checked her in for the upcoming class. After Madison’s picture was taken for her file, Declan grabbed her hand and pulled her into his office.
“Thanks, Issy,” she called with a laugh as she was being dragged away.
Closing the door, still not saying a word, Declan pushed Madison against the wall and attacked her lips with his. He had been waiting all day to see her, and when she texted to say she would be at the five o’clock kickboxing class, he counted the minutes until he could see and touch her again.
He pressed his body against hers as they continued to kiss and Madison wrapped her arms around his neck, returning every kiss he gave her.
“Hi,” he smiled, pulling away slightly so he could look into her eyes.
“Well, hello,” she smiled. “That was quite a welcome.”
“I’ve been waiting all day for that.”
Madison cocked an eyebrow.
“And now that I’ve kissed you, you can go.”
Madison laughed, noting how he said the words but took her hands in his as he said them. Raising a hand that was now joined with his, she asked, “Are you coming with me then?”
“I don’t think we allow guys in the women’s locker room.”
“You might have to let go of my hands then,” she grinned.
Declan returned his lips to hers for another long, passionate kiss before raising their hands to his mouth and softly kissing her knuckles.
“Sorry. I just needed one more,” he grinned as he released her hands. “Mind if I join you in class today? I haven’t been through one of Michael’s classes in a while. It’d be good to check out how he’s doing.”
“Yeh, absolutely. Let me go get changed so I’m not late.”
Declan smiled and gave her a quick kiss. “See you in a bit.” He watched as she walked out of his office and down the hallway.
Madison made her way into the locker room and as she passed by the mirror did a double-take. She seriously wasn’t sure who was looking back at her. No man had ever made her this giddy. Not even Jeremy, and she had been a teenager back then! First sh
e was drawing hearts when she was supposed to be working, and now she was making out in offices.
I’ve turned into Ryan!
Not that being Ryan was bad, mind you. It’s just that Ryan was the soft and emotional one, and far more girlie-girl than Madison ever had been. Madison might like to dress a little more feminine than Ryan, but that was just the outside. Inside, Ryan was the one who had all the emotions. Madison told it like it was. Being all giddy about a man … that was new territory for her.
Blocking the thoughts from her mind, she quickly dressed for class, grabbed her gloves and towel from her bag, secured the locker, and went out to the classroom.
The room was fairly large – big enough to have twenty-four bags hanging from the ceiling and the space needed for all those bags to have a person standing on the side trying to kick and punch at it. The speakers were turned way up and she could feel the bass pounding through the floor. She liked the energy the music provided, and the fact that it could cover up the sound of her and the others grunting as they kicked and punched made it even better.
Looking to the other side of the room, she saw Declan talking with the instructor. She smiled, taking in the way his ass looked in the shorts he was wearing. And the t-shirt that stretched across his chest and arms was just … yum.
She noted the way some of the other women getting ready for class were eyeing him as well but let it roll off her back. She and Declan weren’t committed. Things were just getting started. Let them look all they want.
Fuck. Who am I kidding?
The green-eyed monster she’d never had a problem with was making herself known again.
Keeping herself in check, she walked over to a bag at the back of the room and slightly off center so Declan could see the instructor and claimed the space as hers. As soon as she was ready, she saw Declan walking her way.
“Okay if we partner up?” he asked.
“I dunno. Think you can handle me?” she teased.
“Think you can handle me?” he repeated back to her with a grin.
