by Maggie Way
They lived in an era where everyone seemed to be in a hurry or where there wasn’t enough time in the day to get everything done that needed to get done. Maddie didn’t get to spend much time with her best friend because Clarissa had fallen into that crazy norm. It was a problem she could solve by hiring another veterinarian, but she was reluctant to do that before they got the equine assisted therapy center up and running.
It was one of the reasons Maddie insisted on the Wednesday lunch date. It gave Clarissa a much-needed break she wouldn’t take for herself without Maddie’s insistence. It also gave Maddie some much-needed time with her lifelong best friend.
Glancing at her watch, Maddie wondered who would show up first. She sent out a message to the universe for it to be Clarissa. Maddie did not want to be alone with Darren. The flirtatious chatter they’d exchanged at the gym yesterday was fun but Maddie didn’t want to lead the man on and she wasn’t sure she could control herself.
And dammit, if they were alone like that again and he didn’t kiss her, she might just explode.
As if conjuring the man with her wayward thoughts, he walked by the windows of the restaurant and a moment later was through the door, his sexy mouth curving into a smile that nearly melted her panties. Without hesitation he crossed the room, dodging tables and people, but never taking his eyes off Maddie.
Her belly flipped a couple times and everything south of there clenched with need.
Get a grip, Madeleine, she preached silently, but her body didn’t seem to care as her core temperature spiked.
“Maddie,” Darren said as he approached and if she wasn’t already a hot mess, her name crossing his lips would have done it for her.
“Hi,” she breathed as he sat down.
“Hi,” he said, his smile and those dimples causing her mental grip to slip even further. A man had never looked at her the way Darren did. She didn’t even know the man, but with one look he told her he was not only happy to see her, but he wanted to see more of her.
He was dangerous, and delicious, and Maddie wanted him more than she wanted her next breath.
“I didn’t see you at the gym this morning,” she said, curious what would make a man as dedicated to his fitness as Darren miss a day.
“Stalking me?” he chuckled.
Maddie wasn’t sure if that eased the sexual tension vibrating between them or if it ratcheted it up a notch, but whatever it was she seemed to relax a bit.
“It’s only fair since you’re stalking me,” she quipped.
“Touché,” he said. “I met with my financial adviser this morning.”
Financial adviser … wasn’t that so formal. Maddie wasn’t sure she’d ever have enough money to her name to need a financial adviser, though she hoped the equine assisted therapy center would be profitable.
“Oh,” was all she could manage in response.
Darren continued to smile. “Are you ready to order lunch? It’s a nice day, I thought we could take it to go and head out to Starlight Lake for a picnic.
That sounded … incredibly romantic … and exactly what Maddie didn’t want if she was going to keep him an arm’s length away. She figured the safest place for them was right here, in public, with a square table between them.
“We should wait for Clarissa,” she said, remembering her other safety strategy for this lunch.
“Right,” he said, clearly amused. It should have annoyed her, but Maddie was more annoyed at herself for the inner hope springing to life, wishing Clarissa to pull a no show so Maddie would have no excuse to avoid the romantic lunch.
“So who is this person you think might be interested in partnering with us?” she asked. Small talk would just lead to more flirting, so Maddie got right down to business as a method of self-preservation.
“We should wait for Clarissa,” he said.
She almost said, “touché,” but swallowed the urge. Thankfully, Clarissa walked into the restaurant.
“Sorry I’m late,” she said, out of breath. Maddie pulled her purse from one of the adjacent chairs to allow Clarissa a seat. “Got in this morning to find a litter of kittens in a box on the front step. There was a lot of scrambling to get them checked without canceling any appointments.”
“How old are they?” Maddie asked.
“Not old enough to be weaned from their mother. I don’t understand people. If you don’t want your cat to have kittens, get her spayed.”
“Amen,” Maddie and Darren uttered at the same time. Maddie looked at him, that amused smirk back on his face.
“Jinx,” he said.
Dammit, she always said jinx first. At her scowl, he laughed. “I don’t drink Coke, so you can just get me a water.”
“Fine, let’s go order.”
The line had shortened, so it didn’t take them long to place their orders. “I’ve got it,” Darren said.
“You’re giving us a referral for a business partner, we can take care of it,” Maddie insisted. It would make it feel like less of a date if he didn’t pay.
“I’m hoping to woo the two of you with my proposal, so lunch is on me.”
Proposal? The word sent Maddie’s heart into overdrive, which made no sense since she wasn’t looking for a proposal. She wasn’t even looking for a date.
“That sounds intriguing,” Clarissa said. “Ignore her. I’ll let you buy lunch.”
They made their way back to the table and Maddie dug in to her salad. She’d opted for the apple instead of the bread or chips, even though she desperately wanted the bread — and a Coke.
And Darren.
Shaking off that rogue thought, she chewed slowly, savoring the flavors in her Thai chicken salad. She liked salad, so lunches like this weren’t torture, but she’d rather have a sandwich. She reminded herself giving up bread was part of her commitment to a healthier lifestyle, but sometimes avoiding the foods she loved was a true test of character.
“What’s this proposal?” Clarissa asked. She was having a club sandwich, stacked high with all the things her speed of light metabolism allowed. She’d also opted for the chips and a root beer. Maddie hated her.
“I’d like to partner with you,” Darren admitted.
Maddie choked on an almond slice.
Clarissa laughed as Maddie coughed. Darren darted around the table, kneeling next to her, asking if she was all right.
“She’ll be fine,” Clarissa chuckled, not even a hint of sympathy in her voice. “Tell us more.”
Maddie managed to get her coughing under control and took a long drink of water. She waved Darren away and he finally returned to his chair, though the look of concern on his face gave her chills — the good kind. The kind that sat side-saddle with anticipation and desire.
“I’m fine,” she insisted.
“Ok, well,” he cleared his throat as if he’d been the one choking on his proposition instead of Maddie. “I’ve been interested in equine assisted therapy for years. I started learning about it as a way to help my sister, but after she died a couple years ago, I let my interest taper off.”
“I’m sorry,” Clarissa cut in. “Maddie told me about your sister.”
“Because of Chocolate,” Maddie interjected. It hadn’t seemed like a big deal to tell Clarissa, but now that they were all sitting together, Maddie somehow felt like she had violated a confidence.
“Thank you. Tawny was very troubled. She had a hard life. I’m sure she’s at peace now, but I miss her.”
Maddie’s heart broke for Darren. She knew what it was like to miss a sibling. She didn’t want to know the loss he’d experienced, though. Maddie barely survived with Matt being away. She’d crumble to dust and scatter in the wind if the unthinkable happened.
While she didn’t want to seem unsympathetic to his situation, Maddie wanted to focus on his proposal, as he’d put it.
“We were hoping to find someone certified in equine assisted therapy,” Maddie pointed out. “Our goal is to run a therapy center that aligns with national certif
ication standards. I’m already certified as a therapist, so it’s essential that our horse person be certified too.”
“I understand that. I may not be certified now, but I researched the requirements and I’m willing to go through the process.”
He made it sound so easy, like it was no big deal. The certification involved time, training, and money. Time and money always seemed to be in short supply for Maddie.
Clarissa, too. That’s why they were looking for a partner.
“I’ve been around horses my whole life and I’ve been working with them professionally since I was old enough to earn a paycheck. I have a bachelor of science from UNH in Equine Industry and Management.”
“Industry and management,” Maddie cut in. “That’s great for owning stables, but you’d be better qualified if you had a degree in therapeutic riding.”
Darren smiled. “I don’t agree. First of all, my understanding of equine assisted therapy is that riding isn’t involved, at least not for most of the clients. Second, you’re the therapist, so you’re the one who should have that kind of background.”
Clarissa’s chuckle earned her a glare. Clarissa should be taking Maddie’s side on this, not laughing along with Darren the Devil.
While his qualifications and willingness to get certified were impressive, there were other factors at play. “You misread Chocolate the other day,” she reminded him.
“I think that’s a matter of opinion,” he countered.
“Perhaps, but my opinion is the one that counts here.” It was harsh, but Maddie wasn’t sure she could work with Darren. He was too distracting, what with his sexy smile and perfect body, and smooth voice.
And the way he made her body hot and needy even when he wasn’t around.
“Let’s do a mock therapy session,” Darren suggested, those dimples just one of the many distractions Maddie didn’t know how to ignore.
“That would be part of our interview process anyway,” Maddie responded.
“With a horse we aren’t both trying to buy.”
Maddie shook her head. “I’m buying Chocolate. I’ve made the offer and Coop accepted it.”
Darren’s smile faded, the dimples disappearing as Maddie’s heart sunk. She wanted to take away his sadness, but she wasn’t sure an apology would do that since she’d spoken the truth. She had no intentions of giving Chocolate up, even if Darren did have a history with the horse.
“I’ll let you two work that part out. Let’s talk finances,” Clarissa offered, saving the day and taking the focus off the tension brewing between Maddie and Darren. “We’re looking for a partner, not just an employee. Ideally, you would fill both shoes. That means a financial investment upfront. You’d have to contribute 30% of the down payment and co-sign on the property loan.”
“That’s not a problem,” he said, again with his it’s no big deal attitude. “I met with my financial adviser this morning to see about freeing up some funds.”
“You recently bought the riding center. How is it you have enough funds to invest in our business?” Maddie asked.
Darren’s sadness continued to seep into her heart. “My sister had a substantial life insurance policy. I was the sole beneficiary. Since her death was ruled an accidental overdose, the policy was paid out.”
Darren wasn’t one to toot his own horn, but the equine assisted therapy center was what he’d been looking for, and to be able to work with Maddie, well that was a bonus.
She was being a hard-ass, but he respected her perspective. It was her dream, after all. She’d probably been planning for this for a long time. He imagined it was a tremendous blow to have to bring in another partner and he’d bet the bank it was based on financial need.
Darren was committed and passionate. He’d see their dream come to life because it was now his dream too.
That, and for reasons he couldn’t explain or even understand, he wanted to see Maddie achieve her dreams, and he wanted to be alongside her when she did.
Maddie focused on her salad, a little less happy and playful than she’d been when he first arrived. Though he’d noticed she was much more reserved today than she’d been at the gym. He liked that playful side of her and wondered why she was keeping it on a tight leash now.
Clarissa’s phone barked and she excused herself to take the call, leaving Darren and Maddie alone. He wanted to say something, to further promote his case, but maybe it was best to let it go for now.
“The mama cat showed up at the clinic,” Clarissa said after she rushed back to the table. “I have to go.” After gathering her food into its packaging and stuffing it in her bag, she smiled at Darren. “From what you’ve said, I’m impressed. Maddie can finish the interview, and of course, you’ll have to do a mock therapy session, but I have a feeling we’ll be in touch.”
She shook his hand, hugged Maddie, and took off like the place was on fire. “She’s pretty committed to her practice,” Darren said.
“She loves all living things. Dogs and horses are her thing. She grew up wanting to be a dog breeder, but she’s so smart, being a veterinarian was a natural choice for her. She majored in Equine Science at U.N.H. before going to vet school.”
“And where did you go to school?”
Maddie laughed. “The same. I majored in therapeutic riding. Then I earned a master’s in couples and family therapy from Plymouth State. I finished the equine assisted therapy certification a few months ago. I travel down to Sugar Falls every other Wednesday to do therapy sessions at a center down there.”
“That’s quite a drive.”
She smiled, that friendly curve sending a lightning bolt right to his heart. “It’s too far. We need that kind of therapy center up here.”
He agreed. A center like that could have done wonders for his sister. It would have helped her through both the ups and downs and maybe could have kept her balanced. “I really want to be a part of this, Maddie. I know it’s your dream and I respect that, but I think I can make a tremendous contribution.”
She finished her salad, but Darren wasn’t hungry and closed his up. He’d eat it later.
“I need to get back to the office. I have clients this afternoon.”
“I’ll walk you to your car,” he insisted.
“I walked here. My office isn’t far.”
“Then I’ll walk you back,” he offered. He didn’t have any appointments this afternoon. All the riding lessons were being handled by his staff, and while he could clean out some stalls, Darren would rather spend as much time as possible with Maddie.
He was surprised when she didn’t object.
As they headed south on Main Street, past the park, his hands twitched, desperate to hold hers, to feel her fingers entwined with his. He was sure her skin would be soft against his rough hands.
Darren glanced up at the clear blue sky. He loved warm spring days that teased of summer. Even the chirping birds seemed to be enjoying the bright sunshine.
“It’s a nice day,” Darren said, hoping small talk might lead to something more meaningful or even playful.
“It is,” she agreed. “Days like this make me want to play hooky and go do something fun.”
“You said you were a bit of a wild child? Did you ever skip school?”
She laughed. “All the time. I was good at forging signatures, so I’d sign me, Matt, and Clarissa out all the time.”
“Just the three of you?” he asked.
“For forgeries, yes, but whatever boy I had under my spell at the time would skip out with us.”
“You don’t need to forge a signature to play hooky today.”
A car honked as it drove by and Maddie waved, a bright smile on her face when she turned back to Darren. “That wouldn’t be very responsible to my clients, now would it?”
He grabbed her hand as she swung it and twirled her toward him. The sound of her breath hitching shot straight to his groin. He’d been right about the softness of her hand. “I wasn’t going for responsible,” he said.
She licked her lips, just like she had at the gym the other day.
“Every time you look at me like that, you make it real hard not to kiss you,” he admitted.
Her lips curved into a smile. She tugged him to her, her other hand going around his nape as she lifted onto her toes, her lips meeting his.
Chapter Nine
Maddie was sure she’d lost her mind, but when Darren said the word kiss, her self-control snapped like a twig in a hurricane.
As Darren’s arms came around her, pulling her body against his, Maddie pushed all of her second thoughts aside. His arms were strong, his lips warm and firm. It was better than the fantasy, more real than the dreams. She wanted more.
A honking horn pulled her from the growing urges and Maddie eased off instead of pushing her tongue past his lips. As the hot kiss came to a slow finish and she opened her eyes, Darren’s blue eyes darkened, turning them into hypnotic orbs that beckoned her to want more than just a kiss on Main Street.
“Sorry,” she shook off the sensation, his dimpled-smile inspiring her own. Twitching her nose, she ran a finger back and forth a couple times. “Itchy nose. It means I’m going to get in a fight or kiss a fool. I’m not much of a fighter, so …”
“So you think I’m a fool?” he laughed.
Holding up her hands, she laughed with him. “You said it, not me. I might still get in a fight and that’ll clear you.”
As his gaze stopped on hers, the amusement turning to something so much hotter, Maddie stepped off, only to realize after a few steps she was going in the wrong direction. “My office is this way,” she chuckled, her cheeks burning bright red if the heat in them was any indication.
A few steps later, Darren was next to her. “Maddie …” Her name was a poem of five letters and two syllables, pleading with her to put lyrics to the music of that kiss.
“It was just a kiss,” she countered, “an impulse, it didn’t mean anything.”
