by C. P. Watson
“So, you’re straight?”
Carson almost let out an instant chuckle.
“I’ve recently discovered my sexuality. It took thirty seven years, but I can proudly say that I’m a lesbian.”
Madison narrowed her gaze with a playful grin. She knew that she’d gotten a gay vibe off of Carson.
“I suspected.”
“What? How? It’s not that obvious, is it?”
Madison arched her brow and looked over Carson. Carson pursed her lips.
“Kinda is. Not in the way you dress though. You’re girly enough to go undetected.” Was that offensive?
“Then how?”
Madison looked into Carson’s eyes.
“Your eyes. They travel to certain places… eyes… lips… breasts…”
Carson stood and gulped. Did she really do all of those things? Of course, she did. She was a lesbian, after all.
“Uh...” Carson rubbed the back of her neck with the palm of her hand. “I should get back to work.”
“I have to head down to the police station. My dad said that they want me to come in. I’ll probably receive a call soon.”
Madison sighed. The last thing that she needed was to see that woman again, or walk into the room of people who’d seen her naked pictures.
“I’ll see you soon, hopefully?”
Carson stretched her hand out for Madison to shake, but was pulled into a hug instead.
“When all of this dies down, call me, okay? I’ll put on a sexy dress and you can take me to dinner.”
Carson couldn’t believe her ears. Did Madison really just say that?
“I… uh…”
“Don’t question it. I know you want to.”
Madison stepped back with a smile on her face. She could see the blush creeping onto Carson’s cheeks.
“I’ll give you that call then.” I can’t believe this.
Carson’s chest spun with butterflies.
“You better.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
The Perfect Night
Madison applied mascara to her eyelashes as the television played the news. She’d been constantly offended over the past few weeks by the numerous comments and remarks thrown out there by different people—news anchors, talk show hosts, and even some celebrities.
A few of her former co-workers in the industry had a lot to say about her, as well. A lot were lies, some were true. It didn’t matter anymore. It was over with.
Her publishing house had dropped her. Something about bad publicity, and that she was hampering with the brand’s reputation. As if they offered more than erotica, but she’d be out of their hair by the end of the contract period. Though, her book sales had been skyrocketing, and they’d called a few days later with an apology and a reconsideration. She told them to stick it where the sun doesn’t shine.
Madison was a great writer. She could find another publishing house, or maybe even self-publish.
Amanda had been attending church almost every day, and made Madison go to confessions. At least, Madison had confessed something to Father Matthew other than the wrongfulness of her sexuality. He’d been humble enough not to broach the topic of lesbianism, to a certain extent. There was the question, have you been recovering well?, thrown out a few times or so, but nothing overly offensive.
“Maddy, are you going on a date?”
Madison pressed her lips together and checked herself out in the full-length mirror, if she could say so herself, she looked great.
“Just dinner with a friend.”
Melody could always tell when her sister was excited, and Madison was even glowing.
“And who’s this lucky friend?”
Madison sprayed perfume onto her collarbones and shrugged.
“Just someone. I’ll be home before you know it, not that you’ll be around.”
Melody leaned against the doorframe of her old bedroom. Madison had moved into the apartment a few days after the magazine release.
“I’ll be home with my husband.”
Melody grinned and walked into the room.
“Lucky you. Is he still leaving the toilet seat up? Or have you banned him from the bathroom?”
“I’ve considered making him use the outdoor shower, but we can’t have shower sex…”
“I don’t want to know.”
Madison cringed and grabbed her purse. It was a twenty minute drive to the restaurant, and she planned to be on time.
“Fine. Hopefully, you’ll get laid tonight.”
“As I said, just a friend.”
Melody looked at her sister and arched her brow.
“And is this friend a woman?”
Madison picked up her phone and contacted a cab to pick her up.
“None of your business.”
“Oh, come on. I’m glad you’re getting back out there. I’m even looking for a new best friend.”
Madison sighed. She didn’t like to think about Victoria, not when it made her furious. Victoria had gotten sentenced to a minimum security prison with only four years. She was lucky that the judge was compassionate, and that it was her first conviction.
“Who would’ve thought that Victoria Wilson would turn out to be a blackmailer? Wasn’t she voted the most likely to succeed?”
Melody shrugged. She wasn’t sure how she didn’t know her best friend one bit. It made her re-evaluate all of her relationships.
“People aren’t always what they seem to be, right? She’s pretty psychotic, if you ask me.”
Madison nodded and sighed. She didn’t want to talk about it anymore.
“You can see yourself out. My taxi is here.”
Melody looked at her sister as she walked out the bedroom door in a pair of six inch heels.
⁑
CARSON WALKED INTO THE restaurant and sauntered her way over to the table where Madison sat. The grin on her face grew wider and wider. Madison’s eyes were almost plastered on Carson’s chest, since she was wearing an extremely low-cut, body-fitted dress.
Carson sat down and tilted her head to the side with a smile. Madison was beautiful. Her full, pink lips and big brown eyes, made Carson’s stomach do somersaults.
“I thought you weren’t going to show up.”
Madison flashed a charming smirk and leaned forward, her defined jawline looking lickable in the lighting of the room.
“You haven’t been waiting that long, have you?”
Carson leaned forward, as well. Their eyes held still on the other, and both of their hearts thumped inside of their chests.
“Only for a lifetime.” That’s so cheesy.
Madison felt a blush creeping onto her cheeks. Why did she just say that?
“You’re waiting is over now. You have me all to yourself.”
Carson stretched her hand across the table and interlinked their fingers.
“Quite a charmer, huh?”
Madison brushed her thumb over the back of Carson’s palm.
“Says the expert.”
They both exhaled a breath as the waiter brought over a bottle of wine. He poured two glasses before leaving.
“How have you been?”
Carson’s eyes fluttered. She’d been patiently waiting for the right moment to call Madison, or vice versa. Madison turned out to be more impatient than her, and was the first to make contact.
“I’m currently looking for a job. How about you?”
Madison’s brows furrowed.
“Why are you looking for a job?” Obviously, she was either fired or quitted.
“Time for a change, I guess.”
Carson inhaled a breath. She had enough savings to live comfortably until she found another job. But she wasn’t sure if she wanted to be in the editorial industry anymore.
“I see. I’m searching for a new publishing house, as well. So I guess we’re in the same boat.”
“They dropped you? Wow.”
Madison didn’t feel much heartache. They didn't appreciate her talents
to begin with, even when she was one of their best authors. One scandal and they wanted nothing to do with her. They weren’t trustworthy, and Madison needed a place that she could rely on. Being an author was more than just making money to her, it was about making her readers fall in love with every one of her books—that was the ultimate prize.
“Yes. Then regretted it and wanted me back. But I’m going to look for a publishing house right here in Milan. Close to home, you know.”
“Have you found any possible ones, as yet?”
Madison shook her head. She had not even gone looking. She’d been cooped up in bed for the most part those past weeks. But at least, she’d been writing a new story.
“No.” Madison mumbled. “I’m not sure where to look actually. Not sure who to trust these days. Might self-publish, if I can’t bring myself to.”
Carson’s chest tightened. Of course, Madison would find it hard to trust those around her, after what happened with Victoria. Victoria was her sister’s best friend, after all. And had been a part of the family for a while, yet she betrayed them. It would be hard not to re-evaluate everyone in their lives after that.
“I’ve never trusted a lot of people. I don’t even trust my sister that much.” I really don’t.
Madison looked down at their interlinked fingers, and her heart held steady inside of her chest. She even held in her breath, because maybe, if she moved one bit, Carson would retract her hand, which was something Madison really didn’t want.
“You seemed very close with Troy. Melody talks about how you two have some kind of bond that she doesn’t understand.”
Carson exhaled a contented breath thinking about her nephew. He was the only person who she truly loved in the world. She’d watched him grow up into the fine man that he was. He was the closest thing that she had of an offspring, and probably the only person that she truly trusted.
“He’s different. We have a mutual understanding. Probably because we’re not related. The Jenner family aren’t ones to get along too well.”
Madison narrowed her eyes and sank her teeth into her bottom lip. Melody had told her that Carson was as cold as they came. That she never made an effort to be a part of the family, but that she seemed to truly love Troy. Madison remembered what her father had said—it’s sometimes better for you to love us from afar. Maybe Carson was better off being like that. There’s always a reason—always two sides of a coin.
“The Pierce family can sometimes be like that. Though, change has been on the rise. My mum’s finally coming around about my sexuality, though she’s still shaken about the porn stuff. She saw a nude of me the other day online and immediately headed over to confessions…”
The waiter cleared his throat as he stood next to the table. He looked at her with widened eyes and recognition.
“Are… you ready to place your order?”
Madison pursed her lips as she looked at the waiter with dull eyes. He’d taken permission to eavesdrop on their conversation, and also recognise her. How brilliant.
“Yes,” Madison looked down at her unopened menu. They didn’t get a chance to even explore their options, since they’d been lost in conversation.
“Actually, give us a few more minutes.” Carson glared at him. He made his departure from the table, almost stumbling over his own two feet.
Madison closed her eyes as a laugh escaped her lips. She felt a bit uncomfortable, yet utterly amused.
“He seemed to see a ghost. Porn watcher or devoted man of god. Which do you think?”
Carson raised a brow.
“Obviously, he’s seen the tabloids. Those scavengers at Dirt Magazine had you on every cover for an entire week.”
Madison took a sip of her wine as she pulled her hand away. She could see the reluctance in Carson’s eyes, and felt the same.
“I never got to thank you for the release properly. It was pretty subtle and endearing. Ex-pornstar makes a career in lesbian fiction, becoming one of America’s leading ladies in Romance and Erotica.”
Carson ran her finger around the stem of her wine glass.
“It was my pleasure. Apparently, my boss didn’t think I tackled the situation to the best of my abilities. Something about a lame excuse for a release. When I gave him my two weeks’ notice, I think he realized that he lost the only thing keeping his magazine up and running.” Literally.
“I can’t believe it cost you your job, I’m so…”
“No. I quitted. Big difference. And it had nothing to do with you.”
Madison sighed. She’d hated everything that came as a consequence due to the scandal. Many people questioned the morality of her formal occupation. Of course, they would. Even Madison did.
“Any ideas what you’re going to do next? Applied for any positions?”
Carson had been left in limbo when it came to an occupation. She’d applied to a few places, but nowhere that she actually wanted to work.
“Life’s miserable. Let’s not talk about work. What’s your favourite colour?”
Madison gave an amused look.
“My favourite colour? I feel as though I’m dating Lindsay Colt from fifth grade again.”
“Dating? Who said anything about dating?”
Carson teased with a wink.
“Magenta. And if we’re not dating, then I guess you can’t have a goodnight kiss. I only kiss potential partners.”
“I never said there’s no potential.”
Carson said in a sultry voice, as Madison ran the tip of her tongue over her upper lip.
“I see… so do you want that goodnight kiss… but how badly?”
Madison ran the tip of her heel up Carson’s leg slowly, making the woman’s eyes widen in surprise.
“Very.”
Carson gulped and pressed her lips together.
“Have you really never been with a woman before?”
Madison slipped her foot out of her heel, and ran her toes up Carson’s leg and towards her thigh.
“Uh… no.”
Carson felt embarrassed. Madison was an experienced lesbian, for sure. How could she compete with that? Carson didn’t know how to please a woman, especially a woman like Madison.
“We’ll need to fix that, won’t we? What’s your favourite colour?”
Madison moved her toe in between Carson’s knees, causing the woman to part them further. Carson swallowed the tension within her throat. And her clit was pulsing, while her heart was racing.
“Uh… red.”
Carson grabbed her wine glass by the stem and took a long chug. She needed the liquid courage.
“Just red? Nor crimson, or cherry, or ruby?”
Madison pressed her big toe against Carson’s inner thigh. She could feel the wetness against the thin fabric of Carson’s panties.
“I like all the shades of red… especially burgundy…”
“Have you decided on what to order, as yet? I know I haven’t.”
The smirk on Madison’s face and the pressure that she applied to Carson’s centre, made the entire room become an indistinct background.
“I’m not… so hungry anymore.”
Carson almost whispered. Madison’s eyes looked into Carson’s pools of lust. She wasn’t going to give into temptation so easily, but it was easier said than done.
“Let’s go somewhere more private.”
⁑
MADISON DIRECTED CARSON AS she drove. Carson had offered to punch in the address on the GPS, but seemingly, Madison wasn’t exactly sure where they were heading either.
“As much as I trust your judgement, we aren’t going to your apartment, are we?”
Madison placed her hand on Carson’s thigh.
“Where do you think I’m taking you then?”
Madison’s voice was just above a whisper as she leaned her lips against Carson’s ear, her breath causing goosebumps to form on the woman’s skin.
“I… uh… I’m not sure.”
Carson gulped as she continued to drive
along the long path that seemed to lead to nowhere. Where was Madison taking her? Tall trees surrounded their path, and Carson heard the stridulating of crickets and croaking of frogs.
“It’s one of my favourite places in the world. I used to come here all the time.”
Madison placed a kiss on Carson’s cheek and directed her where to turn. Carson inhaled a deep breath. Seemingly, Madison had taken other women to that particular place before. Somehow, Carson didn’t feel as special as she’d like to.
“I’m guessing that you brought lots of girls here.”
Carson parked under a tall oak tree as instructed, and when she looked up into the starry sky, she realized why Madison was fond of the place. It was quite a beautiful sight. The millions of stars illuminated brightly in the darkness, and the loud crackles of nature were oddly very settling. Trees swayed as the wind passed through their branches and leaves. The sounds of stridulating and croaking continued, but not in an annoying way. It was like an indistinct, background melody, though they were just crickets and frogs, and maybe even an owl.
“No. This is my quiet place. I come here to think, or to relax… it’s like my safe haven.”
“Then why did you bring me?”
Madison unbuckled her seatbelt and shifted her body to face Carson’s. She tucked her legs beneath her bottom and stretched her hands out for Carson to take. Carson placed her hands in Madison’s with a questioning look on her face.
“You’re special. Only special girls get to see my special place.”
Carson smiled. She didn’t know that she could feel so tingly on the inside. It was like she was in high school all over again, and the boy who she was crushing on had asked her to prom. But Madison definitely wasn’t Harris Mane. Harris Mane turned out to be an asshole who only wanted to take her virginity. As for Madison, she seemed to only have sincere thoughts in mind. At least, Carson could only hope. But she trusted Madison, even though they hadn’t known each other for a long time. Something about Madison was so unwillingly trustworthy. Maybe, it was her soft, brown eyes, or the curve of her sweet, kissable lips. Carson was drawn to Madison in ways she’d forced herself to be drawn to men. Her attraction to Madison was as natural as it could be. As much as she’d tried to suppress feelings of wanting a woman in her bed, and into her untouched heart, she just couldn’t shake those feelings.
