Thunder (Big D Escort Service Book 1)

by Summers, Willow

  “Call me Madison, please,” she said, an accidental edge to her voice.

  Colton glanced at her, his eyes sparkling with heat, like they had outside when she’d told him to leave if he was going to act like a clown. At least he hadn’t thought she was a bitch, like half the men in her office did. That was a plus.

  “I always used to call you Maddie, remember?” James said. His eyes slid down her chest in an assault on her privacy.

  “Congratulations, by the way,” she said, turning her front toward Colton’s side. Her hand shook as she laid it on his flat, bumpy stomach. “On getting married.”

  Colton slid money across the bar and nodded. “Congratulations.” He motioned for the guys to grab the shots, thankfully not disrupting Madison’s position.

  “Uh oh, here comes the battle-ax.” Tim nudged James before pointing at the bride barreling into the room with hard eyes and a fake smile. “She looks pissed, bro. And just think, you’re stuck with that for the rest of your life.”

  James didn’t look away from Madison until his bride—Becky, Madison remembered from the invite—was standing beside him. His gaze swung her way.

  Was it just Madison, or were his eyes dull and resigned?

  “James, we’re late. They want to start. I need you in there.” She pulled at his arm.

  Annoyance rolled over James’s expression as Becky glanced around. Her eyes widened at the sight of Colton, a blush infusing her face, but when she looked at Madison, a worry knot creased her brow.

  “Maddie, right?” she said, her smile frozen in place.

  “It’s Madison, actually.” Madison swallowed past the lump in her throat. She stepped forward with an outstretched hand and a genuine smile. This woman didn’t need any of Madison’s past garbage ruining her big day. “Thanks for inviting me. Everything is really beautiful.”

  “Oh. Madison, of course. James has told me a lot about you.” Her smile tightened.

  Anxiety rolled Madison’s stomach. She tensed, waiting for the sneer she knew must be coming. Why else would James have mentioned her? It certainly wasn’t to relish the time they’d actually enjoyed together. That was sure to get a man kicked out of the house. Besides, the breakup had been ten times more noteworthy than the relationship.

  Instead of disdain, however, worry clouded Becky’s expression. She adjusted her dress, an obvious nervous tic.

  Confusion replaced Madison’s anxiety.

  And then dawning horror. Becky thought James and his friends would reenact the horrible scene and steal the show. That, or continue with what Tim had started and taunt her all night. It would detract from the wedding. Becky had probably heard all about the entire last half of Madison and James’s senior year in high school. The jeering and name calling. Madison coming to school with puffy eyes from crying herself to sleep more times than she could count. If not for Janie and a few close friends, she would’ve hidden in the bathroom at every lunchtime. Something James had known. Something he’d thrown in her face whenever Janie wasn’t around.

  Why had Madison come? What could she possibly have been thinking?

  “We were great friends back in the day,” James said, his eyes drilling into Madison. “Isn’t that right?”

  Tim motioned for James to take the shot. “Drink up, dude. Your ball and chain will just get pushier.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want a shot, Maddie?” James asked.

  “It’s Madison,” she said, and shook her head. “I’m fine, thanks. Congratulations, though, you two.”

  “Thanks.” Becky glared at James. “But we have to head in.”

  “Of course. Totally,” Madison said, trying to back Colton away. The man was made of stone and would not budge.

  “We’ll talk later.” James took his shot and winced.

  Tim whooped. “Atta boy. Let the party begin.”

  As they walked away, Madison heard Tim say, “Nerdison must’ve gotten work done. No way is all that natural. Did you see her knockers? I’d bet they’re fake.”

  Madison reached up to run her fingers through her hair. An iron grip fastened around her wrist, pushing her hand back down. She shifted, intent on wiping the sweat off her forehead. Another vise grip.

  “Right. Hair and makeup,” she whispered, her body shaking. She glanced down at her breasts. “I haven’t had work done. Just so you know. Not that you care. But they were always spreading lies about me. Always. And everyone believed—”

  “Hey, hey.” Colton stepped in front of her and bent to capture her gaze. His large, warm hands moved to her upper arms. “You look completely natural. All of you. Trust me, I know the difference better than that clown does. He’s just being a dick. He goes through life feeling small, so he tries to pull others down with him. I’m sure he always has. That has nothing to do with you. You have to harden yourself to people like him. They don’t matter in the scheme of things.”

  She nodded and leaned in, not shy about needing a hug this time.

  Instead of complying, he turned her toward the bar and pulled her into his body, enveloping her in his warmth without making it seem like she needed a lifeline. If he’d given her a comforting hug, the kind you give a kid who’s been crying, the bullies in the bar area would have taken it for weakness. He always knew the right thing to do.

  “Let’s take a moment,” he murmured.

  “How about we take off running instead? Let’s treat this like a zombie attack. Except please don’t trip me so I’m the one eaten and not you.”

  He chuckled. “You can’t run now. You’ll end up bullying yourself for being a coward.”

  “Newsflash: I am a coward. I stood on the steps crying like a baby when he dumped me. It was Janie who showed courage. She’s the one that kicked his ass.”

  His lips brushed her cheek, and a flurry of butterflies filled her stomach. “You showed up, with a stranger, to confront a ghost from your past. That takes guts. And you know what? The first confrontation is over. It’ll only get easier from here.”

  “James hasn’t even started in on me yet. I’m sure he’ll amass his cronies and come back for a whack-a-mole situation. Seriously, I think running is the way to go.”

  “I don’t think James will act the way you’re thinking.” He pushed back from the bar and guided her to the reception hall, his hand low on her hip. “We’ll get through this. We won’t need to talk to him for a while yet, and after that, it’ll be time to go.”

  She fell into his touch. Into the graceful power of his movements. When they entered the reception hall, she let him guide her to their table. He stood behind her and pulled out her chair, drawing female gazes soaked in desire. Sitting down, for a brief moment she forgot all about the wedding. She didn’t look up at the head table, or glance around nervously to see who else she might recognize.

  She just smiled gratefully at Colton, feeling something deep and warm fill up her middle. He was doing his job expertly—protecting her and guarding her—while still treating her like a lady. Like someone he valued and whose company he enjoyed. She didn’t feel like his employer. Like he was trying to earn a buck. Everything he did was seamless.

  She could see now why he was in such high demand. She was so lucky to have gotten him.

  The problem was, she couldn’t get that kiss out of her head. His touch, light but firm, called to her. She wanted more.

  She wanted him inside her.

  “You okay?” he asked, draping his hand along the back of her chair, staking his claim.

  “I’m great, yeah. Why?”

  “You groaned.”

  “Groaned, or moaned?”

  His brow creased. “Groaned. Why would you be moaning?”

  “Nothing. No reason.” She gulped down a mouthful of the wine that had been poured in her glass. Then grimaced as her stomach threatened to throw it back up. “Ugh.” The older man next to her glanced over. She smiled through watering eyes and held up her thumb. “Good stuff.”

  A crooked smile worked up Colton
’s face. He eyed his glass. “I have to drive. So I won’t be—”

  She elbowed him. “We’re staying tonight, sweetie, remember?”

  He grunted and twisted, showing her his shoulder in order to protect his side from another jab. She expected him to look up laughing. Instead, fire burned in his eyes, and the angry crease had resurfaced between his brows.

  The fire she understood. She felt it woven into every fiber of her being. If he wanted to stay, she wouldn’t say no. She’d pay him whatever he wanted. She already knew that, moral issues or no.

  But the crease cooled the raging heat burning in her core. Made her thoughts seem dirty. And his possible misperception of what she’d said unwelcome.

  “Remember?” she said quietly. “What we talked about?”

  “Yes.” He leaned back and draped his arm over the back of her chair again, but he turned away.

  She’d opened her mouth to discuss it further when a screech filled the space. Everyone winced as the microphone clicked on.

  “Thank you for coming,” the DJ said. He laid out the schedule they’d be following, as well as instructions on who could get up to eat when.

  “Colton,” Madison said before the speeches started. “About what I said. I just wanted—”

  One of the groomsman—vaguely familiar but unrecognizable under a mop of hair, a wild beard, and extra weight—stood, swayed, and launched into a semi-tasteful speech the bride probably could’ve done without. College must’ve been a wild ride for a few of them.

  Colton turned and gently moved a few locks of her hair off her shoulder. He winked, following it with a smile. “I know. Don’t stress.”

  Relief flooded her. And in that moment, as their gazes held, pinning them together, she longed to lean in for a kiss. To taste him. Her heart sped up and her hand drifted to his thigh of its own accord. His muscles flexed under her fingers and his gaze dipped to her lips.

  Would he let her?

  Would he be into it, too?

  The microphone screeched again, making her flinch. She glanced up at the head table, catching James watching her. Seeing that Becky had noticed.

  The bride’s angry stare swung her way.

  “This wedding couldn’t be more awkward if they tried,” Madison said, ripping down her gaze. “We should’ve run.”

  “A few more speeches, dinner, a turn around the dance floor, and we’re done,” he said softly. “Not long now. Have another sip of wine.”

  “No thank you,” she said with a flaming face.

  His eyes sparkled with suppressed laughter. A few women blinked as if blinded by his mouthwatering smile.

  “Not funny,” she muttered, looking out of the corner of her eye at the older man drinking his wine without complaint.

  An hour later, after they’d been given their turn at the buffet, Madison realized that it wasn’t just the wine that was rough. The dinner wasn’t much better. She wasn’t sure that getting validation for her improved status in life was worth the assault on the senses.

  After finally giving up on the food, she pushed the plate away and leaned back. Colton’s arm found the back of her chair immediately, his fingertips blazing a trail across her shoulder and dipping down to her collarbone.

  “He’s heading this way,” Colton said before sipping his water.

  “Who? James?” Madison looked up at the front table. The seat was empty. She caught sight of him off to the side, chatting with an older couple. “No, look. The bride is making the rounds on the other side of the room. He’ll probably stick with greeting family and friends.”

  “There’s a reason he’s been glancing at you since we sat down. He doesn’t want to ridicule you. He wants to make a connection. He’ll work this way, I guarantee it. He’s probably waiting for me to get a drink. We’re both dry—it would only be logical for me to get up and grab a round now that there’s a break. Everyone else is.”

  Confusion stole through her. “He’s been glancing at me?”

  Colton’s hand rested on the base of her neck. “You haven’t noticed?”

  She thought back, because no, she really hadn’t. It belatedly occurred to her that she’d been completely focused on every touch of Colton’s fingers. Every syllable he uttered. The jokes disguised in his upbeat praise of the food and wine. Conversation felt so easy with him, and silence was even easier. Comfortable. Full of potential. In all that time, she hadn’t thought to look up at James once. She hadn’t been worried, or interested, or self-conscious.

  Honestly, she hadn’t thought of him at all. That was a nice surprise.

  “He’s putting effort into establishing a connection,” Colton said, his hand applying pressure to her neck, pulling her closer. “I don’t know if he would ever act on it, but he’s certainly trying to put you in a position that gives him an opportunity.”

  “With me?” She huffed. “Dream on. I’m sure he still sees that nerd he left crying on the steps of the high school. Tim clearly does.”

  “Tim’s an idiot.” Colton’s big fingers touched her chin. She let him turn her face in his direction, his beautiful blue eyes deep and soft. “You have no idea how entrancing you are, do you? You are an incredible catch. No man alive would turn you down. Women are probably terrified of you for that fact, but I doubt they could hate you. Not after meeting you. You’re too sweet to be hated. Too modest to be jealous of. You’re the whole package, Maddie. How can you not see that? Why wasn’t Frank telling you all of this constantly? You should be bored of hearing it by now, not blushing and shaking your head.”

  She stopped shaking her head, her heart swelling and a laugh rising up to the surface. “You’re worth every penny.”

  Frustration and embarrassment crossed his expression. His eyes flicked upward, and the next moment he was leaning toward her, closing the distance. “I’m going to kiss you, Maddie. Are you ready?”

  A jolt of excitement coursed through her. She licked her lips as her stomach spun, nervous and anxious and totally freaking out.

  It’s just a kiss. Calm down!

  Those lips moved closer, parted just slightly, promising heaven and unicorns and swirly glitter bombs. A hand landed on her knee, and the other wrapped around the back of her neck, guiding her in like a landing zone. It was wise—she was definitely worried about a crash landing.

  His soft lips glanced off hers at first, light and teasing. A shock of electricity tore through her. Her sex tightened, her stomach flipped, and her heart started pounding in her ears. Light and teasing was not going to work. She needed deep, hard, and fast. His body smashing into hers. His cock making her scream.

  He nibbled her bottom lip before opening her mouth with his and flicking his tongue inside. She moaned and leaned into him, clutching against his chest helplessly, losing herself in the taste of him, sweet and wild. His hand drifted up her thigh. She opened her knees, unable to help it.

  Without warning, the kiss took on a life of its own. Deepening. Consuming. His tongue thrust into her mouth, forcing out small moans. The fire of his touch kindled the raw passion she’d always dreamed of finding with someone. She fell into it, losing herself.

  Just as suddenly as the kiss had escalated into exciting and oh so hot, he backed off. Pulled away.

  Not expecting it, she lost her balance and pitched forward. Her knees dusted the ground and she face-planted into his chest.

  “Sorry,” she mumbled into his shirt. His strong hands found her upper arms and basically hoisted her into her seat. “Sorry,” she said again, looking at the wet mark of drool on his pristine shirt. Thankfully she hadn’t reapplied lipstick after dinner. “I’m a klutz.”

  His stern face didn’t show any emotion, but the tightness around his eyes suggested a problem.

  “Sorry,” she said again, checking her knee. There was a slight rub against the fabric. “This is why I don’t wear pretty dresses.” She dusted it off, as if that would help.

  “Do you want to get a drink?” he asked, his body tense again.


  She sighed. “Just stop initiating if the result ends up annoying you,” she murmured so no one would overhear.

  He shook his head. “Let’s get a drink.”

  He stood and pulled out her chair for her. Helplessly, she let him lead her away, ignoring James, who was indeed making his way over. Colton’s movements were coarse again, that angry crease in full force.

  Eight

  “Obscene,” an older woman muttered as Colton led Madison out of the reception hall. She gave Madison a dirty look.

  He’d lost control and made a show out of her. He’d intended to give her a light, teasing kiss, a way to show James that Madison was taken. But after a moment, her passion had consumed him, sweeping him up and making him deepen the kiss until they were making out at a wedding reception, hot and heavy. If he’d waited any longer before pulling away, he would’ve pushed his hand up her inner thigh and slipped his fingers under her panty line.

  “We can leave if you want,” Madison said uneasily.

  He stopped next to the bar, too rigid by half. He was there to make her shine, but he’d messed up, and now all the girls at that reception were probably gossiping about Madison. It would turn into slut shaming. Colton had seen a lot of that in this gig. An awful lot. He’d gotten good at skirting the line. Until now.

  “Listen, Madison, I’m sorry about that.” He shook his head and made eye contact with the bartender. The bartender held up a finger. I’ll be right there.

  “I’m the one who fell on you.” She laughed, still sounding uncomfortable.

  “No, I mean, I shouldn’t have gotten carried away. It won’t happen again.”

  “It’s fine. I think I’ve made a big enough show at this point. We can just go if you want to.” She picked at the bar, her face pointed downward.

  “I made you look bad,” he said, needing her to know it wasn’t her fault. If the jealous women sneered, or made rude comments, it would hurt her. He should’ve kept his cool.