2 Good

by Celya Bowers

  He lay down, pulling her down with him. “A little of both. You shouldn’t feel so good when I’m inside you. I can’t help it.”

  Madisyn shook her head, wondering why she’d ever thought Darnell was the one. He had never been this tactile and talkative in the mornings. She answered the phone, hoping it wasn’t anything important. “Hello?”

  “Maddie, are you coming to girlie day?”

  It was Keisha. Madisyn should have known she’d called. She’d been hoping to avoid this conversation for as long as possible. “No, girl, I’m not going to be able to make it today. I think Chayla is still going.”

  “No, you both bailed on me. One of the boys has some kind of game today. I wanted to show you the new outfit I got yesterday.”

  Of course it had to be about Keisha. Not once did she ask if Madisyn was sick or if someone in the family had taken ill. “You’ll have to show it to me some other time.”

  “I bought it to wear to the club. I know I’ll be able to catch a big baller’s eye with this dress. It makes my ass look big.”

  Aidan started kissing Madisyn’s ears, cheek and was heading for her lips. Madisyn had to get off the phone and quick. “I’ll talk to you later.” She pushed the end button on the phone and threw it across the room.

  Aidan laughed. “Now that was what I call an excellent play. Touchdown.”

  “I don’t know what is about you, Aidan, but you make me throw caution to the wind. And I like it.”

  * * *

  Keisha looked at her cell phone. No, Maddie didn’t. Something was definitely going on with Maddie and Keisha had to find out what. The thing with Darnell was getting old, and fast. He was beginning to sound like a whining man with no balls. All he talked about was getting Maddie back and how much he wanted the promotion.

  Keisha had to find out if her friend was actually sleeping with Aidan Coles. What a waste, she thought. Aidan was one of the most highly paid wide receivers in the league and all those millions were going to waste. Maddie would never appreciate the lifestyle that came along with a professional football player. All she was interested in was doing volunteer work and her family.

  She dialed Madisyn’s home number and after several rings it went to voice mail. She tried the cell again and got the same response. What was really going on with her friend? Had Darnell scared her so much that she didn’t want to chance a confrontation in public and had become a hermit?

  After not being able to connect with her friend, she tried Darnell. He picked up on the third ring.

  “What is it?” he whispered into the phone. “Why are you calling me now? I thought this was spa day? You’re supposed to be keeping tabs on Maddie.”

  “She bailed on me. I think you’ve frightened her so much that she doesn’t want to go anywhere alone. You’ll never get to her if she doesn’t leave the house.”

  “You let me worry about that. Your job is to keep tabs on her and you’re not doing that. I can’t believe she’d rather be with some dumb jock than me. What’s he got?”

  Keisha laughed. “About forty million dollars, for one. I can’t understand why he would be with Maddie.”

  “Just because she isn’t as skinny as you are doesn’t mean she’s less of a person.”

  “Funny, you weren’t thinking that when you were sleeping with me while you guys were still a couple. In fact, your biggest complaint was that she wasn’t skinny.”

  He sighed. “Hindsight is always twenty-twenty. Now I realize that I had a good thing and I screwed up listening to people like you. When I get her back, she’ll never leave my side again.”

  “So what was I?”

  “Now, Keisha, we both knew the score when you batted those fake eyelashes at me last year. You always have several men on the side. So don’t try to play the victim. You’re not Maddie.” He ended the call.

  Keisha was getting a little tired of everyone hanging up on her before she could respond.

  * * *

  Darnell rolled over in bed. The space next to him was getting cold. Then the woman from the previous night walked out of the bathroom in her birthday suit and slid back in bed beside him. Her flawless brown skin looked sensual cuddling his thousand-thread-count sheets. He instantly thought of the last time Madisyn had been in his bed. He was so stupid to have cheated on her in the first place. Now he was paying a high price for infidelity. Infidelity sex wasn’t worth it.

  “Who was that?”

  “Nobody important.”

  He needed to think and he couldn’t do that with his current bed partner. “Why don’t you run home? I’ll call you later.”

  She slid her slender young body out of bed and began to get dressed. “I need a ride home.”

  Another bad decision he’d made. What was he thinking? This girl was twenty years his junior. He couldn’t talk to her, he could only have sex with her, and it wasn’t that good. He reached for his wallet, took out fifty dollars and threw it on the bed. “This should do it, right?”

  She frowned at him, picked up the money and stuffed in it her tight blue jeans. “No, but another fifty will do it.”

  He shook his head and threw another bill. “For services rendered. You’re just like your sister.”

  “You should know.” She walked out of the room.

  Darnell breathed easier. When he heard the front door slam closed, he eased out of bed, slipped on his boxers and headed downstairs. He wanted to make sure she was out of the house before he started Plan B. He didn’t want any witnesses as his life spiraled out of control.

  * * *

  The aroma of a delicious breakfast woke Madisyn up later that morning. She squinted at the bedside clock. It was after eleven, way past her normal time to get up, especially on a Saturday. It was Saturday, wasn’t it?

  She turned over and decided she could sleep a few more minutes. Her eyes popped open. It was Saturday! She bolted up, glanced around for her clothes, and spotted Aidan walking in the room with a breakfast tray. He was dressed in an oversized T-shirt and a pair of loose-fitting shorts and no shoes. Madisyn pulled the sheet around her body as he neared her.

  “I was beginning to get worried. You’ve been asleep a long time. I hope you’re hungry.” He walked to the bed and placed the tray before her. His lips brushed hers. “Good morning. I won’t ask you how you slept. You look very sensual. I could have you again in lieu of breakfast.” He winked at her.

  If this man only knew what was actually on her mind and tired body, he wouldn’t tempt her. To take her mind off her lusty thoughts she concentrated on breakfast. Knowing that Aidan didn’t cook, she was almost afraid to lift the lid.

  He must have sensed her hesitation and did the honors. “I have to confess I went to the corner shop for the coffee, eggs, bacon and croissants.”

  The food smelled so good, Madisyn wouldn’t have minded what he had to do to get it. She took a bite of the eggs. “They are wonderful, Aidan.”

  He chuckled. “That’s supposed to be enough for two.” He picked up a fork and dug in.

  Madisyn thought it was very erotic for them to share breakfast from the same plate. It was almost like a kiss. But as sexy as it was, nothing was going to lessen her appetite. They ate the meal in silence.

  After Aidan took the dishes downstairs, Madisyn checked in with her brother. Myles didn’t seem surprised to hear her voice.

  “Hey, sis,” Myles said. “I’m guessing everything went well last night at your meeting and you and Aidan had to discuss something in great detail.” He laughed heartily. “I told Mike you were perfectly safe in the arms of a Dallas Cowboy.”

  “Must you put all my business on the street?” She couldn’t help it, she started laughing as well. “Anything else happen?”

  “Well, yeah, Keisha called a couple of times, but I let the machine pick it up. Then I could have sworn I heard someone at your back door, but when I went to check it out, no one was there.”

  She nodded. “Yeah, Keisha called me on my cell. She wanted to know if
I was going to the spa.”

  “I thought it was weird she called so many times. Most people would probably try once or twice, but five times is excessive.”

  For most normal people, she would agree with her brother. Unfortunately, when Keisha wanted to talk about Keisha, she didn’t give up until she got you. “You don’t know her. This is normal.”

  “Women.”

  * * *

  After finally convincing Aidan that she needed to go home and change, he took her home. The ride in the SUV was quiet; not tension-filled, just quiet. They were both probably thinking about the night before and how everything had changed between them.

  Although she had known him only a few weeks, Madisyn felt closer to him than she ever could have to Darnell. Not only did they did have so much in common, but Aidan made her feel that she was the most beautiful woman in the world.

  Madisyn unlocked her front door with Aidan close behind her. To her surprise her brother was nowhere to be seen. “I guess Myles had to go out.” After locking the door, she led him to the couch.

  Aidan shrugged. “Another brother, I take it. Mike told me someone would be staying here at night.”

  Madisyn didn’t want Aidan to think that she didn’t trust him, but she didn’t want him to feel obligated to stay with her when he had other plans. “I just don’t want to become a burden to you, Aidan. You’re doing so much for me and my family, I wanted to give you space.”

  He took a seat on the sofa with a sigh. “For the record, Madisyn, you’re not a burden. I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I’m an adult and know what I’m doing. I’m here because I want to be and no other reason. Okay?”

  She sat next to him. “Thank you, Aidan. I just wanted to be sure. It’s funny, we haven’t known each other that long, but I feel very close to you.”

  He pulled her into his arms. “Glad to hear it, baby.” He kissed her. “What would you like to do today?”

  “How about your lesson? We could do it here.”

  He smiled at the innuendo. Madisyn quickly backtracked. “I meant the cooking lesson.”

  The grin faded away. “I was so hoping,” he said. “But we can do the lesson here.”

  She eased out of his embrace and stood. “Great. You sit tight and I’ll go change, then we’ll start your lesson.”

  Aidan nodded and reached for the TV remote. “I’ll be waiting right here.”

  And that’s where she found him later, watching the sports channel. He stood the minute she entered the living room. “You look good enough to eat.”

  “Thank you, Aidan.” She looked down at her tank top and jeans. She had wanted to be comfortable. Since her kitchen wasn’t as large as Aidan’s, things might get heated. Or at least a girl could hope. “Ready for your next lesson?”

  “You bet. Lead the way.”

  Madisyn did just that. “Today we’re going to make a fritatta. It’s almost like a quiche without the crust.”

  “Cool.”

  After they entered the kitchen, Madisyn grabbed all the necessary items: eggs, bell peppers, breakfast sausage, cheese, green onions and jalapeno peppers. She laughed at Aidan’s surprised expression. “It’s really easy, you’ll see. This can be served for breakfast or brunch.”

  “Great. Usually I’m a late sleeper on the weekends.”

  Madisyn smiled. “And here I thought you were an early riser on all occasions.” She opened the cabinet in search of a mixing bowl and cutting board.

  Aidan took the items out of her hand and placed them on the counter. “Only when you’re in my bed.”

  That was what she got for flirting, she reminded herself. Now that she’d started the game of innuendo, what was she going to do? She was going to continue the cooking lesson. “Okay, Aidan, you can chop up the onions and bell peppers. I’ll cook the breakfast sausage.” She needed something to do with her hands or they’d get her in a world of trouble. She started cooking the meat, sneaking a peek at Aidan. Unfortunately, he was looking directly at her.

  “After you kiss me, I’ll do anything you ask.” He leaned down to claim his prize.

  Madisyn moved out of his reach. “Don’t I get say-so in this kissing business?” She tried to look serious, but knew she was probably wearing a goofy smile just like him.

  Aidan kissed her. “You can say all you want, baby, but I’m still going to kiss you.” And he did. “Again and again, until we both can’t breathe.”

  She moaned against his lips. The idea sounded wonderful but she didn’t want them to be just about sex. “Cooking lesson,” she reminded him. “We have to finish this.”

  “Which this?” He smiled down at her just before he kissed her. “This?”

  “No, the frittata,” Madisyn said. She wanted to say the kisses.

  “All right. You win this time.” He resumed his chore of chopping the peppers. “We’ll have this conversation again.” He winked at her.

  She took a deep breath. This was going to be a lot harder than she had imagined. What was she thinking inviting him into her home, especially after they’d just had sex who knew how many times the night before and that morning?

  “Honey?”

  Madisyn snapped back to reality when she heard Aidan’s voice finally filter through. She stared at him, noticing that he was no longer chopping vegetables. “What is it?”

  He pointed at the smoke now filling the kitchen. “You’re burning the meat.” He took the skillet off the fire. “Are you okay?” The next sound they heard was her very efficient newly installed alarm system alerting the fire department.

  “Oh, no,” Madisyn groaned. “Now the police and fire department will be here. How will I explain you?”

  He pulled her in his arms and comforted her. “Baby, everything will be just fine. It’s just the smoke alarm. Besides, don’t worry about me. Losing my privacy doesn’t mean crap if I don’t have you.”

  He dropped his arms and stood back from her. That bright smile had changed to a scowl. “You still don’t get it, do you?”

  Madisyn shook her head, wondering what she’d had done to make him so upset with her.

  He stepped closer to her. Then in a movement too fast to be recorded in her brain, he picked her up and hugged her.

  She was too dizzy. Her brain was on fast forward as he started swinging her around. “Aidan, I’m going to throw up.”

  Only then did he let her feet hit the floor. “I just wanted to say that I love you.”

  CHAPTER 22

  I love you.

  Madisyn had played the phrase in her head countless times since Aidan left her place, and it still made her heart beat faster. After he’d said it, she’d expected him to take it back, but he didn’t. How could something that started as friendship a few weeks ago turn into love so fast?

  She had no idea, and that frightened her. Being this involved with Aidan was going to cause problems for them both somewhere down the line and they’d have to be ready.

  Madisyn felt confident she could handle anything life threw at her. She’d definitely had enough practice with Darnell. And this time she had Aidan’s love to shield her heart.

  And that was a first.

  She glanced at her wall clock and realized her dad would be coming to pick her up in less than an hour. Her father, like all the overprotective men in her family, refused to let her drive to her childhood home.

  “I’ll pick you up. It will be just like a real date. I know I can’t compare to a Dallas Cowboy, but I’m pretty darn close,” he’d told her hours earlier.

  So Madisyn had relented and agreed to let her dad pick her up. It felt as if it had been ages since she’d driven her car and it looked as if it would be a while longer. She almost wished Darnell would make his move and they could get the show on the road.

  Her father arrived promptly at seven. He was dressed in a dark suit and looked very distinguished. “Hey, baby, you’re not dressed yet.” He nodded at her blue jeans and short-sleeved shirt.

  “Well, yeah,
” Madisyn said. “I was going for totally casual.”

  “Not on my watch,” he said. “Just because you’ve given your heart to Aidan, it doesn’t mean you’re supposed to dress like a starving college student. I don’t think you dressed like that when you were in college. You never know, Plan B could be just around the corner.”

  She knew it was a losing battle. “I’ll change clothes, Dad. Take a seat.”

  Her dad nodded and took a seat. “That was easy. I’ll be right here, baby girl.”

  Having been bought up a good Christian girl, Madisyn couldn’t really say what she wanted to say. She wanted to tell her father that she didn’t want to change and felt she looked presentable to go out to a restaurant, but instead she was going to change her clothes.

  When she returned to the living room her father was nowhere to be found. She looked in the living room, the den, and the guest bedroom. She was about to open her front door when she heard a loud clanging noise coming from the garage.

  Hoping that Darnell hadn’t lost what little brain he had left and tried to hurt her beloved father, Madisyn hurried to the noise. The scene almost took her breath away. Her garage door was open for starters, but the thing that made her world tilt counterclockwise was her father sprawled on the cement floor, out cold.

  “Daddy!” Madisyn ran to her father, who began to slowly regain consciousness. “What happened?”

  He shook off the pain and struggled to sit up, running a shaky hand over his head. “Heard a noise, thought it might have been Aidan. So I went to have a talk with him. But someone jumped me.”

  Madisyn wiped tears from her eyes as she helped her father to his feet. “How do you feel?”

  Ben laughed. “I’ve got one hell of a headache. I could use some aspirin.”

  She looked her father over with a careful eye. Except for the large knot growing on the back of his head, he looked okay. “Daddy, are you sure we don’t need to go to the hospital?”

  “Yes, baby girl, I’m not hurt that bad. We’d better call the cops, though. It might not have been Darnell, but I’d bet my retirement fund that he knows who it was.”