She’d looked almost angry on his behalf until he’d threaded their fingers together, a small, genuine smile tugging at his lips.
Equally angrily, Madison had then proceeded to invite him to her house for board games with her grandma and food. Her earlier mood had bled into her invitation which had made her look like a disgruntled kitten. But at Nate’s chuckle, her expression had eased and she’d relaxed into her usual self.
The movie had been surprisingly fun, even though Nate’s attention had frequently strayed towards the girl in his arms, unable to not notice her cute reactions and absolute delight at certain scenes.
And that small, soft kiss on his jaw had almost destroyed every self-control he possessed, goosebumps breaking out all over his skin.
Nate sighed and rubbed his hands over his face.
This was definitely not the right way to try and get some sleep.
***
A few days later, Nate was ringing the doorbell at Madison’s house.
He’d been here once before to pick her up but he’d never seen what the interior was like. He couldn’t deny that he was mildly curious for a peek in her everyday life.
Thumping feet were Nate’s only warning before the door sprang open and Madison’s flushed face filled his vision.
“I want to apologize in advance for whatever happens here tonight.”
“Should I turn around and run for the car?”
Madison seemed to hesitate briefly before she laughed a bit shrilly. “No, don’t be ridiculous, no need for that.”
“Why do I not feel reassured then?”
Maddy sighed and smiled at him. “I’m sorry. I’m being silly. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Should I come in, then?”
“Oh God, yes, of course come in,” she said, ushering him in.
After taking his jacket and hanging it by the door, she turned a shy look at him that made his blood boil, and pushed herself on her toes to softly kiss his cheek, right at the corner of his lips. Her shy look turned mischievous as she said, “hi” in a private tone.
His arm shot out to keep her close as she started to pull away, unable to keep himself from breathing her in, her floral scent making him almost drunk.
“You’re a menace,” Nate said hoarsely, his eyes devouring every inch of her face.
Her quiet laugh did nothing to calm the rush of blood in his veins.
“I should hope so.”
“Did you get lost on the way to the door, Maddy?” a slightly amused voice called from somewhere further inside the house.
They both looked at each other before a snicker bubbled up. They were behaving like teenagers more and more every day.
Nate let Maddy lead the way while he took in his surroundings.
Everywhere his eyes landed on told him that it looked like a house well-loved, lived-in by people who took care of it but at the same time weren’t afraid to let little imperfections be visible.
It looked like a house that really suited her.
They reached the kitchen where a short, old lady with a puff of grayish hair was tinkering with different pots and pans, preparing something that had no right smelling so mouth-watering. A kind, wrinkly face turned towards them as they entered the kitchen, smiling in that all-knowing way grandmas usually did.
“You must be Nate,” she said, waving a sauce-covered spatula at him.
Was it Nate’s idea or did the spatula look slightly menacing?
