Maddy took in the stunningly landscaped,appealing entry that her parents had lovingly created and refreshedover the years. The circular drive, flanked with mature, nativetrees and colorful shrubs, led to the welcoming entry. Although afew miles from the ocean, she could still smell the soothing scentof the sea air, mingling with thriving lavender warmed by the sun.From the back patio, she knew she would see a view of the ocean inthe distance.
The tall, heavy oak door sounded the familiarsqueak of its aging hinges as she let herself in. She gratefullyappreciated the empty foyer as she stepped into the house.Peaceful, but she knew not for long. She took a moment to steadyherself with a few extra calming breaths before braving thecrowd.
The soothing atmosphere of her childhood homehelped to calm her nerves. To the right, the large antique diningroom table was clean and polished, the opening to the kitchen justbeyond. To the left, she noted the newly re-decorated living roomwith camel leather sofas around an intricatetree-stump-topped-with-glass coffee table sitting on the plushwhite carpet. The cozy couches offered plenty of seating,surrounding the grand fireplace. A large bouquet of fresh flowersadded a friendly splash of color.
That lovely arrangement wouldn't have lastedlong when there were 3 young kids terrorizing the place. Shepictured next Christmas morning with the new furniture. The pastfew Christmas's, it was just the four of them. Ronan hadn't beenhome in years. Maddy knew her parents grieved his absence, andwished he'd call more than the twice-yearly check-in.
With a gentle gust of wind, the sound oflaughter trailed in as the patio door blew open. Yes, the party wasin full swing. Clearly very happy guests; her parents werewell-loved and knew how to entertain. Maddy hung her purse on theoverburdened coat rack, hoping hers would not be the straw to breakthe camel's back. She turned and squared her shoulders to join theothers on the patio.
Movement coming from the kitchen stopped herin her tracks. She could sense him before she saw him, her spideysenses on alert. No one else made her heart thunder quite sorapidly.
Her heart leapt into her throat. Words… and,well, the ability to think entirely, flew right out of her brain asshe saw him come around the corner. She hadn't seen Chase in over adecade, and here he was, walking right out of her parent's kitchenlike he owned the place. Never lacked for confidence, that one.
He'd certainly filled out nicely. He’d alwaysbeen pretty built for his age, but it was a more… mature build now.His black button-down shirt was modern and sleek without beingostentatious; it hugged his broad shoulders and allowed her a senseof some impressive abs. He looked sharp in the black shirt andcargo khakis. The rugged stubble of a beard, albeit nicely trimmedin acknowledgment of the more formal occasion, added an edge shewas thrilled to see he hadn't lost. His deep blue eyes held thatsame edge. Less angry than they had been when last she saw him, butno softer. He'd attempted to tame his sandy blond hair, but it hadalready gone wild.
***
Chase walked out of the kitchen, carrying twohandfuls of beers by the neck. So far, the party hadn't been sobad. He'd assigned himself to serving drinks and manning the BBQwith Aiden, thereby avoiding any deep conversation with anyone hemay have pissed off before he left town.
Chase was caught completely off guard as hestrolled out of the kitchen and saw Maddy. Frank and Laura hademailed pictures over the years, especially when Frank upgraded toa smart phone and sent him ten photos a day. The photos werenothing compared to Maddy in person.
Long chestnut hair a few inches past hershoulders, smoky liner accenting her ice-blue eyes. Damn… that bodyin the snug blue dress – it went down below her knees but huggedher in all the right places.
In the shock of seeing her, the beers he'dbeen carrying back to the party started to slip. He tried tomaintain his grip–and his dignity–but one got loose and slipped outof his hands. Miraculously, he managed to slow it's tumble byrolling it down his leg, catching it with his foot, thus preventinga dramatic crash and shatter as it hit the tile floor.
With the reflexes of a tiger, Maddy steppedcloser and bent to pick up the beer that was rolling under the sofatable. Although failing miserably, he tried not to stare. But hertop was just low enough that his eyes were drawn in, catching aquick glimpse down her top.
Maddy had filled out nicely since he saw herlast. She was no longer the tomboy he'd competed with in beachracing and tree climbing. Her tight blue dress accentuated herlithe body and highlighted her subtle curves and long limbs.
He quickly averted his eyes as she stood backup. She calmly set the beer on the sofa table and turned backtoward him. His heartbeat took on an unpredictable rhythm whentheir eyes met. Her icy blue eyes were a bit more knowing than theyhad been. Sharper and full of secrets. What had she been up to thepast decade?
She was a cop now, and he'd heard she wasgreat at it. Despite a rough freshmen year, she’d managed tograduate from college early. She’d made detective in record time inSeattle, but had come back home last year, as she had alwaysplanned. She'd always been independent and too mature for her age,but the hint of wariness was new since he saw her last.
His expression softened, as he realized howmuch he had missed her. How much he hoped she'd missed him too. Notthat they'd ever really been romantic. As his best friend’s babysister, she’d been off limits.
…Probably still was.
Maybe…
Except for her sixteenth birthday. He'd beentrying to ignore she and her friends playing spin the bottle; hewas way too cool for such nonsense, of course. But when he'd seenshe was set to kiss with that herpes-infected, braces-wearing moronthat had been staring at her boobs in the strappy tank top allnight, he couldn't help it.
He'd about thrown the Xbox controller to getto her before that dumbshit had the chance. He told himself he'dbeen playing hero. He knew better now. He had wanted to be herfirst kiss, had wanted to know her taste, even if only once.
He had no idea what to say to her now.Managing to not stare with his mouth gaping open, he managed,"Maddy... wow... it's good to see you."
She warmly smiled back, "Chase, hey. You lookamazing. I can't believe you're back." She paused, looking himover. His imagination went nuts, but his thoughts were quicklydoused. "I know Dad's thrilled to have a partner. Aiden has beendriving me nuts. It’s been a challenge to get him to leave thehouse since he's been back. Maybe if we both gang up on him, he'llcome back to the world of the living." She was friendly andcasual.
She must not feel the same sense ofdisequilibrium that he did. Like he'd surfaced too quickly andhadn't been watching his regulator. Like he’d succumb to nitrogennarcosis.
Her eyes swept downward, "I think I'll avoidthe shaken one. Are those spoken for, or can I snag one?"
His cock twitched in his new, now feelingtoo-tight khaki pants as her gaze lingered in the area. His breathcaught in his throat, his imagination running on overdrive as heimagined Maddy slowly lowering his zipper, hiking up that tightdress and begging him to take her against the back of thecouch.
Trying to shake off the fantasy, he triedpicturing her as his best friend’s sweet little sister, whichdidn't work.
She'd played a major role in his fantasiesover the years. Her fierce attitude and incredible body had gottenhim through some rough times. Live and in living color, standing infront of him, it suddenly became way more difficult tonotimagine her naked.
He closed his eyes for a brief moment toclear his head. Breathe in, hold, breathe out. She may be all grownup and sexy as hell, but still wasn't for him. He hadn't been goodenough to even be her friend ten years ago, and he was certainlynot good enough to be more than that now. He'd found peace after adecade of facing death on a daily basis, but still hadn't provenhimself as worthy of Maddy McAllister.
