Is it possible I’m ready to give love a chance?
“Do you believe in fate, Maddie?” Lucas asked when I was starting to walk away.
“No, Lucas, I don’t believe in fate,” I smiled at him, winking. “I believe that chance favors the prepared mind”
I looked back one time when I was exiting the bar and he was standing tall, his hands tucked into his pocket, staring at me with a heat in his eyes unlike anything I have ever seen. It was almost like he wanted to eat me alive.
“I’ll remember that for our next meeting, Sweet Maddie,” he growled, loud enough that a few heads in the bar turned toward him. Somehow, I knew he meant it.
I hoped I’d be ready if I ever ran into Lucas Walters again. Not likely though, this is a town of six million people.
What are the odds that I would see Maddie walking into that bar with Caroline, just as I was leaving a meeting with Jason? I’m glad they didn’t run into each other. The paperwork and legal mess trying to fold Maddie into the company like Jason wants is taking longer than expected.
He wanted to rush the paperwork so when he met her he could give her the world. His lawyer and I explained a few harsh truths to Jason over the last week and, finally, he agreed to slow down and let me take the lead.
There were some things that I discovered once I made a trip down to her hometown and had a meeting with her aunt and uncle. Lisa and Joe were very protective of Maddie but once I told them who I was and why I was disturbing their peaceful life, they reluctantly agreed to a talk to me.
During our conversation, Lisa was hesitant to speak with me about Sara and Jason or how she and Joe came to have Maddie. I gave her the version of the story I had heard from Jason and it was only then that Lisa began to talk. Sara was more aware about the threats against her and the baby than Jason or I even could contemplate. Her trip to see Jason when Maddie was an infant completely altered Sara’s path to reconciliation. Jason was flaunting beautiful women around the city, splashing his face across all the newspapers, and throwing extravagant parties, while Sara was struggling to come to terms with being a single mother.
It was only when Sara was so ill she knew the end was near did she try to reach out to Jason. Her hope was that Jason would be able to protect Maddie, but Jason was still dealing with enemies and threats. His actions that night are what had Maddie so broken and feeling unlovable. After listening to Lisa and Joe, I told them of my intentions with Maddie. Joe seemed to be on my side more than Lisa. It took him reminding her of their own love story for Lisa to agree that sometimes love at first sight exists. They made me promise to never hurt her. Theremayhave been threats of physical violence to my person.
I had to fix this mess with her and Jason and I needed to make sure thatIam the one she runs to when confronted with the truth, that may hurt her beyond reason, and pray that she is still by my side, holding my hand, when it is over.
I’m not giving up until I give her the family and love she deserves and I refused to live my life without her.
All I wanted to do when I sat down next to her was draw her into my arms and kiss her until she was breathless. I felt like I have loved this woman for my entire life, only she has no idea who I am. Fate was working on my side.
Our conversation allowed me to see Maddie deeper than the investigative reports and personal conversations would ever have allow. I was able to smell her perfume, with hints of gardenia and something that was fuzzing my brain with dopamine.
I could look into her blue eyes all day and get lost in the changing colors. Sometimes the color of the sky and other times, bordering on grey. They actually sparkled when she spoke and I was in awe at her beauty.
When I found out she was giving up her Friday so Caroline was safe on a date, I knew the truth she was about to face would make her stronger person. She would be able to help more people and lead a life that would have made Sara proud.
I caught myself starring at the hallway, almost willing her to reappear.
I wondered if she could feel the energy between us when I kissed her hand. Lightning is the only way to describe it. A sudden and sharp bolt of lightning that went straight to my heart.
I exhaled the breath I had been holding when I saw her and Caroline come walking down the hallway.
Coming up to get her coat, I glanced to see Caroline and her date walking out. I guessed they were headed to dinner or a movie. Fantastic! Now I would have some time to get to know Maddie without feeling like she had to be on alert for Caroline.
Even though Lisa and Joe explained how close those two really are, I was amazed the depth of love they expressed for each other.
“I took the liberty of having the bartender move your wine behind the counter when you got up so that it was safe to drink when you got back.” I motioned for the bartender to return the drink I’d had him safely tuck behind the bar.
Even though this is a nicer place, I didn’t want anyone to try and slip anything in her drink. I would do everything in my power to protect her from those who wish to bring harm upon her.
“I saw you leave and your drink has not been touched at all.” The bartender explains as he sets my drink back down in front of her.
She looks up at me with a bright smile.
“Thank you but I’m going to head home now. I’d like to settle my tab, please” she said to the bartender, setting her credit card down.
She looked flushed and almost nervous.
“You can’t stay for a little while? I saw that your friend and her date just left and I was hoping you would have time for another drink or maybe dinner.” I asked her, rushing the words out, trying to get her to stay.
“Not tonight, but I really appreciate the offer.” As she put her coat on and began to walk toward the exit.
