Post by Admin on Sept 25, 2014 17:45:44 GMT -5
The weeks after the fight with Maddie passed in a haze of pain, David was still too raw, hurt and angry to miss her but as time marched on and his wounds slowly healed the old misery started creeping back. Maybe it had been wrong to fall back on what they did best together – mind blowing sex – before they let go of all the old hurts, regrets and resentment. But rehashing the past and baring his soul was hard for him to do. David knew that they couldn’t sweep the past under the rug forever. Even though the last two years had been filled with misunderstanding and hurt, he was fearful of opening old sores; but he should have realized those sores had never healed – and now there was a dense layer of scar tissue that was thicker and deeper than the original injuries. As time marched on and his own heart seemed to ache from all the lesions David wondered if he should go to her- lay his battered heart on the line and apology for the jerk he had been. But when he thought about how cruel and cutting her words had been he couldn’t muster up the desire to try and make things right between them. Maybe it was too late. Maybe he had to accept they were not supposed to be together after all and all his talk of kismet was just a load of crap. This time around David didn’t even have the strength to put on his bulletproof charade for the staff. Struggling with the agony and hurt over another lost opportunity with Maddie was all he could cope with – the intense sadness and remorse seemed worse now since he had held her in his arms again. He only hoped that the ache in his heart would lessen someday.
***
Maddie refused to let what had happened with David break her. She had known deep inside that she was making a mistake giving him another chance but her heart and body went against her brain’s warnings. She tried to convince herself that it was a good thing they had tried to rekindle their relationship – or whatever it was that had been between them – because now she had to accept that it was never meant to be. Too much hurt and resentment lay between them and David was not one to hash things over or bare his soul so these hurts and resentments could never be truly resolved. And therefore they could never make it together; Maddie was trying to be logical and not admit that she was a shattered woman with a broken heart.
Despite her earlier misgivings about her boss, Maddie decided to give Phil Diamond a chance. After all what did she have to lose? Her job at Diamond was going well and now that she had resolved to forget David and give her boss a go maybe she would have a chance at happiness before it was too late. Phil Diamond was a good man – nice and harmless and didn’t make her feel like she was speeding down the tracks of a rollercoaster. When she was with Phil she knew she was still in control of her body and her emotions and she liked that. He was safe and for now that was all she wanted.
***
David put all his concentration and his mind on Blue Moon and making it the number one agency in Los Angeles. Although he would never admit it, he intended to show Maddie Hayes that he was a man to be reckoned with and not the dumb, unsuccessful, irresponsible lout she thought he was. Maddie really didn’t think of David that way at all but to his mind he would never be good enough for the supermodel turned detective. For the past several weeks he had spent most of his nights working with the younger detectives – showing them the ropes and teaching them surveillance skills. It kept his mind off of Maddie and didn’t leave him with a wicked hangover like Tequila. But he knew from experience that even the best Tequila couldn’t wipe out the memory of creamy skin and cornflower blue eyes. And other woman were just a poor substitute for the woman he really wanted – David had been with enough women over the years to know that having them in his arms instead of the woman he loved was akin to pleasuring himself - it got the job done but it left him feeling just lonelier and empty inside - so David hadn’t been with a woman since Maddie. He had no desire to have another woman in his arms; he didn’t want to hear another woman’s moans, feel another woman’s arms wrapped around him. David hoped that he would feel differently soon but for now he kept his pants zipped and his head on his work.
That Friday afternoon David was sitting with his feet up on his desk wrapped deeply in his own thoughts and didn’t even hear the knock on his office door. A few seconds later he looked up to see the curly head of Agnes peeking in.
“Are you ok Mr. Addison?” Agnes slowly opened the door and walked into David’s office. She was worried about him. A few weeks back when he was working with Miss Hayes he once again was the David Addison she had always known – funny, happy and living his life to the fullest. Although David may have fooled everyone else during those months after Miss Hayes left, Agnes could see right through him. And despite her annoyance at her boss she had been sad and worried but when he was paired up with Miss Hayes during that licensing class Mr. Addison had returned to life. Agnes had been over the moon when she had a quick lunch with Maddie Hayes and saw that her old boss had a happy look in her eyes that had been missing since she left Blue Moon. Of course Maddie and Agnes still spoke and got together occasionally; they had become too close over the course of the years to forget their friendship. But something must have happened between her two stubborn bosses again because now both of them were once again miserable – this time Mr. Addison was not even pretending to be ok and she thought Miss Hayes was trying too hard…What was wrong with those two knuckleheads that they always managed to screw up their lives??? Agnes saw David nod slowly at her question.
“Yeah Agnes. I’m ok. Right as rain.” David threw her his lop sided grin but even he could feel how fake it must look but he didn’t care. He ran his hands through his hair and threw his feet down to the floor. “So why are you here so late? Bertie Boy headed home right after his meeting with the client.”
Agnes ignored his question, “what are you going to do this weekend? Bert and I are having a few friends over tomorrow night for a barbeque. Will you come?” Agnes hadn’t planned on having friends over but suddenly an idea sprung into her curly top.
David started to shake his head but when he saw the hurt and slightly angry look in his quirky friend’s eyes he began to nod, he sighed, “I guess I can make it for a few minutes. But I might have to leave early. I have a hot date but she’s not the backyard barbeque type if you get my drift.” He lied.
Hot date? Well as long as he doesn’t bring her to the party its ok, Agnes thought as she nodded. “Great! Great! See you around 5!” and with that she left quickly heading to the phone to call her other guests.
***
Maddie walked slowly into the Viola backyard holding Phil’s hand; she was looking forward to seeing how he would get along with her old friends and colleagues. It never even crossed her mind that David would be at the gathering since Agnes knew that Maddie never wanted to set eyes on him ever again. She looked around and saw that most of the Blue Moon staff was already there along with one or two people who were unfamiliar. Maddie waved and smiled at everyone. They all waved back and shouted greetings. They hadn’t seen Maddie since her last day at Blue Moon.
Maddie immediately headed toward Agnes and Bert who were busy preparing for the barbeque; Agnes was putting ice in a cooler while Bert was starting up the grill. When Agnes saw Maddie enter the yard with a tall, handsome man she felt her stomach clench. The reason for this impromptu barbeque was to get Maddie and David together and talking but now it appeared that her former blonde boss had thrown a monkey wrench into those plans. Agnes forced a smile to her face as she looked up at the tall man who was extending a bottle of wine to her. “Hi I’m Agnes.”
Maddie held tightly to Phil’s arm, “this is Phil Diamond.” Maddie told Agnes and Bert. “He owns Diamond… the modeling agency.” Maddie smiled up at Phil.
“Oh isn’t that the model agency where you’re working now?” Agnes’ eyes bored into Maddie’s making her feel a bit uncomfortable. Maybe it hadn’t been smart to bring Phil to this gathering knowing how Agnes and Bert felt about David. But they needed to realize that there was nothing left between her and David Addison. She was free to date anyone she pleased.
Bert wasn’t very happy that his idol’s lady had brought another man with her. Who was this clown? “Boss?” Bert’s dark brown eyes were aimed at Maddie’s hand on Phil’s arm. Maddie almost felt as if Bert’s gaze was burning her hand. She slowly moved it off of Phil’s arm. And damn did it look like Viola nodded his scruffy head.
Agnes gave Bert her ‘STOP’ stare; she knew that her husband was even more upset over Maddie bringing a man with her since he had always idolized David Addison. He wouldn’t want David to see Maddie with someone else knowing how his beloved boss still felt about her.
Agnes hurried Maddie and Phil over to the other guests and waved them to sit down, “let me get you a glass of this delicious wine.” She lifted the bottle of wine up as she made a bee line to her husband was still trying to light the coals. He never could start a grill he lamented to himself then he heard Agnes whisper in his ear, “what are we going to do now?”
Bert sent an evil look Phil’s way, “no worries my blushing bride, Mr. Addison will be here soon and he will do away with that interloper,” he spat out the word, “just like he got rid of the spaceman.”
Agnes’ shook her head, “this is different Bert.”
Bert shook his untidy mop of hair, “you’ll see my love.”
Agnes wasn’t so sure of Bert’s notion but she didn’t want to argue and then something else flitted through her mind, “do you think he’s even coming?”
Bert shook his mop of curls and whispered back, “Love Kitten, you know that Mr. Addison is always tardy. Why should tonight be any difference?” He looked at his wife with adoration, “don’t worry a curl on your lovely head. He will be here or I think he would have called.”
Agnes frowned, “we’re talking about Mr. Addison.”
Bert was just about to answer when the front gate banged open pouring the object of their conversation into the yard.
Maddie’s head jerked up with the sudden commotion and she thought she was seeing things. David? She had never thought to ask Agnes who she had invited to this small gathering but knowing what she knew Maddie couldn’t believe that Agnes would think that she wanted to see him. But Maddie tried to placate herself by figuring that she could lose herself in conversation with the other guests and could totally ignore David Addison. But she couldn’t help but take a peek at him from under her long lashes. Dressed in a pair of tight faded jeans and a form fitting t-shirt, David exuded sexiness. She shook off the sudden pang in her heart and her loins and turned her face away.
David saw the blonde from the corner of his eye. He would know that profile anywhere. Maddie? Why was she here? He didn’t think that she would ever agree to come to a dinner where he was included. His heart began to pound in anticipation.
Agnes ran over to David who gave her an expensive bottle of tequila. “Mr. Addison! You’re here.”
David threw her a crooked grin as he spun around, “in the flesh. And call me David when we’re not on the job!”
Agnes nodded and kissed his cheek, she whispered in his ear, “maybe you can give Bert a hand with the grill,” she nodded to the still black coals, “If you don’t we might not be eating until Christmas Day.”
David made his way to Bert who was cursing under his breath as he poured lighter fluid over the coals. “Bertie boy!” David helped Bert with the grill and Agnes made her way to Maddie with two large glasses of wine.
Maddie took her glass of wine from Agnes then excused herself from Phil who was having a conversation with Ferguson about surveillance techniques. She took Agnes by the arm and led her away from the others, she forced a fake smile to her face but Agnes could see that Maddie was upset, “you should have told me that he was going to be here!”
Agnes looked at Maddie closely then told her in her usual blunt way, “then you wouldn’t have come.”
“You’re right Agnes, I wouldn’t have come. I never wanted to lay eyes on that man again!” Maddie sighed, “why Agnes? You know the way I feel about him?”
Agnes looked deep into Maddie’s eyes, “I do but do you?”
Maddie’s face turned red, “and what does that mean?”
“It means what it means.”
“Now you sound like David.” Maddie snapped not wanting to make a scene but wanting to bolt out of Agnes’ yard. She pulled away from Agnes and headed back to Phil and the others with her fake model’s smile firmly in place.
David had the coals in flames almost immediately and that just put him higher on the pedestal for Bert Viola who was now practically fawning over his idol. “Mr. Addison, sir, I mean David. You are a prince among men.” He was looking at David who really wasn’t paying much attention to Bert he was too busy trying to scope out Maddie from the corner of his eyes, “you are a renaissance man, a jack of all trades.”
A sharp stab hit David in the middle of his stomach when he realized Maddie had brought her boss to the barbeque. What was this? He had been so certain that they had purely a business relationship. Maybe he had been wrong but he didn’t think so…but anyway she was with him now and it was like his heart was splintering in a thousand pieces. But of course the Addison bulletproof mask covered any hurt he might be feeling as he made a bee line to Maddie and her ‘date’.
Bert was still talking and was unaware that he had lost his audience until Agnes appeared at his side and grabbed his elbow. “Uh oh this can’t be good.” She nodded her head toward David who was heading toward Maddie and the others.
Bert’s eyes followed David hoping he would do something about that man that Maddie had brought with her. “It will be ok love bunny,” he reached for his wife’s hand and brought it to his lips. Agnes wasn’t so sure. The idea for this barbeque was turning sour in her mind.
David neared the table and lawn chairs where the Blue Moon staff and Maddie and that man were sitting to a chorus of, “hello Mr. Addison. Glad you’re here!” David turned on his killer panty melting grin as she turned to Maddie and her date, “Maddie,” he nodded to her. She nodded back abruptly then turned her face and tried to continue her conversation with Phil but David extended his hand toward the other man before Maddie could catch his attention away from David, “nice to finally meet you. Maddie has spoken very highly of you.” David told him with his devilish smile riding up the side of his face, “you’re Bill Emerald. Her boss at the model agency right?”
Maddie’s head snapped around, “actually it’s Phil Diamond.”
Phil looked at David with no recognition. He shook David’s hand slowly. “Have we met?”
David shook his head slowly, “Guess Maddie isn’t up to introductions tonight. I’m David Addison. Maddie’s old business partner and pal.” He looked down at Maddie who was shooting blue bullets at him with her eyes,
David’s smirk broadened, “yep partner and good, very good pal.” And with a wink he flopped into a lawn year next to Phil. “Yo! Bertie Boy can you throw me a beer over here?” David cupped his hand over his mouth and yelled to Viola.
Maddie heard the words spurting out of her mouth before she could stop them, “are you crippled. Get it yourself.”
David laughed shortly, “Maddie. Maddie. Maddie.” He shook his head slowly as those damn green eyes looked her up and down. “You for one should know that my legs are just fine…” he raised his eyebrows lasciviously, “among other body parts.”
Maddie felt her face grow hot and she knew that redness covered her neck like a winter scarf but she ignored his innuendo.
Bert ran over with a bottle of beer and tossed it to David who caught it, flipped off the cap and took a long pull. “Ahhh that hit the spot.” He winked at Maddie then turned his attention to the rest of the guests. And as usual David took over the conversation and became the center of attention. No one could entertain a group of people like David.
Finally, the food was ready and everyone ate heartily – except Maddie. She couldn’t help but feel sharp pangs of regret and sadness as she caught up with the Blue Moon staff. It seemed as if the agency was getting along great without her. She had to close her eyes to stop the tears that were pricking behind her eyelids when she realized that she was not even missed at the agency which had once been her whole life. And seeing David looking so happy and carefree made her feel like she had never mattered to any of them – especially David Addison. She kept on her bright smile and tried to eat the food on her plate but there was what felt like a huge lump in her throat that was preventing her from swallowing. She noticed with sadness that David didn’t seem to have any trouble eating his food. She had an urge to claw out those laughing green eyes.
Although David was not the slightest bit hungry he pretended to eat with gusto. He couldn’t help but notice that Maddie had hardly eaten a thing…maybe she was upset about him being at the barbeque or she was so in love with that boring ass that she had no appetite for food. Either scenario was bad. He felt a deep sadness well up in him that he immediately pushed away. David made his way back over to Maddie and Phil Diamond. He couldn’t stand not knowing what they really were to each other. And he couldn’t keep away from Maddie. She was wearing a pair of leggings with an oversized sweater and she looked so sexy and beautiful that he ached to touch her. Trying hard to control the beast in his pants and the pounding of his heart he approached the couple with a false spring in his step.
Maddie saw David heading her way and almost choked on the bit of burger she was trying to swallow. Her head was telling her to run but she would not give David the satisfaction of leaving the barbeque early. To hell with him.
“So Bill,” David flopped in the empty lawn chair next to Phil Diamond and across from Maddie…
“It’s Phil.” Maddie shot at him with a withering look. “And why are you here David?”
“Got to be somewhere and here seems like an interesting place.” He shrugged nonchalantly those amazing green eyes boring into her blue ones.
Maddie could see the smirk at the corner of his mouth and the amusement and spite in his eyes and she felt sick to her stomach. “We’re boring. Go away David.”
Phil laughed. “We’re hardly boring,” he took her hand which made David see green and red which he hid with some effort, “and why are you being so rude to this nice young man?”
David lifted his eyebrows as the smirk broadened, “I’m wondering the same thing.”
Phil only knew that David Addison had been Maddie’s partner in the detective agency she had worked at for five years. Maddie had told him that she was tired of playing sleuth and had let David buy her out. Phil had no clue of the long and volatile relationship between them. He just figured they had been business partners. But as he looked at the two of them glaring at each other he wondered if there was more to their relationship than Maddie had let on. He sat up straighter and moved closer to Maddie; throwing his arm around her shoulders as he stared at David.
David had to hold back from throwing himself at Phil. He felt sick watching him being so familiar with Maddie but once again he hid his hurt and dismay.
Maddie felt nothing as Phil put his arm around her and moved closer but she pretended to like it. Maddie smiled up at Phil then threw David a withering glance. “So what do you want David?” She lifted her chin in that haughty manner that made him want to slap her and bang her at the same time.
“To talk!” he combed his hair with his fingers, “you know the other thing you use your tongue and lips for.” He licked his lips. Maddie threw him an evil glare which he ignored. “So how’ve you been?”
“Fine, I’ve been fine.” She told him through gritted teeth. Why doesn’t he just leave me alone?
Phil could sense the tension between Maddie and David. “Are you ok Maddie?”
“I just said I was fine!” She snapped at Phil and was instantly sorry, “sorry Phil. It’s just that he makes me…”
“I make you what?” David interrupted in a low throaty voice, “I can think of lots of things I’ve made you….” He winked again then turned his attention to Phil who was momentarily confused with the exchange between David and Maddie.
Maddie inwardly fumed as David drew Phil out into conversation. She pretended to be in a deep discussion with Jamie who had come to sit beside her but her ears were trained on what the two men were discussing. Damn David! Of course David was interested in how Phil procured his ‘chicks’ for his modeling agency. That man had only one thing on his mind she fumed silently.
After a few minutes David must have gotten bored with Phil, Maddie thought when she saw him jump up to turn the stereo louder. He began to belt out one of his favorite Motown tunes as he danced around the yard. A pretty young girl who Maddie had noticed briefly leapt out of her seat to join David as they both swung their hips to the beat of the music. A few minutes later out of breath and sweaty David flopped back into the empty chair he had relinquished a short while before.
Maddie pretended not to notice the drops of sweat glistening on his forehead but that accompanied by the way his chest filled out the t-shirt he was wearing was doing funny things to her belly. She couldn’t understand how she could detest the ground that David Addison burrowed in but still ached for his touch. She was pulled back from her traitorous thoughts by the sound of David’s voice and the feel of his fingers on her arm.
“Miss me?” He teased his eyes a devilish green.
Maddie pointedly ignored him but pulled her arm away from his burning fingers as she took a long pull of her white wine spritzer. She began to chat with Agnes who had just come over to mingle. Bert dropped into the chair beside David and tilted his head to reach David’s ear, “I’m sure she is not really interested in that boring mannequin.” Bert whispered.
David pulled his head back, “Bertie boy stop whispering in my ear!” He pulled his head away and rubbed his ear roughly with his hand.
“Just trying to make you feel better over this situation.” Bert consoled.
David shrugged, “ain’t no situation Viola my man. About time we all move on.” David put his hand on Bert’s shoulder and squeezed, “and he’s perfect for her. Two pretty dolls who deserve each other.”
Bert gasped, “you don’t mean that Sir!”
David nodded, “but I do.” And he got up to get another beer. Patty the new detective trainee followed David and when he turned around he almost knocked her down. He grabbed her elbows to steady her and saw her eyes gazing up at him adoringly. Uh oh, what was this?
Sure she was an attractive woman with her dark hair and dark brown eyes, not to mention the sexy figure he couldn’t help noticing but she was his employee and David had no interest in her as more than a business associate. But from the look in her eyes she had a lot of interest in him. “Whoa Patty. Sorry!”
She giggled as she grabbed on to his muscular arms, “oh no need to be sorry Mr. Addison,” the young woman told him her eyes filled with adoration.
David gently removed her hands from his arms as he headed back to the table with Patty following him close behind. He flopped back in the same chair near Maddie and Phil and began to tell jokes to the Blue Moon staff who were his number one fans.
Maddie felt her ire rise, still a buddy to the staff she thought but Blue Moon wasn’t suffering at all. She tried to turn her attention away from David but since everyone else seemed to be under his spell she had no one else to talk with. Even Phil seemed to be enchanted with David. And she looked closely at the pretty young woman who seemed mesmerized by David’s every word. Who was she?
A little while later David rose slowly from the lawn chair and stretched his long body. Maddie saw that woman’s eyes widen as she stared at David like she wanted to memorize him. “Well I had fun guys but time for me to skedaddle.” He winked, “have a hot date and don’t want to keep her waiting.” He chuckled deeply. “You know how it is.”
The other men nodded quickly. Maddie felt her insides turn over. A hot date? Who was David dating? She wondered if it was serious.
“Why didn’t you bring her?” Wise Agnes wanted to know; she didn’t believe he had a date.
David shook his head, “just a slap and tickle.” He grinned broadly, “foot loose and fancy free is how I plan to stay.” He kissed Agnes, patted Bert on the back and said his goodbyes all around. He barely looked at Maddie as he shook Phil’s hand. “Nice to meet you. Let’s double date sometime.” Then he gave Maddie a long look, turned around and strutted out of the yard.
Maddie sat there unhappily for the rest of the night but she tried to laugh and chat with the others. She also had to find out who that pretty woman was.
After Maddie had said her good nights to everyone with a promise to come up to Blue Moon for a visit she pulled Agnes to her side and nodded to Patty who was chatting with the Blue Moon staff animatedly. “Who is that woman?” Maddie whispered.
“She is one of the new detective trainees at Blue Moon,” Agnes nodded her curly head, “Bert said that she is a top notch sleuth. Mr. Addison has been training her.”
Maddie couldn’t keep the jealously out of her voice, “training her to do what?”
Agnes smiled to herself at the tone in Maddie’s voice. She still cared. “To be a detective.”
“Seems like she has more than being a detective on her mind.” Maddie threw out as Phil came over to get her.
“Are you ready my dear?” He asked.
Maddie nodded with her fake model smile and took his hand.
Phil was pleasingly surprised when Maddie invited him for a night cap. They had been dating for weeks and had done little more than kiss; he was ready for more. Maddie Hayes was a beautiful, intelligent woman and he knew he was falling for her. He hoped that she felt the same way. And tonight with her invitation his hopes rose along with something else…
Maddie needed to blot the feel of David’s hands, David’s lips away and hoped that Phil could light a fire in her belly. When they entered her house Maddie kicked off her shoes and placed her purse on the hall table. “What would you like to drink?” She asked over her shoulder as she headed toward the bar.
“A splash of Jack over ice is fine.” Phil told her as he made himself comfortable on her sofa. He looked around admiringly, “nice place you have here.”
Maddie strode toward him with his drink and a tall glass of wine for herself, “thank you.” She handed him his drink, “I just had it remodeled.” She sat down beside Phil and sipped her wine.
“Oh well it is a lovely house.” Phil placed his drink on the coffee table as he gazed at Maddie with heated eyes, “but not as lovely as you.” Phil leaned his head down and covered Maddie’s lips with his own. He began to kiss her passionately as his hands roamed over her curves.
Maddie felt Phil’s ice cold lips on hers as his tongue forced its way in her mouth. His tongue felt big and rough as it moved fiercely against her tongue and lips. Maddie forced back a gag as he continued to invade her mouth. She felt only revulsion as his hands moved over her body. Her body felt cold as ice as his fingers moved up her leg. Suddenly she felt nauseous. Maddie pushed Phil away roughly and ran to her bathroom where she was violently ill.
Phil found Maddie sitting on the floor of her bathroom holding her head in her hands miserably. He took the towel hanging on the rack and wet it with cold water. He tried to wipe her head with the cloth but she shook her head and grabbed the towel from his hands. She leaned back and used the towel to cool off her heated face. She looked up at Phil. “sorry must have been something I ate.” She tried to force a smile but felt the nauseas well up again. She closed her eyes to fight the urge to vomit.
“Well I hope my kisses didn’t make you ill.” Phil told her in jest as he helped her to her feet.
Maddie shook her head which made her feel dizzy and weak. She walked to the living room sofa with wobbly legs. “Sorry. Can you let yourself out? I’m not in the mood for company. I just want to lie down and go to sleep.”
Phil was concerned, “are you sure you are alright Maddie?” He bent down and brushed her damp hair off of her face. “I can stay and make sure you don’t need anything during the night.”
That was the last thing Maddie wanted. She shook her head slightly not wanting the sick dizzy spell to return. “No, I’m fine.”
Phil looked at her closely. She looked almost green. “Are you certain?”
Maddie nodded, “yes. I’m just going to go to bed and sleep. I’m sure I will feel better in the morning.”
***
But she hadn’t felt better in the morning. Maddie had felt nauseous and slightly ill all week. After so many days of feeling sick Maddie made an appointment with her doctor.
She walked out of the doctor’s office pale and shaking – she was 6 weeks pregnant with David’s baby! Underneath the nervousness and uncertainty was a feeling that she hadn’t felt in quite some time – hope and happiness. Even though she wanted nothing to do with the father, Maddie knew she would love this baby with her whole heart and soul. It was her second chance to be a mom! Being someone’s mother frightened her but Maddie knew that she would do anything to make sure her child grew up happy and strong – with or without her father. She knew that she had to tell David about the baby but she had no immediate plans to do so. For now this baby was all hers.
***
As the weeks flew by Maddie began to feel better. She hadn’t told anyone she was pregnant yet – it was still a secret she was keeping close to her heart. That afternoon she was meeting Agnes for lunch. The two women hadn’t seen each other since the ill-fated barbeque. As soon as Agnes laid her big brown eyes on Maddie she knew something about the other woman was different. She looked her over carefully.
Maddie saw Agnes giving her the once over and she began to feel self-conscious. She patted her hair, “is anything wrong Agnes?” Maddie questioned the quirky brunette as they took their seats at the outdoor café they favored.
Agnes shook her head causing her shimmering earrings to shine in Maddie’s eyes, “no nothing is wrong but you look different.” She peered at Maddie even closer making the other woman feel slightly uncomfortable with Agnes’ perusal, “is your hair different?”
Maddie shook her head. “No Agnes everything is the same,” except that I’m carrying David’s baby she added silently.
Agnes let the matter drop as they ordered but every once in a while Agnes would look intently at Maddie. They spoke about work and then Agnes brought up Phil Diamond. “So how is your relationship going with Phil?” Agnes asked casually as she speared a piece of lettuce with her fork.
“Oh it’s going fine.” Maddie fibbed; actually after the night of the barbeque their relationship had shifted back to professional which was just fine with Maddie.
Agnes nodded as she sipped her drink, “he looks like a nice man.”
“Oh yes he’s very nice.” Maddie agreed avoiding Agnes’ prying eyes.
“I’m just surprised.” Agnes threw out in her usual straightforward way.
“Surprised?” Maddie inquired. “Why?”
“It’s just that after Mr. Addison you swore that you would never date a man you worked with ever again.”
“Well Phil is hardly David.” Maddie waved her hand in the air.
“Oh hardly.” Agnes said matter-of-factly.
Maddie knew where Agnes was going, “well Phil is a mature, sensible man. Not a wild man with one thing on his mind like you know who.”
Agnes looked at Maddie carefully, “I think he had more than sex on his mind when it came to you.”
Maddie shrugged. “Well that’s water under the bridge now.”
“Yes I guess so.” Agnes kept staring at Maddie trying to discover what was different about the other woman.
Maddie was becoming more and more uncomfortable and annoyed with Agnes’ scrutiny. “Agnes please stop staring at me. It is making me feel odd.”
Agnes almost gasped as it finally came to her. Maddie’s eyes had that sleepy faraway look similar to the way they had looked when she had come back from Chicago carrying Mr. Addison’s baby! In Agnes’ usual blunt way she blurted out her discovery, “you’re having a baby!”
Maddie was taken aback with Agnes’ observation, “why on earth do you think that?” Maddie asked her as she choked down a forkful of pasta.
“It’s your eyes.” Agnes peered at her closely again, “they looked exactly the same way when you were...” Agnes bit back her words not wanting to remind Maddie about her last pregnancy.
Maddie sighed deeply as she decided to come clean with Agnes, “yes I am pregnant.”
Suddenly Agnes had a sick feeling wash over her. Was it Phil Diamond’s baby she wondered unhappily? “This may be none of my business but is it Phil Diamond’s baby?”
Maddie stared at Agnes then sighed again, “I never slept with Phil.”
A bubble of joy ran through Agnes. YAY! “SO??”
“It’s David’s. I think you know that.” Maddie told Agnes candidly.
Agnes stared at Maddie as she tried to hide the bubble of joy that was threatening to escape. “I think this is wonderful news.”
Maddie pushed her hair off her face but couldn’t hide her smile. “Yes I suppose it is wonderful. And nowadays there is no longer a stigma associated with having a baby without being married.”
“But I’m sure Mr. Addison will marry you!” Agnes insisted.
Maddie shook her head. “No, I don’t want David to know anything about this baby...yet.” She put her hand over her slightly rounded belly, “I don’t want him to think he is obligated to me in any way, shape or form.”
“Again, this may be none of my business,” Agnes told Maddie, “actually I know it’s none of my business but I think you should tell Mr. Addison right away. It’s his baby too.”
Maddie remembered how she had selfishly kept David away from her pregnancy the last time…was it fair to do the same thing to him again? Just because they were having a baby together did not mean they had to be a couple. This was almost the 90’s!
****
A couple of weeks passed in a haze of uncertainty. Maddie knew she should tell David about the baby but she couldn’t bring herself to actually pick up the phone and call him – and paying him a visit out of nowhere was not something she would ever do - so she was at a stalemate. But when her lawyer called to inform her that a meeting had been set up with her and her former partner to go over the schedule of payments and other details of the buyout Maddie knew that was a sign that now was the time to talk to David about more than the dissolution of Blue Moon.
When David was told by his lawyer that Maddie Hayes and her lawyer wanted to discuss the details of the buyout with him David felt sick. They had never signed a formal agreement about how the money would be paid. Although the agency was doing very well David still didn’t have the amount of money to buy out Maddie’s half of Blue Moon in one lump sum payment. So if she demanded the entire amount he would lose Blue Moon. Could she be so vindictive that she would change her mind from agreeing that he could pay her a little at a time to wanting the money upfront? He felt his head pounding as he walked toward Maddie’s lawyer’s office.
Maddie felt David’s presence before she saw him. She often wondered if everyone could feel that current of electricity when David was around – or was she the only one who felt it? He walked in with his Addison strut and flopped down in the chair opposite her. Neither lawyer was present yet so it was only the two of them sitting at the big wooden table in the law firm’s conference room. “Hey.” David greeted not meeting her eyes. He couldn’t help noticing how voluptuous and glowing she looked dressed in his favorite lavender dress with the slit on the side of her thigh. He felt his pants tighten and he had to look away.
“Hey,” she repeated as she tried to catch his eyes. This man sitting on the other side of the table was the father of her child but they were behaving like strangers toward one another. That thought made her feel sad. “How have you been David?”
“Fine,” he nodded his head quickly, “fine and you?”
“Fine too.” She answered.
“Fine is good.” He brushed his hair with his fingers.
“Yes I suppose.”
The tension between them crackled with all that was unsaid but deeply felt. They sat in silence for a few minutes each uncomfortably aware of each other. David was the first to break the silence, “so you’re looking well. Guess Diamond has been good for you…the company and the man.” He told her with a wink. “You look um very healthy.” And she did. He couldn’t help but notice how her dress clung snugly to her curves. He felt his member move in his pants. Whenever he was around Maddie David had a constant boner.
Maddie stiffened, “healthy? What’s that supposed to mean?”
David gave her the Addison once over which both annoyed and aroused her, “it means you look good. You look really good.”
A slight blush ran over Maddie’s neck, “thanks,” she shrugged, “I think.”
“Still thinking too much.” He winked at her, “ya think?”
“Well maybe you should give it a try sometime. Exercise your brain.” She shot at him. David was wearing what she knew he considered his professional persona – hair in place, tie perfect, everything else crisp and clean. She had the urge to run her hands through his hair while she rumpled his business like attire. She sighed inwardly as deep green eyes smirked at her from across the table. She felt the ache begin to build in places she shouldn’t ache.
He chuckled which increased her arousal, “I do enjoy exercising my um muscles,” he drawled lowering the timber of his voice so she almost had to lean over to hear him.
She ignored his lewdness, “I wonder where our lawyers are.”
Immediately David remembered they were in a lawyer’s office. “So why are we here?” He asked suspiciously.
“Our lawyers have come up with a fair settlement for Blue Moon and now we need to sign the papers.” Maddie noticed a muscle move in David’s taut jaw. She wondered why he seemed upset.
“Settlement?” In his mind that word meant a lump sum. Had she turned into such a cold unfeeling bitch that she would go back on her word? He felt sick to his stomach.
Maddie nodded not realizing David thought that she had reneged on their original deal. “The details of how you will pay for my half of Blue Moon.” Suddenly that was the last thing she wanted; she felt the walls closing in on her.
“Well guess you’re all set now. With the money from Blue Moon and Bill you’ll be living in the style you were once accustomed to. Bill looks like his pockets are well padded.” His eyes bore into hers making Maddie feel that same feeling of annoyance and arousal which set her on edge, David’s hands talked along with his mouth, ““Even his name drips lots of moola,” he snickered. “I mean really his name is Diamond?” David held up his hands in surrender, “what woman can resist a Bill Diamond?”
“His name is Phil.” Maddie’s eyes narrowed, “what are you in your Cro-Magnon way trying to say Addison?”
David shrugged, “just saying now you finally got what you always wanted.”
Maddie couldn’t stop her words, “and you think you know what I want?” She tossed her head, “now that’s a laugh.”
He ignored her, “a nice safe man with money.”
“If I wanted that I could have had Sam.”
David raised his eyebrow and shrugged, “but the Spaceman blasted off before you could stop him.”
“Is that what you think?” Her eyes shot daggers at him.
David looked at her with icy eyes, “it’s what I know.”
“I could have called him and I’m sure he would have come back to me.” Maddie raised her chin in that haughty way that made David want to throw her down on the nice wooden table and screw that look off of her face.
“So why didn’t you?” He challenged raising his chin up to meet hers.
Maddie saw the wicked glint that appeared in his eyes. She shrugged nonchalantly not knowing how to answer that question – yet. She always had a comeback but the way he was looking at her plus the turmoil of her emotions coupled with her out of whack hormones was fogging her usual sharp as a tack brain.
“Guess somebody else was keeping you occupied.” David smirked as he licked his lips lewdly, “guess that someone was keeping your mouth too busy with other things.” He shrugged to match hers, “maybe?”
Maddie felt her blood pressure start to rise and her hands turned to claws in her lap but she refused to allow David to bait her. He always seemed to get a twisted pleasure out of riling her up and this time she was going to be a mature, grown woman and ignore him. She was saved from answering him by the entrance of their lawyers.
David was relieved when the terms of the buyout were agreed upon. He couldn’t bear to lose Blue Moon after losing the only other thing in his life that meant anything to him. He gazed across the table at Maddie as she took the pen to sign the contract that would end her ties to Blue Moon. She perused the document then looked at her lawyer. “I think I’m going to take this home and think about it for a day or two.”
Maddie’s lawyer nodded, “that’s your prerogative Miss Hayes.”
Maddie knew once she signed those papers she would lose Blue Moon. Suddenly she couldn’t think of parting with the agency. Despite her current feelings toward David he was the father of her child and Blue Moon was what had brought them together. Ending her relationship with Blue Moon would also end all her ties to David and at this point she just couldn’t go through with it. She needed more time to think, to contemplate – to make the right decision for her and her baby.
David was stunned; he stared at Maddie as if she had three heads. What game was she playing? She had agreed to the terms of the contract and now she seemed to be reneging on the deal. He felt a white hot anger come over him. He looked at her with icy green eyes. “We agreed that I would pay you off a little bit each month.” His eyes bored into her, “remember?”
Maddie nodded, “I didn’t say I wasn’t agreeing to those terms David. I just said I wanted a bit more time to think about it.” She didn’t want to reveal the real reason she didn’t want to sign the papers.
David stood up slowly as he ran his hands through his hair, “what is there to think about? I’m a bit confused here Miss Hayes.” He spat her name out like it was something disgusting in his mouth.
The two lawyers looked at each other. They didn’t know the entire story behind Maddie and David and the dissolution of their partnership but they knew enough to know that these two had a history together that was much more than a business relationship. Maddie’s lawyer nodded his head to the door.
“Let me know when you’re ready to sign the papers Maddie.” The attorney headed to the door.
David’s lawyer followed close behind, “I’ll be in touch.” He told David as he walked out the office with the other lawyer leaving Maddie and David alone.
The two stared at each other across the large wooden table; green on blue. “You didn’t answer my question.” David told her crossly.
Maddie shrugged. “I have a lot on my mind David. I just want to be sure I am making the right choice for me and…”
Of course David misinterpreted her ‘me and…”, “oh didn’t realize you were making choices for you and Bill now.” His voice was so cold Maddie could almost feel the temperature in the room drop.
“His name is Phil and this has nothing to do with him.” She was getting annoyed at David, “why on earth would you think it did?”
“Well you said the right choice for ‘me and….’”
Maddie remained quiet, it was on the tip of her tongue to blurt out she was pregnant but she couldn’t reveal that to this cold stranger she didn’t recognize. She just shook her head, “whatever, I have to go now.” She needed to get away from David before she either slapped him or begged him to hold her. Her emotions were getting shakier each day.
David leaned against the door smugly as he eyed her up and down, “running back to Bill so fast? He must be something extra special.” He blocked Maddie’s exit with his body.
“Get out of my way Addison.” She demanded through gritted teeth as her eyes shot daggers at him.
David knew he was being juvenile and spiteful but inside he was frightened that if he let her go now he would never see her again. “Or what?” He turned around and pushed her up against the door moving his body tight against hers. The smell of her perfume was driving him wild. His eyes glittered dangerously.
Maddie felt David’s hard body against hers and despite her good intentions she felt herself huddle against his as a fire raged through her body and soul. “Move away David.” She told him but her voice sounded shaky to her own ears. She put her hands against his muscular chest but instead of successfully pushing him away David actually moved closer to her until they were almost one. Maddie felt her loins throbbing against his hardness. Unconsciously her hips began to sway against his.
David felt her hips move against him, “oh God Maddie. Yes.” His lips were drawn like a magnet to that spot on the back of her neck that drove her wild. “You are so beautiful.” He murmured as his hands moved over her curves.
“David! No. Stop!” Maddie tried to escape but David pushed her tightly against the door with his body. Her hands tried once again to push him away but David grabbed her hands and held them over her head she his tongue moved over her lips in slow lazy circles.
“Come on babe.” He coaxed in that low voice that made her nipples hard and her loins throb.
“Oh no stop!” Maddie told him but her voice was breathless with passion. Once again her body was betraying her. She struggled against him but he only held on to her tighter. “Let me go!!!” She pleaded as she tried to move her head away from his dangerous kisses.
“Do you really want me to let you go Maddie?” He slowly ran his tongue over that spot on her neck, “cause I told you once before I’m not going to force myself on you.”
“Oh right because I’m not worth it.” She managed to get the words out of her mouth although once they left she wished she could grab them back. Why make him think she even cared?
That chuckle again, her insides melted, “oh you’re worth it baby.” David felt Maddie’s resistance crumble; he let go of her hands and they fell on to his muscular shoulders.
Maddie held on to David’s shoulders for dear life. Her legs were shaky and she was afraid if she let go she’d fall to the floor at his feet like a puddle of passion. Her body was almost vibrating. “David. David. David.”
David’s kisses turned deep and passionate almost raping her mouth while he pushed his hard member into her hotbox until she was lost in her passion.
“Oh God David.” She gasped; her hands moved up to grab on to his hair as his tongue made love to her mouth. “Please.”
“Please what baby?” He purred as he quickly turned around to lock the door. “I’ll please you just fine. I missed you baby.” He told her as his hands moved up her thighs pushing her dress around her hips. “So hot.” He whispered his voice was melted caramel over dark chocolate, “oh Maddie.” David’s deft fingers moved lightly over her hotbox until she was squirming against him. Her legs involuntarily opened wider to give David easy access to her pulsing loins.
David’s hard body pressing her into the solid wood of the door, his hands moving over her, his syrupy voice purring her name was too much - Maddie convulsed into an earth shattering orgasm just as David began to kiss the side of her neck, “yeah baby so fast. You missed this huh?” He chuckled as he held her until her orgasm subsided. “Love how you come for me. Bet it’s like this just for me.” David panted as his experienced hands had her almost naked and squirming against the door in record time. He unzipped his pants as Maddie began to pull his trousers and boxers over his butt, “yeah baby, I know you want this bad.” He gasped as his hands roamed over her body lazily.
Maddie wrapped her legs around David’s taut thighs while her hands moved over his hard butt. With one push David was deep inside of her; she gasped as she felt David filling her up with his hardness. It was almost too much to bear; the pleasure ran over her entire body building and building until it reached a raging crescendo between her legs. Maddie screamed out as she exploded in a frenzy of lust. Her cries of ecstasy echoed over the empty conference room until she was almost hoarse. And then with one deep thrust David reached his own nirvana…he almost blacked out when he came so hard it felt like his whole body was coming to pieces around him.
It took a few minutes for their frenzied brains to reboot. Maddie, being Maddie, almost immediately became embarrassed and annoyed at David over her loss of control. Her first thought was to escape as she picked up her discarded clothes and began to throw them on hurriedly.
David was leaning against the door still half-dressed wearing his smuggest of expressions with set Maddie’s teeth on edge. “What are you waiting for? Get dressed Addison.”
“Just enjoying the view.” He gave her a lopsided grin as his eyes stroked her body.
Maddie threw him her blue glare of death. She couldn’t believe she had once again succumbed to David’s charms like a spineless jellyfish. This man didn’t love her anymore – if he ever had loved her. He hadn’t any effort to reconcile with her after the disastrous and shameful events at the licensing class. If he loved her Maddie realized with a pang he would have tried to make things up to her but he never had…not after Annie and not after their fight in the class. How stupid was she? She looked over at him leaning against the door smugly and she felt a mixture of sadness, anger and shame. She had to get away from David. She was going to call her lawyer as soon as she got out of here to tell him she was ready to sign the papers.
David pushed off the wall as he pulled up his pants. He strutted slowly over to her wearing his lop sided grin. He pulled up his zipper as he stood in front of Maddie, “how bout we finish this at your place?” He drawled heatedly.
She had the urge to hurt him as she was hurting. All she was to him was a piece of ass, “this is finished.” She told him icily, “this should never have happened.”
David’s grin left his face and was replaced with an angry scowl, “guess you want to make a pact?” He asked bitterly.
Maddie threw on the last of her clothes, “fuck you David.”
He looked at her with a mixture of hurt and lust; he couldn’t help the snide reply that jumped out of his mouth, “I think you just did.”
The walls shook with the sound of Maddie slamming the door behind her.
***
***
Maddie refused to let what had happened with David break her. She had known deep inside that she was making a mistake giving him another chance but her heart and body went against her brain’s warnings. She tried to convince herself that it was a good thing they had tried to rekindle their relationship – or whatever it was that had been between them – because now she had to accept that it was never meant to be. Too much hurt and resentment lay between them and David was not one to hash things over or bare his soul so these hurts and resentments could never be truly resolved. And therefore they could never make it together; Maddie was trying to be logical and not admit that she was a shattered woman with a broken heart.
Despite her earlier misgivings about her boss, Maddie decided to give Phil Diamond a chance. After all what did she have to lose? Her job at Diamond was going well and now that she had resolved to forget David and give her boss a go maybe she would have a chance at happiness before it was too late. Phil Diamond was a good man – nice and harmless and didn’t make her feel like she was speeding down the tracks of a rollercoaster. When she was with Phil she knew she was still in control of her body and her emotions and she liked that. He was safe and for now that was all she wanted.
***
David put all his concentration and his mind on Blue Moon and making it the number one agency in Los Angeles. Although he would never admit it, he intended to show Maddie Hayes that he was a man to be reckoned with and not the dumb, unsuccessful, irresponsible lout she thought he was. Maddie really didn’t think of David that way at all but to his mind he would never be good enough for the supermodel turned detective. For the past several weeks he had spent most of his nights working with the younger detectives – showing them the ropes and teaching them surveillance skills. It kept his mind off of Maddie and didn’t leave him with a wicked hangover like Tequila. But he knew from experience that even the best Tequila couldn’t wipe out the memory of creamy skin and cornflower blue eyes. And other woman were just a poor substitute for the woman he really wanted – David had been with enough women over the years to know that having them in his arms instead of the woman he loved was akin to pleasuring himself - it got the job done but it left him feeling just lonelier and empty inside - so David hadn’t been with a woman since Maddie. He had no desire to have another woman in his arms; he didn’t want to hear another woman’s moans, feel another woman’s arms wrapped around him. David hoped that he would feel differently soon but for now he kept his pants zipped and his head on his work.
That Friday afternoon David was sitting with his feet up on his desk wrapped deeply in his own thoughts and didn’t even hear the knock on his office door. A few seconds later he looked up to see the curly head of Agnes peeking in.
“Are you ok Mr. Addison?” Agnes slowly opened the door and walked into David’s office. She was worried about him. A few weeks back when he was working with Miss Hayes he once again was the David Addison she had always known – funny, happy and living his life to the fullest. Although David may have fooled everyone else during those months after Miss Hayes left, Agnes could see right through him. And despite her annoyance at her boss she had been sad and worried but when he was paired up with Miss Hayes during that licensing class Mr. Addison had returned to life. Agnes had been over the moon when she had a quick lunch with Maddie Hayes and saw that her old boss had a happy look in her eyes that had been missing since she left Blue Moon. Of course Maddie and Agnes still spoke and got together occasionally; they had become too close over the course of the years to forget their friendship. But something must have happened between her two stubborn bosses again because now both of them were once again miserable – this time Mr. Addison was not even pretending to be ok and she thought Miss Hayes was trying too hard…What was wrong with those two knuckleheads that they always managed to screw up their lives??? Agnes saw David nod slowly at her question.
“Yeah Agnes. I’m ok. Right as rain.” David threw her his lop sided grin but even he could feel how fake it must look but he didn’t care. He ran his hands through his hair and threw his feet down to the floor. “So why are you here so late? Bertie Boy headed home right after his meeting with the client.”
Agnes ignored his question, “what are you going to do this weekend? Bert and I are having a few friends over tomorrow night for a barbeque. Will you come?” Agnes hadn’t planned on having friends over but suddenly an idea sprung into her curly top.
David started to shake his head but when he saw the hurt and slightly angry look in his quirky friend’s eyes he began to nod, he sighed, “I guess I can make it for a few minutes. But I might have to leave early. I have a hot date but she’s not the backyard barbeque type if you get my drift.” He lied.
Hot date? Well as long as he doesn’t bring her to the party its ok, Agnes thought as she nodded. “Great! Great! See you around 5!” and with that she left quickly heading to the phone to call her other guests.
***
Maddie walked slowly into the Viola backyard holding Phil’s hand; she was looking forward to seeing how he would get along with her old friends and colleagues. It never even crossed her mind that David would be at the gathering since Agnes knew that Maddie never wanted to set eyes on him ever again. She looked around and saw that most of the Blue Moon staff was already there along with one or two people who were unfamiliar. Maddie waved and smiled at everyone. They all waved back and shouted greetings. They hadn’t seen Maddie since her last day at Blue Moon.
Maddie immediately headed toward Agnes and Bert who were busy preparing for the barbeque; Agnes was putting ice in a cooler while Bert was starting up the grill. When Agnes saw Maddie enter the yard with a tall, handsome man she felt her stomach clench. The reason for this impromptu barbeque was to get Maddie and David together and talking but now it appeared that her former blonde boss had thrown a monkey wrench into those plans. Agnes forced a smile to her face as she looked up at the tall man who was extending a bottle of wine to her. “Hi I’m Agnes.”
Maddie held tightly to Phil’s arm, “this is Phil Diamond.” Maddie told Agnes and Bert. “He owns Diamond… the modeling agency.” Maddie smiled up at Phil.
“Oh isn’t that the model agency where you’re working now?” Agnes’ eyes bored into Maddie’s making her feel a bit uncomfortable. Maybe it hadn’t been smart to bring Phil to this gathering knowing how Agnes and Bert felt about David. But they needed to realize that there was nothing left between her and David Addison. She was free to date anyone she pleased.
Bert wasn’t very happy that his idol’s lady had brought another man with her. Who was this clown? “Boss?” Bert’s dark brown eyes were aimed at Maddie’s hand on Phil’s arm. Maddie almost felt as if Bert’s gaze was burning her hand. She slowly moved it off of Phil’s arm. And damn did it look like Viola nodded his scruffy head.
Agnes gave Bert her ‘STOP’ stare; she knew that her husband was even more upset over Maddie bringing a man with her since he had always idolized David Addison. He wouldn’t want David to see Maddie with someone else knowing how his beloved boss still felt about her.
Agnes hurried Maddie and Phil over to the other guests and waved them to sit down, “let me get you a glass of this delicious wine.” She lifted the bottle of wine up as she made a bee line to her husband was still trying to light the coals. He never could start a grill he lamented to himself then he heard Agnes whisper in his ear, “what are we going to do now?”
Bert sent an evil look Phil’s way, “no worries my blushing bride, Mr. Addison will be here soon and he will do away with that interloper,” he spat out the word, “just like he got rid of the spaceman.”
Agnes’ shook her head, “this is different Bert.”
Bert shook his untidy mop of hair, “you’ll see my love.”
Agnes wasn’t so sure of Bert’s notion but she didn’t want to argue and then something else flitted through her mind, “do you think he’s even coming?”
Bert shook his mop of curls and whispered back, “Love Kitten, you know that Mr. Addison is always tardy. Why should tonight be any difference?” He looked at his wife with adoration, “don’t worry a curl on your lovely head. He will be here or I think he would have called.”
Agnes frowned, “we’re talking about Mr. Addison.”
Bert was just about to answer when the front gate banged open pouring the object of their conversation into the yard.
Maddie’s head jerked up with the sudden commotion and she thought she was seeing things. David? She had never thought to ask Agnes who she had invited to this small gathering but knowing what she knew Maddie couldn’t believe that Agnes would think that she wanted to see him. But Maddie tried to placate herself by figuring that she could lose herself in conversation with the other guests and could totally ignore David Addison. But she couldn’t help but take a peek at him from under her long lashes. Dressed in a pair of tight faded jeans and a form fitting t-shirt, David exuded sexiness. She shook off the sudden pang in her heart and her loins and turned her face away.
David saw the blonde from the corner of his eye. He would know that profile anywhere. Maddie? Why was she here? He didn’t think that she would ever agree to come to a dinner where he was included. His heart began to pound in anticipation.
Agnes ran over to David who gave her an expensive bottle of tequila. “Mr. Addison! You’re here.”
David threw her a crooked grin as he spun around, “in the flesh. And call me David when we’re not on the job!”
Agnes nodded and kissed his cheek, she whispered in his ear, “maybe you can give Bert a hand with the grill,” she nodded to the still black coals, “If you don’t we might not be eating until Christmas Day.”
David made his way to Bert who was cursing under his breath as he poured lighter fluid over the coals. “Bertie boy!” David helped Bert with the grill and Agnes made her way to Maddie with two large glasses of wine.
Maddie took her glass of wine from Agnes then excused herself from Phil who was having a conversation with Ferguson about surveillance techniques. She took Agnes by the arm and led her away from the others, she forced a fake smile to her face but Agnes could see that Maddie was upset, “you should have told me that he was going to be here!”
Agnes looked at Maddie closely then told her in her usual blunt way, “then you wouldn’t have come.”
“You’re right Agnes, I wouldn’t have come. I never wanted to lay eyes on that man again!” Maddie sighed, “why Agnes? You know the way I feel about him?”
Agnes looked deep into Maddie’s eyes, “I do but do you?”
Maddie’s face turned red, “and what does that mean?”
“It means what it means.”
“Now you sound like David.” Maddie snapped not wanting to make a scene but wanting to bolt out of Agnes’ yard. She pulled away from Agnes and headed back to Phil and the others with her fake model’s smile firmly in place.
David had the coals in flames almost immediately and that just put him higher on the pedestal for Bert Viola who was now practically fawning over his idol. “Mr. Addison, sir, I mean David. You are a prince among men.” He was looking at David who really wasn’t paying much attention to Bert he was too busy trying to scope out Maddie from the corner of his eyes, “you are a renaissance man, a jack of all trades.”
A sharp stab hit David in the middle of his stomach when he realized Maddie had brought her boss to the barbeque. What was this? He had been so certain that they had purely a business relationship. Maybe he had been wrong but he didn’t think so…but anyway she was with him now and it was like his heart was splintering in a thousand pieces. But of course the Addison bulletproof mask covered any hurt he might be feeling as he made a bee line to Maddie and her ‘date’.
Bert was still talking and was unaware that he had lost his audience until Agnes appeared at his side and grabbed his elbow. “Uh oh this can’t be good.” She nodded her head toward David who was heading toward Maddie and the others.
Bert’s eyes followed David hoping he would do something about that man that Maddie had brought with her. “It will be ok love bunny,” he reached for his wife’s hand and brought it to his lips. Agnes wasn’t so sure. The idea for this barbeque was turning sour in her mind.
David neared the table and lawn chairs where the Blue Moon staff and Maddie and that man were sitting to a chorus of, “hello Mr. Addison. Glad you’re here!” David turned on his killer panty melting grin as she turned to Maddie and her date, “Maddie,” he nodded to her. She nodded back abruptly then turned her face and tried to continue her conversation with Phil but David extended his hand toward the other man before Maddie could catch his attention away from David, “nice to finally meet you. Maddie has spoken very highly of you.” David told him with his devilish smile riding up the side of his face, “you’re Bill Emerald. Her boss at the model agency right?”
Maddie’s head snapped around, “actually it’s Phil Diamond.”
Phil looked at David with no recognition. He shook David’s hand slowly. “Have we met?”
David shook his head slowly, “Guess Maddie isn’t up to introductions tonight. I’m David Addison. Maddie’s old business partner and pal.” He looked down at Maddie who was shooting blue bullets at him with her eyes,
David’s smirk broadened, “yep partner and good, very good pal.” And with a wink he flopped into a lawn year next to Phil. “Yo! Bertie Boy can you throw me a beer over here?” David cupped his hand over his mouth and yelled to Viola.
Maddie heard the words spurting out of her mouth before she could stop them, “are you crippled. Get it yourself.”
David laughed shortly, “Maddie. Maddie. Maddie.” He shook his head slowly as those damn green eyes looked her up and down. “You for one should know that my legs are just fine…” he raised his eyebrows lasciviously, “among other body parts.”
Maddie felt her face grow hot and she knew that redness covered her neck like a winter scarf but she ignored his innuendo.
Bert ran over with a bottle of beer and tossed it to David who caught it, flipped off the cap and took a long pull. “Ahhh that hit the spot.” He winked at Maddie then turned his attention to the rest of the guests. And as usual David took over the conversation and became the center of attention. No one could entertain a group of people like David.
Finally, the food was ready and everyone ate heartily – except Maddie. She couldn’t help but feel sharp pangs of regret and sadness as she caught up with the Blue Moon staff. It seemed as if the agency was getting along great without her. She had to close her eyes to stop the tears that were pricking behind her eyelids when she realized that she was not even missed at the agency which had once been her whole life. And seeing David looking so happy and carefree made her feel like she had never mattered to any of them – especially David Addison. She kept on her bright smile and tried to eat the food on her plate but there was what felt like a huge lump in her throat that was preventing her from swallowing. She noticed with sadness that David didn’t seem to have any trouble eating his food. She had an urge to claw out those laughing green eyes.
Although David was not the slightest bit hungry he pretended to eat with gusto. He couldn’t help but notice that Maddie had hardly eaten a thing…maybe she was upset about him being at the barbeque or she was so in love with that boring ass that she had no appetite for food. Either scenario was bad. He felt a deep sadness well up in him that he immediately pushed away. David made his way back over to Maddie and Phil Diamond. He couldn’t stand not knowing what they really were to each other. And he couldn’t keep away from Maddie. She was wearing a pair of leggings with an oversized sweater and she looked so sexy and beautiful that he ached to touch her. Trying hard to control the beast in his pants and the pounding of his heart he approached the couple with a false spring in his step.
Maddie saw David heading her way and almost choked on the bit of burger she was trying to swallow. Her head was telling her to run but she would not give David the satisfaction of leaving the barbeque early. To hell with him.
“So Bill,” David flopped in the empty lawn chair next to Phil Diamond and across from Maddie…
“It’s Phil.” Maddie shot at him with a withering look. “And why are you here David?”
“Got to be somewhere and here seems like an interesting place.” He shrugged nonchalantly those amazing green eyes boring into her blue ones.
Maddie could see the smirk at the corner of his mouth and the amusement and spite in his eyes and she felt sick to her stomach. “We’re boring. Go away David.”
Phil laughed. “We’re hardly boring,” he took her hand which made David see green and red which he hid with some effort, “and why are you being so rude to this nice young man?”
David lifted his eyebrows as the smirk broadened, “I’m wondering the same thing.”
Phil only knew that David Addison had been Maddie’s partner in the detective agency she had worked at for five years. Maddie had told him that she was tired of playing sleuth and had let David buy her out. Phil had no clue of the long and volatile relationship between them. He just figured they had been business partners. But as he looked at the two of them glaring at each other he wondered if there was more to their relationship than Maddie had let on. He sat up straighter and moved closer to Maddie; throwing his arm around her shoulders as he stared at David.
David had to hold back from throwing himself at Phil. He felt sick watching him being so familiar with Maddie but once again he hid his hurt and dismay.
Maddie felt nothing as Phil put his arm around her and moved closer but she pretended to like it. Maddie smiled up at Phil then threw David a withering glance. “So what do you want David?” She lifted her chin in that haughty manner that made him want to slap her and bang her at the same time.
“To talk!” he combed his hair with his fingers, “you know the other thing you use your tongue and lips for.” He licked his lips. Maddie threw him an evil glare which he ignored. “So how’ve you been?”
“Fine, I’ve been fine.” She told him through gritted teeth. Why doesn’t he just leave me alone?
Phil could sense the tension between Maddie and David. “Are you ok Maddie?”
“I just said I was fine!” She snapped at Phil and was instantly sorry, “sorry Phil. It’s just that he makes me…”
“I make you what?” David interrupted in a low throaty voice, “I can think of lots of things I’ve made you….” He winked again then turned his attention to Phil who was momentarily confused with the exchange between David and Maddie.
Maddie inwardly fumed as David drew Phil out into conversation. She pretended to be in a deep discussion with Jamie who had come to sit beside her but her ears were trained on what the two men were discussing. Damn David! Of course David was interested in how Phil procured his ‘chicks’ for his modeling agency. That man had only one thing on his mind she fumed silently.
After a few minutes David must have gotten bored with Phil, Maddie thought when she saw him jump up to turn the stereo louder. He began to belt out one of his favorite Motown tunes as he danced around the yard. A pretty young girl who Maddie had noticed briefly leapt out of her seat to join David as they both swung their hips to the beat of the music. A few minutes later out of breath and sweaty David flopped back into the empty chair he had relinquished a short while before.
Maddie pretended not to notice the drops of sweat glistening on his forehead but that accompanied by the way his chest filled out the t-shirt he was wearing was doing funny things to her belly. She couldn’t understand how she could detest the ground that David Addison burrowed in but still ached for his touch. She was pulled back from her traitorous thoughts by the sound of David’s voice and the feel of his fingers on her arm.
“Miss me?” He teased his eyes a devilish green.
Maddie pointedly ignored him but pulled her arm away from his burning fingers as she took a long pull of her white wine spritzer. She began to chat with Agnes who had just come over to mingle. Bert dropped into the chair beside David and tilted his head to reach David’s ear, “I’m sure she is not really interested in that boring mannequin.” Bert whispered.
David pulled his head back, “Bertie boy stop whispering in my ear!” He pulled his head away and rubbed his ear roughly with his hand.
“Just trying to make you feel better over this situation.” Bert consoled.
David shrugged, “ain’t no situation Viola my man. About time we all move on.” David put his hand on Bert’s shoulder and squeezed, “and he’s perfect for her. Two pretty dolls who deserve each other.”
Bert gasped, “you don’t mean that Sir!”
David nodded, “but I do.” And he got up to get another beer. Patty the new detective trainee followed David and when he turned around he almost knocked her down. He grabbed her elbows to steady her and saw her eyes gazing up at him adoringly. Uh oh, what was this?
Sure she was an attractive woman with her dark hair and dark brown eyes, not to mention the sexy figure he couldn’t help noticing but she was his employee and David had no interest in her as more than a business associate. But from the look in her eyes she had a lot of interest in him. “Whoa Patty. Sorry!”
She giggled as she grabbed on to his muscular arms, “oh no need to be sorry Mr. Addison,” the young woman told him her eyes filled with adoration.
David gently removed her hands from his arms as he headed back to the table with Patty following him close behind. He flopped back in the same chair near Maddie and Phil and began to tell jokes to the Blue Moon staff who were his number one fans.
Maddie felt her ire rise, still a buddy to the staff she thought but Blue Moon wasn’t suffering at all. She tried to turn her attention away from David but since everyone else seemed to be under his spell she had no one else to talk with. Even Phil seemed to be enchanted with David. And she looked closely at the pretty young woman who seemed mesmerized by David’s every word. Who was she?
A little while later David rose slowly from the lawn chair and stretched his long body. Maddie saw that woman’s eyes widen as she stared at David like she wanted to memorize him. “Well I had fun guys but time for me to skedaddle.” He winked, “have a hot date and don’t want to keep her waiting.” He chuckled deeply. “You know how it is.”
The other men nodded quickly. Maddie felt her insides turn over. A hot date? Who was David dating? She wondered if it was serious.
“Why didn’t you bring her?” Wise Agnes wanted to know; she didn’t believe he had a date.
David shook his head, “just a slap and tickle.” He grinned broadly, “foot loose and fancy free is how I plan to stay.” He kissed Agnes, patted Bert on the back and said his goodbyes all around. He barely looked at Maddie as he shook Phil’s hand. “Nice to meet you. Let’s double date sometime.” Then he gave Maddie a long look, turned around and strutted out of the yard.
Maddie sat there unhappily for the rest of the night but she tried to laugh and chat with the others. She also had to find out who that pretty woman was.
After Maddie had said her good nights to everyone with a promise to come up to Blue Moon for a visit she pulled Agnes to her side and nodded to Patty who was chatting with the Blue Moon staff animatedly. “Who is that woman?” Maddie whispered.
“She is one of the new detective trainees at Blue Moon,” Agnes nodded her curly head, “Bert said that she is a top notch sleuth. Mr. Addison has been training her.”
Maddie couldn’t keep the jealously out of her voice, “training her to do what?”
Agnes smiled to herself at the tone in Maddie’s voice. She still cared. “To be a detective.”
“Seems like she has more than being a detective on her mind.” Maddie threw out as Phil came over to get her.
“Are you ready my dear?” He asked.
Maddie nodded with her fake model smile and took his hand.
Phil was pleasingly surprised when Maddie invited him for a night cap. They had been dating for weeks and had done little more than kiss; he was ready for more. Maddie Hayes was a beautiful, intelligent woman and he knew he was falling for her. He hoped that she felt the same way. And tonight with her invitation his hopes rose along with something else…
Maddie needed to blot the feel of David’s hands, David’s lips away and hoped that Phil could light a fire in her belly. When they entered her house Maddie kicked off her shoes and placed her purse on the hall table. “What would you like to drink?” She asked over her shoulder as she headed toward the bar.
“A splash of Jack over ice is fine.” Phil told her as he made himself comfortable on her sofa. He looked around admiringly, “nice place you have here.”
Maddie strode toward him with his drink and a tall glass of wine for herself, “thank you.” She handed him his drink, “I just had it remodeled.” She sat down beside Phil and sipped her wine.
“Oh well it is a lovely house.” Phil placed his drink on the coffee table as he gazed at Maddie with heated eyes, “but not as lovely as you.” Phil leaned his head down and covered Maddie’s lips with his own. He began to kiss her passionately as his hands roamed over her curves.
Maddie felt Phil’s ice cold lips on hers as his tongue forced its way in her mouth. His tongue felt big and rough as it moved fiercely against her tongue and lips. Maddie forced back a gag as he continued to invade her mouth. She felt only revulsion as his hands moved over her body. Her body felt cold as ice as his fingers moved up her leg. Suddenly she felt nauseous. Maddie pushed Phil away roughly and ran to her bathroom where she was violently ill.
Phil found Maddie sitting on the floor of her bathroom holding her head in her hands miserably. He took the towel hanging on the rack and wet it with cold water. He tried to wipe her head with the cloth but she shook her head and grabbed the towel from his hands. She leaned back and used the towel to cool off her heated face. She looked up at Phil. “sorry must have been something I ate.” She tried to force a smile but felt the nauseas well up again. She closed her eyes to fight the urge to vomit.
“Well I hope my kisses didn’t make you ill.” Phil told her in jest as he helped her to her feet.
Maddie shook her head which made her feel dizzy and weak. She walked to the living room sofa with wobbly legs. “Sorry. Can you let yourself out? I’m not in the mood for company. I just want to lie down and go to sleep.”
Phil was concerned, “are you sure you are alright Maddie?” He bent down and brushed her damp hair off of her face. “I can stay and make sure you don’t need anything during the night.”
That was the last thing Maddie wanted. She shook her head slightly not wanting the sick dizzy spell to return. “No, I’m fine.”
Phil looked at her closely. She looked almost green. “Are you certain?”
Maddie nodded, “yes. I’m just going to go to bed and sleep. I’m sure I will feel better in the morning.”
***
But she hadn’t felt better in the morning. Maddie had felt nauseous and slightly ill all week. After so many days of feeling sick Maddie made an appointment with her doctor.
She walked out of the doctor’s office pale and shaking – she was 6 weeks pregnant with David’s baby! Underneath the nervousness and uncertainty was a feeling that she hadn’t felt in quite some time – hope and happiness. Even though she wanted nothing to do with the father, Maddie knew she would love this baby with her whole heart and soul. It was her second chance to be a mom! Being someone’s mother frightened her but Maddie knew that she would do anything to make sure her child grew up happy and strong – with or without her father. She knew that she had to tell David about the baby but she had no immediate plans to do so. For now this baby was all hers.
***
As the weeks flew by Maddie began to feel better. She hadn’t told anyone she was pregnant yet – it was still a secret she was keeping close to her heart. That afternoon she was meeting Agnes for lunch. The two women hadn’t seen each other since the ill-fated barbeque. As soon as Agnes laid her big brown eyes on Maddie she knew something about the other woman was different. She looked her over carefully.
Maddie saw Agnes giving her the once over and she began to feel self-conscious. She patted her hair, “is anything wrong Agnes?” Maddie questioned the quirky brunette as they took their seats at the outdoor café they favored.
Agnes shook her head causing her shimmering earrings to shine in Maddie’s eyes, “no nothing is wrong but you look different.” She peered at Maddie even closer making the other woman feel slightly uncomfortable with Agnes’ perusal, “is your hair different?”
Maddie shook her head. “No Agnes everything is the same,” except that I’m carrying David’s baby she added silently.
Agnes let the matter drop as they ordered but every once in a while Agnes would look intently at Maddie. They spoke about work and then Agnes brought up Phil Diamond. “So how is your relationship going with Phil?” Agnes asked casually as she speared a piece of lettuce with her fork.
“Oh it’s going fine.” Maddie fibbed; actually after the night of the barbeque their relationship had shifted back to professional which was just fine with Maddie.
Agnes nodded as she sipped her drink, “he looks like a nice man.”
“Oh yes he’s very nice.” Maddie agreed avoiding Agnes’ prying eyes.
“I’m just surprised.” Agnes threw out in her usual straightforward way.
“Surprised?” Maddie inquired. “Why?”
“It’s just that after Mr. Addison you swore that you would never date a man you worked with ever again.”
“Well Phil is hardly David.” Maddie waved her hand in the air.
“Oh hardly.” Agnes said matter-of-factly.
Maddie knew where Agnes was going, “well Phil is a mature, sensible man. Not a wild man with one thing on his mind like you know who.”
Agnes looked at Maddie carefully, “I think he had more than sex on his mind when it came to you.”
Maddie shrugged. “Well that’s water under the bridge now.”
“Yes I guess so.” Agnes kept staring at Maddie trying to discover what was different about the other woman.
Maddie was becoming more and more uncomfortable and annoyed with Agnes’ scrutiny. “Agnes please stop staring at me. It is making me feel odd.”
Agnes almost gasped as it finally came to her. Maddie’s eyes had that sleepy faraway look similar to the way they had looked when she had come back from Chicago carrying Mr. Addison’s baby! In Agnes’ usual blunt way she blurted out her discovery, “you’re having a baby!”
Maddie was taken aback with Agnes’ observation, “why on earth do you think that?” Maddie asked her as she choked down a forkful of pasta.
“It’s your eyes.” Agnes peered at her closely again, “they looked exactly the same way when you were...” Agnes bit back her words not wanting to remind Maddie about her last pregnancy.
Maddie sighed deeply as she decided to come clean with Agnes, “yes I am pregnant.”
Suddenly Agnes had a sick feeling wash over her. Was it Phil Diamond’s baby she wondered unhappily? “This may be none of my business but is it Phil Diamond’s baby?”
Maddie stared at Agnes then sighed again, “I never slept with Phil.”
A bubble of joy ran through Agnes. YAY! “SO??”
“It’s David’s. I think you know that.” Maddie told Agnes candidly.
Agnes stared at Maddie as she tried to hide the bubble of joy that was threatening to escape. “I think this is wonderful news.”
Maddie pushed her hair off her face but couldn’t hide her smile. “Yes I suppose it is wonderful. And nowadays there is no longer a stigma associated with having a baby without being married.”
“But I’m sure Mr. Addison will marry you!” Agnes insisted.
Maddie shook her head. “No, I don’t want David to know anything about this baby...yet.” She put her hand over her slightly rounded belly, “I don’t want him to think he is obligated to me in any way, shape or form.”
“Again, this may be none of my business,” Agnes told Maddie, “actually I know it’s none of my business but I think you should tell Mr. Addison right away. It’s his baby too.”
Maddie remembered how she had selfishly kept David away from her pregnancy the last time…was it fair to do the same thing to him again? Just because they were having a baby together did not mean they had to be a couple. This was almost the 90’s!
****
A couple of weeks passed in a haze of uncertainty. Maddie knew she should tell David about the baby but she couldn’t bring herself to actually pick up the phone and call him – and paying him a visit out of nowhere was not something she would ever do - so she was at a stalemate. But when her lawyer called to inform her that a meeting had been set up with her and her former partner to go over the schedule of payments and other details of the buyout Maddie knew that was a sign that now was the time to talk to David about more than the dissolution of Blue Moon.
When David was told by his lawyer that Maddie Hayes and her lawyer wanted to discuss the details of the buyout with him David felt sick. They had never signed a formal agreement about how the money would be paid. Although the agency was doing very well David still didn’t have the amount of money to buy out Maddie’s half of Blue Moon in one lump sum payment. So if she demanded the entire amount he would lose Blue Moon. Could she be so vindictive that she would change her mind from agreeing that he could pay her a little at a time to wanting the money upfront? He felt his head pounding as he walked toward Maddie’s lawyer’s office.
Maddie felt David’s presence before she saw him. She often wondered if everyone could feel that current of electricity when David was around – or was she the only one who felt it? He walked in with his Addison strut and flopped down in the chair opposite her. Neither lawyer was present yet so it was only the two of them sitting at the big wooden table in the law firm’s conference room. “Hey.” David greeted not meeting her eyes. He couldn’t help noticing how voluptuous and glowing she looked dressed in his favorite lavender dress with the slit on the side of her thigh. He felt his pants tighten and he had to look away.
“Hey,” she repeated as she tried to catch his eyes. This man sitting on the other side of the table was the father of her child but they were behaving like strangers toward one another. That thought made her feel sad. “How have you been David?”
“Fine,” he nodded his head quickly, “fine and you?”
“Fine too.” She answered.
“Fine is good.” He brushed his hair with his fingers.
“Yes I suppose.”
The tension between them crackled with all that was unsaid but deeply felt. They sat in silence for a few minutes each uncomfortably aware of each other. David was the first to break the silence, “so you’re looking well. Guess Diamond has been good for you…the company and the man.” He told her with a wink. “You look um very healthy.” And she did. He couldn’t help but notice how her dress clung snugly to her curves. He felt his member move in his pants. Whenever he was around Maddie David had a constant boner.
Maddie stiffened, “healthy? What’s that supposed to mean?”
David gave her the Addison once over which both annoyed and aroused her, “it means you look good. You look really good.”
A slight blush ran over Maddie’s neck, “thanks,” she shrugged, “I think.”
“Still thinking too much.” He winked at her, “ya think?”
“Well maybe you should give it a try sometime. Exercise your brain.” She shot at him. David was wearing what she knew he considered his professional persona – hair in place, tie perfect, everything else crisp and clean. She had the urge to run her hands through his hair while she rumpled his business like attire. She sighed inwardly as deep green eyes smirked at her from across the table. She felt the ache begin to build in places she shouldn’t ache.
He chuckled which increased her arousal, “I do enjoy exercising my um muscles,” he drawled lowering the timber of his voice so she almost had to lean over to hear him.
She ignored his lewdness, “I wonder where our lawyers are.”
Immediately David remembered they were in a lawyer’s office. “So why are we here?” He asked suspiciously.
“Our lawyers have come up with a fair settlement for Blue Moon and now we need to sign the papers.” Maddie noticed a muscle move in David’s taut jaw. She wondered why he seemed upset.
“Settlement?” In his mind that word meant a lump sum. Had she turned into such a cold unfeeling bitch that she would go back on her word? He felt sick to his stomach.
Maddie nodded not realizing David thought that she had reneged on their original deal. “The details of how you will pay for my half of Blue Moon.” Suddenly that was the last thing she wanted; she felt the walls closing in on her.
“Well guess you’re all set now. With the money from Blue Moon and Bill you’ll be living in the style you were once accustomed to. Bill looks like his pockets are well padded.” His eyes bore into hers making Maddie feel that same feeling of annoyance and arousal which set her on edge, David’s hands talked along with his mouth, ““Even his name drips lots of moola,” he snickered. “I mean really his name is Diamond?” David held up his hands in surrender, “what woman can resist a Bill Diamond?”
“His name is Phil.” Maddie’s eyes narrowed, “what are you in your Cro-Magnon way trying to say Addison?”
David shrugged, “just saying now you finally got what you always wanted.”
Maddie couldn’t stop her words, “and you think you know what I want?” She tossed her head, “now that’s a laugh.”
He ignored her, “a nice safe man with money.”
“If I wanted that I could have had Sam.”
David raised his eyebrow and shrugged, “but the Spaceman blasted off before you could stop him.”
“Is that what you think?” Her eyes shot daggers at him.
David looked at her with icy eyes, “it’s what I know.”
“I could have called him and I’m sure he would have come back to me.” Maddie raised her chin in that haughty way that made David want to throw her down on the nice wooden table and screw that look off of her face.
“So why didn’t you?” He challenged raising his chin up to meet hers.
Maddie saw the wicked glint that appeared in his eyes. She shrugged nonchalantly not knowing how to answer that question – yet. She always had a comeback but the way he was looking at her plus the turmoil of her emotions coupled with her out of whack hormones was fogging her usual sharp as a tack brain.
“Guess somebody else was keeping you occupied.” David smirked as he licked his lips lewdly, “guess that someone was keeping your mouth too busy with other things.” He shrugged to match hers, “maybe?”
Maddie felt her blood pressure start to rise and her hands turned to claws in her lap but she refused to allow David to bait her. He always seemed to get a twisted pleasure out of riling her up and this time she was going to be a mature, grown woman and ignore him. She was saved from answering him by the entrance of their lawyers.
David was relieved when the terms of the buyout were agreed upon. He couldn’t bear to lose Blue Moon after losing the only other thing in his life that meant anything to him. He gazed across the table at Maddie as she took the pen to sign the contract that would end her ties to Blue Moon. She perused the document then looked at her lawyer. “I think I’m going to take this home and think about it for a day or two.”
Maddie’s lawyer nodded, “that’s your prerogative Miss Hayes.”
Maddie knew once she signed those papers she would lose Blue Moon. Suddenly she couldn’t think of parting with the agency. Despite her current feelings toward David he was the father of her child and Blue Moon was what had brought them together. Ending her relationship with Blue Moon would also end all her ties to David and at this point she just couldn’t go through with it. She needed more time to think, to contemplate – to make the right decision for her and her baby.
David was stunned; he stared at Maddie as if she had three heads. What game was she playing? She had agreed to the terms of the contract and now she seemed to be reneging on the deal. He felt a white hot anger come over him. He looked at her with icy green eyes. “We agreed that I would pay you off a little bit each month.” His eyes bored into her, “remember?”
Maddie nodded, “I didn’t say I wasn’t agreeing to those terms David. I just said I wanted a bit more time to think about it.” She didn’t want to reveal the real reason she didn’t want to sign the papers.
David stood up slowly as he ran his hands through his hair, “what is there to think about? I’m a bit confused here Miss Hayes.” He spat her name out like it was something disgusting in his mouth.
The two lawyers looked at each other. They didn’t know the entire story behind Maddie and David and the dissolution of their partnership but they knew enough to know that these two had a history together that was much more than a business relationship. Maddie’s lawyer nodded his head to the door.
“Let me know when you’re ready to sign the papers Maddie.” The attorney headed to the door.
David’s lawyer followed close behind, “I’ll be in touch.” He told David as he walked out the office with the other lawyer leaving Maddie and David alone.
The two stared at each other across the large wooden table; green on blue. “You didn’t answer my question.” David told her crossly.
Maddie shrugged. “I have a lot on my mind David. I just want to be sure I am making the right choice for me and…”
Of course David misinterpreted her ‘me and…”, “oh didn’t realize you were making choices for you and Bill now.” His voice was so cold Maddie could almost feel the temperature in the room drop.
“His name is Phil and this has nothing to do with him.” She was getting annoyed at David, “why on earth would you think it did?”
“Well you said the right choice for ‘me and….’”
Maddie remained quiet, it was on the tip of her tongue to blurt out she was pregnant but she couldn’t reveal that to this cold stranger she didn’t recognize. She just shook her head, “whatever, I have to go now.” She needed to get away from David before she either slapped him or begged him to hold her. Her emotions were getting shakier each day.
David leaned against the door smugly as he eyed her up and down, “running back to Bill so fast? He must be something extra special.” He blocked Maddie’s exit with his body.
“Get out of my way Addison.” She demanded through gritted teeth as her eyes shot daggers at him.
David knew he was being juvenile and spiteful but inside he was frightened that if he let her go now he would never see her again. “Or what?” He turned around and pushed her up against the door moving his body tight against hers. The smell of her perfume was driving him wild. His eyes glittered dangerously.
Maddie felt David’s hard body against hers and despite her good intentions she felt herself huddle against his as a fire raged through her body and soul. “Move away David.” She told him but her voice sounded shaky to her own ears. She put her hands against his muscular chest but instead of successfully pushing him away David actually moved closer to her until they were almost one. Maddie felt her loins throbbing against his hardness. Unconsciously her hips began to sway against his.
David felt her hips move against him, “oh God Maddie. Yes.” His lips were drawn like a magnet to that spot on the back of her neck that drove her wild. “You are so beautiful.” He murmured as his hands moved over her curves.
“David! No. Stop!” Maddie tried to escape but David pushed her tightly against the door with his body. Her hands tried once again to push him away but David grabbed her hands and held them over her head she his tongue moved over her lips in slow lazy circles.
“Come on babe.” He coaxed in that low voice that made her nipples hard and her loins throb.
“Oh no stop!” Maddie told him but her voice was breathless with passion. Once again her body was betraying her. She struggled against him but he only held on to her tighter. “Let me go!!!” She pleaded as she tried to move her head away from his dangerous kisses.
“Do you really want me to let you go Maddie?” He slowly ran his tongue over that spot on her neck, “cause I told you once before I’m not going to force myself on you.”
“Oh right because I’m not worth it.” She managed to get the words out of her mouth although once they left she wished she could grab them back. Why make him think she even cared?
That chuckle again, her insides melted, “oh you’re worth it baby.” David felt Maddie’s resistance crumble; he let go of her hands and they fell on to his muscular shoulders.
Maddie held on to David’s shoulders for dear life. Her legs were shaky and she was afraid if she let go she’d fall to the floor at his feet like a puddle of passion. Her body was almost vibrating. “David. David. David.”
David’s kisses turned deep and passionate almost raping her mouth while he pushed his hard member into her hotbox until she was lost in her passion.
“Oh God David.” She gasped; her hands moved up to grab on to his hair as his tongue made love to her mouth. “Please.”
“Please what baby?” He purred as he quickly turned around to lock the door. “I’ll please you just fine. I missed you baby.” He told her as his hands moved up her thighs pushing her dress around her hips. “So hot.” He whispered his voice was melted caramel over dark chocolate, “oh Maddie.” David’s deft fingers moved lightly over her hotbox until she was squirming against him. Her legs involuntarily opened wider to give David easy access to her pulsing loins.
David’s hard body pressing her into the solid wood of the door, his hands moving over her, his syrupy voice purring her name was too much - Maddie convulsed into an earth shattering orgasm just as David began to kiss the side of her neck, “yeah baby so fast. You missed this huh?” He chuckled as he held her until her orgasm subsided. “Love how you come for me. Bet it’s like this just for me.” David panted as his experienced hands had her almost naked and squirming against the door in record time. He unzipped his pants as Maddie began to pull his trousers and boxers over his butt, “yeah baby, I know you want this bad.” He gasped as his hands roamed over her body lazily.
Maddie wrapped her legs around David’s taut thighs while her hands moved over his hard butt. With one push David was deep inside of her; she gasped as she felt David filling her up with his hardness. It was almost too much to bear; the pleasure ran over her entire body building and building until it reached a raging crescendo between her legs. Maddie screamed out as she exploded in a frenzy of lust. Her cries of ecstasy echoed over the empty conference room until she was almost hoarse. And then with one deep thrust David reached his own nirvana…he almost blacked out when he came so hard it felt like his whole body was coming to pieces around him.
It took a few minutes for their frenzied brains to reboot. Maddie, being Maddie, almost immediately became embarrassed and annoyed at David over her loss of control. Her first thought was to escape as she picked up her discarded clothes and began to throw them on hurriedly.
David was leaning against the door still half-dressed wearing his smuggest of expressions with set Maddie’s teeth on edge. “What are you waiting for? Get dressed Addison.”
“Just enjoying the view.” He gave her a lopsided grin as his eyes stroked her body.
Maddie threw him her blue glare of death. She couldn’t believe she had once again succumbed to David’s charms like a spineless jellyfish. This man didn’t love her anymore – if he ever had loved her. He hadn’t any effort to reconcile with her after the disastrous and shameful events at the licensing class. If he loved her Maddie realized with a pang he would have tried to make things up to her but he never had…not after Annie and not after their fight in the class. How stupid was she? She looked over at him leaning against the door smugly and she felt a mixture of sadness, anger and shame. She had to get away from David. She was going to call her lawyer as soon as she got out of here to tell him she was ready to sign the papers.
David pushed off the wall as he pulled up his pants. He strutted slowly over to her wearing his lop sided grin. He pulled up his zipper as he stood in front of Maddie, “how bout we finish this at your place?” He drawled heatedly.
She had the urge to hurt him as she was hurting. All she was to him was a piece of ass, “this is finished.” She told him icily, “this should never have happened.”
David’s grin left his face and was replaced with an angry scowl, “guess you want to make a pact?” He asked bitterly.
Maddie threw on the last of her clothes, “fuck you David.”
He looked at her with a mixture of hurt and lust; he couldn’t help the snide reply that jumped out of his mouth, “I think you just did.”
The walls shook with the sound of Maddie slamming the door behind her.
***