Post by Admin on Aug 14, 2015 7:20:12 GMT -5
Friday Morning
Maddie pulled in to her parking spot in the Blue Moon garage but couldn’t for the life of her remember driving there. She laid her head on the steering wheel and thought back to the previous day and night.
Thursday night
After David had slammed out of her office Maddie tried to spend the rest of the day working on ledgers and paperwork but her mind kept wandering – wondering where David was – wondering if their fragile bond had been shattered beyond repair – but most of all wondering if he was spending another night at the home of Jules Golden?
She waited at the office until almost 7 pm hoping that David would show up but he never did – no call, no nothing. Maddie was hurt and angry as she gathered up her purse and briefcase. She stopped at the door of Blue Moon wondering if David had taken the car; she didn’t want to go all the way down to the dark garage to find no car so sighing deeply Maddie decided to call a cab.
When the cab came and Maddie got in instead of giving the man the directions to her house the directions to Jules Golden’s home slipped from her lips. What was she doing? She had to see if David was there and what was going on; after all Jules was her client too. Maddie had forgotten about Jules’ new security system and the cab could not just drive up to the singer’s door. Maddie had to identify herself before the car was allowed to continue on to the grounds. Fine, she thought disgustedly that sure takes away the element of surprise – not that she was expecting something to be going on…or was she? Sometimes she hated her lack of trust and this was one of those times.
The door was opened by a scowling David who came out of the house closing the door softly behind him. “What are you doing here?” He almost barked at her. “I don’t think fighting in front of clients is a good idea.”
Maddie shook her head and pushed down her annoyance at David. “I’m not here to fight with you.”
“Then why are you here?” His voice dripped ice and stabbed Maddie right in her heart.
“This is my case.” She explained through gritted teeth. “Blue Moon is still my agency last time I looked. I just wanted to make sure Jules was safe and sound.”
Another dagger to his heart – of course he knew Blue Moon wasn’t his but he worked just as hard as Maddie over the years to make it the success it finally was. “Of course she’s safe and sound.” He told her with annoyance coating his voice. “I can do my job you know.”
And the night had gone on from there – her and David acting barely civil to each other and trying to hide their hurt and anger from Jules. Finally, Maddie couldn’t take it anymore. She needed to get away from the icy coldness in David’s eyes. Jules had called her brother who was supposed to show up later that night. So, close to tears of anger and rage Maddie had left taking the BMW and leaving David at the mansion. Once she got home she had spent the night tossing and turning.
*************
So now this morning she was bone tired – both physically and mentally. David had never come to her house last night and she didn’t know where he had slept. How could things go so wrong so quickly between them? Maddie knew she was wrong about fighting with David over Jules but her jealousy had made her see red and green – and she had been dead wrong to say those things to David about Sam. She only hoped that she hadn’t driven a fatal blow to their new relationship. But along with Maddie’s sorrow over her part in this mess she was also angry at David for not understanding her feelings. Instead of throwing aside how she felt and getting angry he could have comforted her and made her feel loved. She sighed deeply as she got out of the car and headed toward Blue Moon.
Agnes gave Maddie a big hello as she entered the agency. She knew that her stubborn bosses were fighting again and she could see the unhappiness in Maddie’s eyes when she looked at her. Agnes handed Maddie the mail as she looked at her beautiful boss with kind eyes. “Mr. Addison is in his office already.” She whispered conspiratorially. “I think he slept here last night.”
Maddie’s eyes immediately went to David’s closed door. She nodded at Agnes then approached the door and knocked softly. “Slip and slide under.” David called from inside his office. Tentatively, Maddie opened the door and peeked her head inside. “Hey.” She threw out.
David was surprised to see Maddie at his door. One part of him was elated at seeing her but another part still felt hurt and betrayed over her hurtful words. “Hey.” He threw back keeping his face blank. Despite his hurt David’s heart lurched when he looked at her. Today she was wearing a tight beige wraparound dress with a slit up the side and she looked ravishing as she approached his desk.
“Did you sleep here last night?” Maddie questioned as she leaned against the side of his desk. David could smell her perfume and shampoo and wanted badly to reach out to touch her.
Maddie looked at David who with his rumbled clothes and scruffy face still looked drop dead sexy. Her fingers itched to run over the stubble on his face but she held back afraid that he would push her away.
David nodded and ran his hands over his stubbly chin. “Yeah. Jules’ brother was coming over so I left.” He leaned back in his chair and put his feet up on his desk. He knew that irked Maddie and he childishly wanted to spite her.
“Oh.” Maddie uttered then couldn’t help but ask. “So why didn’t you come over last night?” David knew how she hated when he put his feet up on his desk but she ignored it since she didn’t want to start another fight with him.
David looked at her with a mixture of confusion and anger. He shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe I figured you’d want to be with someone who can throw a punch.” He looked at her with icy eyes. “Oh and pay the check.”
“That’s not fair David!” Maddie accused sharply. “You know I didn’t mean what I said!”
David shook his head. “Do I?” He spat at her. “You must have thought that at one time or you would never had said it!” He put his feet on the floor and sat up straight in his chair pointing a finger in her direction.
Maddie sighed. “Maybe I might have thought it the night you barged in on my dinner with Sam and made a fool of yourself by drinking too much.” She looked at David with eyes filled with regret. “But I swear never since that night.”
David nodded but averted his eyes. He didn’t know if she was telling the truth or if she was placating him. “Ok.” He shrugged again and ran his hands through his messy head. “That’s fine.”
“Fine?” Maddie put her hands on her hips. She stood over him and gazed down at him with annoyance. “Fine? What does fine mean?”
“It means its fine. Its ok. What do you want me to say Maddie?” He told her honestly. “You said some awful things and why?” David shook his head. “I didn’t do anything but do what a client paid me to do!” His eyes were reproachful. “And I think you know it. I think you’re using this as a way to put up another roadblock in this…” David air quoted the next word. “relationship.”
Maddie gasped. “I am not!” She cried. “How can you even think that?” She looked at him with wide blue eyes. “Maybe you’re the one backpedaling on this…” Maddie air quoted the next word. “relationship.”
“I highly doubt that.” He snapped in disgust.
Maddie was on a roll. “Maybe you want to use this as an excuse to break off with me so you can be with Jules!”
David jumped out of his chair and almost collided with Maddie who backed away from him in fury. “You gotta be kidding me lady!” His voice was shaky and hurt. “I don’t think you think very much of me if I can tell a woman I love her one night then try to trade her in for a newer model the next!” His eyes were blazing green.
Maddie didn’t know what to say. She really didn’t believe most of what she had said to David in the past 24 hours; it was her jealousy that was fueling her ridiculous accusations but she didn’t know how to stop them. Along with her out of control feelings and constant state of sexual arousal jealousy was also a new emotion for her. She had never truly been jealous of a man before David and it made her feel even more powerless than she already felt. Maddie understood this with her head but her heart thought differently. She looked at David willing her voice to tell him that she was wrong and that she trusted him but she couldn’t get the words out as she looked into his ice cold eyes.
David was waiting for Maddie to say something but she just stood there in silence which fueled his anger. Deciding he needed to get away from this complicated woman he almost sprinted to the door as he threw on his jacket. “I think we’re through here. I promised Jules that I’d stop by to meet her brother.”
Maddie stood in front of the door blocking David’s exit. “I’m coming with you.” She demanded.
David shook his head. “Not a good idea right now.” He told her point blank.
“And why is that?” Maddie demanded testily. “Jules is my client too!”
David looked at her with a mixture of anger and hurt. “Oh yes and Blue Moon is your agency.” He spat. “I do remember that.”
Maddie stomped her foot with frustration. “You know I didn’t mean it that way!” She cried with disdain. “Why are you trying to twist my words? Do you want to pick another fight with me??” Her blue eyes were flashing blue bullets his way.
“Of course not! I hate fighting with you.”
“So why are we always fighting? I hate it too!”
“Then maybe you should watch what you say.” David cautioned. “I’m not 100% bulletproof you know.” Her words had wounded him deeply.
“Damn you. I told you I was sorry. Do you want me to get on my knees and beg your forgiveness?” She inquired in fury. “To hell with that! How about you, David? You don’t even care how I feel about how you act around Jules. So you know that makes me angry and you still do it!”
“Do what? I don’t do anything but talk to her!” David argued throwing his hands in the air. “Can’t I talk to a woman?”
“You have to be kidding?!” Maddie shook her head. “You laugh and sing! It’s like she’s your best pal.” Maddie aimed her finger at him like it was a loaded pistol.
“So?” David asked his green eyes puzzled. “Yeah she’s like a buddy but I love you!” He pointed his long finger at her. No other woman could fill him with fury like Maddie could. But even though she drove him mad he still loved her wildly.
“Then maybe you should show it!” Maddie raised her chin in that haughty way that made David want to screw it off of her face.
“Oh I’ll show you alright.” David told her moving away from the door and pulling Maddie across the room. He pushed her against the door of his bathroom and held her against the wall with his body. Feelings of love, anger, hurt and confusion propelled his desire to screw Maddie until she screamed his name over and over. He placed his arms on either side of her head trapping her against the door. “I’m gonna make you see how much I fucking love you.” David growled as his teeth nipped at Maddie’s upper lip.
“Stop David!” Maddie ordered as she tried to push him away. “People are right outside the door.” She hated that even though her mind wanted him to stop her body and her heart craved him. “They can hear us!”
“Then I suggest you keep your voice down.” David suggested as his hands moved slowly over her curves. “Cause you know you want it.” He snickered. “Hard and fast baby. Sooo hard.” David pressed his hardness against Maddie. “Feel how big I get for you.” He gloated moving his boner over her skirt covered loins.
Maddie put her hands against his chest trying to push David away but he only pressed her harder against the wall. “Why are you fighting me Maddie? You know you’re already half way to coming.” David teased in that melted chocolate voice that she could never resist. He grabbed the hair on the back of her head and tugged at it to get to the side of her neck; he began to gently bite the exposed skin as if he was a blood sated vampire looking for a little snack in between meals.
The way David was nibbling on her neck broke down the rest of Maddie’s defenses. As if they had a will of its own, Maddie’s hips began to move in sync with David’s dry humping. “Oh David.” She whimpered in defeat. “Ohhh.”
David looked down at Maddie who was gazing up at him with blue eyes darkened with lust. “Feels good baby?” He whispered huskily. His lips grazed over her neck moving slowly over that spot right below her hairline. “I know you like it.” His hand slowly moved down then slowly up her leg pushing up the hem of her skirt. “And I like it too.” He moved his huge boner against her damp panties with a groan from deep within his throat.
Maddie felt her insides melting; involuntarily she opened her legs and moved her loins closer to David’s pant covered boner. Low mewling sounds erupted from her mouth when she felt long fingers lightly flutter over her throbbing lovebox. “David!” She groaned; her hands losing themselves in his hair.
“Come for me baby.” David purred as his tongue moved lightly over her lips and into her mouth. "Let go."
“Oh yes.” Maddie groaned pulling David’s hair with each thrust of her hips. “Yes.”
A low chuckle poured out of David’s mouth as his expert fingers moved over Maddie’s damp panties while his other hand quickly pulled down his zipper. When the beast was released from the confines David began to pant with lust. “And now you’re gonna get it good.” His cock throbbed with a combination of anger and lust.
When Maddie heard the sound of David’s zipper being pulled down she felt spasms of ecstasy move over her swollen nub; she held tightly on to David as her climax snuck up on her. “David! David! David!” Her cries were smothered by David’s deep kisses.
David laughed huskily as he moved her panties to the side and pushed his cock deep into Maddie’s lovebox. “I’m gonna fuck you so gooood.” He purred as he pulled one of Maddie’s long sexy legs around his waist and began to pound into her with short hard thrusts. “So gooood.” His groans were muffled as their tongues danced together.
Maddie felt as if her body was on fire as David thrusted into her over and over again. Her hands moved to his shoulders as she moved her loins to meet David’s moves. “Oh God.” She cried as she felt another orgasm snake over her body. She bit the inside of her cheek so she wouldn’t scream out with cries of passion. Wild waves of desire ran over her body and if she hadn’t been holding on to David’s shoulders she may have collapsed to the floor in a puddle of lust.
When David felt Maddie coming to pieces around him he allowed himself to let go and come so hard he almost felt as if the back of his head was blown off. Slowly they moved away from each other as they came down from their orgasmic highs. David met Maddie’s eyes still clouded with passion with a lopsided smirk. He gently moved a damp tendril of hair off her face as his smirk ran higher up the side of his face. “Good huh?”
Maddie nodded. “Good uh huh.”
David winked derisively. “I might not be able to throw a punch or pay the check but baby I sure can fuck.”
Maddie felt as if she had been punched in the stomach with David’s crude words. David was instantly ashamed of his cruel taunt as soon as he saw the look on Maddie’s face; she looked like she had lost her best friend but before he had the chance to apologize she slammed into the bathroom.
After 10 minutes David grew concerned about what Maddie was doing in the bathroom; all he heard the sound of water running coming from behind the closed door. “Hey Maddie.” He called as he knocked on the door. “You ok in there? I’m sorry for what I said.” He knocked again. “Hey? Blondie Blonde?”
Maddie had barely made it to the toilet before she was overcome by a strong feeling of nausea. Now she was lying on the tile floor trying to steady her shaky nerves. She heard David calling her through the locked door but the last thing she wanted was for David to know she was throwing up as the truth slammed into Maddie that she was probably sick because she was having a baby. – and even though he could be dense – it didn’t take a brain surgeon to realize what it meant when a woman was feeling sick to her stomach in the morning. She needed to take the pregnancy test she had bought as soon as possible so she would know for sure one way or the other. But instead of panicking Maddie calmed her shaky nerves. “I’m fine.” She spoke clearly as she stood up and began to reapply her makeup. “Just freshening up David.” Maddie threw cold water on her face, reapplied her makeup and was out of the bathroom in less than 5 minutes.
David was concerned when Maddie came out of the bathroom; she looked pale and tired and her eyes looked faraway and weird. “You sure you’re ok?”
“I’m fine.” Maddie repeated crossly.
David peered at her closely which caused Maddie to snap at him sharply. “I said I’m fine David. Now stop asking!” She turned her back to him to hide the tears pricking her eyes – not only was she nauseous but her emotions were running amok; the last couple of days she always seemed either to be on the verge of tears or blinded by anger. She inwardly sighed as they headed for the car.
An uneasy silence prevailed as David drove over to Jules’ mansion; he kept looking at Maddie hoping to meet her eyes but she had her head turned and appeared to be looking out of the passenger side window but David knew her well enough to know something was bothering her. “Earth to Maddie.” David called to her.
Maddie turned to look at David. “What is it Addison?” She was still shaky from her bout of nausea and along with the mean words David had thrown at her after their romp in the office she wasn’t feeling very kindly toward him. “Can’t I just watch the world go by without you bothering me?”
“Oh so I’m bothering you now?” David asked with an edge of irritation in his voice.
Maddie had enough of him for the moment; she gave him a look that would quell most men but David was immune to Maddie’s evil glares. “What do you want from me?”
“I want to say I’m sorry for what I said.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I was just being a dick.”
“Yeah yeah you were.” Maddie agreed nodding her head. “But now you see how sometimes you say things you really don’t mean?”
“Oh I meant it.” David admitted with a smirk. “But I shouldn’t have said it.”
Maddie looked at David like he had three heads. “To hell with you Addison.”
“Isn’t that where you’ve taken me?” He looked at her with hard eyes.
Maddie didn’t answer since she didn’t know what to say or what he wanted to hear. This relationship with David was even harder than she imagined.
****
Maddie and David were met at the door of Jules’ mansion by a tall, dark haired man who looked almost exactly like Jules Golden. David extended his hand to the man as the detectives entered the house. “You must be Jules’ brother. I’m David Addison.” He nodded his head toward Maddie. “And this is my partner Maddie Hayes.”
The man’s eyes lit up as they fell on Maddie. “Wait? You’re the Blue Moon Shampoo Girl.” He smiled at Maddie with perfect teeth. “I love you.” He teased as his brown eyes swept over Maddie in a way that annoyed David.
Maddie giggled like a young girl as she grinned up at Jules’ brother. “That was a long time ago.”
A twinge of anger ran over David but he pushed it down.
The other man shook his head. “Not so long.” He told Maddie. Feeling eyes boring into him Jules’ brother looked at David. “Oh sorry I lost my head for a minute.” He took David’s hand and shook it. “I’m Jackson. My friends call me Jack.” He winked at Maddie.
David didn’t like the attention this guy was paying to Maddie but he had to act professionally towards the man since he was their client’s brother. “So anything happen last night we should be aware of?”
Jack shook his head. “Nope. Me and Jules bunked together in the living room like we used to do as kids. We stayed up most of the night talking. No threats. Nothing.”
“So how long are you staying?” David inquired half hoping the other man was leaving today.
“As long as my sister needs me I’m here.” He looked at Maddie and smiled. “New York was getting boring; LA seems much more interesting.”
Did Maddie just blush? David thought darkly. What the fuck was this?
Jules came bounding in wearing cutoff shorts and a belly shirt showing off her toned body. She threw a grin at David. “So now I have two handsome men at my beck and call.” She giggled and clapped her hands. “I love it!” She twirled around laughing.
Maddie had the sudden urge to kick her when she saw the ear to ear grin that appeared on David’s face.
“My pleasure.” David beamed and laughed along with Jules.
“Let’s go out to the terrace and I’ll have Juanita bring us some breakfast!” Jules was acting as if they were here for a party and not to catch the person harassing her, Maddie thought with disgust.
Overlapping dialogue
Maddie: “No thanks I’m not hungry.” David: “Thanks! I’m starving!”
The two stopped and looked at each other and began to speak at the same time again.
Maddie: “We should get back to the office.” David: We should stay here for a while.”
Maddie threw David a nasty look but David only raised his eyebrows as if in “what now?”.
Jack laughed as he listened to the detectives. “Come on Maddie. The office can wait. I’d like to get to know you.” He threw her a smoldering look that made David want to strangle him. Maybe staying for breakfast wasn’t such a good idea he thought uncomfortably.
The four sat out on Jules’ terrace as they sipped their coffee. Juanita had brought out a tray of croissants, donuts, and pastries. Maddie was nibbling on a croissant and wishing they were anywhere but here. She felt a little uncomfortable with the way Jules’ brother kept staring at her. Maddie looked over at David and saw a clueless David reaching for another donut. Then she saw David whisper something to Jules and she began to see the all too familiar colors of red and green. And when Jules’ brother began to engage her in conversation she used it as an excuse to stop thinking of kicking Jules and David under the table.
As David bit into his donut he began to lose his appetite as he noticed Maddie and Jules’ brother talking and laughing as if they were the only two people in the room. His stomach felt like it had swallowed a rock. Wait? Was this jealousy? Could this be karma biting him in the ass? Well, he would be mature about it. He trusted Maddie and so big deal if she talked and laughed with another man? David tried to convince himself but then why did his heart feel like tiny needles were stabbing it every time Maddie looked at that man with laughing blue eyes.
Maddie was enjoying Jack’s conversation and her initial feeling of unease evaporated as he made her laugh with stories of his many celebrity clients. From the corner of her eye she could see David scowling at her and that gave her a momentary feeling of satisfaction.
David stood up and looked at his watch. “Maddie don’t we have a client coming in at 11?” He nodded as if to say play along with me.
Maddie shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
David wanted to scream at her but he held his tongue. “Oh Agnes just told me this morning.” He lied staring at Maddie hard.
“Oh.” She muttered as she stood up too. She threw Jack a beaming smile. “I guess I’ll be seeing you.”
Jack stood up politely and nodded. “Oh I’m not going anywhere.” He winked.
That’s it! David strode over to Maddie and put his arm around her waist. “Ready baby?” He asked as he ushered her toward the exit. See she’s mine lawyer boy!
Maddie knew what David was doing and it annoyed her. Oh so he didn’t like her talking and laughing with a man but it was ok for him to do it with Jules? But instead of embarrassing David and making a scene she just smiled up at him with a fake smile and nodded her head.
Jack suddenly realized why the green eyed guy was giving him dirty looks; he and the blonde were an item. Guess they were partners in more ways than one but that didn’t deter Jack, there was no ring on her finger so she was still fair game in his mind.
As soon as they got into the car Maddie turned to David with her eyes blazing. “What the hell was that?” She barked. “All of a sudden you need to show we’re a couple? Yet when it was just us and Jules you didn’t give a fuck about how I felt!”
David looked back at her with similar eyes. “Not true Maddie! Jules knows we’re together!” He countered using his hands for emphasis.
“And how would she know that?”
“I told her.” David replied acidly.
“Oh.” Maddie had no comeback. She was happy to know that David told Jules that she was more than a business partner to him but she was still annoyed at him for getting angry over her jealous feelings. She sighed.
“Oh?” David laughed bitterly. “Nothing else to say?”
“No I don’t.” Maddie told him truthfully.
“Whatever.”
“But you have no reason to be jealous of Jules’ brother.” Maddie told him simply.
David chuckled. “Who? Jake?”
“Jack.”
“I’m not jealous.” David lied smoothly.
“Ok.” Maddie muttered then turned her head to stare out the passenger side window. They drove the rest of the way to the office in icy silence.
The two stayed behind closed doors for the rest of the day. Finally, at a little before 5 David made his way to Maddie's office. When he walked in he saw that she was sitting in her chair with her head back and eyes closed. Such a strong feeling of love ran over David it made his heart race in his chest. “Maddie? You ok?” He asked worriedly.
Maddie nodded although she really didn’t feel well. Since they had been back at the office Maddie had been resting and trying to settle her stomach which still felt slightly nauseous. Agnes had brought her a turkey sandwich from the corner deli which Maddie had forced down although she had to admit that eating the sandwich had made her feel slightly better. Now she was just very tired. She sat up straight to talk to David and when Maddie looked into his worried eyes she felt an overwhelming feeling of love for him. “I’m fine.” She lied.
David peered at her closely once again but this time Maddie didn’t feel annoyed with him. “You sure?” He approached her then put his hand on her head to see if she was warm. “You look a little pale.”
“I’m ok David.” Maddie reassured him with a slight smile.
“Maybe you should go home and rest.” He told her. “I can handle the concert tonight.” Jules was playing to a huge crowd at Dodger Stadium.
Instantly Maddie was annoyed. “Oh I’m sure you’d love that.”
David was confused; he really was worried about her. “What are you saying?”
“Nothing I’m saying nothing.” She almost hissed. “I’m fine to go to the concert.”
“Oh sure you wouldn’t want to miss your lawyer Jake.” David snorted with irritation.
“It’s Jack.” Maddie corrected him.
“I’m sure a man like him can throw a punch and pay a check.” He growled dangerously.
Maddie’s head snapped up. “You’ve got to be kidding me? How many times are you going to throw those words in my face?” She felt her annoyance escalate into fury.
David looked at her in silence but his eyes told the whole story of his insecurity and anger. Maddie noticed the vulnerable look on David’s face and the anger left her. She sighed and took his hand. “I really am sorry David. I really didn’t mean it.” She squeezed his fingers. “And I have zero interest in Jack.” She stared up at him pointedly. “Same as your feelings for Jules.” She stated with a toss of her blonde hair.
David couldn’t stay mad at Maddie when she looked up at him with those damn cornflower blue eyes. “Ok.” He pulled her hand up to his mouth and kissed her palm. “We good?”
Maddie smiled; it felt good to smile at David. “We good.”
Later that night.
Jules had told Maddie and David to leave their car at her house and they’d all go together in her limo so that the detectives would have no trouble getting into the venue. Maddie did her best not to engage Jack in conversation but they were interested in many of the same things such as the opera and ballet. She looked over at David who was deep in conversation with Jules about some TV show they both watched. So when Jack smiled at her she hesitantly smiled back.
“Are you avoiding me Maddie?” He asked in a whisper.
“No, of course not.” She had been but she wouldn’t admit that to him.
“Good.” Jack nodded and waved at Jules and David who were arguing over who was the most popular villain on their favorite TV show. “How can they like that rubbish?” He asked.
“I don’t know but I suppose that neither of them can understand our interest in ballet or opera.” Maddie told him truthfully. “At least I know David can’t comprehend it.” Suddenly she recalled the night David had taken her to the symphony on a bet and she inwardly shuddered at the disaster of that night.
“Are you cold?” Jack inquired solicitously as he tried to move closer to Maddie. At that very minute David ceased talking to Jules to look over at Maddie who in his eyes seem to be enraptured by Jack; who was much too close to her for his liking. David sidled up to Maddie and put his hand on her knee as he leaned over to kiss her. “Hey babe.” He smiled into her eyes. “Miss me?”
“Well I saw how busy you were.” She told him with wide blue eyes. David felt hurt that she hadn’t responded with her usual ‘your name again?’ but he hid it behind a smirk. “Never too busy to miss you.”
Maddie was enjoying David’s public display of affection but she was also annoyed that it took another man to make him notice her when Jules was around. “Do you use that line to fertilizer my lawn?” She quipped.
“Touche.” David smiled at her then gave Jack a look of warning – she’s mine back off.
As they drove into the stadium parking lot they could actually feel the vibration of almost 50,000 people stomping their feet waiting for the opening act to come on stage.
David whistled through his teeth. “Wow this is wild!” He grinned as he peered out of the limo window. Even Maddie was impressed; she hadn’t been to a concert in nearly 15 years but she still remembered the excitement of seeing your favorite group and singing along with their songs.
The foursome along with a multitude of security, roadies and groupies were ushered into the stadium. Jules was brought to a huge dressing room where she would have her makeup and hair professionally done; she would also use this room to change her costumes during the show. Maddie, David and Jack stood outside the dressing room while Jules prepared for her show. They could hear the opening band playing and the cries of the crowd. Finally, the other band’s set was over and the roar from the crowd awaiting Jules began. “Jules! Jules!” The crowd chanted as they stomped their feet. The stadium was vibrating and when Jules finally made her entrance the crowd went wild. The sound of the fans screaming and chanting Jules’ name was deafening and when she began to sing her latest hit the stadium began to shake with the crowd’s screams and shrieks of joy.
David, Maddie and Jack watched Jules from backstage where they had a great view of the show and where they could watch Jules. Maddie was sure that the stadium was going to collapse under the stomping feet of almost 60, 000 fans. “It’s so loud.” Maddie cried over the noise of the crowd. “I never remember concerts being this loud!”
“You’re getting old babe.” David laughed then realizing what he had just said and the subsequent look on Maddie’s face he wanted to rip those words back into his dumb mouth.
Jack saw the look on Maddie’s face and saw this as an opportunity to play the good guy. “Nonsense!” Jack declared as he smiled in Maddie’s direction. “Maddie Hayes will never get old. She is still as stunning today as she was 20 years ago!”
David threw Jack a nasty look. “I didn’t mean that Maddie was old.” His voice dripped venom and his eyes were darkening in anger. He turned to Maddie. “Right?”
Maddie tossed her head and didn’t answer. “It’s fine David.” David knew by her tone that it really wasn’t. He sighed inwardly but his dark thoughts were interrupted by Jules rushing backstage to change her outfit. David followed her and waited outside of her dressing room where she changed in less than 5 minutes. He followed her safely back to the stage then looked around for Maddie and Jack. Noticing that they were cloistered together in a dark corner made him see red and green. David strode angrily towards Maddie and Jack. “Sorry to interrupt your little rendezvous.” He murmured as he pulled Maddie away from Jack by her arm.
“You’re hurting me David!” Maddie yelped as she pulled her arm out of David’s iron grip. How dare he treat her like that? Her eyes were blazing blue flames as she stared at him. His face was shielded in shadows so she couldn’t see the look on David’s face which was a mixture of anger, hurt and jealousy – but he wouldn’t admit even to himself that he was jealous at all of Jules’ brother.
“I’m saving you from making a fool out of yourself.” David warned her. “You’re acting like a love struck teenager.” He waved his hand toward the corner where Jack was still standing. “I know. I know. He is everything you want in a man.” David’s voice was low and icy. “But maybe you can wait until after the case is over before you make a move on him.” David realized that he was saying terrible things to Maddie but he just couldn’t stop himself. “Don’t embarrass yourself.”
Maddie’s foot landed on David’s shin. He cried out in pain and released her arm as he reached down to rub the spot where Maddie kicked him. “What the hell was that for?”
“You are an idiot!” Maddie looked at David as if he was a bug under her shoe.
Before Maddie could say anymore there was a loud bang from the stage followed by loud shrieks and cries of fright. David and Maddie both made a run for the stage where they met a terrified Jack. “What happened?” Jules brother asked in horror as the three of them moved past the crowd of security and roadies to get a look at what had occurred. Before they reached the stage the three were happy to see a terrified but safe Jules running from the stage in tears. She ran into her brother’s arms and began to sob loudly.
David and Maddie finally made it to the stage. Maddie gasped and grabbed on to David’s hand – the microphones, video cameras and all the equipment that was supposed to be over the stage was now lying in the middle of the stage. Clearly, someone had sabotaged the stage hoping to kill Jules.
“Jules could have been killed.” David whispered as his eyes looked over the destruction. Before David or Maddie could think of their next move – Brian Winter who was the head of Jules’ security detail came running from the stage holding on to the arm of a scruffy young man who was kicking and screaming.
Brian pushed the man on to the floor and handcuffed his hands behind him. He looked hard at Maddie and David. “This is the guy who was threatening Jules.”
Brian Winters went on to explain that he knew that Jules suspected his brother in law of sending her threats and that she didn’t trust his security firm. He told the couple that he knew that Jules had hired them to investigate and instead of trying to prove that his firm was clean he decided to try and solve the case too. “This guy.” He pointed at the man at his feet. “Is one of Jules’ lyric writers. Or he was anyway.”
“The bitch stole my songs then fired me!” The handcuffed man yelled as he tried to stand up. Brian pushed him back to the floor. “He is delusional and that is why Jules let him go.” The head of the security firm continued his story of how he started to suspect the songwriter – Peter Stand – and began to tail him.
The police arrested Peter Stand. Jules was contrite over her treatment of Brian. She was shaken up and asked her brother to take her home. She couldn’t continue with the show that night. Maddie and David accompanied the singer and her brother back to the house so they could retrieve the BMW.
The limo ride home was somber and quiet. David could see from the corner of his eye Jack trying to get Maddie’s attention but when he looked at Maddie she had her eyes closed and her head was leaning against the headrest. He moved closer to her but he didn’t know what to say so he just closed his eyes too and closed his mind to any thoughts.
The ride to Maddie’s house was quiet and uncomfortable. Maddie was livid with the way David had treated her and for the first time since they had made love just wanted to be away from him. She needed to think clearly about her life with David; and she wanted to finally be alone to take the pregnancy test she had bought. If she was carrying David’s baby she didn’t want to bring a child into a life of constant fighting and mistrust so maybe even though they loved one another they might not mean to be together. She sighed deeply as David pulled the car in front of her house and cut the engine.
“So?” David was unsure if Maddie wanted him to come inside with her. And he was still a bit miffed at the way she was throwing herself at Jules’ brother.
“I’m very tired David.” Maddie told him slowly, “and I think I just want to go inside, take a bath and go straight to bed.”
“So that means you want me to go home.” He felt a sharp pang is his heart. Was this the end? Maybe she really was interested in that guy Jack? After all he was rich, handsome and successful. David didn’t have a green eyed snake – he had a green eyed dragon who was rapidly rearing its ugly head. Green eyes snapped at her in fury. “Oh sure I get it.” David’s hand were moving around in his agitation.
“Get what David?” Maddie sighed. “I just want one night alone to sleep and think.”
“Oh think?” David ranted. “More thinking? About how I’m not the right man for you? Maybe another pact?” He growled dangerously. “Fine. And hey maybe that Jake is perfect for you?”
“Please David. Let’s just take the night and you can come over tomorrow morning.” Her eyes beseeched him; she really didn’t want to fight; she just needed some time alone. “Maybe?”
David laughed bitterly. “And maybe not.” He reached over Maddie to throw open the car door. “G’night.”
Maddie wanted to kick him again but instead she contained her anger and stepped out of the car; before she could even turn around to say goodnight David peeled out of her driveway like a bat out of hell. She looked after the car with sadness and regret then made her way into her house where she planned to find out if she was pregnant with David’s baby.
Maddie pulled in to her parking spot in the Blue Moon garage but couldn’t for the life of her remember driving there. She laid her head on the steering wheel and thought back to the previous day and night.
Thursday night
After David had slammed out of her office Maddie tried to spend the rest of the day working on ledgers and paperwork but her mind kept wandering – wondering where David was – wondering if their fragile bond had been shattered beyond repair – but most of all wondering if he was spending another night at the home of Jules Golden?
She waited at the office until almost 7 pm hoping that David would show up but he never did – no call, no nothing. Maddie was hurt and angry as she gathered up her purse and briefcase. She stopped at the door of Blue Moon wondering if David had taken the car; she didn’t want to go all the way down to the dark garage to find no car so sighing deeply Maddie decided to call a cab.
When the cab came and Maddie got in instead of giving the man the directions to her house the directions to Jules Golden’s home slipped from her lips. What was she doing? She had to see if David was there and what was going on; after all Jules was her client too. Maddie had forgotten about Jules’ new security system and the cab could not just drive up to the singer’s door. Maddie had to identify herself before the car was allowed to continue on to the grounds. Fine, she thought disgustedly that sure takes away the element of surprise – not that she was expecting something to be going on…or was she? Sometimes she hated her lack of trust and this was one of those times.
The door was opened by a scowling David who came out of the house closing the door softly behind him. “What are you doing here?” He almost barked at her. “I don’t think fighting in front of clients is a good idea.”
Maddie shook her head and pushed down her annoyance at David. “I’m not here to fight with you.”
“Then why are you here?” His voice dripped ice and stabbed Maddie right in her heart.
“This is my case.” She explained through gritted teeth. “Blue Moon is still my agency last time I looked. I just wanted to make sure Jules was safe and sound.”
Another dagger to his heart – of course he knew Blue Moon wasn’t his but he worked just as hard as Maddie over the years to make it the success it finally was. “Of course she’s safe and sound.” He told her with annoyance coating his voice. “I can do my job you know.”
And the night had gone on from there – her and David acting barely civil to each other and trying to hide their hurt and anger from Jules. Finally, Maddie couldn’t take it anymore. She needed to get away from the icy coldness in David’s eyes. Jules had called her brother who was supposed to show up later that night. So, close to tears of anger and rage Maddie had left taking the BMW and leaving David at the mansion. Once she got home she had spent the night tossing and turning.
*************
So now this morning she was bone tired – both physically and mentally. David had never come to her house last night and she didn’t know where he had slept. How could things go so wrong so quickly between them? Maddie knew she was wrong about fighting with David over Jules but her jealousy had made her see red and green – and she had been dead wrong to say those things to David about Sam. She only hoped that she hadn’t driven a fatal blow to their new relationship. But along with Maddie’s sorrow over her part in this mess she was also angry at David for not understanding her feelings. Instead of throwing aside how she felt and getting angry he could have comforted her and made her feel loved. She sighed deeply as she got out of the car and headed toward Blue Moon.
Agnes gave Maddie a big hello as she entered the agency. She knew that her stubborn bosses were fighting again and she could see the unhappiness in Maddie’s eyes when she looked at her. Agnes handed Maddie the mail as she looked at her beautiful boss with kind eyes. “Mr. Addison is in his office already.” She whispered conspiratorially. “I think he slept here last night.”
Maddie’s eyes immediately went to David’s closed door. She nodded at Agnes then approached the door and knocked softly. “Slip and slide under.” David called from inside his office. Tentatively, Maddie opened the door and peeked her head inside. “Hey.” She threw out.
David was surprised to see Maddie at his door. One part of him was elated at seeing her but another part still felt hurt and betrayed over her hurtful words. “Hey.” He threw back keeping his face blank. Despite his hurt David’s heart lurched when he looked at her. Today she was wearing a tight beige wraparound dress with a slit up the side and she looked ravishing as she approached his desk.
“Did you sleep here last night?” Maddie questioned as she leaned against the side of his desk. David could smell her perfume and shampoo and wanted badly to reach out to touch her.
Maddie looked at David who with his rumbled clothes and scruffy face still looked drop dead sexy. Her fingers itched to run over the stubble on his face but she held back afraid that he would push her away.
David nodded and ran his hands over his stubbly chin. “Yeah. Jules’ brother was coming over so I left.” He leaned back in his chair and put his feet up on his desk. He knew that irked Maddie and he childishly wanted to spite her.
“Oh.” Maddie uttered then couldn’t help but ask. “So why didn’t you come over last night?” David knew how she hated when he put his feet up on his desk but she ignored it since she didn’t want to start another fight with him.
David looked at her with a mixture of confusion and anger. He shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe I figured you’d want to be with someone who can throw a punch.” He looked at her with icy eyes. “Oh and pay the check.”
“That’s not fair David!” Maddie accused sharply. “You know I didn’t mean what I said!”
David shook his head. “Do I?” He spat at her. “You must have thought that at one time or you would never had said it!” He put his feet on the floor and sat up straight in his chair pointing a finger in her direction.
Maddie sighed. “Maybe I might have thought it the night you barged in on my dinner with Sam and made a fool of yourself by drinking too much.” She looked at David with eyes filled with regret. “But I swear never since that night.”
David nodded but averted his eyes. He didn’t know if she was telling the truth or if she was placating him. “Ok.” He shrugged again and ran his hands through his messy head. “That’s fine.”
“Fine?” Maddie put her hands on her hips. She stood over him and gazed down at him with annoyance. “Fine? What does fine mean?”
“It means its fine. Its ok. What do you want me to say Maddie?” He told her honestly. “You said some awful things and why?” David shook his head. “I didn’t do anything but do what a client paid me to do!” His eyes were reproachful. “And I think you know it. I think you’re using this as a way to put up another roadblock in this…” David air quoted the next word. “relationship.”
Maddie gasped. “I am not!” She cried. “How can you even think that?” She looked at him with wide blue eyes. “Maybe you’re the one backpedaling on this…” Maddie air quoted the next word. “relationship.”
“I highly doubt that.” He snapped in disgust.
Maddie was on a roll. “Maybe you want to use this as an excuse to break off with me so you can be with Jules!”
David jumped out of his chair and almost collided with Maddie who backed away from him in fury. “You gotta be kidding me lady!” His voice was shaky and hurt. “I don’t think you think very much of me if I can tell a woman I love her one night then try to trade her in for a newer model the next!” His eyes were blazing green.
Maddie didn’t know what to say. She really didn’t believe most of what she had said to David in the past 24 hours; it was her jealousy that was fueling her ridiculous accusations but she didn’t know how to stop them. Along with her out of control feelings and constant state of sexual arousal jealousy was also a new emotion for her. She had never truly been jealous of a man before David and it made her feel even more powerless than she already felt. Maddie understood this with her head but her heart thought differently. She looked at David willing her voice to tell him that she was wrong and that she trusted him but she couldn’t get the words out as she looked into his ice cold eyes.
David was waiting for Maddie to say something but she just stood there in silence which fueled his anger. Deciding he needed to get away from this complicated woman he almost sprinted to the door as he threw on his jacket. “I think we’re through here. I promised Jules that I’d stop by to meet her brother.”
Maddie stood in front of the door blocking David’s exit. “I’m coming with you.” She demanded.
David shook his head. “Not a good idea right now.” He told her point blank.
“And why is that?” Maddie demanded testily. “Jules is my client too!”
David looked at her with a mixture of anger and hurt. “Oh yes and Blue Moon is your agency.” He spat. “I do remember that.”
Maddie stomped her foot with frustration. “You know I didn’t mean it that way!” She cried with disdain. “Why are you trying to twist my words? Do you want to pick another fight with me??” Her blue eyes were flashing blue bullets his way.
“Of course not! I hate fighting with you.”
“So why are we always fighting? I hate it too!”
“Then maybe you should watch what you say.” David cautioned. “I’m not 100% bulletproof you know.” Her words had wounded him deeply.
“Damn you. I told you I was sorry. Do you want me to get on my knees and beg your forgiveness?” She inquired in fury. “To hell with that! How about you, David? You don’t even care how I feel about how you act around Jules. So you know that makes me angry and you still do it!”
“Do what? I don’t do anything but talk to her!” David argued throwing his hands in the air. “Can’t I talk to a woman?”
“You have to be kidding?!” Maddie shook her head. “You laugh and sing! It’s like she’s your best pal.” Maddie aimed her finger at him like it was a loaded pistol.
“So?” David asked his green eyes puzzled. “Yeah she’s like a buddy but I love you!” He pointed his long finger at her. No other woman could fill him with fury like Maddie could. But even though she drove him mad he still loved her wildly.
“Then maybe you should show it!” Maddie raised her chin in that haughty way that made David want to screw it off of her face.
“Oh I’ll show you alright.” David told her moving away from the door and pulling Maddie across the room. He pushed her against the door of his bathroom and held her against the wall with his body. Feelings of love, anger, hurt and confusion propelled his desire to screw Maddie until she screamed his name over and over. He placed his arms on either side of her head trapping her against the door. “I’m gonna make you see how much I fucking love you.” David growled as his teeth nipped at Maddie’s upper lip.
“Stop David!” Maddie ordered as she tried to push him away. “People are right outside the door.” She hated that even though her mind wanted him to stop her body and her heart craved him. “They can hear us!”
“Then I suggest you keep your voice down.” David suggested as his hands moved slowly over her curves. “Cause you know you want it.” He snickered. “Hard and fast baby. Sooo hard.” David pressed his hardness against Maddie. “Feel how big I get for you.” He gloated moving his boner over her skirt covered loins.
Maddie put her hands against his chest trying to push David away but he only pressed her harder against the wall. “Why are you fighting me Maddie? You know you’re already half way to coming.” David teased in that melted chocolate voice that she could never resist. He grabbed the hair on the back of her head and tugged at it to get to the side of her neck; he began to gently bite the exposed skin as if he was a blood sated vampire looking for a little snack in between meals.
The way David was nibbling on her neck broke down the rest of Maddie’s defenses. As if they had a will of its own, Maddie’s hips began to move in sync with David’s dry humping. “Oh David.” She whimpered in defeat. “Ohhh.”
David looked down at Maddie who was gazing up at him with blue eyes darkened with lust. “Feels good baby?” He whispered huskily. His lips grazed over her neck moving slowly over that spot right below her hairline. “I know you like it.” His hand slowly moved down then slowly up her leg pushing up the hem of her skirt. “And I like it too.” He moved his huge boner against her damp panties with a groan from deep within his throat.
Maddie felt her insides melting; involuntarily she opened her legs and moved her loins closer to David’s pant covered boner. Low mewling sounds erupted from her mouth when she felt long fingers lightly flutter over her throbbing lovebox. “David!” She groaned; her hands losing themselves in his hair.
“Come for me baby.” David purred as his tongue moved lightly over her lips and into her mouth. "Let go."
“Oh yes.” Maddie groaned pulling David’s hair with each thrust of her hips. “Yes.”
A low chuckle poured out of David’s mouth as his expert fingers moved over Maddie’s damp panties while his other hand quickly pulled down his zipper. When the beast was released from the confines David began to pant with lust. “And now you’re gonna get it good.” His cock throbbed with a combination of anger and lust.
When Maddie heard the sound of David’s zipper being pulled down she felt spasms of ecstasy move over her swollen nub; she held tightly on to David as her climax snuck up on her. “David! David! David!” Her cries were smothered by David’s deep kisses.
David laughed huskily as he moved her panties to the side and pushed his cock deep into Maddie’s lovebox. “I’m gonna fuck you so gooood.” He purred as he pulled one of Maddie’s long sexy legs around his waist and began to pound into her with short hard thrusts. “So gooood.” His groans were muffled as their tongues danced together.
Maddie felt as if her body was on fire as David thrusted into her over and over again. Her hands moved to his shoulders as she moved her loins to meet David’s moves. “Oh God.” She cried as she felt another orgasm snake over her body. She bit the inside of her cheek so she wouldn’t scream out with cries of passion. Wild waves of desire ran over her body and if she hadn’t been holding on to David’s shoulders she may have collapsed to the floor in a puddle of lust.
When David felt Maddie coming to pieces around him he allowed himself to let go and come so hard he almost felt as if the back of his head was blown off. Slowly they moved away from each other as they came down from their orgasmic highs. David met Maddie’s eyes still clouded with passion with a lopsided smirk. He gently moved a damp tendril of hair off her face as his smirk ran higher up the side of his face. “Good huh?”
Maddie nodded. “Good uh huh.”
David winked derisively. “I might not be able to throw a punch or pay the check but baby I sure can fuck.”
Maddie felt as if she had been punched in the stomach with David’s crude words. David was instantly ashamed of his cruel taunt as soon as he saw the look on Maddie’s face; she looked like she had lost her best friend but before he had the chance to apologize she slammed into the bathroom.
After 10 minutes David grew concerned about what Maddie was doing in the bathroom; all he heard the sound of water running coming from behind the closed door. “Hey Maddie.” He called as he knocked on the door. “You ok in there? I’m sorry for what I said.” He knocked again. “Hey? Blondie Blonde?”
Maddie had barely made it to the toilet before she was overcome by a strong feeling of nausea. Now she was lying on the tile floor trying to steady her shaky nerves. She heard David calling her through the locked door but the last thing she wanted was for David to know she was throwing up as the truth slammed into Maddie that she was probably sick because she was having a baby. – and even though he could be dense – it didn’t take a brain surgeon to realize what it meant when a woman was feeling sick to her stomach in the morning. She needed to take the pregnancy test she had bought as soon as possible so she would know for sure one way or the other. But instead of panicking Maddie calmed her shaky nerves. “I’m fine.” She spoke clearly as she stood up and began to reapply her makeup. “Just freshening up David.” Maddie threw cold water on her face, reapplied her makeup and was out of the bathroom in less than 5 minutes.
David was concerned when Maddie came out of the bathroom; she looked pale and tired and her eyes looked faraway and weird. “You sure you’re ok?”
“I’m fine.” Maddie repeated crossly.
David peered at her closely which caused Maddie to snap at him sharply. “I said I’m fine David. Now stop asking!” She turned her back to him to hide the tears pricking her eyes – not only was she nauseous but her emotions were running amok; the last couple of days she always seemed either to be on the verge of tears or blinded by anger. She inwardly sighed as they headed for the car.
An uneasy silence prevailed as David drove over to Jules’ mansion; he kept looking at Maddie hoping to meet her eyes but she had her head turned and appeared to be looking out of the passenger side window but David knew her well enough to know something was bothering her. “Earth to Maddie.” David called to her.
Maddie turned to look at David. “What is it Addison?” She was still shaky from her bout of nausea and along with the mean words David had thrown at her after their romp in the office she wasn’t feeling very kindly toward him. “Can’t I just watch the world go by without you bothering me?”
“Oh so I’m bothering you now?” David asked with an edge of irritation in his voice.
Maddie had enough of him for the moment; she gave him a look that would quell most men but David was immune to Maddie’s evil glares. “What do you want from me?”
“I want to say I’m sorry for what I said.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I was just being a dick.”
“Yeah yeah you were.” Maddie agreed nodding her head. “But now you see how sometimes you say things you really don’t mean?”
“Oh I meant it.” David admitted with a smirk. “But I shouldn’t have said it.”
Maddie looked at David like he had three heads. “To hell with you Addison.”
“Isn’t that where you’ve taken me?” He looked at her with hard eyes.
Maddie didn’t answer since she didn’t know what to say or what he wanted to hear. This relationship with David was even harder than she imagined.
****
Maddie and David were met at the door of Jules’ mansion by a tall, dark haired man who looked almost exactly like Jules Golden. David extended his hand to the man as the detectives entered the house. “You must be Jules’ brother. I’m David Addison.” He nodded his head toward Maddie. “And this is my partner Maddie Hayes.”
The man’s eyes lit up as they fell on Maddie. “Wait? You’re the Blue Moon Shampoo Girl.” He smiled at Maddie with perfect teeth. “I love you.” He teased as his brown eyes swept over Maddie in a way that annoyed David.
Maddie giggled like a young girl as she grinned up at Jules’ brother. “That was a long time ago.”
A twinge of anger ran over David but he pushed it down.
The other man shook his head. “Not so long.” He told Maddie. Feeling eyes boring into him Jules’ brother looked at David. “Oh sorry I lost my head for a minute.” He took David’s hand and shook it. “I’m Jackson. My friends call me Jack.” He winked at Maddie.
David didn’t like the attention this guy was paying to Maddie but he had to act professionally towards the man since he was their client’s brother. “So anything happen last night we should be aware of?”
Jack shook his head. “Nope. Me and Jules bunked together in the living room like we used to do as kids. We stayed up most of the night talking. No threats. Nothing.”
“So how long are you staying?” David inquired half hoping the other man was leaving today.
“As long as my sister needs me I’m here.” He looked at Maddie and smiled. “New York was getting boring; LA seems much more interesting.”
Did Maddie just blush? David thought darkly. What the fuck was this?
Jules came bounding in wearing cutoff shorts and a belly shirt showing off her toned body. She threw a grin at David. “So now I have two handsome men at my beck and call.” She giggled and clapped her hands. “I love it!” She twirled around laughing.
Maddie had the sudden urge to kick her when she saw the ear to ear grin that appeared on David’s face.
“My pleasure.” David beamed and laughed along with Jules.
“Let’s go out to the terrace and I’ll have Juanita bring us some breakfast!” Jules was acting as if they were here for a party and not to catch the person harassing her, Maddie thought with disgust.
Overlapping dialogue
Maddie: “No thanks I’m not hungry.” David: “Thanks! I’m starving!”
The two stopped and looked at each other and began to speak at the same time again.
Maddie: “We should get back to the office.” David: We should stay here for a while.”
Maddie threw David a nasty look but David only raised his eyebrows as if in “what now?”.
Jack laughed as he listened to the detectives. “Come on Maddie. The office can wait. I’d like to get to know you.” He threw her a smoldering look that made David want to strangle him. Maybe staying for breakfast wasn’t such a good idea he thought uncomfortably.
The four sat out on Jules’ terrace as they sipped their coffee. Juanita had brought out a tray of croissants, donuts, and pastries. Maddie was nibbling on a croissant and wishing they were anywhere but here. She felt a little uncomfortable with the way Jules’ brother kept staring at her. Maddie looked over at David and saw a clueless David reaching for another donut. Then she saw David whisper something to Jules and she began to see the all too familiar colors of red and green. And when Jules’ brother began to engage her in conversation she used it as an excuse to stop thinking of kicking Jules and David under the table.
As David bit into his donut he began to lose his appetite as he noticed Maddie and Jules’ brother talking and laughing as if they were the only two people in the room. His stomach felt like it had swallowed a rock. Wait? Was this jealousy? Could this be karma biting him in the ass? Well, he would be mature about it. He trusted Maddie and so big deal if she talked and laughed with another man? David tried to convince himself but then why did his heart feel like tiny needles were stabbing it every time Maddie looked at that man with laughing blue eyes.
Maddie was enjoying Jack’s conversation and her initial feeling of unease evaporated as he made her laugh with stories of his many celebrity clients. From the corner of her eye she could see David scowling at her and that gave her a momentary feeling of satisfaction.
David stood up and looked at his watch. “Maddie don’t we have a client coming in at 11?” He nodded as if to say play along with me.
Maddie shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
David wanted to scream at her but he held his tongue. “Oh Agnes just told me this morning.” He lied staring at Maddie hard.
“Oh.” She muttered as she stood up too. She threw Jack a beaming smile. “I guess I’ll be seeing you.”
Jack stood up politely and nodded. “Oh I’m not going anywhere.” He winked.
That’s it! David strode over to Maddie and put his arm around her waist. “Ready baby?” He asked as he ushered her toward the exit. See she’s mine lawyer boy!
Maddie knew what David was doing and it annoyed her. Oh so he didn’t like her talking and laughing with a man but it was ok for him to do it with Jules? But instead of embarrassing David and making a scene she just smiled up at him with a fake smile and nodded her head.
Jack suddenly realized why the green eyed guy was giving him dirty looks; he and the blonde were an item. Guess they were partners in more ways than one but that didn’t deter Jack, there was no ring on her finger so she was still fair game in his mind.
As soon as they got into the car Maddie turned to David with her eyes blazing. “What the hell was that?” She barked. “All of a sudden you need to show we’re a couple? Yet when it was just us and Jules you didn’t give a fuck about how I felt!”
David looked back at her with similar eyes. “Not true Maddie! Jules knows we’re together!” He countered using his hands for emphasis.
“And how would she know that?”
“I told her.” David replied acidly.
“Oh.” Maddie had no comeback. She was happy to know that David told Jules that she was more than a business partner to him but she was still annoyed at him for getting angry over her jealous feelings. She sighed.
“Oh?” David laughed bitterly. “Nothing else to say?”
“No I don’t.” Maddie told him truthfully.
“Whatever.”
“But you have no reason to be jealous of Jules’ brother.” Maddie told him simply.
David chuckled. “Who? Jake?”
“Jack.”
“I’m not jealous.” David lied smoothly.
“Ok.” Maddie muttered then turned her head to stare out the passenger side window. They drove the rest of the way to the office in icy silence.
The two stayed behind closed doors for the rest of the day. Finally, at a little before 5 David made his way to Maddie's office. When he walked in he saw that she was sitting in her chair with her head back and eyes closed. Such a strong feeling of love ran over David it made his heart race in his chest. “Maddie? You ok?” He asked worriedly.
Maddie nodded although she really didn’t feel well. Since they had been back at the office Maddie had been resting and trying to settle her stomach which still felt slightly nauseous. Agnes had brought her a turkey sandwich from the corner deli which Maddie had forced down although she had to admit that eating the sandwich had made her feel slightly better. Now she was just very tired. She sat up straight to talk to David and when Maddie looked into his worried eyes she felt an overwhelming feeling of love for him. “I’m fine.” She lied.
David peered at her closely once again but this time Maddie didn’t feel annoyed with him. “You sure?” He approached her then put his hand on her head to see if she was warm. “You look a little pale.”
“I’m ok David.” Maddie reassured him with a slight smile.
“Maybe you should go home and rest.” He told her. “I can handle the concert tonight.” Jules was playing to a huge crowd at Dodger Stadium.
Instantly Maddie was annoyed. “Oh I’m sure you’d love that.”
David was confused; he really was worried about her. “What are you saying?”
“Nothing I’m saying nothing.” She almost hissed. “I’m fine to go to the concert.”
“Oh sure you wouldn’t want to miss your lawyer Jake.” David snorted with irritation.
“It’s Jack.” Maddie corrected him.
“I’m sure a man like him can throw a punch and pay a check.” He growled dangerously.
Maddie’s head snapped up. “You’ve got to be kidding me? How many times are you going to throw those words in my face?” She felt her annoyance escalate into fury.
David looked at her in silence but his eyes told the whole story of his insecurity and anger. Maddie noticed the vulnerable look on David’s face and the anger left her. She sighed and took his hand. “I really am sorry David. I really didn’t mean it.” She squeezed his fingers. “And I have zero interest in Jack.” She stared up at him pointedly. “Same as your feelings for Jules.” She stated with a toss of her blonde hair.
David couldn’t stay mad at Maddie when she looked up at him with those damn cornflower blue eyes. “Ok.” He pulled her hand up to his mouth and kissed her palm. “We good?”
Maddie smiled; it felt good to smile at David. “We good.”
Later that night.
Jules had told Maddie and David to leave their car at her house and they’d all go together in her limo so that the detectives would have no trouble getting into the venue. Maddie did her best not to engage Jack in conversation but they were interested in many of the same things such as the opera and ballet. She looked over at David who was deep in conversation with Jules about some TV show they both watched. So when Jack smiled at her she hesitantly smiled back.
“Are you avoiding me Maddie?” He asked in a whisper.
“No, of course not.” She had been but she wouldn’t admit that to him.
“Good.” Jack nodded and waved at Jules and David who were arguing over who was the most popular villain on their favorite TV show. “How can they like that rubbish?” He asked.
“I don’t know but I suppose that neither of them can understand our interest in ballet or opera.” Maddie told him truthfully. “At least I know David can’t comprehend it.” Suddenly she recalled the night David had taken her to the symphony on a bet and she inwardly shuddered at the disaster of that night.
“Are you cold?” Jack inquired solicitously as he tried to move closer to Maddie. At that very minute David ceased talking to Jules to look over at Maddie who in his eyes seem to be enraptured by Jack; who was much too close to her for his liking. David sidled up to Maddie and put his hand on her knee as he leaned over to kiss her. “Hey babe.” He smiled into her eyes. “Miss me?”
“Well I saw how busy you were.” She told him with wide blue eyes. David felt hurt that she hadn’t responded with her usual ‘your name again?’ but he hid it behind a smirk. “Never too busy to miss you.”
Maddie was enjoying David’s public display of affection but she was also annoyed that it took another man to make him notice her when Jules was around. “Do you use that line to fertilizer my lawn?” She quipped.
“Touche.” David smiled at her then gave Jack a look of warning – she’s mine back off.
As they drove into the stadium parking lot they could actually feel the vibration of almost 50,000 people stomping their feet waiting for the opening act to come on stage.
David whistled through his teeth. “Wow this is wild!” He grinned as he peered out of the limo window. Even Maddie was impressed; she hadn’t been to a concert in nearly 15 years but she still remembered the excitement of seeing your favorite group and singing along with their songs.
The foursome along with a multitude of security, roadies and groupies were ushered into the stadium. Jules was brought to a huge dressing room where she would have her makeup and hair professionally done; she would also use this room to change her costumes during the show. Maddie, David and Jack stood outside the dressing room while Jules prepared for her show. They could hear the opening band playing and the cries of the crowd. Finally, the other band’s set was over and the roar from the crowd awaiting Jules began. “Jules! Jules!” The crowd chanted as they stomped their feet. The stadium was vibrating and when Jules finally made her entrance the crowd went wild. The sound of the fans screaming and chanting Jules’ name was deafening and when she began to sing her latest hit the stadium began to shake with the crowd’s screams and shrieks of joy.
David, Maddie and Jack watched Jules from backstage where they had a great view of the show and where they could watch Jules. Maddie was sure that the stadium was going to collapse under the stomping feet of almost 60, 000 fans. “It’s so loud.” Maddie cried over the noise of the crowd. “I never remember concerts being this loud!”
“You’re getting old babe.” David laughed then realizing what he had just said and the subsequent look on Maddie’s face he wanted to rip those words back into his dumb mouth.
Jack saw the look on Maddie’s face and saw this as an opportunity to play the good guy. “Nonsense!” Jack declared as he smiled in Maddie’s direction. “Maddie Hayes will never get old. She is still as stunning today as she was 20 years ago!”
David threw Jack a nasty look. “I didn’t mean that Maddie was old.” His voice dripped venom and his eyes were darkening in anger. He turned to Maddie. “Right?”
Maddie tossed her head and didn’t answer. “It’s fine David.” David knew by her tone that it really wasn’t. He sighed inwardly but his dark thoughts were interrupted by Jules rushing backstage to change her outfit. David followed her and waited outside of her dressing room where she changed in less than 5 minutes. He followed her safely back to the stage then looked around for Maddie and Jack. Noticing that they were cloistered together in a dark corner made him see red and green. David strode angrily towards Maddie and Jack. “Sorry to interrupt your little rendezvous.” He murmured as he pulled Maddie away from Jack by her arm.
“You’re hurting me David!” Maddie yelped as she pulled her arm out of David’s iron grip. How dare he treat her like that? Her eyes were blazing blue flames as she stared at him. His face was shielded in shadows so she couldn’t see the look on David’s face which was a mixture of anger, hurt and jealousy – but he wouldn’t admit even to himself that he was jealous at all of Jules’ brother.
“I’m saving you from making a fool out of yourself.” David warned her. “You’re acting like a love struck teenager.” He waved his hand toward the corner where Jack was still standing. “I know. I know. He is everything you want in a man.” David’s voice was low and icy. “But maybe you can wait until after the case is over before you make a move on him.” David realized that he was saying terrible things to Maddie but he just couldn’t stop himself. “Don’t embarrass yourself.”
Maddie’s foot landed on David’s shin. He cried out in pain and released her arm as he reached down to rub the spot where Maddie kicked him. “What the hell was that for?”
“You are an idiot!” Maddie looked at David as if he was a bug under her shoe.
Before Maddie could say anymore there was a loud bang from the stage followed by loud shrieks and cries of fright. David and Maddie both made a run for the stage where they met a terrified Jack. “What happened?” Jules brother asked in horror as the three of them moved past the crowd of security and roadies to get a look at what had occurred. Before they reached the stage the three were happy to see a terrified but safe Jules running from the stage in tears. She ran into her brother’s arms and began to sob loudly.
David and Maddie finally made it to the stage. Maddie gasped and grabbed on to David’s hand – the microphones, video cameras and all the equipment that was supposed to be over the stage was now lying in the middle of the stage. Clearly, someone had sabotaged the stage hoping to kill Jules.
“Jules could have been killed.” David whispered as his eyes looked over the destruction. Before David or Maddie could think of their next move – Brian Winter who was the head of Jules’ security detail came running from the stage holding on to the arm of a scruffy young man who was kicking and screaming.
Brian pushed the man on to the floor and handcuffed his hands behind him. He looked hard at Maddie and David. “This is the guy who was threatening Jules.”
Brian Winters went on to explain that he knew that Jules suspected his brother in law of sending her threats and that she didn’t trust his security firm. He told the couple that he knew that Jules had hired them to investigate and instead of trying to prove that his firm was clean he decided to try and solve the case too. “This guy.” He pointed at the man at his feet. “Is one of Jules’ lyric writers. Or he was anyway.”
“The bitch stole my songs then fired me!” The handcuffed man yelled as he tried to stand up. Brian pushed him back to the floor. “He is delusional and that is why Jules let him go.” The head of the security firm continued his story of how he started to suspect the songwriter – Peter Stand – and began to tail him.
The police arrested Peter Stand. Jules was contrite over her treatment of Brian. She was shaken up and asked her brother to take her home. She couldn’t continue with the show that night. Maddie and David accompanied the singer and her brother back to the house so they could retrieve the BMW.
The limo ride home was somber and quiet. David could see from the corner of his eye Jack trying to get Maddie’s attention but when he looked at Maddie she had her eyes closed and her head was leaning against the headrest. He moved closer to her but he didn’t know what to say so he just closed his eyes too and closed his mind to any thoughts.
The ride to Maddie’s house was quiet and uncomfortable. Maddie was livid with the way David had treated her and for the first time since they had made love just wanted to be away from him. She needed to think clearly about her life with David; and she wanted to finally be alone to take the pregnancy test she had bought. If she was carrying David’s baby she didn’t want to bring a child into a life of constant fighting and mistrust so maybe even though they loved one another they might not mean to be together. She sighed deeply as David pulled the car in front of her house and cut the engine.
“So?” David was unsure if Maddie wanted him to come inside with her. And he was still a bit miffed at the way she was throwing herself at Jules’ brother.
“I’m very tired David.” Maddie told him slowly, “and I think I just want to go inside, take a bath and go straight to bed.”
“So that means you want me to go home.” He felt a sharp pang is his heart. Was this the end? Maybe she really was interested in that guy Jack? After all he was rich, handsome and successful. David didn’t have a green eyed snake – he had a green eyed dragon who was rapidly rearing its ugly head. Green eyes snapped at her in fury. “Oh sure I get it.” David’s hand were moving around in his agitation.
“Get what David?” Maddie sighed. “I just want one night alone to sleep and think.”
“Oh think?” David ranted. “More thinking? About how I’m not the right man for you? Maybe another pact?” He growled dangerously. “Fine. And hey maybe that Jake is perfect for you?”
“Please David. Let’s just take the night and you can come over tomorrow morning.” Her eyes beseeched him; she really didn’t want to fight; she just needed some time alone. “Maybe?”
David laughed bitterly. “And maybe not.” He reached over Maddie to throw open the car door. “G’night.”
Maddie wanted to kick him again but instead she contained her anger and stepped out of the car; before she could even turn around to say goodnight David peeled out of her driveway like a bat out of hell. She looked after the car with sadness and regret then made her way into her house where she planned to find out if she was pregnant with David’s baby.
