Post by Admin on Oct 3, 2015 15:06:25 GMT -5
By the time David got to Chicago he was exhausted and rethinking his decision to confront Maddie and bring her back to LA. Snippets of arguments between them kept playing in his mind – her wounding words and disappearing act had left a hole in his heart. Maybe they weren’t meant to be together? Maybe they were better off without each other? Maybe she had moved on with her life? But when he thought about living a life without Maddie the hole in his heart grew bigger and wider. He had to know where he stood with her. So instead of turning and getting on a plane back home David headed to Maddie’s parents’ house in the back of a cab. Bad decision or good decision David had to know one way or the other if he was wasting his time waiting for a woman who didn’t want him. He threw his head back on the headrest and willed his racing heart to slow down. Maybe he’d drop dead of a heart attack and wouldn’t have to confront Maddie at all. And why didn’t that scenario sound that bad to him?
Maddie flopped back on her bed with a sigh. She had just come out of the shower and knew that she was expected downstairs for lunch but she just didn’t feel like being around anyone at the moment. Her entire body felt like it was wrapped in lead. She understood that she was tired from her pregnancy but this total body fatigue had more to do with her depression and hurt over David then with the baby growing under her heart. Burying her head in her pillow Maddie couldn’t stop the tears from trickling down her face. Damn that green eyed bastard. If she never set eyes on his cheating face again it would be too soon! Maddie was forced out of her daydream about running David down with the BMW when she heard the doorbell ringing. Thinking it was probably one of her parents’ neighbors she went back to her daydream of destroying David.
When the cab pulled up to the Hayes’ residence David felt his stomach lurch. Oh he knew that Maddie had come from an upper middle class background but the spacious lawns and beautiful colonials that lined the block made David’s childhood home look like a run-down tenement. He had grown up in a single family home but his home was small and the lawns were postage sized and brown unlike the rolling green lawn surrounding Maddie’s childhood home. He paid the driver, grabbed his bag and slowly walked up to the massive front door that he knew Maddie was somewhere behind. When he heard the chimes peel when he rang the bell, David had the sudden urge to turn and run but instead he forced his face to look impassive and waited for the door to be opened. One way or the other, he repeated silently, he had to know. His leather jacket wasn’t heavy enough to ward off the bitter chill in the air but was he shivering from the cold or anxiety he couldn’t tell for certain.
When Virginia opened the front door she was surprised to see David Addison standing on her doorstep. He looked cold and uncomfortable and despite the expressionless look on his handsome face, she could tell that he was nervous and unsure just from the look in his green eyes. “David.” She welcomed him with a smile. “What a nice surprise.” She motioned him in the house. “Come in you’ll catch your death out there. Don’t you have a heavier coat?”
“No, No I’m fine.” A smile lit up his face. David loved Maddie’s mother. He found her warm and funny, beautiful and elegant. “Miss Hayes. Hi.” He shuffled his feet. “Is Maddie here?”
Virginia nodded as she led him into her home. David looked around. The house was by no means a mansion but the way it was tastefully decorated screamed money. Maybe Maddie Hayes really didn’t belong with a guy like him. But he pushed that thought aside as he stood nervously in the large living room feeling nervous and anxious.
Virginia nodded to the overstuffed sofa in the middle of the room. “Sit down and I’ll have Juanita bring you a cold drink while I go and get Maddie.”
Juanita? Did the Hayes’ have a maid too? Geez he was really out of his element here. Maybe Sam would understand about living in a house like this with a maid but David sure didn’t. He once again forced down the thought that he wasn’t good enough for Maddie Hayes. He knew that he had a huge heart and lots of love to give and if that wasn’t good enough for her then it was her loss.
Maddie heard the knock on her door. She was halfway to crying herself to sleep and felt tired and cranky. “Who is it?”
“Maddie it’s me.”
“Mom I just want to take a little nap. I’ll have some lunch in a little bit.”
“You have a visitor downstairs.” She whispered through the door. “David.”
When Maddie heard that name on her mother’s lips she jumped off the bed and swung the door open. “What the hell is he doing here?”
Virginia was annoyed and confused with her daughter’s reaction. “He’s come to see you of course Maddie. What is the matter with you?”
Maddie had been too ashamed to tell her mother what she had learned from the message on the answering machine. And she still didn’t want to admit that David didn’t love her enough to be true. Why was he here anyway? Maybe he had come to break up with her? And why did that thought make her feel bereft when she had made the decision to never see him again? Maybe David was right; maybe she was a nut. She sighed and looked at her mom. “Ok mom I’ll be down in a bit. I just want to freshen up before I see him.”
Just as Virginia was coming down the stairs the front door opened and in poured her husband who was brushing fresh fallen snow off of his coat. “Alex you’re home early!” She was a bit dismayed; she had hoped that David and Maddie would patch things up before her husband came home.
“Didn’t you listen to the news today?” Alex asked impatiently. He was annoyed that he had to cancel his business meetings for today and tomorrow due to the impending snowstorm headed toward Chicago.
Virginia shook her head. “No I’ve been very busy.”
Alex took off his coat and hung it on the hook next to the front door. “There’s a massive blizzard heading our way. I didn’t want to be stuck in the city so I left work early.” He headed to the living room where he suddenly noticed a man sitting on the sofa. And that man was David Addison. The older man stood shock still at first then: “Well it is about time you came here to see my daughter!” He bellowed.
David stood up and placed his drink on the coffee table. He looked at Maddie’s dad but his lips refused to move.
Virginia raced into the living room, grabbed her husband’s arm and pulled him out of the room. “Alex come with me. Maddie is coming down to talk to David.”
“I want to talk to him.” Alex’s eyes bore into David like a sharp blade. “I think that we have a few things to clear up.”
David put up his hands in surrender. “Mr. Hayes I don’t know what Maddie has told you but I’ve done nothing to hurt her.”
No one noticed Maddie enter the room. She felt the words jump out of her mouth before she could stop them. “Except never call to see if I am dead or alive!” She began.
David’s head whipped around at the sound of her voice. She looked like a drink of cold water on a hot summer day. He wanted to run over and put his arms around her but from the look in her eyes and the way that her body was ready for battle he knew that wasn’t the prudent thing to do. “You told me not to call you!” David insisted pointing his long finger at her.
Maddie stamped her foot in frustration. “And when have you ever listened to anything I’ve ever told you to do!?”
“I listened this time!” He told her realizing that he should have called her but she could have called him too. “And how about you? You forgot how to dial a phone!??”
Maddie’s parents stood in the middle of the battle. Alex made a move to interrupt their argument but Virginia pulled him into the kitchen and closed the door. “They have to work things out between them.” She told her stubborn husband. “This is not our business.” She forced her husband to sit down while Juanita served them lunch. Virginia turned on the TV to block out the loud argument between Maddie and David.
“And you forgot how to keep your zipper closed!” She threw back. At that second, Maddie wanted to claw out those green eyes that she couldn’t look away from. And she hated how he looked so sexy standing there dressed in tight jeans, a leather jacket and that angry look on his face that made her to run into his strong arms. But then she remembered that those arms had just held another woman. “I hate you! Go home!” She made a move to run upstairs but David grabbed on to her elbow and turned her around to face him. “My zipper?” She couldn’t possibly know about last night.
“I know you’ve been with another woman. I was right about you all along. You are a bastard.” She had to hold back the sobs that threatened to overwhelm her. Damn him!
David saw the hurt and anger in Maddie’s eyes and couldn’t lie and make things worse. “I’m sorry.” Was all he could get out of his mouth.
Maddie looked at him in amazement and disgust. “You’re sorry?” She pulled her arm out of his grip and began to slap his head. “That’s all you can say? You cheated on me and you’re SORRY?”
David grabbed her arms and held them over her head. “I didn’t really cheat on you! We weren’t together. You left me damn it!”
Maddie kicked him so hard that David released her arms and bent down to rub his battered leg. “What the hell?”
Maddie’s eyes were brimming over with tears of hurt and fury. “You asshole. Go away!” She cried. “You’re not the man that I want to be with. We’re through.”
The agony of not feeling that he was good enough for Maddie ran over him and made him see red. Who the hell did she think she was? “No maybe you’re not good enough for me. You might have money and nice things but I have a heart and soul which is something my dear I think that you sorely lack.”
Maddie reached out and slapped David soundly across his face. When she saw the bright red handprint she had left on his face with the blow she was instantly ashamed. “David.” She let the tears fall. “It’s over. We’ve hurt each other for the last time.”
“Fine!” He raged.
“Fine!”
“Good!”
“Good!”
“Great! I’m gone!” He strode angrily to the front door and threw it open to find it was snowing so hard that he could barely see past the front porch. Before he could step out into the storm the wind blew him back in the house.
“I thought you were going!?” Maddie snapped through gritted teeth.
David looked over at Maddie and then nodded toward the snow whipping outside. “Not in that I can’t.” He told her in annoyance.
Alex was straining his ears to hear over the loud talk show his wife had turned on the TV. He wanted to know what was going on between Maddie and that too handsome partner of hers.
Virginia was trying to get her husband’s attention. “Did they say how much snow we are in for dear?” She inquired as she poured Alex more iced tea.
Alex looked up at her with a blank face. “What did you say?”
Virginia put her hand on Alex’s shoulder. “She isn’t a little girl anymore Alexander.” She told him sagely. “Maddie has to work things out with David. He is the man she loves and the father of our grandchild.”
Alex shook his head. “If he does anything to hurt our daughter I will kill him with my bare hands.” His eyes blazed fury.
Virginia squeezed his shoulder. “Calm down dear. I am sure Maddie is capable of taking care of herself. She is a grown woman. And not an easy one for sure.” She admitted.
“What does that mean?” Her husband snapped angrily.
Her daughter and husband were a lot alike. “Oh she is a wonderful woman with a big heart but she is also stubborn, opinionated and willful. She is a handful for any man I am sure.” A smile ran over her face. “But I’m sure that David loves her enough to be able to accept her flaws and I am positive that he can handle anything that Maddie dishes out.”
Before Alex had the chance to answer Maddie flew into the kitchen with David at her heels. She turned to her father. “He has to leave. Call him a cab please now.”
Virginia turned to face her red-faced daughter. “Maddie what is going on?” She asked as she glared at Maddie. “You aren’t being very nice to David.”
“Nice?” Maddie spat in fury. “If he isn’t out of my face in the next few minutes I may strangle him to death.”
Alex jumped out of his seat so fast that the chair he was seated on went crashing to the floor. “Now you stop that this instant!” He roared. “Have you turned into a savage young lady? There is no need for that sort of behavior in this house. And the last time I looked this was still my house!”
Maddie looked at her father with hurt and anger, gave David a filthy look then ran out of the kitchen. The three left behind could hear her angry feet stomping up the stairs.
Alex motioned for David to sit down at the table. “I apologize for my daughter’s behavior.”
David nodded. “It’s fine. I’m used to Maddie’s temper.” He ran his fingers through his hair as he spoke.
“She has no right to treat you in such a despicable manner.” Virginia added as she poured David a glass of iced tea and placed it in front of him.
“It’s fine. She’ll calm down and then we can talk.” Although David wished he had stayed in LA it seemed that now he was trapped here in this uncomfortable situation he would try to make the best of. Did he really want to talk to her anymore? He just didn’t know how he felt as he sipped the ice cold drink.
“Let me fix you some lunch. You must be starving.” Virginia offered with a smile. She was hoping to make David feel better; he looked so uncomfortable, sad and lost that her heart ached for him. She inwardly shook her head – her pigheaded daughter was upstairs probably crying her heart out and David looked anything but happy and here they were fighting instead of admitting that they couldn’t live without each other. Virginia decided to fix some lunch for David then head upstairs to talk some sense into Maddie.
David’s stomach felt hollow but it wasn’t from hunger. “No thanks I’m not hungry.”
“Nonsense fix the boy a sandwich.” Alex told his wife. Now he had the opportunity to sit and talk with David Addison and find out what his intentions toward his daughter were.
The untouched sandwich sat on the decorative plate in front of David but he knew that he would never be able to swallow anything passed the huge lump in his throat. He sat there staring at the turkey sandwich and wishing he was anywhere but in Chicago sitting at the table with Maddie’s dad. Her mother had gone upstairs to see how Maddie was doing and now he was left alone at the table with a frowning Alex Hayes.
David heard the older man clear his throat and his heart skipped a beat. The last thing he wanted was to get a lecture from Maddie’s dad. He didn’t want to make Maddie out to be the bad guy but until the slip up the other night which he prayed to God her dad knew nothing about, he had tried his best in this ‘thing’ between them.
“Quite a snowstorm they are predicting.” Alex relayed to David.
David looked at Alex with wide eyes. “Oh I haven’t been listening to the news.” He told the older man. “How many inches are they predicting?” David wanted to leave and go home and forget that Maddie Hayes ever existed.
“At least 2 feet.” He saw David’s dismay. “Looks like you’re stuck here for at least a couple of days.” He peered into the other man’s eyes. “Maybe that will give you the time to talk to my daughter. That is why you came here isn’t it?”
David sighed and nodded. “Yeah it was.” He combed his hand through his hair.
“Was?” Alex asked gruffly. “What exactly does that mean young man?”
David shook his head. “It means that she’s told me for the last time that I’m not good enough for her. I’ve tried my best to be the kind of man she is,” David used air quotes, “supposed to be with,” He shrugged. “but that’s not good enough for Maddie.” David looked at the older man’s scowling face and decided to just come out with the way he felt. “Truthfully, I don’t think your daughter knows what kind of man that she wants to be with.” He shrugged again. “Or if she wants to be with one at all.”
Alex’s scowl deepened. “Are you saying that Maddie is neurotic?”
“I’m saying she is confused, flies off the handle at the slightest thing, is stubborn as hell and damn hard to handle.” David blurted out.
“So then why the hell did you come here to see her?” Alex pointed his thick finger at David like it was a loaded gun.
“Cause she is also the most gorgeous woman that I have ever met both inside and out.” David talk a sip of his iced tea top soothe his dry and scratchy throat. “And I love her with every cell in by body.” He admitted with a shake of his head. He sat back in the chair and felt his body release some of the tension it was under.
“But she loves you too so what’s the problem between you two?” Alex was confused. He had it on the tip of his tongue to bring up the baby but he knew for certain that Maddie would never forgive him if he was the one to tell David that she was expecting.
David shrugged. “I told you I don’t think she thinks that I am good enough for her.”
Alex shook his head. “I doubt that David. My daughter isn’t a snob.”
“It has nothing to do with being a snob and believe me Maddie can be one when she wants to.” He tried to find the words to explain. “It is more that she doesn’t think I am the right kind of man for her.”
Alex suddenly understood that his daughter probably had her own fears and insecurities about David that he had just added to with his words of warning about her handsome partner. He looked down at the table and then up into the green eyes of the man who was the father of his grandchild. “I must say I also have – had – some misgivings about you young man.”
David wasn’t surprised; he had known that Maddie’s dad was a Sam Crawford kind of guy fan. “I guess you don’t think I’m good enough because I don’t come from the best neighborhood or have loads of money.” David’s tone was a mixture of hurt and anger. “I know that.”
“You know nothing David.” Alex told him gruffly. “My doubts about you have nothing to do with wealth or lineage.” He waved his hands. “I just don’t think that you are the type of man to settle down with one woman; to raise a family and stay away from temptations.”
David looked squarely into the other man’s concerned blue eyes that were so much like Maddie’s. “Then you don’t know me at all. I love your daughter and nothing would make me happier than to be with her and her alone for all my life.” His hands were talking along with his words. “I won’t lie I’ve played around a lot and been with lots of women but I have fallen madly and deeply in love with only one and that is Maddie.” He ran both hands through his hair leaving it in messy tufts. “And sure I like a good party and having fun but I don’t see me running around on Maddie.” He laughed. “She’d kill me.”
“And if she didn’t I would.” Alex laughed too. “I hope that you mean those words David.”
“Sir I’d give up my life for your daughter.”
“Then maybe that’s something you need to tell her not me.” The older man suggested.
“Believe me I’ve tried.” David knew he had to tell Maddie’s father what he had done even if the older man threw him out into the snow. “I lied before when you asked why I came here.”
Alex looked confused.
“I mean yeah I came to talk to Maddie and bring her home but why now and not three weeks ago? I mean yeah I’ve missed her really bad but,” David put his head down and shook it. “I did something the other night that proved to me that there was only one woman that I wanted and that if I didn’t get on a plane to Chicago I might lose her.”
Alex had a feeling that he wasn’t going to like what David had done but he kept his temper in check; after all the man was here now and looked sorrowful and filled with regret. “And what was it that you did?” Alex probed.
Changing his mind about divulging his misdeed to Maddie’s father, David stood up. “Maybe I should just leave now.” David told the other man. “Do you have any snowshoes I can borrow?”
“Sit down and tell me what you did that you feel was so bad.” Alex ordered pointing to the chair with a thick finger.
David flopped back into the chair and put his head in his hands. “I slept – well not slept – with another woman. You know what I mean.” He forced out.
Alex nodded. He figured it was something like that. “And that is exactly the sort of thing that Maddie fears.” He wanted to tell David to get out and never come back but he didn’t have the right. His indiscretion with another woman who was not Virginia was still fresh on his mind and the one thing that Alex could never be was a hypocrite. “Although I hate what you’ve done to hurt Maddie I can’t judge you. I just hope that this is not something that you will continue to do.”
“Of course not. Maddie wasn’t with me. I figured we were through. No calls, no letters, no Maddie.” He wiped a bead of sweat off his forehead. “I know I was dead wrong but at the time I was lonely, hurt and angry.” He thought for a minute. “And in a strange way I’m glad that it happened.”
Alex looked at David like he had just sprouted two heads. “You’re glad that it happened?” His tone was gruff.
“Yeah because now I know that there is only one woman that I want in my arms and that is the complicated blonde,” he pointed his finger at the ceiling, “who is hiding away from me in her teenage room.”
Alex just thought of something. “Let me ask you. How did Maddie find out about your – um – one night stand?”
David shook his head. “I have no clue. Bert Viola who I was with that night might have told Agnes since he’s her boyfriend and maybe Agnes told Maddie.” David shrugged. “I don’t think she’d do that but I have no other explanation to how Maddie found out about my dumb mistake.”
“Anyway, no matter how she found out you have to tell Maddie exactly what you’ve told me.” Alex insisted.
“Do I have your permission to bound and gag her?” David quipped. “Because that may be the only way she’s going to let me talk to her.”
Alex snorted. “No but I think my wife may be able to talk some sense into her.” He winked. “But if not I will revisit the bounding and gagging.”
David smiled for the first time in days.
Virginia was sitting on the edge of Maddie’s bed. Maddie was pacing around her bedroom with a look of wrath covering her features. “Can’t he just go to a hotel? I don’t want him here!” She balled her hands into fists and her side. “I hate him!”
“You don’t hate him at all.” Virginia admonished her daughter.
“I do!” Maddie insisted.
Virginia gave Maddie the look she remembered from childhood. “Stop acting like a child Maddie.” She pointed to her daughter’s belly. “You have a baby to think of now. And all this drama can’t be good for it.”
“I will feel better once that man is out of here and out of my life.”
Virginia’s wise eyes bore into her daughter’s. “Do you really mean that Maddie?” She shook her head. “I doubt that you do. You love that young man. He came all the way out here to see you.”
“Probably to tell me we’re through.” Maddie plopped on to the bed with her head in her hands.
“I highly doubt that is the case Maddie.” Virginia rubbed Maddie’s back maternally. “Why would you think such a thing?”
“He was with another woman just the other night.” Maddie blurted out.
“Are you sure of this dear? I know how you imagine things that might not be the real truth.”
“No. I know he did it.” Maddie cried. “And now I hate him!” She pounded her fists on her thighs in anger.
“Maddie calm down and tell me what you are talking about?”
Maddie quickly told her mother about the phone call and the message. “And now he’s here? I want no part of him.”
Virginia sighed deeply then sat on the bed next to her tearful daughter. How many times had she sat on this bed comforting her crying child? The years seemed to have sped by too quickly and now her child was having a child of her own. Virginia smoothed down Maddie’s hair with her hand tenderly. “Calm down Maddie. I know you have always seen things either black or white but there are grey areas.” She hesitated. “David is a good man and sometimes even good men make mistakes.” She tilted Maddie’s head up so she could look into her eyes. Both women were thinking of Alex Hayes’ indiscretion with another woman but neither would ever mention it to the other. Maddie knew what her mother was trying to tell her – to give David a chance. But she didn’t know if she could take the chance that he would never be faithful and true to her. Virginia felt tears prick her eyes. “Maddie I am not saying what David did was right but you are the one who left him to come back here. Maybe he was lonely. Maybe he was sad.” Virginia shrugged.
Maddie sat up straight and moved away from her mother. “Maybe nothing. I don’t think that man knows how to keep his pants zippered. What’s going to happen when the baby’s born and I’m fat and tried and cranky and sex is the last thing on my mind? Will he leave me at home to get laid?”
Virginia scowled at her daughter. “If you truly believe that David will act that way then you are better off without him.” She looked sternly at Maddie. “But I don’t think you believe deep down that he is that kind of a man. I just think that you are scared and unsure.” She got off the bed then bent over to kiss Maddie on her forehead. “But you better think carefully about what you really want because David doesn’t seem the type to wait around forever Maddie.”
Maddie nodded then stared forlornly at the door her mother closed behind her.
When Virginia got back downstairs she found Alex rummaging in their coat closet. “What are you doing dear?” She asked as she headed toward the men.
Alex nodded toward David. “He wants to come into the garage with me to make sure that the snow blower is filled with gas but I can’t let him go out without a warm jacket.” Alex pulled out a dark blue parka; he handed the coat to David. “Here it might be a bit big but it will ward off the cold.”
David nodded then put on the jacket. He was happy to be able to help Alex in whatever he needed done around the house. It would keep him busy and his mind off Maddie.
Alex looked at his wife then waved toward the upper floor. “Talk any sense into her?”
Virginia shook her head. “She is stubborn just like you.” She looked at David. “Maybe later after she’s had time to cool down you can try and talk to her. She loves you David she is just very confused now.”
A bolt of anger flew over David but he reigned it in. “Sure. I’ll do that.” He didn’t think he wanted to get into another shouting match with Maddie. He was bone tired and mentally raw. “I love her too.” He admitted slowly.
Virginia nodded then put her hand on his arm and squeezed it. “I know you do.”
When the men left to check on the snow removal equipment, Virginia went into the kitchen to check on the stew Juanita had started before she left for her own home. Of course she wanted to be with her family during the snowstorm so Virginia had called a cab to take her home before the storm worsened.
In the meantime Maddie was pacing around her bedroom; she felt like a cat on a hot tin roof. Not being able to stay contained in her room any longer she stomped down the stairs still angry and hurt but a huge part of her wanted to see and talk to David. She felt disappointed when her mother told her that he was in the garage with her father. After a hot cup of cocoa Maddie began to feel tired so she went back to her room to take a short nap. Hopefully, sleep would renew her and help her to decide what to do about David. Just the thought of him with another woman made her want to claw the walls. She pressed the pillow over her face, pulled the blankets up to her neck and tried to erase all thoughts of David with some hot young thing. Finally she sobbed herself to sleep.
David was sore and exhausted. All he wanted was a hot shower, some food and a warm bed. Talking to Maddie would have to wait. He had helped Alex get the snow blower and shovels ready. Although, Alex insisted in helping David was adamant that he do the majority of the work clearing the driveway and path to the house. Although the storm had only started a couple of hours before there was half a foot of snow already on the ground. David enjoyed pushing the snow blower and the icy cold air cleared felt good on his face but now that he was done and inside he felt achy and tired.
Virginia had prepared the guest room for David. “The guestroom has its own bathroom with a shower.” She told him with a smile. “And when you come down dinner will be ready.”
David was too worn out to inquire if Maddie would be joining them. He figured she was still hold up in her room moping. When he reached the second landing he glared at her closed door then stepped into the guest room where he threw off his old clothes and walked naked into the guest bathroom. He really had no energy to have a knocked down, drag out fight with Maddie Hayes. The way he felt now he was sorry he had even come here to see her and bring her home. She was full of crap that she wanted to think about their relationship. In her eyes, he’d never be the right man for her and that was her loss.
Maddie heard David coming up the stairs and she wanted to race out of her room and claw out his cheating eyes. Instead of the nap refreshing her she felt even more tired and cranky since her dreams had been of David having sex with a faceless woman. She held herself back and instead of heading to David, Maddie flopped on her bed and covered her face with her hands. When she heard the shower running Maddie couldn’t help but picture David under the water – completely naked and oh so hard and hot. Despite her anger and hurt she felt her lovebox twitch which just added to her fury. As soon as she heard the water stop Maddie made a bee line to the guest room to confront David Addison and end this thing between them once and for all.
David was coming out of the bathroom tying a towel around his waist when his head snapped up with the sound of the door slamming against the wall of the room. When he looked up his eyes locked on murderous blue ones. Instantly, his back went up – he recognized that look of war in Maddie’s eyes and this time he had no energy to get into a battle. Before he could tell her to get the hell out of the room Maddie slammed the door closed and stood looking at him with her hands formed into fists at her sides and her eyes blazing fury.
“I just came in here to tell you that I never want to see you again!” She shouted as she raised her closed fist and shook it at him menacingly. “Cause I hate you!”
If David wasn’t so tired and angry he would have laughed at Maddie’s ridiculousness. She didn’t want to see him yet she was the one who had come into his room. He shook his head and ignored her as he searched in his travel bag for a change of clothes.
Maddie saw that David was pointedly ignoring her and that just increased her wrath. “Did you hear me Addison?” Her breath caught in her throat when David nonchalantly tossed off the towel around his waist and stood there in all his naked glory before he pulled on a pair of well-worn sweat pants.
David could see the look of horniness in Maddie’s eyes. Damn witch says she hates me yet wants me. Too damn bad David thought spitefully; let her play around with the men she was supposed to be with. “I heard you loud and clear Maddie.” He nodded to the door. “But scream a little louder maybe your parents haven’t heard your hysterics yet.” His eyes were ice cold green glass. Then he shrugged. “Anyway I’ll be out of here in a day or two when this damn snow stops and I can go back to LA. Then you’ll never have to see me again.” He turned his back to her to rummage through his bag for a sweatshirt so he didn’t see the look of sadness and panic sweep across her face.
The thought of never seeing David again made Maddie’s heart ache and her throat close in panic but how could she admit to this cheating stranger that she couldn’t live without him. She thought of the baby growing inside of her and fought against her emotions. She was a strong woman and she didn’t need David or any man to survive. Why had David come here in the first place? Clearly he had moved on with his life so the only thing that made sense to Maddie was that he had come to Chicago to break up with her. Her heart clenched with sorrow but since she couldn’t let on how hurt she was Maddie replaced her hurt with anger.
“Good!”
“Good!” David repeated as he pulled the sweatshirt over his head.
“I hate you!” Maddie cried again childishly. “You’re the vilest, most despicable, irresponsible, rude, immature…”
“Blah. Blah. Blah!” David waved her on with his hands. “Yeah, yeah. Seems I’ve heard this all before.”
Maddie just continued on. “disgusting, oversexed man I have ever met and if I never have to see you again then it will be too soon!”
“You really are a nut job lady.” David laughed bitterly. “You’re the one who came here in this room to see me.”
“To tell you that I don’t ever want to see you again!” Even to her ears those words sound inane.
David nodded. “Ok got it. Bye.” He pointed to the door.
Maddie threw him a livid glare as she threw open the door. “Fuck you David Addison.”
David approached the door on fast feet of wrath. “Yeah you wish.” And slammed the door in Maddie’s face leaving her open mouthed and stunned in the hallway.
The rest of the day passed in a haze of anger and hurt for David and Maddie. David continued to help Alex around the house and Maddie sulked in her room until she was called down to a late dinner. She moped throughout the meal and barely said a word to anyone as she played with her food. David on the other hand pointedly ignored Maddie but regaled the older Hayes’ with tales of his adventures with Bert Viola and the new cases at Blue Moon.
Maddie listened intently to David’s stories although she tried to pretend she wasn’t paying attention. The thought that the office was doing just fine without her and that David was having such a great time working with Bert Viola chipped at the remains of her shattered heart. With Herculean effort Maddie held back her tears of hurt and dismay.
Virginia tried to include Maddie in the conversation. “That Bert Viola is such a funny soul.” She turned to Maddie. “Has he asked Agnes to marry him dear?”
“How would I know?” Maddie snapped then was instantly sorry when she saw the hurt in her mother’s eyes. She put her hand on Virginia’s hand. “I’m sorry I snapped mom.” She glared across the table at David. “I just have a lot of things on my mind.”
Alex wiped his mouth with his napkin then turned hard eyes on Maddie. “And that is still no reason to be rude to your mother.”
David took a sip of his iced tea. “You only have one mother Maddie.” He had lost his and was still heartbroken.
Maddie threw David a nasty look. “Who asked you? Mind your business.”
David felt his heart sting but he also felt his ire toward Maddie rise. He bit back his own nasty words out of respect for her parents.
Alex harrumphed loudly then glowered at Maddie. “You are being less than pleasant young lady.” He pointed his thick finger in her direction. “If you have nothing nice to say then don’t say a word!”
Maddie jumped out of her chair, threw her napkin on the table and with angry eyes aimed at David backed away from the table. “Fine. I’m not hungry anyway. I’m going to bed.” She pointed at David. “And hopefully when I wake up in the morning the storm will be over and you can leave!”
The three remaining at the table stared at Maddie’s retreating back. David felt like going after her and shaking some sense into her but he stayed seated like a good little soldier.
“I apologize for my daughter’s childish behavior.” Alex told David.
David shrugged. “No, it’s ok. I’m used to it.”
Virginia stared into the handsome face of the father of her grandchild. “If she always acts so churlishly why are you so in love with her?” She wanted to know because she didn’t like her daughter very much at that moment.
David laughed. “She isn’t always so mean. And believe me I’m no saint either.” He nodded up the stairs.
A short time later David stood up and began to clear the dishes off the table.
“David you didn’t have to help me. You must be exhausted.” Virginia was impressed with David Addison. He seemed to be a wonderful man and very much in love with Maddie. If she thought it would do any good she would shake some sense into her stubborn daughter but she knew from experience that only Maddie could change Maddie’s mind about anything. She did have a slight plan though brewing in her head.
After helping with the dinner dishes, David bade Mr. Hayes goodnight then retired to the guest room where he fell into an exhausted sleep. He woke up the following morning feeling refreshed and with a new determination to get through to that blonde in the next room. He jumped out of bed to look at the window and stood there with his mouth open. More than 2 feet of snow was on the ground but it seemed as if the storm had stopped. David was upset to see Maddie’s father pushing the snow blower through the thick snow. He quickly dressed then raced downstairs to help.
When David came in from helping clear the snow he noticed Maddie wasn’t around. Her mother must have seen him looking for some sign of her obstinate daughter. “Maddie will be down in a few minutes. She said she hadn’t slept well and had a terrible headache.”
David didn’t know if that was true or what to think but he knew that by the next day he was going to be on a plane headed west with or without Maddie Hayes. His renewed determination to talk to her and make things right had gone out the window the minute she hadn’t even shown her face to see him.
When David came downstairs after a hot shower he saw that Maddie was setting the table for lunch. Instantly David began to help as he tried to catch her eyes. “Your mother told me you had a bad headache. How are you feeling?” David asked as he placed the napkins on the table.
Maddie looked up with a slight smile. David saw the fatigue in her eyes and that worried him. “Better thanks. And thanks for helping my dad with the snow. You’ve won him over.” She told David with a grin.
“The question is have I won you over?”
Before Maddie could answer her parents walked into the dining room. Both were pulling on their coats. Virginia pointed to the 4 places set at the table. “Oh didn’t I tell you Maddie that your father and I are going next door for lunch.”
A frown marred Maddie’s brow. “In this weather?”
“It is only next door and thanks to David the paths are clear for walking.” Alex smiled at David which made Maddie bite her tongue. St. David who can’t keep his dick in his pants. Hardly a saint.
David caught Virginia’s eye and saw her quick wink. He suppressed the grin that itched to cover his lips. He knew that Maddie’s mom was a wise woman. She planned this to leave them alone together. He promised her with a twin wink to do his best with Maddie.
When her parents left Maddie’s first instinct was to bolt to her room but when she looked at David sitting at the table staring her with those damn green eyes she couldn’t tear herself away from him. Maybe she didn’t want to hear what he had to say but she knew that she needed to give him the chance to say it. After all he had come halfway across the country to talk to her. She only hoped that the words that would eventually leave his lips were the ones that she yearned to hear. So she walked over to the counter where Virginia had left them a tray of cold cuts and bread. “Are you hungry?” Maddie asked as she opened the refrigerator for mustard and mayonnaise.
David nodded with a slight smile. “I can eat.” He jumped up to take the tray out of her hands and place it on the table. For the first few minutes, the two ate in silence but then Maddie began to ask about the agency and soon they were laughing and talking about Blue Moon.
Although, David didn’t want to ruin the good mood between them he knew that he had to bring up his indiscretion. “I never meant to hurt you.” David looked at Maddie with clear green eyes. “I would never hurt you on purpose.”
Maddie looked at his handsome face and then at his lips which she couldn’t help but imagine on another woman’s mouth. “I keep thinking of you holding another woman in your arms.” She slapped the table which made David jump.
“It wasn’t like that. It was just sex.” He shrugged. “I was drunk and I didn’t even remember her name.” He saw the hurt in Maddie’s eyes. “But I was dead wrong. I’m sorry baby.”
When Maddie heard David call her baby she felt tears spill from her eyes. “How could you?”
David ran his hands through his hair. “I was hurt and angry and I don’t know…lonely too.” He admitted with a frown. “But being with that other woman made me realize how much I love you.” He waved at Maddie. “You’re the only woman that I want.”
Maddie was happy that David wasn’t here to break up with her but she was still angry and hurt over what he had done. If things between them were difficult would he always resort to drinking and other women? She couldn’t bear to live like that. She would rather live without him. “How can I ever trust you again?” She asked hoping he had an answer but the question annoyed David.
“Trust? What does trust have to do with anything?”
Maddie jumped up in fury. “It has everything to do with it!” She cried with rage. “How can I know that if things get difficult that you won’t run off to drink and bang another woman?” Her eyes flashed dangerously. “How?”
“Things weren’t hard between us!” David argued. “You weren’t around. There was no us!” He stared at her with green ice. “And talking about trust? How can I trust that you won’t run away when things get tough or you need to think?” He waved his hands around in ire.
Maddie didn’t know what to say so instead she did what she always did when she felt angry and trapped she turned around and stomped away.
She heard David clapping behind her and turned to look at him with lethal blue eyes.
“No answer huh?” He shrugged. “That’s right Maddie. Show me the Hayes’ backside. That’s what you do when you can’t get the last word in. Turn around and walk away.” David told her in a low icy voice that sent shivers of dread down her spine. “Oh wait you ran away – all the way to Chicago. You left ME!” His voice rose with fury. “And I guess like the good little Boy Scout you thought you trained I was supposed to wait for you with my dick in my pants and a smile on my face.” He clapped again then abruptly stopped. “Fuck you Maddie.” He ran his hands through his hair. “Just fuck you!”
Maddie sprinted over to where David stood with his arms folded and his lips pursed in anger. “To hell with you!” She slapped him hard across the face. “I wish I never laid eyes on you!”
David grabbed her arms before she could strike him again. “Bitch!” He threw in her face.
“Bastard!” She retaliated then as snippets of the last time they had played this scene ran through her mind she began to struggle against David as tears poured down her face.
“Get off me! I hate you!” She raged as she tried to break David’s steel grip on her arms.
Maddie’s tears broke through David’s red haze of fury but instead of releasing her arms he pulled her against his body and enveloped her with his strong arms. “Hey stop Maddie. Please stop crying. I’m not going to hurt you!”
Maddie stopped fighting against him and looked up at David with distraught eyes. “Too late.” She sobbed as she pulled away from him and raced up the stairs to her bedroom. David realized that this was the end for them if they didn’t clear up the anger and hurt between them. If he left for LA tomorrow alone, he doubted if he’d ever see Maddie again and that made his heart shrivel with dread.
David raced after her and pushed the door open before Maddie had the chance to lock it. “No this time you’re not running away from me.” He bellowed as she stood with her back to him unable to look into those mesmerizing eyes she adored.
“Go away David!” She demanded in a shaky voice.
David strode over to her and with one quick move turned her around to face him but he didn’t pull her into his arms. He just stood a hairs breadth away from her and stared straight into her tear filled eyes. “Maddie please. Let’s both calm down and try and talk to each other instead of screaming at each other.” He nodded to the bed. “Sit down there.” He waved to the nearby chair. “And I’ll sit there and then maybe we can talk?” His strong steady voice belied the sick feeling of fear in his belly. If Maddie didn’t agree to talk with him then there was no hope of a future between them.
Maddie stood still for a moment as if she was contemplating a decision but in reality her legs felt like rubber and she was afraid that she wouldn’t be able to walk. She took a deep breath and then moved toward the bed.
David felt a piece of the boulder that was laying on his heart disappear when he saw Maddie move towards the bed. He threw her a lopsided grin then flopped in the chair in front of her bed. “Ok.”
She nodded but didn’t know how to talk to David without anger and fear. They were so used to falling into their habit of battling each other it was difficult to be calm and rational when she was so filled with hurt, jealousy and love. “Ok.”
David felt his bravery rise up when he saw the hope in Maddie’s eyes. He lowered his head to find the words he wanted to say then looked up and shook his head. “Maddie.” He ran his hands through his hair. “God. I love you baby. Let’s rewind the last couple of months and start over.” His voice shook on the last word.
Maddie heard the catch in David’s voice and that made her resolve stronger. Suddenly all her confusion left her and she knew exactly what she wanted from David Addison. She put her hands on her knees as she held back her tears. Now was not the time for her pregnancy emotions to take over. This was the most important conversation she was ever going to have in her life and she needed to convey how she felt.
“I don’t think that we can do that.” She told him in a calm voice that hid the emotions that were swirling through her body and mind.
David felt his stomach lurch until he saw the love shining from Maddie’s cornflower blue eyes. He remained silent to let her go on with what she had to say to him. He tried to sit still and allow her to speak.
“Not that I wouldn’t love to forget everything you did to hurt me…” Despite his vow to keep silent David felt the need to defend himself.
Maddie saw that David was about to speak and she knew that whatever he said might lead to another argument so she instantly held up her hand to quiet him and then quickly finished her sentence…”and of course all that I’ve done to hurt you.” When she saw that David had relaxed his body again she went on. “I’m sorry too David. I was wrong to leave. I should have stayed to work things out but….”Now was not the time to inform him of her pregnancy. “I had my reasons.” She gave him a sad smile. “Crazy as they might seem to you.”
“Not crazy.” He spoke in hushed tones. “But confusing. Why leave me and never contact me if you wanted me?” His eyes showed the hurt and confusion that had dogged him for weeks.
“I thought that you would have called me.” She tossed her head. “But you never did.”
“You told me not to!” David reminded her urgently.
“I know.” Was all that she could manage.
“I was only doing what I thought you wanted so you’d see how much that I loved you and you’d come home to me as fast as possible.” He shook his head and wrung his hands which were between his open knees. “I guess I should have called.”
Maddie sighed. “I guess I should have called too.” She admitted.
He looked at her with glassy eyes. “You never even answered my letter.” He accused her.
“I did call but when you weren’t home I got mad and didn’t leave a message.” She shrugged when she realized how childish that sounded. “Yeah I know I’m a jerk.” She confessed with a tilt of her head.
“Yeah.” David smiled at her. “We both are. Two knuckleheads.”
“So what do we do now?”
“Try again?” His eyes shone with hope and love.
Her eyes mirrored back his emotions. She patted the bed next to her. “Come here you dope.”
“I’m your dope.” He sat down next to her then pulled her into his lap as he began to nuzzle her neck. When he touched her he felt as if he had come home. He hadn’t realized exactly how much he missed holding her until he had her in his arms again. “God baby I missed you.”
“I missed you too.” She gasped as she pulled his mouth over hers and began to kiss him with all the pent up emotions she had hidden for too long. When their lips met for the first time in over 3 weeks a bolt of electricity raced through their bodies. Heated lips and tongues moved slowly together in awe. “I love you David.” Maddie moaned as her body began to melt into his.
“I love you too woman.” Their tongues danced together as their hands rediscovered each other’s bodies
David languidly pulled off Maddie’s sweater and bra and threw them onto the floor; his lips and tongue adored her breasts and erect nipples which he held in his strong hands until he felt her move her body wanting more. His hands, tongue and lips cherished each new part of her exposed skin as Maddie moaned and groaned with pleasure. David felt as if he couldn’t get enough of loving the complicated blonde who was crying his name over and over. And the sound of his name on her lips made his already rock hard cock jerk in his pants. “You like this?” David purred. He pushed her down onto the bed and scooted down between her naked thighs. His tongue moved between her legs, traveling slowly up her thighs until he reached the hot lava of her arousal. David felt his cock throbbing with passion as his tongue traveled leisurely over her swollen nub while his hands fondled her heaving breasts. David knew just how to make Maddie lose her mind.
Maddie felt as if her entire body was pulsating with sexual ecstasy. David’s tongue trailed streaks of fire over her body and when he reached her most intimate place she thought she had died and gone to Heaven. Her lovenub began to twitch and pulse as she climaxed so deeply she felt it from the top of her head to her toes. Maddie felt as if her orgasm would never end as she screamed David’s name over and over until it echoed off the walls of her teenage room.
Finally when he had pleasured her to his satisfaction and Maddie was naked and squirming on the bed David stood up next to her. “Show me how much you missed me honey.” He purred as he pulled down his zipper to release the beast inside of his pants.
Maddie gasped when her eyes saw David’s huge dick spring from his pants. Her already tender lovenub began to twitch in anticipation of having that monster cock deep inside her lovebox. She had missed David’s lovemaking and was eager to have him on top of her. Maddie gazed up into David’s eyes with a sexy invitation on her face. Slowly, she opened her legs wider to reveal the glistening womanhood that was his to pleasure.
Almost out of his head with lust, David moved over Maddie and covered her body with his muscular one. No other woman could make him lose his senses like Maddie could. His balls ached and his dick was engorged and eager to be inside of the woman that he loved. He looked deep into Maddie’s eyes as he pushed into her throbbing core. The way her lovebox clenched tightly around him was an unbelievable feeling. David slowly began to move in and out of Maddie as his tongue branded a path of fire over her kiss bruised lips. “God I love this.” He purred deep in his throat.
“Oh David! I love it too. I love you!” She gasped as she moved her hips to meet his thrusts. Maddie loved how David pressed her into the mattress as he pushed his manhood deep inside of her lovebox. How she missed the way David filled her completely! She screamed out in pleasure as he began to thrust into her slowly at first then building up the pace until he was pounding into her almost savagely. Her second climax snuck up on her and was so intense that she began to claw at his back underneath the sweatshirt that he still wore.
“God baby that’s so good isn’t it?” He moaned as he pleasured her with his entire body – touching, kissing fucking – as she squirmed almost incoherently underneath him. His dick was growing thicker and bigger as he felt her come over and over as he made love to her. Finally, he couldn’t take the sensations anymore and came into her with a loud cry and a primal roar of satisfaction. “I love you Maddie!”
In the aftermath of their passion, the two lay wrapped around each other in Maddie’s teenage bed. David laughed as he held her tightly in his strong arms. “How many boys did you sneak into your room late at night when your folks were asleep? He asked kissing the top of her head.
Maddie was playing with the damp hair on David’s chest but she looked up at him with a sultry smile. “You’re the only man that I’ve ever had in this bed David.” She laughed. “I was a good girl.”
He laughed heartily happy with her response. “Yeah and now you’re my good girl.” His voice lowered into that husky purr that made her juices flow. “And bad girl.”
She nodded then wrapped her legs around his legs and held on to him for dear life. “And you’re mine.” Her voice was steel. “And only mine. Got it fella?”
“Oh I got it alright lady.” He tilted her face up to meet his. “You’re my life. Don’t you know that? Without you I am nothing.” He confessed softly; which was the hardest thing he had ever done in his life. “I want to grow old with you. I love you more than my life.” He kissed her lips with love and passion. “Only you and me honey. That’s the way it’s gotta be.”
Maddie was filled with joy and couldn’t hold back her secret any longer. She moved out of his arms and sat up with a serious look on her face.
For a moment David was afraid that he had scared her off. “Maddie?”
She looked at him tenderly. “I don’t think it can only be you and me.” She started.
A frown covered David’s face. Didn’t she want a monogamous relationship with him? Was there another man. His heart froze. “What?” He forced out coming to a sitting position next to her.
“Welllll…” She took his hand and placed it on her still flat belly. “Not just you and me anymore.” Come on David must I spell it out for you? She patted her stomach with his hand.
For a minute David was confused and then the truth dawned on him. A huge sappy grin covered his face. “A baby?” His voice was filled with wonder. “A little baby? My Baby? Our baby?”
Maddie was thrilled to see the look of bliss on David’s face. She nodded and pressed his hand tighter against her belly. “Our baby.” She kissed the pulse beating at the side of his throat then she grinned at him. “See why it can’t be just you and me anymore.”
David nodded with joy. He laughed. “Guess it wasn’t as safe as you thought. We spun the wheel and won.” He kissed her ferociously. “Our little prize. Our golden nugget.” He grinned and whooped with joy as he jumped off the bed then picked her up and spun her around. Suddenly a look of concern passed over his features as he placed her back gently on the bed. “Did I hurt the nugget?” David looked concerned and nervous.
Maddie shook her head. “No silly!” She told him with a grin. “It’s fine.”
David sat back down on the bed and pulled her back into his arms. “We’re fine. I love you honey. You’ve made me the happiest man in the world.” He grinned at her with that lopsided grin she adored. “I’m gonna make you the happiest woman alive.” He swore with twinkling eyes glistening with love.
Maddie’s heart was singing with joy. “I already am.” She laughed as she stared into the face of David Addison. “Who knew when I walked into your office three years ago that you were the man that would change my life forever?”
“The man that you’re supposed to be with?” David asked hopefully.
Maddie shook her head. “Maybe not supposed to be but want to be with- with all my heart and soul.” She told him as she threaded her fingers though his. “I love you Mister.”
David nodded. “It’s kismet.” A lopsided grin and smirk covered his lips. “Destiny baby.”
Maddie nodded too. She heard the door open downstairs then looked up at David with a grin. “I think we should put my parents out of their misery and let them know we made up.”
David laughed. “Yeah before your dad comes after me with a shotgun.”
“Yeah that was in his plans.”
David felt his heart quicken. “Wait he knows? Your parents know about the nugget?”
“Yes.” Maddie nodded then laughed. “But my dad seems to have changed his opinion of you.”
Feeling momentarily relieved, David wriggled his eyebrows. “The Addison charm is irresistible.”
Maddie looked at him with a mock look of annoyance. “Your head is much too big.”
A smirk ran up the side of David’s face. “I think you mean my dick.”
Maddie couldn’t help but laugh. “You really are incorrigible.”
“And you love it.”
Maddie punched him playfully on the shoulder then David caught her hand in his and kissed it. “And I love you.” David remembered what they had been talking about. “Was he really angry?” David fretted over again.
Maddie saw the worried look on David’s face; she ran her hand over his cheek then kissed it. “Well let’s put it this way he was happy about the baby but not about me being,” she used air quotes, “an unwed mother.” Maddie could have pulled her tongue out when she realized what she had said. She didn’t want David to feel trapped or obligated to her just because she was having his baby.
David nodded slowly. “Well then we have to make him a happy man.”
Maddie felt her breath catch. Was she ready for this? Was he? “And how will we do that?”
David pulled her in his arms then looked down into her face with adoring green eyes. “Let’s do the right thing baby. For us and the bambino – bambina.” He suggested as his heart beat double time in his chest. Maybe he had scared her away?
“And the right thing is?” She inquired seriously.
“Marry me. Be my wife.” Hope and love shone from his eyes.
Maddie found herself smiling and nodding and crying tears of joy. “Sounds like a plan fella.”
David whooped loudly then grabbed her hand and headed to the door.
“What’s the hurry David?”
“I’m letting your parents know before you change your mind.” He chuckled as he pulled her through the door of her teenage bedroom and toward the rest of their lives - together.