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Maddy
The next few days are glorious. I check out of the hotel and into Ripley’s house. We make love every morning before class, and the days when we don’t eat with the other students, we eat together, or I should say we eat each other. He fills my croissant with his super sexy saliva, and I lick his whisk.
He tells me he loves me everyday, and I let those words soak into me like whiskey sauce on bread pudding. They’re strong and warm words that make me smile with delight.
I haven’t told him I love him yet. It’s not because I don’t. I’m mad about Ripley. It’s because saying it out loud makes it real, and making it real means that it could end as fast as it began.
Ripley leaves early this morning to prep for the last day of class and says he’s sending a car. I’ve learned so much while I was here. More than a baking class should teach me.
While I wait for a car to pick me up, I call Malcolm. He’s worse than any girl I know. Each morning, I call him, and he wants the dirty details. I only go so far as to tell him that Ripley and I mixed together is a good recipe.
“What’s up, Buttercup?” That’s what he says every time I call.
“I want to tell you and Luke to have a great weekend.” They are taking their chateau weekend. Using it as a honeymoon.
“Thanks so much for the gift, Maddy, and the kick in the pants to claim what’s mine. You should do the same.”
I know he’s telling me to voice my feelings. “I know, and I will, but it’s so fast.”
“I told you I knew I loved Luke the first time I met him. He was opposing council, and he excused himself from the case to be with me. Take a chance, girl.”
“You’re right, I will.” A car comes up the long driveway. “My ride is here. I got to go.”
“Okay and remember, when you choose wedding party colors, I don’t look good in yellow, and Luke and I want a nephew named James so when he gets old enough to drive we can say 'home, James'.”
“You’re crazy. I’ll talk to you next week.” Once I’m in the car, I practice the words in my head. Ripley, I love you, over and over again. My gut tells me it’s too soon, but my gut has always been a lying bitch.
It’s now or never, and when the car arrives, I rush inside the building to see Ripley standing between Paige’s legs. Her hands are on his arms. His hand is in her hair pulling it back like he does mine when he’s going to devour my mouth.
I stop for a second and watch. Paige gives me a triumphant smile, and Ripley lets her go and walks to me. I turn around and walk out. Malcolm’s words ring in my ears. Fight for what’s yours.
Ripley didn’t react the way a man caught in the act would. He stood there as if nothing were wrong at all. My gut tells me to rail at him, but I can’t trust her so I think about Paige and that smile of victory.
“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” My poor man has no idea what’s going to go down in seconds. He was right when he said he doesn’t notice the attention. He’s oblivious to his good looks and charms.
“Ripley, I love you. I really love you.” He smiles wide and walks toward me, but I hold up a hand. “I know you don’t pay attention to what’s going on with other women, but I do. I watch them devour you with their eyes, and that little bitch has taken one too many bites.”
“She had a lash in her eye.”
I walk to him while shaking my head. “Bullshit. What she had was you between her legs, and her hands on what belongs to me. Say it, Ripley. Say you’re mine because if you don’t, I’m going to kick your ass right after I kick hers.”
“I'd never be with her. Have you seen her ass? It’s like two communion wafers wrapped in a baggy.” He shakes his head. “Gross.”
I reach up and cup his cheek. “I know, baby, and she’s getting excommunicated.” I stomp past him into the classroom.
“Pack it up, Paige, you’re out.” I gather her things and push them into her hands sending her stumbling backwards.
“Who the hell do you think you are?” She takes a step forward trying to intimidate me.
“I’m the woman who has everything you can’t have. It’s my legs he crawls between. It’s my ears that hear him say I love you. It’s my heart he owns.” I look to the door and see Ripley standing there tall and dark and sinfully sexy wearing a smile.
“You’re this week’s treat, but what about next week?” Paige lashes back
I point to the door and yell, “Out!”
“You can’t make me.”
Ripley pushes off the doorjamb. “Yes, she can. Maddy is my everything, and if she says you’re gone—you’re gone. We’ll refund your money. Now out.” He stands beside me and weaves his fingers through mine in a show of solidarity.
