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“Yeah. I mean, I don’t know how many toothbrushes you actually go through.” I laced my fingers through hers and we headed down the street, taking our time.
She leaned against me. “That’s sweet. I’m so happy to see you. I’m not ready to say goodbye.”
I squeezed her hand. “So don’t.”
She glanced up at me. “I was worried you wouldn’t want to talk to me after everything that happened on the island.”
“I felt the same way—that’s why I didn’t call.” Now that she was next to me, I wanted to kick myself for the time I’d wasted. “But then your mom showed up and told me what an idiot I was being.”
Madison stopped walking. “My mother?” She looked me up and down. “Did she accost you? Are you okay?”
I chuckled. “I’m fine. She had Chip pick me up and bring me over to Katie’s house. She wanted to see for herself what I’d been saying all along--that I don’t have feelings for anybody other than you.”
Madison’s jaw dropped. “She brought you to Katie’s?”
“Yeah, she wanted to see us interact.”
“How did she get your ex to cooperate?”
“Um.” This was probably going to get Aileen in to trouble. “Your mother said she was going to pay her for her time.”
Maddy’s face went red. “Of all the… Wait till I get my hands on her… Just when I thought I could—”
“Hey, hey, it wasn’t a bad thing. Your mother just wants you to be happy.” When Maddy looked shocked, I sighed. “I know, it surprised me too. But she said she thought I should fight for you, which was what I wanted all along. I guess I just had to hear it. And it’s funny, but it actually meant a lot coming from Aileen.”
Maddy blew out a deep breath and shook her head. “I should never underestimate my mother’s level of crazy.”
“True. But I’m pretty sure she loves you, too.”
Her face softened. “Thank you. I should… I should probably give her more of a chance.”
“Yeah, why not?” I kissed the top of her head, but then I hesitated for a second. “Listen, I owe you an apology. I should’t have had to wait for your mother to get involved. I’m sorry I didn’t call sooner. I wanted to. But I didn’t want to chase you if you wanted nothing to do with me. Which I would’ve understood, after what happened…”
She shook her head. “I was the one in the wrong. I leapt to a conclusion. I thought that because you were talking to Katie that night after we were together… I guess I just assumed that you wanted to be with her. Not me.”
“How could I want that? How could I ever want to be with anybody but you ever again?”
She opened her mouth and then closed it. After a moment she asked, “Do you really mean that?”
I took both of her hands in mine. “I will never lie to you, Madison Delaney. When I tell you something, it’ll be the truth. I’m not interested in playing a game. I’m not interested in your family’s estate. I’m not just trying to get into your pants.” I eyed her hot body, then shrugged sheepishly. “Although that would not suck in any way, shape or form.”
She laughed, then stopped. Her expression became serious. “I don’t mean to be redundant, but—do you mean what you’re saying to me right now? And if yes, how do you… How do you know?”
I took a moment, considering her question. If I was going to go for it, I might as well put it all out on the line. “Yes, I mean what I’m saying to you—I want to be with you. Your dad could come after me with a tennis racket right now, with Tyler Dermody right behind him, and they wouldn’t be able to tear me away from you.” I laughed. “As for how I know? I’ve had a few relationships. I’m an adult and I’m ready. I know what I want, Maddy.”
I squeezed her hand. “I am not suggesting that we rush things. Day by day is good. But I meant it when I said that I want every day. I want all the days with you. And how I know is, I just know.”
The most beautiful smile spread over her face. “I feel the same.”
I pulled her against me as joy lit up my insides. “You do?”
“Of course I do.” She kissed my cheek. “Now let’s get going! If you’re going to start sleeping over every night for the rest of your life, I’d like to start subito. That’s Italian for immediately, by the way!”
“Okay so, here’s the thing.” Maddy pulled back from our embrace and caught her breath. “I’m kind of freaking out right now.”
“Okay.” I scooted back a bit on the couch, giving her some space. “Talk to me.”
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