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“All of them support you, Madison, as do I.” She shoves me playfully in the side. “Come on.”
As we order our drinks and settle into the booth, I feel a warmth spread through me. These girls have only known me briefly, yet they’ve become my closest friends. They don’t judge me or care about my past mistakes. They accept me for who I am, my flaws and all.
After we get our drinks, Harper nudges me with a wicked grin. “So, Madison, dating a former priest, huh? I gotta say, that’s a new one.” I blush, but it’s hard to mind too much when everyone’s laughing.
“Hey, Dante’s a good man,” Tessa says, coming to my defense. “And it’s not like Madison made him give up the cloth. He made that choice on his own.”
Riley adds, her eyes twinkling, “Besides, isn’t there something romantic about forsaking all others for love? It’s like something out of a novel.”
Eva chimes in, “Heck, if I were to write a book, I’d definitely include a storyline like that. Guaranteed bestseller, don’t you think?”
We all laugh, and I feel the last of my nerves melting away. Yes, this is a strange twist in my life, but at least I’m not going through it alone.
Harper smirks. “Tell us more about the priest.”
I roll my eyes but can’t help the small smile that tugs at my lips. “Dante’s not a priest anymore, as you all know. And he’s definitely not as holy as he used to be.”
The girls laugh, and I realize how lucky I am to have them in my life. Despite everything that has happened, they’re still here for me.
“Seriously though, Madison,” Tessa says with a serious tone. “Are you happy?”
I take a moment to think before answering honestly. “Yes, I am.”
They all smile and raise their cups in a toast. “To happiness and love,” Riley declares.
We clink our cups together, and I can’t help but feel grateful for these amazing women in my life. They may not have known me long, but they’ve already made a huge impact on me, and I know our friendship will continue to grow stronger.
As we chat and catch up on each other’s lives, I can’t help but feel a sense of contentment and belonging. It’s a foreign feeling; I’ve never felt I belonged anywhere. My parents made sure of that. And while their distance and coldness will always haunt me, I feel like here in Fordhurst, I can truly heal and leave the past behind.
My heart skips a beat as I hear the door chime as it opens, and even before looking, I know who entered. Dante stands in the doorway, wearing ripped jeans and a tight polo shirt that shows off his bulging muscles and ink.
“Speak of the devil,” Eva says, chuckling.
He walks straight up to the table. “Ladies. Do you mind if I borrow Madison?”
They all chuckle a little.
Tessa looks at Dante, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and gives a dramatic sigh. “Well, I suppose we can part with her... for a price,” she teases, leaning back in her chair. She crosses her arms and narrows her eyes at him in mock seriousness. “Promise us you’ll let her come to a party Saturday night.”
Dante’s eyes darken. “As long as I’m allowed to come with her.”
Eva flashes a brilliant smile at Dante, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Of course, you’re welcome to join us, Dante.”
“Fine, we’ll see you Saturday,” Dante gruffly acknowledges.
Without another word, he grasps my hand, his touch firm yet gentle. “Madison, I’ve got something to show you,” he murmurs, pulling me away from the table.
My new friends watch with amusement and surprise as Dante leads me away and out of the coffee shop.
I glance at him. “Was that necessary? Couldn’t you have texted me to meet you later?”
Dante shakes his head, his eyes never leaving mine. “I could’ve texted, but where’s the fun in that?” He grins, the edges of his mouth lifting in a devilish smirk.
He thrives on my discomfort, the way my pulse quickens when he’s around. I can see it in the dark glint in his eyes, the twitch of his lips as he resists the urge to laugh.
Dante suddenly flicks his attention toward the street, where his motorcycle is parked, sunlight reflecting off its chrome details. “Come on, Madison,” he says, tossing me a helmet. “Hop on. We’re going for a ride.”
His tone doesn’t leave room for argument. There’s a look in his eyes, a twinkle of mischief that’s almost inviting.
