Madison

After dancing to five songs, we head back to the VIP room and take more shots. My heart rate’s crazy strong, and it feels good to be here with my friends and letting loose. Although my feet are killing me, it’s worth it.

From the corner of my eye, I think I see Bryce. I’m about to fly out of the room until the guy turns around, and I realize it’s not Bryce. Kaylee notices my abrupt change in mood and so do our girlfriends, Hilary and Dana. I fill them in and try not to let the alcohol take the wheel.

Stupid shots and drinks. The combination is making me emotional. Like over the top, let me cry a million tears, then listen to sad breakup songs. But we didn’t break up. This I know. He said things to me about wanting more, and I’m his. Then he turns around and walks away since I’m not giving him what he wants. This man should be at the top of his game, and when he doesn’t get his way, he throws a tantrum.

Stubborn asshole.

I smile. My stubborn asshole.

“Not going to lie, but shit. What?” Dana says, holding her drink and pointing it at me. “You need to forget that douche.” She leans in closer, and the three of us do the same. “Rick hasn’t taken his eyes off you all night. You guys have a history.”

I laugh. “We dated in middle school,” I remind her. “Doesn’t count. I’m not going to forget about Bryce. We’re still together.”

“And? That man wants you. From what I hear, he’s very talented in all areas of sex. Kissing, oral, and fucking. There aren’t many men out there who can use their tongue and dick properly. It’s usually one or the other.”

My eyes lift to Rick, and I see him watching me. We smile at the same time. Neither of us move. He’s totally cute with broad shoulders, short brown hair, sexy green eyes, and he’s strikingly tall. His body is lean and athletic. As quickly as the thoughts come to me, I push them out. Bryce may be giving me the silent treatment, but I’m not going to cheat on him. We’re just having a fight, and we both need to cool down.

Kaylee’s voice pulls me back. “It’s so obvious, though,” she says, drinking her drink and looking at me. “I’ve thought about it. There’s no way he doesn’t want you. The connection you have with him is off the charts.”

I play with my drink, swirling my finger along the rim. “He hasn’t texted me back or called me. I’ll give him a few more days to lick his wounds.” I grab Kaylee's shot and swallow it down entirely.

“Good plan!”

“Seriously, no more therapy sessions. I’m perfectly fine.”

“You know damn well you’re not fine,” Kaylee points out with a raised brow. “You can’t lie to me, babe. I’ve known you my whole life.”

“Everything happens for a reason,” Hilary says in a singsong voice. “In all honesty, you shouldn’t sleep with Rick. If you do, and Bryce has a good explanation for his disappearance, you’ll feel so guilty.”

Kaylee and Dana nod in unison. I’d never cheat on Bryce. I’m not that type of girl. After tonight, I’ll text him again or go to his penthouse, and we’ll figure it out from there.

A new song comes on, and I yell for everyone to get on the dance floor. We dance for a while, and my feet are screaming for a break, so I excuse myself and walk toward the VIP room. Inside, I sit down and calmly take off my beautiful heels. I look at the gift from Bryce, smile, and put a plan into motion.

“Madison.”

That voice. My body stills, and time seems to freeze. I feel sick, like I’m going to throw up. How the hell does he know I’m here?

I turn my head to his voice. He’s standing outside the room, and I’m still sitting down. The fact he’s here now is pissing me the hell off. Knowing him and his connections, he had me found in a matter of minutes.

Fuck you, Kent.

He’s heading toward me. Shit. I can do this. Kent walks into the VIP room and sits dangerously close to me. He grabs my hand before I can register what’s happening. Everything goes in slow motion. He pulls me to his hard chest, wraps his arms around my waist, and kisses the side of my head. Usually, I’d be happy for this affection from him, but now, I feel sick. The feel of his lips on my skin repulses me.

“What are you doing here? I swear if you’re following me, then I’m calling the cops. Haven’t you done enough?” I say as I push away from him.

He tries to reach for my hand again, but I pull it away and eye him. “I’m here for my brother’s birthday. I saw you and wanted to come over and talk. I’m going to cut to the chase. I want you back, Madison. It’s only ever been you. Julie doesn’t have my heart. You do. I’m ready to leave her and start a life with you, the life we’re supposed to have. Hopefully, you’ll love my baby the way I love you because I won’t give up my parental rights. We can be a family and when you’re ready, we’ll try for our own baby. Remember, we used to talk about that.”

The laughter rumbles out of me. Is he being serious? I wait a few minutes for the, “Just kidding,” or someone yelling I’ve been “Punk’d,” but Kent starts fidgeting with growing impatience. The vein in his neck throbs, and he’s sighed three times. I reach over to take a drink, watching him over the glass. It’s fun to see him like this. The confident and suave Kent Hastings is gone, replaced by his annoyance and nerves.

Kent eventually looks down at his hands. “Madison, I’m sorry. The truth is, things happened, and I was forced to leave you the way I did. I had to. You have to believe me.”

“You were forced?” I repeat this to him pointedly, ensuring I’m enunciating every word so there’s no confusion.

“Think about it, Madison. We were happy. Talking about a future and having a family. Then out of nowhere, I break up with you. Does that make sense?”

I scoff, feeling tempted to pour my drink over his head. “It doesn’t matter if it makes sense or not. You’re married with a baby on the way. You cheated. I was your side piece. Your forbidden secret.”

Kent’s expression changes to defeat. “I’ll love you always, Madison. No matter what. If you need me, then reach out to me. Knowing you’re doing well is awesome. You have so many people who love you and want to be there for you. Thrive on that. Let that drive you.”

The tears try to erupt from my eyes. Kent gets up and leaves just as Kaylee walks in. This is all too much to register. Why the fuck can’t he leave me alone? And why the hell hasn’t Bryce responded to my calls and texts? Panic strikes me, and it’s getting harder to breathe.

“Madison?”

“Get me out of here,” I beg Kaylee, doing everything I can to hold it all in.