Authors: Melissa Johns
Madison laughed as she noticed Hunter hold his stick up in the air towards her as they skated off the ice. The butterflies quickly returned to her stomach but she also felt another sensation rush throughout her body. She couldn’t explain it but she was ready to figure out exactly what it was.
When they arrived back at Carter’s house,
Madison could hear the waves crashing against the shore. “Is it crazy that I want to go down there right now?” Madison asked.
Carter shook his head. “It’s ok, just be careful. It’s dark and cold.”
Hunter lightly touched her arm. “I will go with you.”
Alicia smiled and grabbed Carter’s arm before he could say anything to stop them. “We will leave the deck lights on for you.” She said as she pulled Carter into the house.
Hunter reached for Madison’s hand and led her down the wooden staircase out onto the sand.
“Take off your shoes. I assumed this is your first beach experience. You need to feel the sand between your toes to really enjoy it.”
Madison looked at him strangely. He smiled back at her. “Trust me.” She slipped her sandals off and left them on the staircase. She smiled as she felt the sand go between her toes and shape around her feet.
“Wow that feels strange.”
Hunter extended his arm to point the way down the beach and waited for her to lead the way. “From what Carter has told me, you had a rough childhood. I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It wasn’t rough until high school. I started to see everything that I was missing out on and started to resent everyone around me including Carter.”
Hunter stopped her and pointed toward a large rock. “Have a seat. You will love this view.”
Madison
sat and looked out over the water as the moon reflected on the waves from the sky above. “Wow, it’s breathtaking.”
Hunter looked at her. “Funny, I was just thinking the same thing.”
Madison blushed and looked back towards the water. “Tell me about yourself.”
“I was born in upstate
New York and my parents still live there. My story is similar to Carter’s about hockey. I was just traded here last season and my contract is up for renegotiation at the end of the season so I’m praying I will stay here.”
“Do you have any siblings?”
“I have a brother. He was the smart one and became a lawyer.”
Madison
laughed. “I never attended college. I went right to work when I graduated from high school.”
“Have you thought about going to school now?” he asked.
She nodded. “I have some money saved up but not enough.”
“You know that you could ask Carter. He would give you the world if you asked him.”
Madison frowned and looked down at the sand. “I would never ask him.”
Hunter nodded. “I can understand that but just keep it in the back of your mind.”
“How long have you and Carter been friends?” Madison asked as she changed the subject.
“Since I was traded here, he and I shared a hotel room on the road in the beginning and we became like brothers right after that. We just clicked and he took me under his wing.”
“How old are you?” Madison asked.
“Twenty three, am I too old?” He laughed.
Madison looked down at her hands. “No, not at all,” she paused. “I hope I don’t disappoint you.”
“How in the world would you do that?”
Madison didn’t say anything as she hopped off the rock and started to walk back towards the house, “A story for another day.” Her thoughts went back to the earlier conversation with Alicia. No one realized how inexperienced she was when it came to relationships but she felt comfortable around Hunter, maybe this was her chance.
Hunter grabbed her arm and stopped her. “One thing you should know about me
Madison, when I set goals for myself, I achieve them. The minute I saw those beautiful big brown eyes look back at me, I knew I wanted to get to know you better. You can trust me with anything. I know you don’t know me at all but I really want you to get to know me better.”
Madison
looked back down at the sand. She felt his hand slide up her arm and over the side of her face. She was so close to him that she could smell his cologne. She looked up into his eyes and watched as his hair blew in the wind. His chiseled features were highlighted by the moonshine. She could feel her heart beating against her ribs as his fingertips traced her lower lip. She could understand why the hockey groupies threw themselves at him. She quickly realized the situation she was in and pulled away from him. “I’m sorry.”
Hunter whispered but not letting her move far away from him. “Why are you sorry?”
“I’m so out of my element right now and I don't think I'm your type,” Madison nervously laughed.
“And what exactly is my type?” He asked as he sounded upset.
Madison looked up at him. “I didn’t mean to insult you. It’s just that I’m not like those girls that came on to you earlier tonight.”
Hunter smirked. “Thank God for that!” He grabbed her hand and walked her back towards the house. “
Madison, I’m actually happy about that. I’m sick of dealing with those immature girls. I’m ready to actually have a conversation with one.”
“Well, I’m nervous but still looking forward to our outing.”
Madison said as she slipped her sandals on and headed up the stairs. Carter appeared at the back door as they walked across the deck.
“Did you enjoy your walk, Maddy?” he asked.
“I’m in love with the beach and your house. I think I will make this a nightly thing.”
Hunter grabbed his belongings and looked at Carter. “No practice tomorrow so enjoy the day off.
Madison, would you like to go to dinner with me tomorrow night?” Hunter asked.
She nodded quickly. “I would love that.”
Hunter waved at Alicia who came out on the deck as he left. They all headed back into the house as Madison kicked off her sandals.
Carter stopped and wrapped his arms around her. She paused and then tightened her arms around him. “Thank you for allowing me come and stay here with you,” she whispered.
“You are welcome here at anytime, Maddy.”
CHAPTER FOUR
The sun poured through Madison’s bedroom window as the morning arrived. She smiled as she stretched out in the strange bed. She leaned over and grabbed her cell phone.
“Why are you calling me so early?” Jessie groaned into the phone.
“I wanted to tell you that I arrived safe and sound.”
“Oh my God, I forgot that you traveled to the States yesterday. I’m so sorry, Maddy.”
“It’s ok.” she yawned.
“How’s Carter?”
“He’s great. Alicia is also wonderful and I have some big news.”
“What’s that?” Jessie yawned.
“I have a date tonight,” Madison said to complete silence. “Hello?”
“Did you just say that you have date tonight?”
“Yes, he is on Carter’s hockey team. He asked me out last night.”
“I can’t believe it, who is it?”
“Hunter Longo.”
Jessie gasped. “Your first date is with the Godsend Hunter Longo?”
Madison couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes, it is. He’s so sweet, Jessie. He walked with me on the beach last night and we talked about our families. He was so easy to talk with and he’s gorgeous.”
“Maddy, I know this is exciting and new to you but please be careful. He’s a hockey player. I’m sure he’s been around the block and back again. You are so sweet and I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
Madison sighed. “I will be fine. I just want to go out and get to know him, that’s all. Alicia promised me that he was a great guy and Carter wouldn’t allow me near him if he wasn’t.”
“Good point, call me tomorrow, ok?”
“Of course I will, have fun studying.” Madison hung up the phone and headed into the bathroom. She took her shower and changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. She ran her fingers through her short hair and smiled. She thought back to last night’s walk on the beach with Hunter. She loved the way his eyes focused on her when they got close to each other. She read in books about how your body would respond to certain situations but never imagined it would be anything like it was.
Alicia passed by her room and poked her head in, interrupting her train of thought. “Good Morning.”
“Good morning, is Carter up too?”
She nodded. “He’s out on his daily run, should be back shortly though.”
Madison nodded. “Would you like me to make breakfast for everyone?”
“Oh no, you are on vacation,” Alicia paused. “Can I ask you a question?”
Madison nodded, “Of course.”
Alicia sat on the bed. “From what Carter and you have told me, you lived a very sheltered childhood and I’m going to assume that tonight will be your first date. Am I right?”
Madison sighed as she paced the room. “Is it that obvious?”
“It’s not that. Carter is just worried about you and we will be sisters soon so I want to be a part of your life and thought you would be more comfortable talking to me about it than him. Hunter is a wonderful guy and I have no doubt he will be a gentleman and show you a wonderful time but if he does anything that upsets you, I will hurt him.”
Madison sat down next to her. “I’m very nervous about tonight. You are right, I’m new to this and I’m so afraid that Hunter will see that and run in the opposite direction. I’m not his typical date.”
Alicia smiled. “I’m sure he will not care about that, just try to have fun tonight and see where the future takes you.”
“Alicia? There is something else.”
“What’s that?”
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. “I’ve never been kissed.”
Alicia sat in silence. “How is that even possible? You are so beautiful. Some stupid guy in high school didn’t try to sneak one in between classes?”
“Strict parents, remember?”
“Oh
Madison, now I’m really excited for you tonight.”
“Why? Do you think it will happen tonight? I’m going to have a heart attack. I don’t know what to wear or how to act. I don’t even know how to kiss a guy. I’m going to hyperventilate,"
Madison exclaimed as she nervously paced around the room.
Alicia pulled her off the bed. “Everything will come naturally. It’s about time that you and I have out first outing as sisters. We will hit the mall with Carter’s credit card because if it does happen tonight, we want you to feel special.”
As soon as they finished breakfast, Alicia whisked her away to the local shopping district. As they walked from store to store, Madison became more nervous. She wanted to impress Hunter but had no idea how to do that.
Alicia pulled her into one of her favorite stores as she started to sort through the racks. “What are you comfortable wearing?” Alicia asked.
Madison pointed to her jeans and t-shirt. “I like something comfortable.”
She shook her head. “This is a big night for you and I want you to be stunning! How about wearing a dress like this?” She held up a light blue cotton sundress. It was pretty but also would cling to her in all the right places.
“I couldn’t wear something like that,” Madison said as she frowned.
Clearly not listening to her, Alicia said, “Come on, let’s see if it fits.” She grabbed her hand and pulled her into the dressing room. “Now, go into that room and put it on.”
Madison grabbed the dress and convinced herself this was part of the change that she wanted in her life. She removed her clothes and looked at herself in the full length mirror. She was happy with her body. She wasn’t a typical girl who thought something was too small or too big. She thought her breasts were perfect for her body and everything else was in perfect proportion.
She slid the dress on and stared. It hugged every twist of her body and came down to her mid thighs. It was a comfortable fabric and nothing too tight. The dress was strapless and showed off her bare shoulders. She opened the curtain to find Alicia with her mouth open. “You are stunning!”
She blushed as she walked towards the mirror. She felt the dress move with her as she spotted a couple of guys staring at her. She quickly turned back towards Alicia. “Is it too much?”
“No, you need to buy that dress. You even walk with more confidence. If you want, we can buy you a light shawl to go over your shoulders.”
Madison took one more look and decided it was the right thing to do and bought the dress. After they finished a little more shopping, they headed back home. They spent the afternoon on the deck enjoying the sunshine. Carter ordered lunch for everyone and they talked about their childhood.