As I waited, I could enjoy the other parts of my life too, which were going fairly well. I was happier than ever, and Tyler was actually letting me get close to him. There was a chance for us to become something more, to be really happy together. I truly hoped for that because things really started taking a turn for the better when we started getting closer. Maybe he was my missing piece. Now, I just couldn’t lose him.
Chapter 18
Tyler
After a busy week of work for me and school for Madison, I figured that the best way to help us relax was a date. I had been meaning to take her out more, but we had both been swamped with work that we couldn’t put off. I was glad that she was understanding of my busy schedule, though. I had upset more than one girl because I had to cancel a night out for work. Madison wasn’t bothered. She took the time to work on her own things.
Her passion and drive were undeniably attractive to me. She was so focused, so determined to prove herself. She had Brandon’s ambition, but she didn’t run over people to get what she wanted. She forged her own path, blasting past obstacles and competition.
Speaking of competition, I hadn’t even gotten the chance to look over Sara and Madison’s ideas yet. Brittany took a look at them and was thoroughly impressed, so I was looking forward to finally sitting down and deciding which one was best for my company. I tried to get Madison to tell me her idea, but she wanted me to read her report and judge it fairly, which I could respect.
Honestly, I respected her deeply. It was one of the most intense things that I felt toward her, but there was something else that was just as strong. It was a warm, welcoming sensation that felt like a hug for my soul. It weirded me out a little, but I did like it.
“That was the best lobster ravioli that I’ve ever had,” Madison said as she put her fork down on her empty plate.
I snapped out of my thoughts and chuckled, nodding my agreement. We had decided to try an Italian place downtown, and it lived up to the hype. The pasta was fresh. The sauce was rich. The ambiance was romantic. I wanted to go out with her more, but we kept it limited so that people wouldn’t notice us together and spread a rumor to the wrong person.
“Highlight of the night,” I told her with a teasing grin.
“Not my wonderful company?” Madison laughed as she tilted her head at me. Her hair was fixed up in a high ponytail, a few loose strands hanging around her perfect face. She wore a blue dress that caressed the curves of her body that I loved so much. Damn, I was addicted.
“It’s more than wonderful,” I found myself saying as I reached across the table and took her hand, running my thumb over her knuckles. When I actually heard the words come out of my mouth, I felt my face heat up slightly. Cheesy words typically didn’t come out of my mouth, but I didn’t even know what to expect from myself when I was with Madison.
Madison smiled with an actual blush on her face. “Wow. He can be romantic,” she teased me.
I shrugged as I peered down at her hand in mine. It seemed to fit perfectly, or maybe the wine was getting to me. I wasn’t used to thinking like this. When did my life become a romance? It was a strange environment to find myself in after spending so much time jumping from club to club, picking up girl after girl, and then leaving them all behind after a night or two of hot sex.
“I like being around you outside of work,” I said. I tried to sound casual, but the smile on my face betrayed me. What I felt for her was anything but casual. I needed to start facing the facts and figuring out what I was going to do about these strong feelings.
“Very well,” Madison agreed as her expression turned more serious instead of playful. She brushed her hair away from her face with her free hand, seeming slightly shy now. “This date doesn’t end with dinner, right?”
I didn’t want our date to end at all. If our days could just be one long date, I wouldn’t mind that at all.
“Of course not. You’re stuck with me tonight,” I replied as I squeezed her hand before letting go. I paid the check and stood from the table, offering my arm to her so that I could lead her through the golden-lit restaurant. We wove through white-clothed tables, escaping the sound of jazz and wine glasses clinking to step out into the quiet buzz of the late-night city.