Page 21 of Valley

I had never enjoyed spending time with a woman like this—just hanging out, talking. I couldn’t understand for the life of me how she got conned by Asher Collins. That guy was a bully, full of himself, and thought he was the shit all through high school. His dad being the city’s prosecutor made him untouchable, giving him courage he didn’t deserve.

Madeline could have had her pick of guys, and she did date a few. Some had run-ins with slashed tires and other petty crap. I might not have made her mine, but I was jealous of those who tried. After Kezia died, I went to a dark place and lost sight of Madeline.

Finally, my eyes grew heavy. With thoughts of Madeline and the low hum of the TV, I drifted off to sleep.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Chaper Thirteen

“YOU’RE IN LOVE!” Casimir shouted, hugging me.“You, my girl, are glowing!” He took my hand, and we sat on the floor, putting Ellie in front of us to play. “Tell me everything.”

I laughed and said, “There isn’t much to tell. We’ve just been talking and yesterday we went on a motorcycle ride up to Coopers Rock.”

“So, no hanky panky?” He joked with a grin.

“No, we just talked and got to know each other better,” I chuckled and then sighed. “He’s everything I’d ever dreamed he would be.”

“Just be careful,” Casimir warned. “I’m all in for fairy tales, but honey, take it slow.”

“I’m trying. Trust me,” I replied. “It’s just we have history, and I’ve never wanted a man like I want Jarrod.”

Casimir raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk curling at the corner of his lips. “Oh sweetie, the amazing sex you two are going to have, I’m envious.”

I nudged him playfully. “Is it wrong to say I can’t wait?”

“Hell no,” he teased, winking. “But I know you, Madeline. You don’t just fall for anyone, and definitely not like this.” He paused, his tone softening as he looked at me more seriously. “But I also know how deep you can feel, and that you can be... too trusting.”

I sighed, glancing down at Ellie, who was babbling happily as she played with her toys. “I know. And I’m trying to be smart about it. It’s just... different with him. Like, everything makes sense when I’m with Jarrod, you know?”

Casimir nodded, his eyes understanding. “I get it. But just remember, even the best fairy tales have their dragons. And sometimes, those dragons are inside us, invisible to the naked eye.”

“Wow, getting all philosophical on me, Cas?” I teased, trying to lighten the mood.

He laughed, the sound light and infectious. “What can I say? I’m a man of many talents. But seriously, Madeline, you deserve to be happy. Just don’t lose yourself in the process of chasing that happiness.”

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me at his words. “Don’t worry, I won’t. I’ve got you to keep me grounded, after all.”

“Damn straight,” he said with a grin. “Now, tell me—can you finally teach me this impossible dance?”

I burst out laughing, shaking my head. “I’ll see what I can do, Cas. But no promises. You’re a terrible dancer.” I rose to my feet and said, “So come on, let’s get started so I can soak my feetafterward. Jarrod is picking me up for work today and I want plenty of time to get ready.”

We both laughed, the sound filling the studio as Ellie clapped her hands, joining in with her own little giggles. And for a moment, everything felt perfect, and that scared me, because my life didn’t do perfect.

I EASED OFFthe throttle, veering towards a secluded lookout.No way was I ready to take Madeline home just yet; I craved more of her, outside the confines of Twisted Heat. “Why are we stopping?” she queried, her breath tickling my ear.

“Can’t say I’m eager to drop you off,” I confessed, tugging off my helmet. Swiveling around, taking her helmet off as I hauled her closer, our legs entangling. I couldn’t stop myself any longer—those nights watching her dance had my cock aching, and I wanted her so fucking bad. So, I yanked her face towards mine and crushed my lips against hers, letting it all out.

As our lips parted, we panted heavily, our bodies still hot from the raw intensity of our kiss. Madeline’s eyes fluttered open, revealing the hunger in her own gaze. I couldn’t help but smile softly, pulling her even closer.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, too,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. I nodded, understanding the depths of her feelings—I felt it in the lightning strikes of need that raced through me every time I looked at her.

We both knew that there was no turning back now. With a final understanding smile exchanged, I gently guided her lips to mine again, her arms wrapping around me for support. We both hesitated for a moment, our hearts pounding so loudly that it drowned out everything else. But the need for one another was too powerful to resist any longer.

Madeline’s fingers threaded through my hair, pulling me closer. Our eyes locked, words unspoken yet feelings conveyed, we moved together.

I could feel every inch of her; the curve of her waist, the softness of her lips, and the warmth of her breath on my neck—each sensation was like a live wire sparking against my bare skin. The taste of her lips was intoxicating, a sweet addiction that I never wanted to be free from. A spark ignited between us, begging to be kindled into something more than just a casual fuck; it demanded to be felt and continued long after tonight.

The rustling leaves seemed to sigh along with our shared breaths, the usual night noises quieted by the intensity of our moment. There was nothing else in the world but us, just two figures in the dark consumed with one another.

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