Page 18 of Defending Madison

She chuckles. “You’re just a sweet-talking man.”

Her words resonate with my thoughts. We’ve spent the last three days together with little time separated. Working out with her this morning was the last straw in my resolve. We’re perfect together. Sex is utterly amazing, and it’s only intensified by the intimacy we’re gaining with the time we’ve spent together.Could fate be giving us another chance? I’ve been thinking about retiring from the TEAMS. Security companies send me offers for employment. I could pick the region and choose a firm. There’s a phenomenal security and protection company in Dallas and one in Phoenix. I could start out in Phoenix and move with Madison wherever she goes.

She raises the remote and clicks some buttons. “I’m glad we ran into each other.”

Halfway through the movie, Madison is fast asleep, and I move quietly to the bedroom to pull her luggage off the bed. I turn down the covers and go back into the sitting room. I run my hands under her compact frame and lift her up, bringing the blanket with us. She snuggles into my chest, and my heart clenches. I made a mistake four years ago. Brian didn’t give me any choice, but I still regret it. Her breathing warms my soul. She feels like home. Laying her down on the bed, I pull the blanket around her and place the bed bedding on top. The room is warm, but if the hotel were to lose power, it would drop temperature really fast.

After I turn off the TV and the lights, I move back into the bedroom. I’m still dressed in sweatpants and a t-shirt. I’m going to snuggle next to her. It’s going to be really hard to keep my hands to myself. I want her like I’ve never wanted any other woman, but she needs rest. I do too, if I’m being honest.

Light streams through the window as I move to look out. White covers the world with a blanket of fresh show reminding me of the fresh-faced woman on the other side of the bed. I’mglad she didn’t hear my alarm that alerted me breakfast was imminent. Walking to the door, I catch the knock on the first thud.

“Good morning, your breakfast, sir.”

I nod. “Good morning. Thank you.”

She sets the tray on the table and nods. “Have a good day. I doubt there will be any fun sightseeing today.”

“No worries.” I walk her out and turn to see Madison standing at the bedroom door.

“I’m starving.”

“Bon appétit.”

Rolling her eyes, she moves to her chosen chair. “Have you been up long?”

“No.” My head flicks to her. “Why were you rolling your eyes?”

“Every woman falls all over themselves for you. No regard that I’m here and could mean something to you.” Her face falls, sadness covers her face, and I know she’s remembering my leaving without saying goodbye.

My heart grieves from the insecurity in her words. She does mean something to me, and it’s my fault she questions my intentions when another woman shows interest. Maybe the ship sailed four years ago. I devour my breakfast, unsure what to talk about, but as usual, Madison starts to natter.

She holds up her fork and blurts. “I really like Phoenix. There are a plethora of fans and they are knowledgeable, too.. I feel like the team is my family.”

“Yeah.” My understanding of women’s soccer begins and ends with Madison. I glance around the room trying to think of something to say. Luxury Campbell hotel rooms always have an abstract painting on the opposite wall of the window with a C and a complicated geometric design. It’s a cliché, but makes sense, too. I focus my attention back to Madison. “Why?”

“I love the coach. She’s a former player with two Olympic golds, and she’s the kind of coach I hoped I’d get.”

“They are lucky to have you.” I did my research while I watched her games. I know the positions and the best college players. Madison is incredible. She dominated in college. The way she controls the ball and takes it away from her opponents is remarkable.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. You’ve already made your mark with Phoenix. Teams assume their players can handle defense so they focus on the offense. Phoenix knew you’d help them get to the next level.”

She smiles and my heart beats faster. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were following me.”

“I am. I watch you play whenever I can.”

Madison’s mood lifts. “Thanks.”

I finish the last bite of my meal and set down my fork. I love this time with Madison. “Why did you leave Boulder your freshman year and go to Stanford?

She shrugs. “Better education along with a stronger women’s soccer program.”

I inquire further as she collects our dirty dishes. “You didn’t like your coach?”

Rolling her eyes again she swallows. “Coach York is a bitch. She didn’t value me. Her idea of player management consisted of verbal abuse and fat shaming.”

“It’s great that you could transfer.”

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