Page 40 of Defending Madison

He brushes his lips across mine and follows his fingers down my cheeks. “Yes, sweetheart.” He takes the luggage from my hand and rolls it to the front door, setting it to the side. “Grab your shoes and we’ll go.”

Ten minutes later, we’re walking into Grace’s Bakery on the first floor of the Quad, next door to CPSP. “I’ve only been here once. It was good.”

He holds the door open for me to walk in. “We eat here pretty often at work.” He nods at the owner who meets us at a table with two menus.

“Good morning, Dixon.” She turns and smiles at me as she extends her hand. “Hi. I’m Grace.”

“Madison.” I extend my hand to shake. “This is such a cute bakery. I love the blue and white décor.”

Grace beams. “Thanks. Can I get you a coffee?”

I don’t typically drink coffee, but I do love it. “I’ll take a vanilla latte.”

She nods at Dixon. “Black coffee?”

“Yes. Thanks. We’re going to look through the menu.”

I open the menu, smiling. “This has more in it than the last time I was in.”

“She added to her menu. Not many people know, but she acquired the space next door, and she’s going to expand. She’ll offer more brunch and lunch items.”

“Just what I need, more reason to eat luscious food.”

“Pfft. You’re an athlete. I’ve seen how much care you take in your food choices.”

“I don’t really have a choice. My first coach made me feel so bad about my weight. She was always harping on me for every pound I fluctuated.”

Dixon’s mouth hangs open. “Madison. Your body is what’s right for you. That coach is an idiot.” His eyes widen. “Wait. She’s the new coach for Phoenix. No wonder you left.”

I laugh. “Left? I was traded.” Embarrassment creeps up. “I’m pretty sure I’m the first player who won the highest defender award and helped their team win an International Championship to be traded the next season.”

He reaches for my hand. “They’re going to regret losing you. Their fans already realize. The team is losing and looking unmanaged as they fail.”

His words warm my heart. “Thanks.”

“I’m not blowing smoke up your ass, sweetheart. You’re too good for them. Dallas is lucky to have you, and they know it.”

Grace steps back to the table with a photo in her hand. Her teeth nibble her lower lip. “I’m so sorry, but would you mind signing your photo so I can put you on my wall of champions?” Her finger points across the room to a wall with similar photos.

I take the photo and the marker she hands me. “Of course. Is there anything in particular you’d like me to write?”

She giggles. “Just whatever you want to write, to Grace.”

I nod, writing words on the photo and signing it. “Thanks for this.”

Her smile widens. “Oh. Wow. No. Thank you. I realized when I walked away that you’re you. I watched you in college as well as in the pros. You’re awesome.”

“You’re sweet.” I catch Dixon’s grinning face. “We’ll need a few more minutes.”

She takes the photo and the pen and nods. “Take your time.”

“That was sweet.”

Dixon sits with a look of pride I’m not used to. “She’s right, you know? You are awesome.”

I wave my hand up as I peruse the menu. That was a nice moment.

A half hour later I set my fork on my plate, absorbed in the positiveness of my day as Dixon takes my hand in his again. “What else would you like to do today?”

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