Page 47 of Hot Route
We enter the ballroom and head toward our table. We’re surrounded by Boston’s richest and most influential people, all dressed to the nines and ready to pull out their checkbooks for a good cause. I pull out Mads’ chair and hold her hand until she’s settled. “I’ll go to the bar. What do you want to drink, Baby Doll?”
“I’ll just have a glass of champagne,” she replies.
I nod before turning away and heading toward the bar. After the bartender takes my order, I turn to scan the crowd. It’s pretty much the usual suspects I see at these fundraisers. There are athletes from the various sports teams in the city, politicians, high-profile businessmen and women, and a few select members of the media that have signed non-disclosure agreements. They’re allowed to report on the event, but the guests are off limits. That’s why I felt comfortable being close to Mads tonight. Not that I care if anyone talks about us being together. But I know she does.
Just before I go to turn back to the bar, a familiar head of dirty blonde hair catches my eye. I squint to get a better look…to make sure I’m seeing who I think I am. Andfuck. Brady. He blends in well with his black tuxedo and bright white smile. I know he owns a supplement company, but I wasn’t aware he made the kind of money needed to score an invite to this typeof event. Honestly, good for him. As long as he makes a nice donation and stays away from my girl, I’m glad he’s here. The more, the merrier when it’s for a good cause.
I grab our drinks and head back to our table. Handing Mads her drink, she gives me a warm smile before taking a small sip of the bubbly liquid. I watch her, wishing I could taste it off her tongue. “Dance with me?” I say, hoping she’ll just let go for tonight and be with me.
“Okay,” she agrees, placing her glass back on the table and grabbing my outstretched hand. I lead her to the dance floor as the DJ plays Yours by Russell Dickerson. I listen to the lyrics, realizing how they express every feeling I have right now. I used to just float through life. No real purpose outside of football. But then this perfect piece of heaven landed on my doorstep and changed everything. She made my life better.
I pull Mads into me and the whole room fades away. It’s just us, holding tightly to one another as we sway to the music. I can’t help myself as I bring my lips to her ear, whispering the lyrics.“Thank God I’m yours.”I pull back to look at her and see that her eyes are filled with tears. “What’s wrong, baby?” I say softly, pushing a lose strand of hair from her face.
“I’m just happy,” she says, softly. “I love you so much, Blaze.”
I lean forward, not giving a single fuck who sees, and press my lips to hers. We get lost in the kiss as we move with one another. Only when we hear the sound of a glass breaking in the distance do we pull apart. It’s not uncommon for accidents to happen when people have access to an open bar, so I ignore it and pull her from the dance floor as the song ends.
As we reach our table, I notice Brady leaving the room. Good. All that stuff I said about being happy he was here? I’m a liar. Hopefully, he left his check for the hospital before he took off.
I bring my focus back to Mads, who looks content as she sips on her champagne. I realize then that this could be my future.Dressing up for charity events with the most beautiful girl in the world on my arm. Bringing her home to our bed. Sharing our lives with each other.
I used to think my purpose in this world was playing football. But I was so fucking wrong. Loving Madison Rodgers has always been my reason for living. Even before I met her, I was meant to be hers. There was never another option.
She yawns, smiling at me sheepishly. “Champagne always makes me tired.”
“Well,” I say, standing up and pulling back her chair. “Let’s get you home, pretty girl. You can go to sleep while I kiss you all over your body.”
“Mmmm,” she replies. “That sounds perfect.”
I lead her out of the building and hold her close, trying to keep her warm as we wait for our car. It’s freezing and she refused to wear a coat because it‘didn’t go with her dress’. She visibly shivers, prompting me to remove my tux jacket and wrap it around her shoulders. I rub my hands up and down her arms, trying to create enough friction to warm her.
I pull Mads into my arms, finally able to kiss her with the passion I’ve been feeling all night now that we aren’t surrounded by thousands of people. I get lost in her taste until footsteps approaching catch my attention.
“I fucking knew it.”
I look up to find Brady standing there. He’s very clearly drunk as he stumbles up to us, the smell of alcohol hitting my nose as he comes to a halt in front of where I’m still holding Mads tightly in my arms.
He scoffs. “This is why you wouldn’t go out with me? Because ofhim?” he slurs.
Mads tries to pull away, but I tighten my hold on her. No way am I letting her go when he’s drunk and pissed. I’ll do whatever I have to do to protect her.
“Brady,” she sighs. She’s as annoyed as I am with him for interrupting our moment. “We talked about this. We didn’t work the first time. We were never good for each other.”
He moves closer and I let go of her, stepping between them. She moves to the side slightly, but allows me to continue standing in the middle, shielding her from whatever the fuck he thinks he’s going to get away with here. “Is it because I wouldn’t do the things to you that you wanted? I wouldn’t tie you up and fuck you like a slut? I probably should’ve. Since that’s what you’ve always been.”
In the blink of an eye, the collar of his shirt is gripped tightly in my fist as I pull him close. “Don’t you ever fucking speak to her like that, you piece of shit.” I seethe. “Matter of fact,” I say, tightening my hold on him, “if you come anywhere near my girlfriend ever again, I will end you.”
I shove him backward, making him fall on his ass before he scrambles to his feet. Thrusting a shaky hand through his hair, he spits on the ground near my shoe. “This isn’t over,” he says.
“Yes, it is,” I grit out. “Get the fuck out of here before I make you swallow your teeth.”
Thankfully he turns, his body swaying as he goes back into the building. I turn toward Mads, who is shaking like a leaf. I’m not sure if it’s from the cold or because she’s scared, but I’m thankful that our driver chooses that moment to pull up beside us. I don’t wait for him to get out before I open the door and guide her in. Sliding in next to her, I cup her tear-soaked face in my hands. “Baby, you’re okay. It’s okay.” I soothe her.
“It’s my fault,” she says. “That night we went to Donatello’s, Brady made a pass at me.” I ball my hands into fists to stop myself from punching out the window. I’m pissed, but I don’t want to scare her. She continues. “He accused me of sleeping with you. Then he insulted you and I lost it on him. I embarrassed him in front of everyone.”
I grab her hands, desperate to be connected to her somehow. “None of this is your fault. Do you understand me?” I say, firmly. “He’s an entitled piece of shit. If he comes anywhere near you ever again, I’ll fucking kill him. He doesn’t get to hurt you.”
“Thank you, Blaze. For never making me feel bad about the things I like,” she says. “Brady always made me feel like some kind of freak. I only asked him once, but he made sure I knew how he felt about it. He told me it was disgusting. So, I laughed it off and acted like it wasn’t a big deal. But it really made me afraid to be who I am. I’ve always been scared to tell my partners about my preferences because I was terrified of their reactions.” She wipes the tears from her cheeks. “But then you came along. I didn’t have to say anything. You just dove in head first. Learning everything you could so you could take care of me.” She smiles before going on. “This all goes way beyond sex. It’s you knowing the real me and loving me for it. I just— thank you.”
