Page 44 of Deserving Maddie

The longer Ray sat there without learning anything new, the more frustrated he became. He wasn't used to not knowing all the answers or having a way to find them. It also hit him harder, knowing that it affected Maddie.

By the time Wes released the team, he was itching to talk to her. Ray raced back to his office and pulled up his text app.

Ray: Hey, beautiful. How's your day?

It didn't take long for him to get a response.

Maddie: Not bad. Gabe was a bit nicer this morning, and we managed to get to school a full two minutes before the warning bell went off. I consider that progress. How about you?

He hated that he was about to burst her happy bubble, but he knew that it had to happen.

Ray: Just got done meeting with my boss and team. I wasn't able to figure out who slashed your tires last night, so until I have more information, one of the guys from Charlie Team will be watching your house when you guys are home.

Maddie: Charlie Team?

Blue was right. He needed to introduce his co-workers to Maddie, so she knew who to expect.

Ray: Yeah. My company consists of two teams. Charlie and Bravo. I was initially brought on to help Bravo Team but now I do work for both. I will introduce you to the rest of the team soon so you recognize their faces.

Maddie: That's a big step in a relationship.

Even though her text was accompanied by a funny face emoji, it was a big step for him. He never even considered the possibility that he would be introducing anyone to the people he worked with. A month ago, if someone would have said he would be contemplating bringing a plus-one to the Sunday barbeques, he would've laughed in their face. Now he was wondering how long before he could ask Maddie, Gabriel, and Charley to tag along.

Slow down, man. A snail's pace, remember? You haven't even been formally introduced to her kids yet.

Ray had a feeling he was going to be repeating that mantra to himself on the regular. At any other time, he was a patient man. Maddie brought out a different side to him.

Ray: It is a big step, but it's one I would've wanted to take regardless of the situation. This allows me to do it a bit sooner.

Maddie: I'm sorry you're stuck having to take things slow with me.

Ray: I thought we covered this last night, but I guess it bears repeating. I have no issue taking things slow. This is a first for me as well and I'm bound to screw up a lot, so it's not like you're getting some award-winning boyfriend. We'll figure it out together no matter how long it takes.

He wanted to add as long as he got her tight little body in the meantime, but he stopped himself. He needed her to realize that their relationship was about more than just sex. Ray didn't know the first thing about romancing a woman, but Maddie was the type who deserved that. Especially after how her asshole of a husband treated her.

Maddie: Well, if it helps, you're doing a great job already.

That made him feel ten feet tall.

Ray: I know we can't exactly go out to dinner yet because the kids would ask too many questions, but I would like to have a date night. One that's more than just an hour long.

He wondered if he pushed too far, too soon, when Maddie didn't immediately answer. She would have to learn that while yes, he was a very patient man, he was also one with no filter. If an idea popped into his head, he ran with it. That included wanting to spend time with her where she didn't have to immediately run out.

It was nearly an hour later before Maddie finally texted him back.

Maddie: Let me check with Kat. Tonight is her last night in town, so I don't want to assume she'll be okay babysitting.

Babysitting? Damn, it was hard to sometimes remember Maddie was a mother. Yes, he knew she had kids, and sure, he realized she needed to get back to them, but the actual concept of a babysitter was so foreign to him. He needed to get his shit together and remember these things before he fucked up.

Chapter 20

"Areyousureyou'reokay with this?" she asked for the millionth time as she pulled on her sundress. "It's your last night and I don't want you to think I'm ditching you."

"Are you seriously asking me if I'm okay with you going to Ray's house so the two of you can have whatever romantic evening he has planned and hope you get a little action?"

Maddie didn't bother to stop the eye roll that wanted to happen. Kat fully expected it at that point in their friendship.

"Oh, that's right. I forgot my lack of a love life over the years has been detrimental toyourhealth."

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