Page 5

THREE YEARS BEFORE DAUNTLESS

MADISON

I step up to the counter. “Excuse me.” I slip my backpack off my shoulders and pull out my wallet, keeping the backpack and my carryon between my feet. The stench of sweat permeates the area along with angry voices and screaming babies. Flights canceled and people waiting makes for stress you can feel and smell.

The airline attendant lifts her head with a too wide smile that doesn’t crinkle her eyes. She reminds me of a clown without the makeup, an uncomfortable fake smile. Holding up her hand, she squawks. “I’ll be right with you.”

People walk up behind me and the aura of the area changes. The space behind me shrinks, and someone’s body presses into mine. I turn my head to glare at the man who’s close enough I can smell his overpowering cologne. He rolls his eyes.

The woman speaks to me in a sticky sweet high-pitched voice. “How can I help you?”

I try to ignore the man’s scent as I turn, plastering a friendly face on my annoyed soul. “My flight to Phoenix was canceled. I’d like to get on the next available flight.”

“Well.” She cocks her head. “All flights have been canceled because of the storm. We’re handing out hotel vouchers, but this storm is expected to ground flights through the day after tomorrow. You’d better hurry. I hear the hotels are filling up fast.” Her hand grabs a piece of paper and I pluck it from her hand as she yells, “next.”

“Shit.” I hustle to the door with a group of people. It’s obvious we’re all searching for the holy grail of hotel rooms to wait out the storm. The bus to the Newark Campbell Hotel idles at the curb. I hand my voucher for the cheap airport hotel to a young couple with three small children as I run for the bus’s sliding door. Jumping on the Campbell Hotel bus, I text my boss, friend and agent, Lily, to ask if she can get me a room. She responds with a thumbs-up emoji as a text. I sit down with a smile. Whew. The bus comes to a stop in front of the ornate and luxurious Campbell Hotel. I heist my carryon and backpack higher onto my shoulder. My week in the Bahamas wasn’t worth this mess.

A man nods at me as I get off the bus. “Ma’am?”

Fuck. When did I become a ‘ma’am’? “Hi.” I follow the guy, who’s probably only a few years younger as we enter the lobby. The opulence of the décor makes me smile. Women, and especially professional athletes, typically don’t make a lot of money, but my team, the Phoenix Bobcats won the Women’s professional soccer championship in November. I can’t help but smile. I had a big part in that and was named League Defender of the Year as a rookie. Scorers and goalies usually get the accolades in soccer, but defenders make the difference by keeping the ball for their team, thus giving their offense time to score. I picked up two endorsement contracts and a team bonus, so I can afford to stay here. I’m lucky enough to have a work-from-wherever-I-am, remote job with my agent’s company. This little time will give me a chance to do some work for Lily while I wait out the storm. I glance up to the smiling, handsome man at the desk. “Good evening. Welcome to The Campbell Newark.”

“Hi. I’m Madison Bennett.”

His smile increases. “You’re a soccer player. My daughter has your poster on her wall.”

I feel the blush creep up my neck. “That’s sweet. What’s her name? I’ll autograph my team photo for her.”

“Oh. Wow. Lauren. She’ll be thrilled. Thanks.”

“Of course.”

The man beams as he turns his head to his screen. “I’ve got one room left, and it’s yours. You must know someone who got you one of the reserved rooms.”

I present my credit card to the clerk and feel my shoulders relax. A nice shower to wash off this crappy situation would be nice, and I should call my brother to tell him I’m stuck here.

“Thank you, Miss Bennett.” He hands me back my credit card.

“No, thank you. I’ll drop the photo for your daughter in the morning.”

His warm smile reminds me of my dad, and my heart clenches. Enough time has passed that I remember the good times more than his faults.

“I know she’s going to love it.” He hands me a card. “Here’s a free meal with room service.”

I hold it up with a shake and a smile. I turn and run into a hard, warm body with a scent I instantly recognize. Dixon. Looking up, I catch his annoyed then pleased smirk.

“Madison?”

“Oh shit. Hi.” I move to skirt around him as his large hand wraps gently around my waist. “Let’s get you out of the melee.”

“Thanks, but I’m heading to my room.”

He nods. “I’m hoping to do the same.” I frown and his brow lifts. “What?”

“He said I got the last room.”

He cracks his neck from side to side as he walks me around the throng of people. “Well, shit. I guess I need to find another hotel.”

My head and heart war with each other. I could just share my room. It’s the right thing to do. I understand my brother made him leave me after the hunting trip. It didn’t lessen the hurt or my annoyance, but…

“Madison?” Dixon’s scruffy face reminds me of our time together and a part of me wants to not offer, but I chew on my lip and ask.

“Why don’t you just share my room? I’m sure there’s a sofa or something.”

The shock on his face is totally worth the scolding my mind is giving my heart at the moment. “Really?”

“Sure. I guess this storm caught everyone off guard. Just come with me. We can be adults.”

He nods and reaches for the carry-on I have on my shoulder. I pivot to slip his grasp. “I’ve got my bag. Just handle yours.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

I hold up my room card. “Fourth floor, room four-thirty-seven.”

He’s silent in the elevator and when we get out, I slip the key into the door as he holds it open. “Congrats on your award and win from last season.”

“Thanks.” Because he’s so damn big, I can walk under his arm to get into the bedroom, lugging my bags onto the bed. I look around. No sofa. Shit and that loveseat isn’t much bigger than a large chair. He can’t sleep on that.

He nods. “I can sleep on the floor. It won’t be the first time.”

Shrugging, I nod. “Let’s order some food. Then I want a shower, and after, we can talk about sleeping arrangements.” The look of possession that crosses his face stirs my core. No. Not doing that again. I grab the menu off the table and scan, quickly deciding on a burger and a salad. I hand the menu to Dixon. “What do you want to order?”

He peruses the hard back black book binder with multiple pages. I kick off my shoes as he reaches for the hotel phone and hands it to me. “I’ll do a burger, fries, and add a side salad with thousand island.”

“Any other particulars you want me to mention?”

“No. I’ll take it as it comes.”

I push the button for room service and order our food. Hanging up, I nod at Dixon. “She said thirty minutes. I’m going to take a shower.”

“I’ll open for room service if you’re not out.”

“Great.” I reach into my backpack and pull out a team photo, along with my permanent marker. I write a cute message for the clerk’s daughter and put it inside an envelope with the clerk’s name. I hand it to Dixon along with the card for the free meal. “Would you make sure to hand these to whomever drops the meal?” I wave my hand as I walk into the bedroom to grab my bag to take it into the bathroom and close the door. It’s been four years, and I can’t understand how it’s possible, but he’s even hotter. Damn. Light my panties on fire, hot. I turn the water on as I strip off my clothes and step into the stream to wash off the crappy situation and get my libido in check.

Twenty minutes later, I walk out of the bathroom in a heavy pair of sweats and slipper shoes. I couldn’t look less attractive.

Dixon lifts his head from his phone. “You look more relaxed.”

I plop down onto the other chair. “I am. It’s been a long day. I’m surprised to see you in Newark. I thought you were still in Virginia with your SEAL team.”

“I’m helping with the Navy SEAL Foundation in New York. I visited Liberty Park, here in New Jersey, before my flight to Virginia.”

“Oh.”

A deep frown mars his handsome face. “Let me apologize for leaving the way I did that Christmas.”

I pull my shoulders in and rub my hands up and down my arms. This apology arrives just a little late. “Brian explained.”

Dixon shrugs. “I know I hurt your feelings.”

The hair on my nape prickles. How dare he tell me how I felt. “Yes. You hurt me. I admit I’m surprised you just left. I learned something about myself and what I want. I don’t need a man. Frankly, I don’t want one either. They steal my focus from my goal of playing professional soccer.”

He nods. “You’re definitely doing whatever you have to do for that. I watched your championship game. You destroyed their offense. You gave your team that win.”

“It was a great season…” I have no idea what else to say. He diverts his gaze to look out the window. I don’t have to be awkward for too long before a knock on the door disturbs the eerie silence that had shadowed the room. It’s weird that we have nothing to say to each other. We talked and really spent quality time with each other when we went hunting at the cabin. Smiling, he gets up from his chair and strolls to the door.

The hotel staff member pushes the cart into the room and sidles up next to the desk, setting the tray on the flat surface. “Just set the tray outside the door and someone will pick it up. There’s a door tag you can fill out for your breakfast order and the time you want it.” His eyes flick to the single bedroom, and I’m pretty sure I see a look between him and Dixon. Men.

I pick up the envelope with the photo and catch the man. “Hey, can you make sure this gets to the front desk?”

“Sure.” He takes the envelope as he closes the door.

Dixon pulls the table across the stretch of room to the two plush chairs. “It’s not quite a coffee table for eating, but better than standing.”

“Yeah. Thanks.” I stand up to collect my plate and sit back down, palming my silverware.

“I’ll be back in a second.” Dixon grabs the keycard and bolts out the door. Rolling my eyes, I eat the first bite of my burger. A few minutes later the door clicks, and Dixon strolls back in with my favorite soda along with his in hand. “Here.” He hands me my drink.

“Thanks. Wow. You remembered.”

“Of course I remembered. We talked about how our sodas are bitter enemies. You drink Coke and I prefer Pepsi.” He winks and collects his food as he sits down in his chair. “I overheard some airline personnel talking about the weather. We’re not flying out of New Jersey any time soon.”

I blow out my breath. “Seriously? I have things to do in Phoenix.”

“I get it. My commanding officer won’t be happy that I’m not reporting day after tomorrow.”

“Well, shit.” My burger has lost some of its appeal. I have nothing specific I need to get back to, but I enjoy my life in Phoenix and being here with Dixon reminds me of that vulnerable feeling when your heart is held captive by the one you want.

“What’s keeping you busy in the offseason?”

“I’m working for a friend. I picked up my paralegal certificate, so I can do legal work for her firm.”

“You still want to be a lawyer?”

“I think so. I don’t have the time right now.” I dab my face with the royal blue napkin and set it on my finished plate. “That was good”

Dixon nods “It was. I think I’ll check my email.”

Picking up my phone, I scroll through the news. The weather is going to suck. Flights may be flying in three days. I glance at my bag. I don’t think I have three more days of clothes. The small hotel amenities binder on the table catches my attention. I reach to grab it to find the laundry room. “I’m about to do a load of laundry. Do you want me to do any of yours?”

Dixon gasps. “You can’t go do that alone. It’s late.”

“Come on. It’s a reputable hotel. I’ll be fine, and I need fresh clothes.”

His eyes glance into the bedroom at my bag. “I find it amazing that you only have a carry-on. Don’t beautiful women usually have at least a checked bag?”

I shrug. That was a nice off-hand compliment. “I did a photo shoot for the advertising company promoting the draft. They provided my clothes for that. I just needed two days of clothes.”

“It’s great that they’re including you. They should. You were the highest defender drafted last year.”

“I’m grateful Phoenix drafted me.”

“They’re the lucky ones. You’re the reason they won last year.”

Winning the Championship as a rookie is never a good omen for your career. I can’t sit here and dwell on what may be. Dixon opens and closes his mouth, and I’m grateful for the reprieve. “I’m gonna do some laundry.” I turn and put my hand on my hip. “What do you need done?”

He jumps up and rushes to his bag. “I’ll just come with you.” He cocks his head. “I don’t have anything else to do. Maybe you’ll tell me about your championship game.”

I stop and stare at the gorgeous hunk of a man, the memory of his leaving me slipping farther away. “Wait. You watched my game?”

“Yeah.” He nods with a sly smile. “It wasn’t easy to do in the middle of an op, but I did it.”

“Wow. I’m surprised.”

He places his hand on my arm as the warmth from his touch sends tingles up my spine. He tips his head to me. “I’m sure I hurt you when I left. I’m sorry. It wasn’t that I didn’t care.”

“Yeah. I know. Brian explained he warned you off of me.” I can’t help the blush that creeps up my face. “So, to speak.”

“He did. He was pissed when I walked out of your room.” He grits his teeth with a frown. “I would do it differently if I could go back in time. Brian can be convincing and to be honest, I was afraid of messing up your future.”

My scowl catches his breath. “How were you going to mess me up?”

He breathes out hard. “I couldn’t offer you more than a weekend here and there and some time during the holidays. That’s not a relationship.”

He has a point, but I should have had a choice.

He nods. “I can imagine what you’re thinking, I should have talked to you rather than taking off. And you’re right. Leaving was a huge mistake, and I am sorry.” He leans forward and kisses my forehead. “Laundry?”

“Yeah.”

“Unless you want me to grovel.”

I put up my hand. “That’s the past. Let’s move on.” I focus on his striking green eyes. “As friends.”

He nods as we walk out the door of the room with our clothes.

Two hours later, we get back into the room. It’s midnight and amazingly enough, I’m not tired. We spent the entire time talking about our lives and our thoughts. He’s the type of man I would want if I wanted to have a relationship.

He walks from the bathroom into the living room of the suite. “Are you going to bed?”

Pink rises up my neck as my nipples pebble in my bra. I want him. Heaven help me, no other man has surpassed him in the bedroom, and I need a release. I can have sex without my heart involved. I know I’m lying to myself, but my feet propel me to him. His pupils look like saucers as lust slams on his face. He wants me too. My hands travel to his chest as he wraps his arms around me and draws me closer.

“Thank fuck.” His mouth covers mine, and my body remembers the taste and smell of this hot man. My gasp gives him access to explore my mouth with his tongue and my panties dampen. His left hand drops to my ass as he slams me into his body. I’m surprised his massively hard cock isn’t busting his sweatpants. My hand dips down, and I rub the outside of his pants, caressing his length. Dixon moans into my mouth.

I break the kiss and grab his hand, pulling him to the bedroom. He grips my elbow, turning me abruptly as his hands divest me of my clothes before yanking off his own. “You’re sure?” He mutters.

I am. Bobbing my head, I’m overwhelmed with need. I want him to fuck me and make me come like he did four years ago. Lost in the moment, I drop to my knees and slide his erection into my mouth, caressing the head with my tongue. I focus my attention on the piercing, remembering how good it felt inside my pussy. He sucks in a breath and puts his hand on the dresser next to the bed. Power. I feel powerful. Making him come in my mouth is more than my next breath. Sliding his cock in and out of my mouth, I massage his balls with my other hand. His moaning spurs me on.

“Madison?”

I vaguely hear him speaking my name, but I can’t stop myself.

“Madison? Please, sweetheart.”

Does he want me to get him off as much as my body needs the relief? His body dips as his hands find their destinations, circling my body, he brings me up. “I love that and you can do more later, but I have to be inside you.” He lays me on the bed, running his hands up my thighs. “You’re even more beautiful than I remembered.”

My hands caress his face as I draw it to mine and stare, fascinated at his intense focus. I’m his prey. The watchful eyes of the wild cats you see on the Discovery Channel pale in comparison to how Dixon stares into my very soul. Obsession is the word I’m looking for before he takes my mouth in a passionate kiss, swallowing my moans. He breaks the kiss to mumble. “Do we need a condom?”

“We should.”

He bolts off the bed and dives his hand into a side pocket of his bag, withdrawing a silver foil packet. Coming back to the bed, he rips the foil of the condom and rolls it down his thick, engorged cock. I’m engrossed in his movements as he slides it down. He centers himself between my thighs, caressing my legs as he finds my warmth. The slow penetration that gets deeper with each stroke feels better than I remembered, and the intensity on his face makes me feel powerful knowing he’s barely holding himself from plunging deep. “You feel so good.”

I smile. My orgasm is just at the edge of my reach as he moves in and out like a piston. Pleasure builds in my core, warming my body as he lengthens his movements. His cock stretches me the deeper he goes reminding me of his size. I sigh, eliciting a smile on his gorgeous face. “Oh, Dixon.”

“I need you to come, Madison.”

I can’t answer because my climax hits me like a tsunami, overtaking my senses and drawing me into oblivion. “Oh. Yes.” Sensations bombard my body, mind, and soul. I want to feel this over and over again, catapulting over the edge of supreme satisfaction, I settle back down on the bed rippling around his length.

“That was the best.”

I smile, thrusting my sex onto his slick steel in a race to make him come before I come a second time.

My mind and heart battle with me in the middle. It’s just sex, but my heart remembers the love I felt for this man. My moaning spurs him on as he increases speed. He wants to make me come again, and I need an orgasm. The piercing moves along the wall of my pussy and my second climax is within reach. He moans, shoving and pulling nearly out, again and again. His eyes close as his body stiffens. The look of release announces with his groan and my body comes on cue. I’m catapulting over the precipice of bliss as he cries aloud. His cock pulses in the condom and my pussy misses the drenching it had received years before.

He kisses my lips. “That was awesome.”

Giggling, I press my hand to his chest as he bounds off the bed into the bathroom. He returns without the condom and with a warm wet washcloth to clean me. Damn this man. He’s going to wedge himself back into my heart.