Trial And Error

Chapter Forty-Six

Madison's POV

Madison was growing concerned about the increased media attention on her relationship with Kian. Social media was inundated with new photos of the two of them together from the day of her birthday party. There were even some solo shots of Kian circulating. While Madison didn't know if this spotlight bothered the typically private Marine, she worried it could hinder Kian's progress. She had always been a cautious person, but Madison noticed her friend's paranoia and hyper-vigilance seemed even more amplified since returning home. She made a mental note to discuss it with Kian the next time they met up.

One Instagram caption in particular caught Madison's eye: "Pop sensation Madison Barnes and her possibly not-so-new best friend turned girlfriend?" Intrigued, she followed the link to read the attached article. According to the piece, sources claimed Madison had ended her previous relationship with YouTuber Nathan Anderson due to unresolved feelings for her long-time friend, the decorated Marine lieutenant who had solely planned the elaborate surprise birthday party where their embrace was on full display.

As Madison set her phone down, she felt conflicted about the swirling rumors and speculation surrounding her and Kian's supposed romantic relationship. On one hand, she was relieved that the public reaction seemed largely positive so far. Her fans appeared enthusiastic and supportive at the prospect of her dating Kian. While it wasn't true yet, it gave Madison hope for when - or if - it eventually became reality.

She wondered who the supposed "inside source" feeding this gossip could be. Madison wouldn't be surprised if it was Nathan. From the beginning of their relationship, he had always insisted there were unresolved romantic feelings between her and Kian, despite Madison's denials. Those denials had been truthful at the time, obviously, they didn't apply now.

But why would Nathan be fueling these rumors now? What could he possibly gain? Other than pain from the truth of where the two friend's relationship has gone now. Or was this some ploy to capture Madison's attention again, after she had rejected his attempts to rekindle their relationship a few weeks prior? His persistent calls and texts had eventually ceased, but she couldn't help feeling suspicious about his potential involvement.

Regardless of the source, Madison decided she wouldn't pay much mind to the speculation publicly. She'd work closely with her manager Olivia and PR team to try to minimize the intrusive paparazzi presence as much as possible. Her number one priority was protecting Kian's continued recovery process. The last thing Madison wanted was for this unresolved romantic tension and media circus to distract her.

It was why Madison was at the office today, trying to clean up this entire mess. Olivia had left to go grab lunch leaving the musician alone in the blonde's office with her thoughts.

It had been a few days since Madison and Kian had seen each other properly since the kiss, as they both navigated their busy schedules. Madison was swamped with promotional activities for her new single's imminent release, while Kian continued her intensive therapy sessions..

Mostly the two would sleep, whether it be Kian coming over in the middle of the night or vice versa. It seemed they had become deeply reliant on having the other's presence to achieve a peaceful night's rest. Not that either woman truly minded - Madison enjoyed sharing her bed with someone, especially when that someone was Kian. She couldn't seem to part from her for long, especially after the accident or their newfound level of affection.

After their little makeout session, Madison's lust-filled mind cleared once Kian was out of sight. They hadn't really done anything but a small peck here and there. Which was starting to get frustrating because all she wanted to do was jump the Lieutenant's bones.

But every night they'd sleep and by morning they would separate. One of them would slip away with little more than a murmured farewell, off to face their respective days alone once more. The last Madison had heard, Kian's critical evaluation for potential return to active duty was only a two weeks away. In that time, the marine had attended two more grueling sessions with her therapist, Dr. Davis.