Before The Storm

Chapter 17

The next morning, I woke up to the sound of my alarm. I groaned, rolling over to check the time before swinging my legs over the side of the bed. The familiar routine kicked in as I made my way to the kitchen, where the maid had already prepared my usual green juice.

As I sipped the bitter concoction, I noticed the maid's expression was a bit more subdued than usual. "Good morning, Maddy," she said softly.

"Morning," I replied, trying to shake off the lingering emotions from last night. "Where are my parents?"

"They left for a few days with Hannah. She has a tennis match," Ella explained.

I frowned, taken aback. "But they just got back yesterday morning. Why are they leaving again?"

She smiled sadly but didn't offer further explanation. "I'm not sure, dear. Just wanted you to know."

After finishing my juice, I decided to hit the gym to cool off and clear my head. The familiar weight of frustration settled on my shoulders, and I knew I needed to work it out.

As I drove to the gym, I couldn't help but wonder if Cole would be there. Part of me dreaded the thought, while another part craved the confrontation. Either way, I was determined to focus on myself and the workout ahead.

Arriving at the gym, I pushed through the doors, the familiar sounds of weights clanking and music pumping filling the air. I immediately spotted Cole, his presence unmistakable as he wrapped his fists for a workout. He looked up and met my gaze, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Hello there," he said casually.

"I don't want to fight," I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"Well, that's too bad, princess. Because I do," he said, a challenge in his eyes.

"What?" I raised an eyebrow, surprised.

He stepped closer, his grin widening. "C'mon. I dare you to a boxing match."

"That's ridiculous," I shot back, crossing my arms.

"Scared?" he teased, his tone playful. "Of course you are; you're a lady."

"Not always," I teased as I leaned in.

Cole leaned in slightly as well, his smirk still in place. "Then you're on."

I felt a surge of adrenaline, my competitive spirit igniting. This was going to be interesting.

The boxing match kicked off playfully, with Cole not really trying to hit me. I was determined to show him I could hold my own. As I threw a punch, I saw the surprise in his eyes.

"Wow, not so ladylike of you," he teased, dodging my blow with a smirk.

I lunged again, the energy between us crackling with flirtation. We moved in a dance of jabs and sidesteps, both of us laughing, but I wasn't holding back.

"Careful, Cole. I might actually take you down," I warned, my competitive spirit surging.

With every hit, I felt more alive, more connected to him. But as I went for another punch, he caught my fist in his hand, pulling me forward. In an instant, we were on the floor, both of us breathless, our faces inches apart.

Just as it felt like we might close the gap, I kicked him away, scrambling back to my feet. "Come on, that's all you got?" I taunted.

Cole groaned, pushing himself up. "You're evil, Madison Kensington."

I grinned, heart racing from the fight and the proximity we had just shared. "And you love it."

We continued to spar, laughter and playful jabs filling the air. I was getting more winded, but the thrill of the fight kept me going. Finally, I threw my hands up in mock surrender. "Okay, fine, I give up! You win."