Rescuing Madison (Book 1)

Chapter Six

Jackson's POV

It had been a week since Madison had received the unknown text. She hadn't gotten another one since then, thankfully. I still felt like it was too soon to pass it off as a joke, but I tried to not think about it.

I let myself into her apartment, & she was at her computer. She looked like she was really concentrating on something. She had her legs crossed on the chair, & was leaning on the desk, with her chin resting on her hand. She reached up & pulled some hair back that had fallen in her eyes, behind her ear. I watched her for a few seconds before I cleared my throat.

She jumped & her hand flew to her chest. "Holy crap, Jackson! You scared me."

I laughed. "Sorry. What are you looking at so intensely?"

She turned the computer so I could see the screen clearly. "I was looking for places that were hiring."

She had said it softly, but I heard everything she said. I couldn't help the shock that I felt.

"Really? That's great." I smiled at her.

"Maybe it'll be good for me."

"It will be. I can take you around to some places to see if they're hiring."

"Can we go right now?"

"If you'd like to, sure."

She nodded & stood up to get her shoes on. It was a little weird, but good, to see her so eager to leave her place. We got in my car, & I asked where she wanted to go first.

"Can we try my favorite book store? It'd be awesome if they were hiring."

I just smiled at her & nodded. I loved seeing her happy. I think my heart skipped every time she smiled. I was desperately wanting to tell her how much I loved her. I had known her for years, & I didn't want to wait any longer to ask her to be mine. I didn't want to rush her into it, though. Ask her on a date, stupid. Of course! Why hadn't I thought of the easy route first?

I pulled up to the book store. It was just a small, local shop that not many people ever visited. But, Madison loved it for some reason.

"Do you want me to come in with you?" I asked.

She thought about it for a few seconds. "No. I think I need to try to do this by myself."

Damn, this girl was full of surprises today. She smiled at my obvious shock.

"I'll wait here then."

"I'll be right back."

She jumped out of my car & went into the store. While she was in there, I decided to call Dominic to see if he had any jobs for me.

"Dominic speaking."

"Why are you answering the phone like that?" I laughed.

"It sounds like a formal greeting, right? Our father said I needed to sound more like an adult." he chuckled. "What a load of crap."

"Since when do you ever listen to dad?"

"Since never. But, it was hilarious to answer the phone that way."

We laughed about it together for a couple more minutes. "Anyway, I was just calling to see if you had any jobs you need help with."

"Not at the moment. But, I think I have a guy quitting in a week or so. I'll call you then."

"Sounds good." Then I saw Madison through the window of the store. "I gotta go. I took Madison to apply for a job."

"Wow, that's awesome bro."

"I agree. I'll call you later."

"I hope you have a great day, sir." he said, trying to sound formal again.

"Shut up, dude."

He laughed, then hung up.

Madison had been in the book store for about 15 minutes. She opened the door, & came out with a huge smile on her face. She climbed back in the car.

"They hired me!" She exclaimed, as she pulled me into a hug.

"Really? That's great! When do you start?"

"On Monday."

"That's awesome, baby."

"I feel so happy." she grinned.

"What are your hours like?"

"9-6, 4 days a week. I'll be the only person working with the owner. She's this really sweet old lady. She didn't really need the help. She just wanted someone to gossip with." She giggled. "I know I'm going to love it."

"I know you will."

She grabbed my hand, & she didn't let it go the whole drive back to her apartment. I wanted it to be like this everyday.

***

Later that night, after we had dinner together, I finally gathered up the courage to ask her out. It only had taken a few hours to convince myself to do it.

"Madison?"

"Yes?"

"Will you.." I started. I stopped & tried to breathe. I felt so nervous. She looked up at me with a curious look on her face. "Will you go on a date with me? A real date?"

A smile burst across her face. "Really?"

"Yes. I would have asked you a long time ago if I knew you'd react like that."

She blushed. "I'd love to go on a date with you."

"Great." I said, grinning.

I almost couldn't believe she agreed to go on a date with me. I didn't really think she'd say no. But, now I was pretty sure she had been feeling the same as I felt for her. My heart was still pounding. I was surprised it hadn't burst out of my chest yet.

She scooted closer to me on the couch. She wrapped her arms around my neck & I could feel her smiling when she put her face against my neck. I wanted so badly to just lift her head up & put my lips against hers. I couldn't yet, so I made a joke that'd ease the tension I was feeling.

"Can I have your number?"

She laughed. "You already got a yes. Don't push it with the pick up lines."

"But, it made you laugh."

"That it did." She said, smiling up at me.