Rescuing Madison (Book 1)

Chapter Eight

Jackson's POV

I had taken Madison on a few more dates since our first one. I tried to make each one better than the last one. She deserved it.

She had started her new job, & she was loving it. Every time I went in there while she was working, there were usually only one or two people in there. I think that's why she liked it. I didn't blame her. She was just getting used to being around people again, & I knew how hard it was for her.

I was sitting at home waiting for her to text me when she's about to get off of work, when Kolt walked in. He was dressed up nicely, which was a first for him. He usually just wore jeans & a t-shirt. I mean, he was still wearing jeans, but they weren't ripped up like the ones he usually wore. They looked brand new. & He was wearing a black button up shirt. I didn't even know he owned a shirt like that.

"Got a hot date tonight?"

"I do, actually."

I gasped loudly, & faked a surprised look. "He who does not commit is going on a date?"

"Shut up."

I chuckled. "I'm just kidding, bro. What's her name?"

"Madison."

I looked up at him, & he was grinning. "Ha. Ha. Very funny."

"I thought it was funny. But, her name is Willow."

"That name sounds kind of familiar. Do I know her?"

He ran a hand through his hair. "I'd hope not. I just met her." He chuckled.

"You never know. How'd you get her to agree to go out with you?"

"Very funny. I ran into her at the store the other day. She looked like she's going through a tough time, & I guess I wanted to make her feel better. & She's really pretty."

I was kind of speechless. Don't get me wrong, Kolt is a good guy. One of the best that I know. But, he usually isn't the type of guy to take girls out on dates just because he "feels like it." He doesn't exactly sleep around either, though. He's just a complicated guy.

"When you say 'tough time', what do you mean?"

"I guess I was being kind of a perv when she bent over in the store, & I looked down her shirt. I saw a huge bruise on her chest. Under her collar bone. I asked her if she was okay. She told me she's clumsy."

"Right. That's not a great excuse. You think someone's hurting her?"

"Yes. & I want to get it out of her. & I know it's none of my business, but in the 10 minutes that I talked to her, I felt a connection to her. & I want to help her." He almost seemed embarrassed to admit it.

"I hope it goes well then."

"Thanks, bro."

"You'll have to let me know if she says anything about what happened to her."

"Will do."

He left after that. If anyone deserved to be happy, it was him. My dad had had an affair a few years ago, & it had bothered Kolt a lot. He had really looked up to our dad until then. We barely even talk to him anymore. I think that's the main reason why he doesn't want to work for our dad's construction company, even though Dominic runs it now.

My mom had been heartbroken for awhile, but she had eventually moved on & re-married. She was completely happy now. Her new husband was a pretty awesome guy. & My dad had never re-married. He just dated random women. & I think Kolt hates how he's kind of like him in that way. I know my dad & Dominic hadn't gotten along since he was young. My oldest brother was kind of a hot head, & my dad didn't like the fights he would get into.

I jumped when my phone vibrated. It was a text from Madison.

Madison: 15 minutes!

I quickly texted her back. I'll be there.

She had her own car, but she liked me to pick her up. We usually always had dinner together & hung out after she got off work.
I got there in 10 minutes, & I went in the store to wait for her. She had her back to me, stacking books up on a shelf. She turned around when the door closed. She smiled when she saw me. I couldn't help but think of how gorgeous she was.

"Hey, baby girl."

"Hi." she said, while blushing. "Let me just clock out, & then we can go."

I nodded, & she went into the back. When she came back, she put her arms around my waist.

"I missed you today."

I couldn't help but grin. "I missed you too."

Mary, the lady that owned the store, walked out from the back & grinned as she saw us. Ever since I met her, she had always been so happy. She was one of the nicest people I had ever met. She always commented on how cute Madison & I were together.

"It's so nice to see you two so happy together." Mary said.

"I can't help but be happy around Madison. She's amazing." I said.

I saw a blush spread across Madison's face. I chuckled.

"Oh, you two. You guys better get going before it gets too dark."

"I'll see you tomorrow, Mary." Madison said.

We waved goodbye, & left the store. We got in the car & I asked what she wanted for dinner.

"Food works for me." she laughed.

I chuckled. "You're sure not picky today."

"I'm starving."

"Well, let's get some food in that tummy." I said, reaching over & softly pinching her stomach.

"That tickled!" She said, laughing.

"I know." I laughed as she whined. I was in love with her laugh. I knew I couldn't wait anymore to make her mine. "Hey, Madison?"

She looked over at me. "Yes?"

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course. You can ask me anything."

I took a deep breath. "I really like you, Madison. I always have. Will you be my girlfriend?"