Rescuing Madison (Book 1)

Chapter Twelve

Jackson's POV

I decided to make Madison dinner tonight while she was at work, since she wanted to have a quiet night in. I had made Kolt leave the house for the evening. Not that it took much to persuade him to leave. Just the mention of the words 'date night' made him want to leave. He had called up his friends pretty quick after that. & I know Madison wouldn't have minded having him here, but he really did need to get out of the house. He had been sulking for too long. He needed to go out & have fun.

Madison had drove herself to work today, so it made it that much easier for me to get everything ready for tonight. She was still feeling bad about "ruining" our date the other night. I kept telling her she didn't ruin anything, but she wasn't having it. That girl was too stubborn for her own good. My phone vibrated, letting me know I had a text.

Madison: I'm off work now. I'll be there in 15 minutes.

I quickly texted back. Can't wait to see you.

I made sure everything was ready & perfect once more. I had actually put a nice tablecloth on the table. I don't remember me or Kolt ever putting one on there before. I would have gone all out & lit candles if she had actually cared for them. Kolt would be having a good laugh right now if he saw how romantic I was trying to be.

I couldn't help the grin that spread across my face when I heard the knock at the door. I walked to the door & opened it. Madison stood there, looking like an angel. She was in jeans, & a turquoise colored sweater. Her hair was a little messed up, which I guessed was from the wind that we had been having all day. She couldn't have looked more beautiful to me, though. I let her inside & looked at her for a few more seconds before saying anything.

"You don't have to knock, you know." I said.

"I know. But, I never know when Kolten is here, & I don't want to barge in on anything."

"He wouldn't mind. It's not like he's having secret meetings here or anything." I laughed.

"But, still. It would be awkward."

"For you, maybe. But, he's not here now. He's hanging out with some friends."

"He has friends?" she joked.

I laughed. "I know. I'm surprised also."

"Well, good for him." she smiled.

"I agree. That girl he went on a date with still hasn't talked to him. He seems pretty serious about her, though. I hope she calls him or something. He deserves to be happy."

She gave me a sad smile, understanding what I was talking about. But, I didn't want to talk about anything sad tonight. Tonight was about making Madison happy.

"I made you dinner."

"Made or ordered?" she joked.

"Hey now! I might not be able to cook as well as you, but I can cook just fine." I said, folding my arms.

"I was just teasing."

"I know. But, let's eat!" I said, gently grabbing her arm & dragging her into the kitchen.

Her face brightened up when she saw what dinner was. I had made homemade lasagna. She loved any type of pasta. I had to look up how to make it online. & I admit, I had to call my mom a couple times to make sure I got everything right.

Which had led to an awkward conversation about Madison. She absolutely adored Madison. & She was really excited that we had taken our friendship further. She couldn't stop talking about it when I had told her. I had to make up an excuse just to get off the phone. I chuckled to myself thinking of how much of a romantic my mom is.

"What's so funny?" Madison asked me, looking at me like I was crazy.

"I was just thinking of the conversation I had with my mom earlier. She's absolutely crazy." I laughed.

"Aw, I love your mom."

"I know you do. She loves you too."

"How is she?"

"She's good. & She's really happy."

Madison smiled at that. "She deserves to be happy."

"She does. So, do you like what I made you?"

"Yes!" she said, excitedly. "It smells so good."

"Well, dig in."

***

After we had dinner, we both washed the dishes, then went into the living room to watch a movie. She had her head on my shoulder, & her arm wrapped around mine. I had purposely picked out a comedy movie so I could hear her laugh. I wasn't really paying attention to the movie. I was paying more attention to her. Her hair smelled like vanilla, & her body felt soft against mine. I wanted to lean down & put my lips against hers. But, she was so into the movie, that I didn't want to bother her.

"I'm sleepy." she said, about 40 minutes into the movie.

I laughed. "Of course you are. Let's go to bed."

"Oh, hush." she smiled.

We went into my room, & I handed her some clothes of mine that she could wear. She changed in the bathroom & came back. I was already laying down, so she got on the bed & laid next to me.

"Thank you so much for the dinner, Jackson. It was great."

"Of course, baby girl."

"I can't wait to do it again."

I pulled her closer to me & she laid her head on my chest. I rubbed her back & she fell asleep fairly quickly. She must have been exhausted. & I'm sure the sound of the rain that had started up outside an hour ago helped her fall asleep. I kissed her on her forehead, breathing in her scent. I was so in love with her. I needed to just tell her that. Even if she didn't feel the same way about me, I had to tell her. I whispered 'I love you' to her. Then I watched her until I fell asleep.