Rescuing Madison (Book 1)

Chapter Fourteen

Jackson's POV

It had been a week since Madison had seen or heard from that creep. I knew he wasn't going to let up, though. I felt like I needed to keep Madison in my sight at all times. I knew what he was capable of, & I hated to leave her alone. Even if she was at work. At least she didn't think I was being overbearingly protective. She was letting me drive her to work & back home every day. & I was always there just a few minutes before the store closed, just like I told her I'd be.

I had left her with Kolt half an hour ago, so I could run to the store. I needed to get a few things. After I checked out, I put everything in the trunk & got back in my car. When I pulled out of the parking lot, I noticed a black SUV behind me. I turned a corner, & it still followed. Was someone seriously following me? I couldn't see the driver. The tint on the windshield was too dark. I definitely wasn't going to drive home if someone was really following me. I took a few more turns, & they followed each one. What the hell?

I pulled into the closest gas station. If he wanted to confront me, I was going to let him. But, instead of pulling in the parking lot, he kept driving. Asshole. I waited a few minutes before going home. & I made sure no one was following me before I headed towards my house. I didn't want to worry Madison by telling her what happened, but I knew I wouldn't be able to keep it from her.
When I got home, she instantly picked up on my mood.

"What's wrong, Jackson?"

"When I left the store, someone started following me."

"What?!" she shrieked.

"It's okay. They didn't follow me here."

"What were they driving?" Kolt asked.

"A black SUV. The tint was too dark. & I couldn't get a license number."

"Do you think it's.." Kolt started, then stopped when he looked at Madison.

"I'm sure it is."

Madison excused herself to go to the bathroom & I watched her walk away. I ran a hand down my face. I was so stressed out.

"I honestly don't think he's going to stop." Kolt said.

"You don't think I haven't thought of that already?" I snapped.

He put his hands up. "Dude, you need to calm down. If you're stressed, you can bet Madison will start freaking out. She doesn't need any more anxiety, & you know it."

I sighed. "I know, I know. I'm sorry I snapped at you."

"It's okay. I know how worried you are." He looked down at the table. I knew he was thinking of Willow.

"How are things with Willow?"

"She still hasn't talked to me."

"Dude, I'm telling you that it has something to do with her uncle."

"I think it does to. But, I can't get to her to ask her. I called her yesterday, & it said the phone was shut off."

"What the hell?"

I could see the frustration in his face. "I know. I don't know why she'd shut off her phone. We had a great time together. I'm going to give her another week or two to contact me, & then I'm going to camp out on her porch."

I laughed. "You've got it so bad, dude. I can't wait to meet the woman who has finally managed to pin down Kolt Gaines." I said, playfully punching him.

"Shut up." he said, laughing.

Madison walked back in then. When I saw the look on her face, I jumped up & walked over to her. She was holding her phone.

"Did you get another text?"

She nodded. She handed me her phone. Kolt came up behind me to read the text also.

Unknown Number: I saw your boyfriend today. He isn't good enough for you. You know you only belong with me. I can't wait to see you again, sweetheart.

I heard Kolt swear behind me. I quickly deleted the text, knowing that Kolt wouldn't be able to trace it anyway. & I didn't want Madison re-reading it. She looked a little sick. I needed to get her mind off of it.

"Should we make dinner now?" I asked Madison.

She looked at me, & I could see she was thankful for the subject change. She nodded. Kolt turned on some music, & we all sang along while we cooked.

I turned around to put plates on the table, when I heard a splat, followed by Kolt yelling "You did NOT just do that!" I quickly turned around, & saw that Kolt had mashed potatoes splattered all over his shirt & some on his face. I looked at Madison, & she had a spoon in one hand, with her other hand covering her mouth.

"What the hell just happened?" I asked.

That's when Madison burst into laughter. Her face was bright red, & I swear tears were starting to fall down her face. I couldn't help but let out a chuckle.

"Girl, you just unleashed the beast." Kolt said.

That just made Madison laugh even harder. "Oh my gosh, Kolten! I'm so sorry! I did not mean to do that!"

"Like I'm going to believe that. You've started a war!" Kolt said as he grabbed the spoon from Madison, wiping the rest of the mashed potatoes on it onto her face.

"Kolten!" she yelled.

If I didn't stop this, they'd use up the entire dinner that we just made. Even though it would be funny as hell to watch them have a food fight. I stepped in between them.

"Guys, stop. You're both even."

"I'll stop if Madison stops." Kolt said.

"I didn't mean to do it in the first place." she giggled.

Kolt held out his hand to Madison. "Truce?"

Madison smiled & grabbed his hand. "Truce."

"Now that you both are done playing with dinner, can we eat it?" I asked.

We all laughed after that. I was glad to see a smile on Madison's face after everything that had happened today. She deserved to be happy.