Rescuing Madison (Book 1)

Chapter Twenty One

Madison's POV

I woke up on Friday feeling like crap. I knew I'd barely see Jackson today, & I hated it. I knew he liked helping out his brother, though, so I was trying to not let it bother me. At least I had to work today. That would hopefully get my mind off of it.

Jackson walked in the bedroom then. He was already dressed for work. Jeans, black t-shirt, & his work boots. He smiled when he saw that I was awake.

"Morning, baby girl."

"Good morning." I tried my best to smile at him.

He came & sat down next to me on the bed. He ran his thumb across my cheek. "I'm sorry that I have to work today."

I sat up. "It's fine, Jackson. I have to work, so it's not like I'll be sitting at home all day."

"I know. But, still. I'm going to try my hardest to pick you up tonight, but I'm not sure if it'll happen."

"It's okay. Don't rush because of me. You go build the best shed ever."

He laughed. "I'm the best at building sheds. They're my specialty."

I rolled my eyes. "Of course they are."

"Well, I have to go. But, I'll call you when I get some lunch. & You call or text me if you need anything. Okay?"

"I will."

He leaned over & kissed me. Then he wrapped me in a tight hug. "I love you, baby."

"I love you too, Jackson."

***

Later that day at work, a small shipment of books was delivered. I took my time in putting them away, since I had nothing else to do. We had only seen two people today. I didn't really mind though. I could sit at the counter & read a book while Mary did paperwork. Jackson had called an hour ago. He was still worrying about me getting home, but I assured him that I would be fine. That didn't stop him from texting me all day, though. I told him that he needed to get the shed built, or he would never be able to come home. That had finally made him stop texting me for a little while.

Mary had provided lunch like she always did. & Like always, it was great. I felt like joking with her about having her make me a cookbook of all her recipes, but I could tell she wasn't feeling that great today. I didn't know if it was her knee that was bothering her, or if she was coming down with a cold.

"Are you feeling okay, Mary?" I asked her.

"My knee has been acting up again. My doctor thinks I may have to get another surgery. I'm not too sure if I want to go through with that again or not, though."

"I'm sorry. Do you need to go home? It's almost closing time. I'll be fine here."

"Are you sure, dear?"

"Yes. Go home & get some rest."

"Thank you. You've helped me out so much." she said, patting my shoulder.

I grinned. "I love working here."

"I'm glad to hear that, dear."

She left then, & I knew I should call Jackson to let him know that I was at the store by myself, but I really didn't want him freaking out. He would surely put his job on hold, or send Kolten here. I wanted to prove to him that I was fine, so I didn't call him. But, I texted him.

How's the shed coming along?

It was only a couple of minutes before he answered. Jackson: Just needs a few more things, & then it'll be done.

That's good. What do you want for dinner? I can pick something up on my way home.

Jackson: Whatever you want is fine with me.

Alrighty. I love you.

Jackson: I love you too. Get home safely.

I put my phone away, & decided it was time to lock up. I was glad that Mary had given me my own key to the store. That way she wouldn't have to wait for me to get there in the mornings when I was the one to lock up. I walked outside & made sure the door was shut tight before locking it. When I got to my car, I noticed that there were a few cars still parked on the side of the street. They must all be at the bar across the street. What else is there to do on a Friday night?

I unlocked my car & got in. Headlights from the car behind me suddenly filled up my car. I decided to wait for them to leave first, since they were probably drunk from the bar. I didn't want them to be driving behind me. I waited a couple of minutes, but they didn't move. Maybe they're waiting for someone. I didn't want to wait any longer, so I decided to leave.

Just before I put my key in the ignition, I was thrown forward a little. The car behind me had bumped into the back of my car. What the hell?! I wasn't even that close to him. He must be seriously drunk. I got out of my car with my phone in my hand, just in case I needed to call a taxi for them or something. They hadn't gotten out of their car yet, & I couldn't see who was behind the wheel because their headlights were still on. I wanted to look to see if any damage had been done to my car, but I was going to wait until they got out. They were driving an SUV, so I'm sure my car had at least been scratched.

The car door opened, & I watched someone step out. I shielded my eyes from the bright lights, so I could try to see them. I could tell it was a man. He got closer & I could tell he was a lot taller than me, & I think he had black hair. I wanted to tell him to turn his headlights off.

"I'm so sorry that I hit your car." he said.

"It's really okay." I said, finally walking behind my car to see the damage. There was barely a scratch. "There's barely any damage. Are you okay to drive?"

He didn't answer, so I turned around. He was right behind me, & it startled me. I stumbled back a little, & his hand shot out to grab my arm. "Thank you."

"Anything for you, sweetheart."

"Well, should I.." Wait, what did he just say? I looked up at him & piercing green eyes were staring back at me.