Valentine's Day

Chapter 19

When he thought back on it later, Brian could never be sure how he wound up in front of the small guest house outside his agent's large mansion in Los Angeles but there he was, in front of Maddie's place. He parked his car at an angle where it wasn't visible to the main house and once he was satisfied that it couldn't be seen, he got out of his car and made his way up the walkway. He pounded on the door three times on the solid wood door, rocking back and forth on his heels and wondered what the hell he was doing. Why was he here? It was late and she probably was already in bed. It was after all Sunday night.

A few moments passed before Maddie's voice called out from behind the closed door. "Who is it?"

"Brian," he announced, hoping like hell she didn't tell him to get lost.

A few seconds of silence passed before the dead bolt clicked and she stuck her head out. "Brian?" she questioned confused. "What are you doing here so late?"

The light from the inside lit her from behind, surrounding her in a soft glow and suddenly he knew why he'd come. "I just left the studio. Was on my way home," he lied smoothly. The scent of warm cake escaped through the door and he didn't know which made him more hungry- the sight of Maddie or the smell of cake. "Are you baking something?

"Yes," she opened the door wide and stood before him in a white t-shirt that had a star within a circle and the word Supernatural underneath. She was wearing some comfy grey shorts. "I was in the mood for cupcakes."

Without a doubt, Maddie was better than cake. She didn't invite him in, but she didn't protest when he moved past her into her home. He followed her to the kitchen where a dozen white cupcakes sat on a small cooling rack on the island.

Music played in the background and Brian immediately recognized old school Depeche Mode. "Good song," he said conversationally.

"Thanks," she said giving him a smile as she walked toward the refrigerator. "Can I get you a drink?"

"Um, sure....what do you have?" he replied.

She examined the contents. "Milk...and....soda....and lemonade."

"Coke?" he asked and she nodded. "I'll take that."

She grabbed two cans and set his on the counter, trying not to give away how nervous she was that Brian was in her home. "Want a glass of ice?" she asked.

"Nah, it's nice and cold," he said opening it and taking a sip. Stood in front of him, her soda between her hands, waiting for him to speak. "You're probably wondering why I'm here."

"The thought did cross my mind," she replied in a voice that was calmer than she felt.

He tried to keep his eyes off of her breasts which made the most of the symbol on her shirt and with the v neck collar gave him just enough of a peek of her creamy skin to make his imagination run wild. Instead, he focused on her reddish brown hair...so soft that he could remember the strands running silkily through his calloused palm. "My divorce is final today."

"Oh Brian,"she made a small move toward him as if she might comfort him but something held her back. How stupid had she been worrying about never being picked when Brian was standing there after picking someone and still winding up alone."I'm sorry...well I mean...if you're sorry, I'm sorry. I mean it is sad when a marriage ends. Not that I would know...but I can imagine."

Brian chuckled. "You're babbling."

She stopped immediately and laughed. "You're right. I have no idea what I'm talking about."

He looked out of the large bay window and motioned his head toward the big house. "Where are your parents?"

She looked out of the window and then picked up the electric mixer and pulled the stirrers off and tossed them in the sink. "Oh they are in San Francisco for the weekend. They should be back Monday afternoon."