

Never Say Never

Book #1

Cowboys of the Northwest Series

By Anne Marie Beck
~*~

This book is dedicated to the memory of Jennifer M. Bosch Swanson, her unborn daughter and all others who have been taken from this earth way too soon, because of domestic violence.

~*~

As a domestic violence survivor, and a friend of someone who lost her life and the life of her unborn child, to domestic violence, it is my goal with "Never Say Never" to bring awareness to this growing problem. If I can give one person the courage that they need to get out of the abusive situation or to reach out for help that is now so readily available in almost all areas, then I have accomplished my goal with this book.

Here are just a few *Warning Signs* of domestic violence

***Most common warning sign of domestic violence is the injuries. Often these injuries go along with lame excuses about falling or having some other type of freak accidents. If this keeps occurring it is worth investigating.

*** Excessive absences from work, school etcetera. Sometimes the abuser will actually insist on keeping the abused out of the public eye because of obvious injuries.

*** Low Self-Esteem and Fear

I love hearing from my fans. Please feel free to contact me on Facebook or toss me an email.

anne_marie442@yahoo.com
Other titles By Anne Marie Beck

The Preston's Saga

Blindsided by Love

A Wedding Melody

Cruising For Love

Love at Lunch

Hero of my Heart

Love Wears a Stetson Series

Wyatt

Jesse

Carson

Josh

The Halfling Kings Series

The Halfling Kings

Cowboys of the Northwest Series

Match Made in Heaven (Novella)

Never Say Never

Double or Nothing

Good Guys Don't Always Finish Last

His Snow Angel

Tropical Escape

Tropical Escape

Coming July 2014

Tropical Breeze

Stand-alone Books

Secrets of the Full Moon

The Story of Us

Never Say Never

Book #1

Cowboys of the Northwest Series

By Anne Marie Beck

Published by Anne Marie Beck at Smashwords

Copyright 07/2013 Anne Marie Beck

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author and other independent authors.

~*~ This statement page was furnished for use by independent authors who publish their work with smashword.com. ~*~
Content

Dedication Page

Other Books by Author

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Epilogue

Bonus Read: Double or Nothing

Bonus Read: The Story of Us
~*~ Prologue~*~

Christmas Eve 2012

Spokane, Washington

Twenty-six year old Jayden Evans sat in the cab of his large late model, cherry red Chevy 4X4. He'd parked outside his best friend's house, debating on how he wanted this night to play out, for the better part of a half hour. For years, he had done his best to ignore the attraction he'd always felt toward Maddie Collier. It never made any sense to him because she was not his type at all. Maddie was a full figured, tomboy, standing no more than five foot two. She was not his standard date. He'd always preferred his woman tall and willowy to match his own six foot three slender frame.

But during the past year, something had changed. Emotions had now become involved with the attraction that he had done his best to deny, but there was no denying it anymore. That, more than anything, scared him to death. He had no place in his life for love. He had the family ranch to take care of. His mother was counting on him to keep the ranch going after the sudden death of his father almost a year ago.

Taking a leap of faith, he made up his mind. Their circle of friends were all going to Johnny's for New Year's Eve, so he would just ask Maddie if she would like to ride with him to the party. That way, he could keep the evening more on the casual side. He sure did not want Maddie getting the wrong idea, thinking he wanted more than a date or two from her. Plus he did not want to make her any more nervous then she always seemed to be since the day he had met her years ago.

Exiting his truck, Jayden made his way up the ice-covered sidewalk. Walked up the steps and just as he raised his hand to press the doorbell, the door swung open to show his best friend, Aiden. Aiden greeted Jayden with a huge smile.

"Hey Jayden, I didn't think you would ever get out of the truck and come in the house. What's up with you tonight, man? You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, just a lot on my mind."

Aiden leaned to look around Jayden's shoulder. When he noticed he was alone, he gave his friend a puzzled look. Stepping back from the door, Aiden swept his arm to the side as an invitation for his friend to enter his home. From the looks of it, the house was already starting to fill up with friends and family. After closing the door, Aiden turned back to face Jayden with a questioning expression on his face.

"What, you decided to come to the party tonight stag? I figured you'd have at least one beautiful young woman on your arm. You better have a date for next week or Megan will want to fix you up. It would be just your luck she would fix you up with her cousin Janet. You remember Janet don't you? She's the one who's a nature freak, the one who is all natural and doesn't believe in shaving or deodorant. Oh, and let's not forget her famous uni-brow."

A shutter of fright went through Jayden's body at the thought of what that date might be like.

"Don't worry Aiden. I planned on taking care of the date situation, tonight, as a matter of fact."

Aiden eyed his friend with a questioned look as he led them over to the make-shift bar, set up against the far wall of the living room. Aiden held out his hand to Jayden, who in turn rolled his eyes, before he reached into the pocket of his jeans and removed his truck keys. He dropped them into his friends waiting hand.

"Okay, now that I know you won't be driving, I want to know who?"

Who, who?

"Who are you planning on asking out to Johnny's?"

Just as the question left Aiden's lips, the front door opened. Jayden's full attention went straight toward Maddie Collier and held there. That wasn't a real surprise, the look of anger that Aiden saw on his friend's face was. Aiden watched as Jayden eyed the young cowboy who was accompanying Maddie through the front door. But when the cowboy roughly grabbed Maddie's arm and pulled her into the kitchen. The fierce piercing glare that Jayden shot the young cowboy would have scared a brave man.

Aiden shook his head and stared at his friend, then chuckled to himself.

"Well, I think I just got the answer to my question."

"Who's that guy, manhandling Maddie?"

"Umm, Jayden, that's her boyfriend, Bobby Carlson. His family owns a large cattle ranch off of Highway 53. They've been together for a while now. I don't know much about him. But what I do know is that he is a control freak. There is just something about that guy that pisses me off.

"Megan said she doesn't see too much of Maddie anymore. She's become closed off from her family and friends. Now she's started making lame excuses for why they can't join in with group functions. I think the guy is bad news. Megan has questioned Maddie about what is going on and about Bobby in general. But Maddie just says everything is fine. She is always making excuses. Maddie tells Megan that she's just too busy and that's why she is unable to do much with the gang anymore. Then she changes the subject real fast. I don't know, I just don't buy it. And neither does Megan."

With narrowed eyes, Jayden watched as the couple in question, exited the kitchen. Maddie's eyes had become red and swollen. It was obvious to anyone within a hundred feet that Maddie had been crying. Bobby with a firm hold on Maddie's upper arm stormed over to the right side of the front door. He yanked hard on Maddie's arm and then snatched their jackets off of the coat rack. He then turned and roughly shoved Maddie's coat into her hands. Not waiting for her to put the coat on, he reclaimed her arm and turned them both towards the front door.

Jayden had seen enough. Pushing himself off of the makeshift table that he had been leaning on, he headed straight for the exiting couple.

At the sound of loud cowboy boots hitting the hardwood floor behind her, Maddie turned and her eyes locked with Jayden's. Fear and panic filled her tear swollen eyes. Maddie made a desperate attempt to stop what she knew was about to be a fight between Bobby and Jayden, before it began. She shook her head and mouthed two words that froze him in place.

Please, no!

Jayden's heart broke as a sense of total helplessness flooded his whole being. He knew at that moment, his interfering would only make matters worse for Maddie, and that was the last thing he wanted to do.

~*~ Chapter 1 ~*~

Little Church in the Valley Chapel

Spokane Valley, Washington

5:55 pm

Maddie stood in front of the first pew in the small church, as she stared down at her best friend since first grade. Her hands fisted on her hips, she confronted her, soon to be, ex-best friend.

"Megan, what were you thinking? Why would you do something like this to me? You know how I am around him, I turn into the world's biggest klutz. Oh, and let us not forget that I lose all ability to form a coherent sentence. I swear, my IQ must drop at least 20 points when I am around him. He must think I have some type of mental and physical disability the way I behave around him. Plus you know I try to avoid him as much as possible. But now, now my, so called, best friend of seventeen years, has decided to play matchmaker or something. She has decided to pair me with the same man that makes me a complete idiot. And at her wedding, none the less. Great, just great, now we'll have photos and video of me in all my speechless, Klutzy glory. Thanks so much dear friend of mine. Have you lost your mind?!"

Maddie knew she might be overreacting just a tad bit, but damn it all, how was she going to face this man all day long? Especially, after what had happened on Christmas Eve. The Five months she had spent with Bobby Carlson had been the worst of her entire life, a time she would rather forget. She had let Bobby have control over her life and her whole world. Christmas Eve had been rock bottom for her. The look of pity from her friends faces as Bobby forced her out of Aiden's house. Her plea to Jayden, not to interfere, told her that she had to make a change in her life.

"Maddie, calm down, you're overreacting, is what you are doing. There is no great plot, against you I promise. I thought you understood. Since you are my maid of honor, and Jayden, is Aiden's best man, that the two of you would be together. I mean common sense should have told you that. I'm sorry if there was some misunderstanding, but I thought you understood all that, when you agreed to this. I made no secret that Jayden was the best man."

Megan took a deep breath for patience, before continuing.

"Sweetie, you're twenty-three years old. You need to get over this phobia you have towards Jayden. It's not healthy, or normal. No one should have a physical reaction to another person like you do to Jayden. It's kind of weird."

"It's not a phobia Megan, I swear. You act like I should be someone's lab experiment or something. It's not like that at all. It's just that when he's near me, I have a physical reaction to him. My heart starts pounding, my stomach knots up, and I lose the ability to walk and talk that's all."

Megan gave her friend a smug smile. Megan had known for years that Maddie's reaction was not a phobia. But she was not sure if her best friend was ready for the diagnosis of her condition.

"Oh Megan. Now I'm most likely going to have to talk to him ...oh, and he'll have to touch me won't he? I mean when he takes my arm to walk back down the aisle. Oh my God, Oh my God, I can't breathe!"

"You're having a panic attack, sweetie. Put your head between your knees and try to take slow, deep breaths while I hunt you up a paper bag."

Twenty minutes and two paper bags later, Maddie was feeling better. She sat in the pew and waited for the missing best man and groomsman to make their appearances.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Exiting his truck, Jayden pulled up the collar of his Levi jacket to brace himself against March's cold breeze. Even though by the calendar it was spring now. There still was no guarantee of spring-like weather, here in Spokane, Washington. Anyone who had lived here for a few years knew they should be counting their blessings that they weren't in the middle of a spring snow storm.

Rushing across the parking lot, Jayden pushed his cousin, Trey, through the church's double doors ahead of him. Trey shot Jayden a dirty look over his shoulder, as he stumbled forward into the small church foyer. Trey took a quick look around, then reached around behind him and grabbed Jayden's jacket to pull him up next to him.

"Will you stop it Jayden. It's not like you'll catch a marriage virus or something."

"You don't know that for sure."

Trey looked at his cousin and shook his head as he chuckled. He just could not help teasing his cousin about his phobia about marriage.

"Jayden, can you believe it? Aiden is getting hitched tomorrow. It seems just like yesterday that the three of us graduated high school. It looks like it is just you and me from now on buddy. Well...that is until you decide to get hitched."

"Trey, you should know me better than that, by now. I'm not next that's for darn sure. I'm NEVER, EVER getting married, EVER. I have enough responsibilities taking care of the ranch and mom. That requires a majority of my time, now days. I wouldn't want to saddle a woman with a husband she'd never see, and children that their daddy was never around. No, my friend, the next one on the marriage chopping block will be you, my dear sweet cousin. You'll be the next man to stand up at that altar and say I do."

Trey gave his cousin an, I don't believe I just heard you say that look, and then busted out laughing.

"First, let me say, that is just an excuse. Your daddy had time for your mom and all his children. Second of all, dude, I guess you've never heard that saying, never say never. Now you're in for it. Karma is going to hunt you down and kick your butt for it. I'll bet you umm...twenty dollars that you'll be the next one in our group that will go on the marriage chopping block. Oh, within...oh, let's say...six months?"

Trey held out his hand waiting for Jayden to take him up on the bet. Jayden eyes narrowed as he studied his cousin. A smug smile spread across Jayden's face as he reached out and shook Trey's pre-offered hand to seal the deal.

"Make it a hundred and you have a deal, starting now!"

"You're on."

"Good, this is going to be an easy hundred bucks in my pocket."

"Oh and Jayden?

"What?"

I expect to be your best man at your wedding."

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Aiden glanced down at his watch, for what seemed like the hundredth time in the last twenty minutes. Where could his best man and groomsman be? He remembered telling them to be here at 6:00 pm, and not to be late.

He glanced over at the pew where his bride-to-be sat doing her best to keep her maid of honor, and best friend, calm. He hoped Megan's matchmaking antics did not come back and bite her in the ass for meddling in their best friend's lives. Just then, a commotion at the churches front double doors drew the attention of the entire waiting wedding party.

Aiden let out a sigh and heaved himself out of the pew where he had sat for the last twenty minutes. He made his way to the front double doors where his missing best man and groomsman stood arguing about something. The closer he came to the two men, the more he could make out what they were discussing. By the time he was within a few feet of them, he had got the jest of what they were talking about.

Details of Megan's plan started to form more in Aiden's mind as he stepped up to greet his best friends. He had an idea of how to infect his best friend with the marriage bug. After the little talk Megan and he had had earlier today, there was no doubt in his mind that this little plan of hers would work.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Just as the two men shook hands to seal their deal, they heard loud footsteps echoing in the small foyer of the church. Trey and Jayden both turned to see the groom storming towards them with a scowl on his face.

"There you guys are. Where have you been? We've been waiting on you for the last 20 minutes. Come on, Maude Collier is in the chapel waiting. She's been having a fit because you two are so late. You better not be late tomorrow, if you know what's good for you."

Jayden and Trey looked into the disapproving eyes of their friend and groom, Aiden McCoy. Without another word, Aiden turned on his heels and started heading back up the aisle. Trey and Jayden following on his heels.

At the front of the church, in the first few pews, sat the entire wedding party. Also in attendance were; Reverend Carson, and the irritated, Maude Collier. The Maid of honor's mother and acting wedding planner for the occasion.

Maude Collier jumped to her feet as soon as she spotted Jayden and Trey. She was in full mother mode as she pinned them both with her best, disapproving glare.

When Jayden stepped around Trey to get a good look at the wedding party, his mouth fell open. His gaze locked on the sight of the most beautiful woman his eyes had ever looked upon. Maddie wore her long curly blonde pinned on top of her head, instead of the ever-present ponytail she usually wore. Gone, were the blue jeans and t-shirt of years ago. Today she wore a curve-hugging, royal blue wrap-around dress. The color of the dress made her sky blue eyes pop with vibrant color.

This was a far cry from the accident-prone, shy woman, he use to know. He always had a feeling there was more to Maddie Collier then what she showed him. It was as if she was somehow hiding her true self from him and only him. Everyone always said she was a bundle of fun and outgoing, but he had never laid eyes on the Maddie they always talked about.

Aiden had made mention some month's back that something strange had been going on with Maddie. She had started dating some guy named Bobby Carlson. His family owned a big ranch out past the valley. He'd also mentioned that she had stopped hanging with Megan, and she was staying home a lot. He had seen, firsthand, how well this Bobby guy treated Maddie. And it infuriated him to no end, but Maddie had pleaded with him not to interfere. Even though he hated it, with every ounce of his being. He had done as she had asked. He still regretted that choice, to this day.

"Finally, you two decided to join us!"

Jayden jumped with a start, when the shrill and angry voice broke through his thoughts.

"I take it everyone knows everyone. So let's get this show on the road. I need the gentlemen to line up at the altar. Aiden you stand down a step and to the right side of Reverend Carson. Jayden, you stand to the right of Aiden, and Trey, you're next to Jayden."

A sharp elbow jab in the ribs from Trey made Jayden jump. He had to mentally shake his head to clear his thoughts. Trey pointed to the spot next to Aiden, and Jayden took his assigned spot.

Maude gave Jayden a disapproving look. "Jayden Evans, I'm not going to have trouble with you tonight, am I?"

Embarrassed, Jayden looked around at the wedding party, before answering Maude's question.

"No, Ma'am."

"Good. Now stop staring at Maddie like some love sick puppy, and pay attention."

Aiden started to laugh, until Jayden elbowed him in the ribs.

When Maude was finally satisfied with the men's placement, she turned her attention to the women of the wedding party.

"Okay, now that everyone knows where they are finally supposed to be, let get this rehearsal started."

As the rehearsal dragged on, Jayden had a hard time focusing on anything, much to the frustration of Maude Collier. Was it Jayden's imagination, or had he caught Maddie watching him as well. As the torture of the rehearsal wrapped up, Jayden walked back down the aisle with Maddie on his arm. All his thoughts were on the cute little blonde on his arm, and not on the man walking in front of him. That is until he ran right into Aiden's back, when he had stopped at the end of the aisle.

Jayden knew that if he did not get out of that church soon, and put some distance between him and the woman on his arm. He was going to be in some serious trouble.

Aiden shot Jayden a dirty look.

"Dude, what is up with you, tonight? Couldn't you see that I had stopped?"

Jayden glanced at the beautiful woman on his arm and had to fight to string coherent words together.

"Sorry, my mind was on...was on the bachelor party."

"Oh, speaking of the bachelor party."

Jayden saw Megan put on her best, innocent smile, (which he was not buying for a minute). That smile meant most likely, he was not going to like what she was about ready to say.

"Aiden and I talked about it. Instead of doing two separate parties, we've decided to make it one big party. I've called the guests already, and they're all meeting us over at Johnny's in about..."

Megan glanced down at her watch.

"In about 45 minutes. I've hired two limos to pick us up and drop us off when we call it a night. I refuse to have anyone drinking and driving."

Maddie's eyes widened as she looked at Megan in sheer horror. Releasing Jayden's arm, she hurried back up the aisle and gathered her purse and wrap. Turning around, she noticed that the wedding party had moved to the front double doors. As she walked back down the aisle, her mind raced to find an excuse to get out of the church, and out of the party. As she reached the others, she took a deep breath before addressing Megan.

"I'm...I'm just going to be heading out now. I'll see everyone tomorrow at the wedding."

When Maddie tried to turn around to walk out the church's front double doors, Megan reached out and grabbed her wrist. Megan stopped her in her tracks. Their eyes locked and Maddie just knew there was no way she could make a quick retreat from the church. Or the man she had been unwillingly paired with.

"Oh...no you don't. You're not bailing on my bachelorette party. You better be at Johnny's or we'll come to your apartment and drag you out kicking and screaming."

Maddie glared at her best friend.

"Fine, I'll see you in a little while."

With a flurry, she was out the double doors and making her way across the parking lot of the church.

Just as she reached the back of her late model compact car, a large black 4x4 come barreling into the parking lot. The truck came to a squealing stop behind Maddie's car. The cowboy driving the truck came charging out the driver's door. Before Maddie had a chance to unlock the driver's door of her car, she felt the now familiar, vise like grip on her arm. The pain started radiating down her arm as the aggressor roughly grabbed her and spun her around to face him.

~*~ Chapter 2 ~*~

"Where the hell do you think you are going, looking like that? Just look at you, dressed up like some two-bit streetwalker. You dressed like that for him, didn't you? You think he's so special, like he is some knight in shining armor. I got news for you, you dumb bitch. Your knight doesn't even know you walk the face of the earth, let alone be attracted to you. You're nothing to him. How many times have I told you that? This is the last time I'm going to tell you to stay away from him. If I ever catch you with him again, strutting your ass around like some dog in heat, I promise you, you'll be sorry!"

By this time, Maddie's ears were ringing from Bobby's constant screams at her. He now had a hold of both of her arms and had started to shake her violently. Maddie feared, if he continued to shake her like this, her head would eventually just snap off.

Maddie narrowed her eyes at Bobby the best she could, and with all the bravado she could muster, she started to yell back at her ex-boyfriend, even though it lost a lot of the effect because he was still shaking her.

"Bobby, get your hands off me...We broke up two months ago ...I'll do, go, and wear whatever I want too...Let go of me now... or I'll call the cops."

The look of pure hatred and fury washed over Bobby's face. Maddie had never seen him this angry before and she knew right then and there, she'd pushed him way too far this time. Bobby released her left arm so he could draw back his, now clenched, right fist. Maddie knew what was coming and she closed her eyes tightly, waiting for the all too familiar pain, to shoot across her face, as it had done so many times before. In her mind, she would take all the pain in the world before she would back down to Bobby again. Never again, would he have power over her like he had had for over four months.

Suddenly, the hold that Bobby had on her right arm was completely gone. It was all Maddie could do to steady herself so she didn't land on the blacktop of the parking lot of the church. Before she had a chance to open her eyes, she heard a loud echoing metallic thud. Several gasps were heard, breaking the silence that had overtaken the church parking lot only a moment before.

Maddie cautiously opened her eyes. The sight that met her stunned gaze had her frozen in place. Everyone from the wedding party, including her mother and the minister, stood behind her car. All except Jayden, that is. Not one person was looking in her direction at the moment. The shocked filled faces of the crowd were riveted on the scene that was taking place on Bobby's truck.

Maddie followed their line of sight and saw Jayden standing next to Bobby's truck. That wasn't the shocking part. The shocking part was that Jayden had a large fist full of Bobby's hair in his right hand. Maddie figured out what the strange echoing metallic sound had been, when Jayden slammed Bobby's face into the hood of his own truck, once again. Trey and Aiden both moved forward quickly and did their best to restrain Jayden, but he was having none of it. His fury was focused, and it was aimed directly at Bobby.

"You worthless piece of shit, if you ever come near Madeline again..."

Bobby's head went bouncing off the hood of his truck once again with a sickening, crunching sound. When Jayden pulled Bobby's head back up, blood was visible streaming down from Bobby's nose. There was another cut just above his right eyebrow, and his top lip looked split.

"I promise you, the least of your worries will be the police. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR TO YOU?!"

Bobby didn't reply to the question, he only tried to free his head from Jayden's vise like grip. Since he'd received no response, Jayden bounced his head off of the truck hood, one more time. Jayden wanted to make sure that Bobby had finally gotten the point of the whole conversation.

"You coward, I can't hear you. Did I make myself clear to you?"

Bobby nodded his head as best he could, since Jayden was still holding his hair, and mumbled passed his swollen lips, that he understood. Jayden tossed him to the ground like a bag of garbage, and finally allowed Trey and Aiden to back him away from where Bobby laid on the ground. Jayden pierced Bobby with a look that conveyed every ounce of hatred he felt for this worthless excuse for a man.

"Now get in that truck and get the hell out of here, before I change my mind and kick the shit out of your sorry ass, right here and now in this church parking lot."

Bobby stood up and wiped the blood from his face with the back of his hand. He then, actually had the nerve, to make a big production out of straightening his clothes. All the while, glaring daggers at Jayden. That was until Jayden stepped towards him with a look of bloodlust in his eyes. Bobby quickly skirted the front of his truck, with its newly dented hood, before climbing into the cab and issuing one last statement.

"Maddie. This isn't over. Not by a long shot! He won't always be around to protect you."

With that, Bobby jumped in the driver's seat. Within seconds, the big black 4X4 was burning rubber out of the church parking lot.

Maddie watched as Jayden, facing away from her, took several deep breaths. Finally turning back towards her, he bent down and retrieved her purse and keychain. She hadn't even realized she had dropped them. Their eyes locked, and it was all she could do, not to burst into tears.

"How long?"

"How long, what?"

How long has that piece of shit been abusing you, Maddie?

"He wasn't always like that, Jayden. I should have tried harder to...to..."

"There is no excuse for a man to ever lay his hands on a woman, ever! So you can save your excuses for him because I don't buy any of them."

When Maddie looked around, she noticed that the whole wedding party had gathered around them. All eyes were locked on the couple in the center.

Maddie had to avert her eyes from Jayden's as anger rolled over him in a wave.

"But..."

"No buts, Maddie! A true man would never lay his hands on a woman, ever. You aren't still with that loser are you? Please tell me you had enough brains to get away from that dirt bag for good, before you wind up in the hospital, or we have to bury you."

"Yes. I ended it over two months ago, but it hasn't done much good. He still follows me when I get off work from the evening shift at the nursery, or when I go out with Megan and my other friends. This is the first time though that he has flipped completely out like that since I broke up with him. I really don't want to talk about this, or him, anymore. This is supposed to be a celebration, and I'm not going to let Bobby ruin Aiden and Megan's party.

"You're right. I'm sorry I got so upset with you. None of this is your fault, please know that. Until you finally realize that this is completely his fault, he will have a hold on you, Maddie."

Jayden turned to walk towards his truck, but Maddie's voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Umm Jayden...thank you."

Jayden tipped his hat, in a way that only a real cowboy can do, and smiled a warm smile at her.

"It was my pleasure, Maddie. Any time you need help, I'll always be here for you."

Maddie thought back to what Bobby had said about her thinking Jayden was her knight in shining armor. She knew for sure that today, he had been.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Maddie had just removed her wrap and sat her purse down, when Megan grabbed hold of her upper arm, and was pulling her toward the women's restroom, none too gently.

Maddie could feel the heat of Jayden's gaze as he followed their progress across the room. Maddie had no idea how she was ever going to face that man again, not after what had happened in the church parking lot. She was sure some liquid courage would be needed to get through the night.

Once Megan had her inside the restroom, she spun Maddie around until she was facing her angry best friend. The scowl on Megan's face told Maddie this wasn't going to be a pleasant conversation for her. She watched Megan take a deep breath, before letting Maddie have it with both barrels.

"You may not want to answer Jayden's questions, but you're sure as hell going to answer mine. I want to know if this explains all the bruises that you told me were from you being a klutz. And all those times when we would invite you and Bobby to go out with the gang, but something always came up. Is this why?"

Maddie couldn't even look her friend in the eyes, all she could manage was a simple nod of her head.

"Oh sweetie, why didn't you say something to me? You know you can tell me anything."

"I know Meg, but it's so humiliating. Having your friends and family know you were stupid enough to give someone like Bobby, so much control over your life."

"I want the whole story, from the very beginning. Do you understand me? How does any of this even start?"

"He was over at my apartment and we were watching a movie. I had worked the evening shift, and I was dead tired. I fell asleep, and I guess I talk in my sleep when I get overtired. I had made it perfectly clear to Bobby that I wanted to take our relationship slow. If he wanted someone to just jump in bed with him, he had the wrong girl. He was furious when he found out that I had...have feelings for Jayden. From then on, if I was five minutes late, he thought I was with him. If I were too tired from work, he would think that I had spent the night with him. From there it started to get physical. He would refuse to let me do anything anymore with the gang, and quite frankly, I didn't want any of you to see any of the bruises. Okay, enough about all this for right now. I promise after you come back from your honeymoon, I'll tell you every last single detail. I don't want Bobby to spoil any more of this night. Come on, we're missing your party."

"You're right. So with that being said, I have a party waiting for me, and you, my maid of honor, are going to cut loose, kick up your heels, and forget all about that loser. I think there are some Jell-O shots with our names on them. So, let's just forget what happened earlier, at least for a little while. We're going to let our hair down and hit that dance floor for a little booty shaking. Are you game?"

Maddie looked at her friend, shook her head in disbelief, and burst out laughing. If anyone needed to relax and let her hair down, Maddie knew it was definitely her.

"You have to ask...if I am game, after the day I've had. All I have to say is, line them up, the maid of honor needs to cut loose and get a little crazy tonight. Plus, how often does someone's best friend get married. Isn't it my duty to send you off on the trail of marital bliss? Let's go."

~*~ Chapter 3 ~*~

As soon as Jayden crossed the threshold of Johnny's, Aiden had flagged him down. From the look Aiden had on his face, Jayden knew his best friend had about a million questions all lined up to bombard him with as soon as he got close enough.

"Okay, spill. What is going on with you and Maddie tonight? I have never, ever, seen you be such a space cadet. I swear, your mind either left your body or headed to your southern region during rehearsal. And, let's not forget how you flipped out on Bobby, Maddie's ex-boyfriend. I know he had an ass kicking coming, but damn, you scared the hell out me and Trey. I've never seen you ever lose it like that. What gives?

Jayden looked at his friend long and hard. How could he explain to Aiden, something he couldn't even explain to himself? Well, he decided, when everything else fails, go with the standard excuse.

"I've got a lot on my mind right now, what with running the ranch and your wedding. Sorry. I'll give you my full attention tomorrow, I promise."

"Okay, I've had way too much of that excuse this past year, but I'll let it drop for now. And the reason for snapping was????"

"I really don't know what happened. When I heard what was going on with Maddie and her ex in the parking lot, I just acted. But as I was running up to them and saw what that... that... creep was doing to her, I snapped. There was no way I would ever allow anyone to touch her."

Aiden shot his best friend a concerned look.

"You know, you sound like a man who has feelings for the woman in question. I also remember how you acted on Christmas Eve. I'm going to give you some advice, and I hope you take it. Ask her out Jay, see where it leads. I know for a fact she's crazy nuts for you."

"I can't do that. I...I can't take that kind of risk, with her especially. I will not put myself through what my mom went through when dad died. No, it's not worth it."

"Jayden, what are you talking about? Geez it's just a date or two. You act like one date would cause you to fall in love with her or something, or could it be you are in denial, and already have strong feelings for her, and you're running scared?"

Jayden glared at his best friend. Since when was it a crime to guard your own heart. Jayden glanced over Aiden's shoulder and spotted Megan and Maddie making their way to the bar. Jayden also spotted a table full of cowboys eyeing the girls carefully. Maddie and Megan leaned against the bar to place their orders with Jack, the bartender. Jayden had seen enough as he watched one of the cowboys stand up from his chair and make a b-line towards Maddie...and Megan too. OH, HELL NO!

"Damn it all, excuse me, Aiden."

Jayden did his best to ignore his best friend's laughter as he cut off the cowboy before he could reach his target, Maddie.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Once at the bar, Megan flagged down Jack, the bartender.

"Hey Jack. My maid of honor and I need Jell-O shots and do us a favor, just keep them coming. This is my last night as a single women and I am going to go out in style.

Jack, the regular bartender at Johnny's just laughed and shook his head at Megan's announcement, but lined up a few Jell-O shots in front of both of them.

Megan and Maddie both chose a shot and raised them in a toast.

"To you and Aiden. May you have a long and happy marriage, together."

"And to my maid of honor, may you find happiness..."

She glanced over her maid of honors shoulder and smiled.

"When you least expect it."

Maddie glanced in the mirror behind the bar and watched Jayden stepping up behind her. His gaze was locked on her and she knew without a doubt more Jell-O shots would be required, if she was going to have any type of interaction with this sexy cowboy.

As Jayden neared her, he held out his hand and said only five words, but they were enough to make heart beat speed up.

"May I have this dance, Maddie?"

All Maddie could do was nod her head. Reaching on the bar, she took possession of another Jell-O shot. After downing it quickly, she allowed Jayden to escort her out onto the small dance floor. Whatever was going to happen tonight between them, she was going to allow to happen. There was no way in hell she would stop it. She knew in her heart she didn't really want to.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Jayden woke to the most irritating sound a pounding head could hear. Trey's ringtone. Save a Horse Ride, a Cowboy was blaring from his cell phone. All Jayden wanted to do at that very moment was ignore his pain-in-the-butt cousin, put a pillow over his head, and go back to sleep until the banging in his head stopped.

When Trey's annoying ring tone finally stopped, Jayden breathed a sigh of relief and snuggled back down in his bed. Sleep was screaming his name. That is until the song started playing again. Trey was persistent to say the least. Rolling over, Jayden snatched his cell phone off of the nightstand next to his bed. He growled his greeting to Trey.

"Trey, Somebody better be dead if you know what's good for you!"

"Well, didn't you wake up in the wrong bed this morning? It sounds like Maddie must have shot you down as cranky as you sound. But, you remember you still have a wedding to attend, dear cousin? So, my suggestion to you would be; go grab a cup of coffee and hit the shower. I'll be over there in a half an hour. Just so you know, I'll want all the juicy details about what happened last night when I get there."

Before Jayden could ask Trey what he was talking about, Trey had disconnected the call.

Jayden crawled his way out of bed and grabbed an old tank top and a pair of sweats out of his dresser drawer. He slowly he made his way downstairs, towards his mother's kitchen, with the conversation he just had with Trey playing in his mind like on an endless loop. Finally, everything that Trey had said started to make sense and register in his hungover brain.

When Jayden stepped into the country styled kitchen of his mother's, the smell of freshly brewed coffee soothed some of the aches in his pounding head. But his comfort was short lived.

"Jayden, was that a taxi I heard at...oh my goodness!

When he saw the expression on his mother's face, he knew something definitely wasn't right.

"You either had a really bad time last night or a magnificent one. Which is it?"

"Ummm, to be honest with you mom, I really don't remember a lot of the details. But from the little bit I have been able to piece together this morning, I think it was a good time. I want to ask Trey for the details, but truthfully, I'm afraid of what I just might hear."

"Jay, I think you work too hard here at the ranch. You need to go out and have fun with friends. Hopefully, someday soon you can find that special girl and settle down. I can hardly wait until you to give me lots and lots of grandbabies. What with your brother and sister still in college, it will be a while if I have to wait for them."

"Mom, that's not going to happen anytime soon. I don't have time for a wife, let alone children. It wouldn't be fair to shackle a woman to me, when I have nothing, not even time, to give her. You know running this ranch is a twenty-four/seven operation."

"Well, I think that if your daddy were alive right now, he'd say you're making excuses. Your father and I were married, and already had you and Jenny and Royce, by the time he was your age. He had plenty of time for all of us and you know it. I'm not buying your excuse for one minute. Now, I want to know what this is really about. Why are you so afraid of committing to a woman? I know it's not because your father and I had a bad marriage, because we didn't, so what is it?"

Jayden wondered how his mother could see right through him. He knew there was no way he could tell her the truth. She would think her son was a coward and he knew she'd be right. He knew he was a first-class coward, not wanting to feel the same kind that his mother had when his father passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack last year. He saw how much of a struggle it was for her just to get out of bed every day and go on with her life. She walked around for months like she had no purpose in life anymore. That was when Jayden knew he would never give anyone that much of his heart. He would guard it carefully.

"Mom, I really don't have time for this discussion right now. Trey will be here in about fifteen minutes and I still need to jump in the shower. He's supposed to be helping with the chores this morning, so I have the rest of the day free."

"Dear, I just don't understand why you don't hire a ranch foreman or a few part time hands to help you out. If you hired someone, you wouldn't have to work so hard."

"Mom, we can't afford that, and you know it."

"Oh please, I'm the one who does the bookkeeping, remember? I think you're afraid if I hire someone, you'll lose your excuse."

"Mom, It's not an..."

"We'll talk about this later. You have things you need to do today. But just know, I want the truth from you the next time we speak about this. Do I make myself clear, Jayden?"

"Yes Ma'am"

"Good, now go take your shower and make sure you wash off all of that red stuff you have all over your neck and chest."

Jayden started to explain himself, but his mother started shaking her head no and held up her hand to stop him.

Please, I don't want to know. Go...go get in the shower.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Feeling more human, after two cups of coffee, several extra strength Tylenol and a revitalizing cold shower, Jayden and Trey made their way to the back door of the kitchen. It connected to a mud room where the family hung up their coats and, etc.... Jayden retrieved his coat from the wall mounted coat rack and slipped on his work Jacket. Reaching up his hand to grab his Stetson from its hook, he found it was only met with empty air. He searched around for his hat but soon discovered it was nowhere to be seen. Stepping back into the kitchen, he gave his mother a puzzled look.

"Mom have you seen my hat?"

"No, I haven't. The last time I saw it was when you left for the rehearsal last night. Why?"

"It's not on the coat rack where I usually keep it."

Trey locked eyes with Jayden as a smirk spread across his face.

"You didn't leave it in the back of the limo last night, did you? You know when you and Maddie left together."

"Limo, what limo? Jayden didn't come home in a limo last night Trey, he came home in a taxi."

Jayden only had to think for a moment, before his mouth dropped open and his eyes widened in shock. A tidal wave of memories from last night came racing at him and flooding his head with images of Maddie...and him. They played in his mind like some crazy movie that, thank God, only he could see. No, no, no he thought to himself. Surely he wouldn't have done that last night? Surely, he would have had enough common sense to not put himself at risk like that with Maddie? But no, he'd rushed full steam ahead into something that could very possible cost him, big time. He had stupidly let his guard down, and now, he had put his heart at risk.

He glanced at Trey as his cousin's smirk got even bigger. From the looks of it, Trey had a fairly good idea where Jayden had left his hat.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Bang. Bang. Bang.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

Maddie took the pillow from under head and tugged it down over her head. The pillow held such a lovely scent, but she just couldn't place what it was. Soon she realized the pillow was of little help to protect her Jell-O shot soaked brain from being bombarded by all the offensive noises.

Once she could think clearer, she couldn't help wondering who was trying to beat down her door, and why her clock was screaming at her.

She slowly crawled her way across the bed, smacked her alarm and then stumbled her way towards the door. Once there, she did her best to balance while she stood on her tip toes, closed one eye so she could focus, and looked through the peephole in the door. She groaned as soon as she saw her younger sister. Nikki was all decked out in a formal dress and her curly, dark blonde hair was piled on top of her head. Maddie yanked the door open and stared her sister down.

"Nikki, I'm telling you right now, someone better be dead. I'm in no mood for your jokes this morning."

Nikki actually had the nerve to roll her eyes at Maddie.

"I have one word for you, my sweet hung over sister... WEDDING!!!"

As soon as the word left Nikki's lips, bits and pieces of Megan's memory flashed in her mind. Making her groan in frustration, and pain.

The night before had been Megan's bachelorette party, she remembered that. The details of that party were a little foggy. The lack of memories and details from the night before had her more than a little concerned. New memories started to flash in her head, but they couldn't be real. They had to be a dream she had from last night. There is no way Jayden had taught her at least a dozen different and imaginative ways she could enjoy Jell-O shots. In her dream, he had been the yummiest man she had ever seen. Yeah, that was it, it had all been just a dream. But why could she still hear the sound of the other women that been at the party cheering on Jayden and her? No, none of this could have been real. There was no way Jayden had taken a Jell-O shot off of her stomach and her...

"WEDDING, Maddie! You need to get in the shower now or we are going to be late. And for goodness sake, will you please do something with your neck before mom sees it and flips out."

"What? What's wrong with my neck?"

"Jayden gave you a hickey the size of the state of Texas. I really didn't think anyone made out in dark corners anymore, at least not once they were out of high school, let alone give hickeys to each other. Jayden and you proved my theory wrong on that topic last night."

All Maddie could do was stare at her sister with her mouth hanging open like a fish out of water.

Nikki grabbed her sister by the shoulders, turned her in the direction of the bathroom, and gave her a hefty shove. Maddie stumbled forward, shot her sister a dirty look over her shoulder, and unsteadily made her way to the bathroom.

Maddie closed the door, leaned against the wall, and started to get undressed when everything Nikki had said finally soaked into her foggy brain. She glanced in the mirror and her mouth dropped open, and her eyes widened in horror, as her eyes settled on the biggest, bright red hickey she had ever seen.

Nikki burst out in a fit of laughter when she heard her sister scream out in horror from the bathroom. Should she just go ahead and tell her older sister it was just the leftovers from one of her cherry Jell-O shots, or should she wait until her sister figured it out for herself? Hmm, waiting sounded like a good and entertaining way to pass the next half an hour.

Glancing towards the couch, Nikki had to do a double take. There was no way she could actually be seeing what she thought she saw. Walking closer, she soon realized that her eyes had not lied to her. Lying haphazardly on its side, on the end of Maddie's couch, was a very familiar cowboy hat. Nikki had studied the Stetson for a long moment before her brain started to notice other things out of place in her sisters, usually neat as a pin, apartment. The throw pillows from the couch were scattered all around the floor by the couch. The blue wrap around dress Maddie had worn the night before was thrown on the coffee table. Nikki spotted one of her sister's black high heels over by the front door, and the other in the middle of the doorway that led to the kitchen. It was obvious that Maddie had kicked them off haphazardly in some great rush to be free of them. It didn't take long for Nikki to fit all the puzzle pieces together. She couldn't help the smile that rapidly spread across her face.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Maddie exited the bathroom dressed in her wedding garb. She felt surprisingly refreshed. After her revitalizing shower and a hefty dose of Tylenol, she was ready to tackle whatever the day threw at her. That was until she saw her sister, who was standing next to the untidy couch, her arm crossed over her chest, and a cowboy hat dangling from the fingertips of her right hand. A very familiar cowboy hat.

"Well sis, would you like to explain this?"

It was all Maddie could do to keep her eyes from bugging out and her voice from quivering as she answered her sister's question.

"Umm, no. I don't think so."

~*~ Chapter 4 ~*~

Jayden stood out in front of the church glaring at his cousin. In return Trey just smirked at him.

"I'm telling you, I must have left my hat in the limo last night. I was really wasted and it must have fallen off or something when I was inside. Would you please stop looking at me like that? I don't know what you think you know, but I can assure you, you don't know anything!!

"What? Did I say anything to you? No, I did not, so why are you so cranky with me? I swear you woke up on the wrong side of the bed."

Trey smirked at him again, before he draped his arm over Jayden's shoulder and gave him a comforting pat on the back.

"Or like I said before, you woke up in the wrong bed."

Jayden growled and had started to push away from his irritating cousin, when Aiden stepped up between them, clapped them both on the shoulder, and began squeezing them together for a male group hug.

"I would like to thank you both. First, for being on time today, and second, for standing up there at that altar and supporting me. You have no idea how much this means to me. I can hardly wait to return the favor to both of you someday soon. Jayden, where's your hat?"

Trey burst out laughing at Aiden's question. Jayden narrowed his eyes at his cousin and started to reach for the front of his tux jacket, but was halted by Aiden's voice.

"Jayden, you look like you could do with a little peace and quiet for a few minutes. Can you do the groom, and best friend, a favor and go check on the bride? You know, to make sure she hasn't gotten cold feet or anything. I would feel pretty stupid if she left me standing at the altar. It'll help you relax and get your mind off of whatever is eating at you."

"Sure, I could use some peace and quiet, let alone some distance from my cousin, the laughing hyena."

"It's not my fault you're frustrated."

With that, Jayden narrowed his eyes and shot Trey one last warning look. Turning on his heels, Jayden started weaving his way through some early arriving guests and passed a hyper Maude Collier, who was frantically trying to grab his attention.

"Please tell me your cousin Trey is here too? I don't know what I would do if either of you were late today."

"Yes Mrs. Collier, my cousin, Mr. Giggles, is out front of the church with the groom.

"Who is Mr. Giggles?"

"Never mind, it's not important. Trey and I are both here and that's all that matters."

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Once Maddie was seated in Nikki's car and they were on their way to the church, her stomach started to knot with nervous anticipation. She knew that she had to do her best to avoid Jayden before, and after, the wedding. That left just the ceremony. She knew Jayden well enough to know that he would never say or do anything to ruin the wedding of his best friends.

Turning to glance in the back seat of her sister's car, Maddie spotted the Black Stetson. It was sitting there like a neon sign, reminding her of what she had done the night before. That particular hat would be a flashing beacon that would announce to everyone what she and Jayden had done the night before, if they saw her with it.

She couldn't stop the moan of frustration that escaped her lips, as she struggled to fill in all the pieces of what had actually happened the night before. All she could obtain were brief flashes. Images of Jayden at the bar and then in the limo. Growling in frustration, Maddie threw her head back against the headrest of the seat and closed her eyes to alleviate some of the pain that had started to pound a rhythm in her head once again. The sudden movement caused her poor, hung overhead to pound even harder.

"Nikki, can you drop me by the side door instead of the front. I really don't want to answer any questions about last night from anyone who might have witnessed our shameful behavior. I just want to go straight to the room where Megan is. Oh, and could you discreetly let Jayden know his hat is in your car. I just can't face him right now."

"You'll have to face him in about a half an hour anyway Maddie. I can't run interference for you during the ceremony, considering that you are paired with him. I think you two just need to talk this through instead of you avoiding him, and the issue of the two of you sleeping together last night."

"You don't know that we slept together for sure. I mean... he could have just seen me into the house to make sure I was okay and nothing more."

As Nikki pulled up next to the side entrance of the church, she glanced into the back seat, and then gave Maddie a DUH!! Look.

"I know one thing for sure, Maddie. You are one hundred percent delusional. Wake up and face the fact, my dear big sister. You slept with Jayden last night, whether you want to admit it or not. I'll tell him that his hat is in my car, but that is it! You need to put your big girl panties on and woman up!"

Maddie shot her sister a glare.

"You know what Nikki? Don't even bother."

Reaching into the back seat of Nikki's car, Maddie snatched up the Stetson, slammed the car door closed with a lot more force than was necessary, and stormed into the side door of the church.

Nikki stared at the back of her sister's retreating small frame and had only one thought. Her sister needed to change her name to Dee Nile.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Jayden excused himself from Mrs. Collier and made his way to the right side of the church foyer. He walked down the small hall until he reached his goal. The small church had designed a special room especially for brides. It had one door that lead to the foyer, for the ceremony access, and another that led to the outside entrance, so the bride didn't have to use the front door and run the chance of being seen by the groom.

Jayden knocked lightly on the door that was clearly marked "Bride" and heard a soft reply.

"Who is it?"

"It's Jayden, can I come in?"

"Of course you can."

Jayden cautiously opened the door and peaked around the corner to look at his friend. He had to smile when he saw Megan in all her wedding finery.

Megan sat on a wooden ladder-backed chair that had been placed in front of a large mirror, as she applied the final touches to her make-up. He gave her a warm smile when she glanced up at him in the mirror.

"You are lovely, Megan. Aiden is going to melt when he sees you. I want you to know that I couldn't be happier for the two of you. When I see you two together, you remind me of how my parents were with each other. Your love for each other is visible for everyone to see."

"Thank you, Jayden. Did my groom send you back here to make sure I didn't hitch a ride to Canada on a bus or something?"

"Yeah, something like that. But honestly, I think he sent me back here to save Trey. That boy is working my last nerve more than usual today, I swear. If he doesn't lay off of me, I'm going to..."

"Why is Trey working your last nerve? What exactly is he doing?"

"I left my hat in the back of the limo last night. He keeps implying I left it at someone's apartment, which I'm almost positive I didn't. He just won't let it go."

"Oh! And who would this mysterious someone be Jayden? It wouldn't happen to be someone I..."

Just then, an angry maid of honor stormed through the outside door. Dangling from her tiny left hand, just happened to be the missing item that was causing all the problems. Maddie's gaze locked with Jayden's and they both stood rooted in place, shock clearly visible on both of their faces.

Megan burst out laughing as she looked at Jayden before addressing him.

"Well Jayden, I guess that answers all my questions now doesn't it."

After several awkward moments, Maddie came to her senses first, and without saying a word, held out her hand that held the cowboy hat toward Jayden. At first, Jayden looked down at the object in question like he wasn't sure he could believe what he was seeing. Then he slowly reached out and took it from Maddie's hand. Before his brain was fully engaged, his mouth started moving on its own accord.

"Where did you find it?"

Maddie looked in Megan's direction and could feel the color flooding her from head to toe. Maddie had to look away from Megan's smirking face before she turned tail and ran back out the door.

"I...umm...I umm didn't find it, Nikki did. It was on my couch."

Just then, pictures of the previous night came flooding back to Jayden. It was like watching a silent movie. He just stood there, too stunned to move or speak, as he watched images of Maddie and him flash in his mind's eye. How could he have gotten so drunk that common sense had just flown out the window? Well, he kind of knew how it all happened. Between fighting his feelings for Maddie for so long, and the two of them being cheered on last night to keep doing Jell-O shots by their friends, the mystery of the night before was finally solved.

"Umm Maddie..."

It was Jayden's turn to stutter. He took a deep, steadying breath and continued.

"Uh Maddie, could I speak to you outside, please?"

Maddie nodded her head and followed Jayden out the door to the side of the church. Once outside, Jayden turned and made sure the door to the bride's room was tightly closed. Jayden started to pace nervously as he ran his hands through his hair. Even with his back toward her, Maddie could visualize the anxiety rolling off of Jayden in waves. It was then she became aware that this conversation wasn't going to be something she wanted to hear.

Maddie watched as Jayden took a deep breath and finally turned around to face her. The fact that he couldn't make eye contact with her made her nervous stomach contract even more. It was at that moment, she knew in her heart, that the words his beautiful lips were about to speak were going to break her heart into a million pieces.

"Maddie, there is no way I can express how so sorry I am for last night. I would never hurt you intentionally. You know that. But, I don't want there to be any misunderstanding between us. I don't want any type of a committed relationship with any woman. I only, umm, casually date, and that's not very often anymore. My family's ranch is my life, my priority and it wouldn't be fair to saddle you, or any other woman, with a life like that. I really am sorry, but I hope you understand that what happened last night, can never happen again."

Just because she knew it was coming, didn't make it any easier to hear and accept. Maddie decided that she would be damned before she would let him see the tears that were burning the back of her eyes. She wasn't just hurt by his words, she was angry at him. Mostly though, she was angry and disappointed in herself, for even hoping this was something more than a mistake on Jayden's part. How could she have been so stupid, as to get so drunk that she let her guard down around him? The last thing she wanted was his sympathy for her own stupidity. It was time for her to save what was left of her dignity.

When Jayden finally looked up at her, Maddie pinned him with her best nonchalant expression.

"Relationship! Are you kidding me? After what I've been through with Bobby, you actually think I would want to jump into another relationship with you or anyone else. Please don't flatter yourself, Jayden. The way I was acting last night was completely out of character for me. I usually don't drink that much. And I for sure don't pick men up in bars and sleep with them. But you know what? I'm not even sure anything happened between us, Jayden. I mean you had a lot to drink and...and...you did wake up in your own bed. So don't feel bad okay!"

As soon as the last words left her mouth, Maddie knew she had to get away from Jayden as quickly as possible. She could feel the tears burning the backs of her eyes, and if he saw them, he would know the truth about her feelings for him, and the whole disaster that had occurred the night before.

Not giving Jayden a chance to respond, Maddie turned on her heels, opened the door to the bride's room, and quickly stepped inside. Leaving a stunned Jayden, staring at a closing door and wondering what had just happened.

Once the door was closed, Maddie laid her forehead on the cold metal door and let the tears that she had been holding back, finally fall.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

"You said what to her?! Are you that big of an idiot, Jayden? I know for a fact that Maddie has been crazy about you for years. How could you be so blind to that fact? Then you tell her, the day after you've slept with her, that you don't want any type of relationship with her? How do you think that made her feel, Jayden? Like some cheap, one night stand... or better yet, some freakin' mistake. Geez, what is wrong with you, man?"

"She said she doesn't want another relationship right now. Not after what happened between her and Bobby, so get off my back, Aiden. And Trey, you can stop looking at me like that. It has all worked out fine, so both of you can just chill out."

Trey glared at his dense cousin, right in the eyes. Finally, he couldn't hold back any longer and he let Jayden know exactly how he felt about what he had said and done to Maddie.

"What was she supposed to say to you Jayden? That you had just shattered her heart and made her feel cheaper than a two-bit streetwalker standing on the street corner in downtown Spokane? She just said those things to save what dignity she had left after how you've just treated her. She's a friend of ours, and you just treated her like some one night stand. Someone you picked up at closing time, at a bar."

"I didn't want to lead her on, Trey. I wanted to be honest with her."

"I don't care how drunk you were Jayden, the time for honesty was before you touched her. And speaking of touching her, please tell me you used some type protection? Please tell me you had enough wits about you to think of that at least."

All Jayden could do was look down at his black, dress, cowboy boots. He heard two frustrated sighs and knew he had to answer Trey's question. He also knew his answer was only going to piss off both of his friends even more than they already were at his behavior. Finally taking a deep breath he met their gazes warily.

"Honestly... I don't remember. That whole time period is a massive blur."

Two groans of frustration followed his statement.

Aiden leaned forward, grabbed Jayden's arm, and looked him right in the eyes as he spoke.

"If I were you, I would start making a list of things I need to do, ASAP. Topping the list would be getting down on your hands and knees and begging her for forgiveness. And second, I'm telling you right now, I wouldn't wait too long to do this one, you need to ask Maddie if any type of protection was used."

~*~ Chapter 5 ~*~

Maddie was actually happy for her friends and wished them a long, happy life together, but she couldn't wait for the time to come when she could make her escape from this torture. All she wanted to do was go home, so she could have a good cry, and throw herself a major pity party.

From the looks of him, Jayden looked like he wanted to escape as well. Maddie couldn't help but think, Good. Serves him right. At least she wasn't the only one feeling totally miserable today.

As she sat at the long table that they had set up for the wedding party, she glanced out at the dance floor and saw the bride and groom sharing their first dance as husband and wife. Maddie couldn't fight the sadness that flooded over her while she watched the two of them, so much in love. Tears pricked the back of her eyes as Jayden's earlier words came slamming back into her mind. She had wasted years hoping and dreaming, that one day that it would be them out there on the dance floor, so much in love, holding each other, while they danced their first dance as husband and wife. But after today, and the discussion with Jayden, she knew that was never going to happen. The reality of the whole situation was that they were never meant to be together.

Maddie knew what she had to do. While she knew it wouldn't be easy giving up on a dream and picking up the pieces of her broken heart, she had to try. She had to get on with her life. Hopefully, she could find that one special person she was meant to be with for the rest of her life. Because she now knew for a fact, it was definitely not Jayden Evans.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Jayden drove down the long, gravel driveway of his family's ranch. He could finally breathe a sigh of relief, now that he was home. He pulled his truck around behind the older, white, two-story ranch house, and put it in park. Taking a few more deep breaths, his mind traveled over the horrendous events of the day. Had he really hurt Maddie? Could Trey and Aiden actually be right? It was the only logical explanation for her aloof behavior during the wedding and reception. There had been no words spoken between them, and eye contact had been at a bare minimum. The knowledge that he had caused her any kind of pain, caused his chest to ache. But he knew he could never risk giving her what she wanted and deserved. He couldn't be a loving husband and devoted father his dad was, and there was no sense in trying. He would cause her more pain in the long run.

Jayden peeked around the corner of the living room and spotted his mother sitting in her old, brown, leather recliner. A green, plaid, throw blanket was thrown across her lap as she read one of her sappy romance novels. As quietly as possible, he crossed the living room doorway, then tried to make his journey to the stairs, leading up to the second floor, as silent as he could. He was hoping that she had forgotten about the conversation this morning and that she would just keep reading, too engrossed in her book to pay him any mind. The only thing he wanted, at this moment, was some peace and quiet. He craved the solitude only his room could offer.

"Jayden, come sit and tell me about the wedding."

Damn, where had all of his luck gone lately? He really didn't need this right now...or ever.

Giving his mother a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, he did as she had asked and sat down in his father's old chair to the right of hers. Placing a ribbon bookmark in her book, he watched his mother set the paperback on the end table and turn in his direction.

"It was nice, mom."

She looked at him expectantly, waiting for details. He said nothing more.

"That's it? It was nice, is all I am going to get from you. Even after you just spent the last six hours at a wedding and a reception?"

"What do you want me to say, mom? It was nice, as far as weddings go I guess. I'm sorry mom, I'm really tired and just need to go to bed and get a good night's sleep is all."

"Jayden, I sat here thinking after you and Trey left this afternoon, and I have come to a conclusion. You've changed, and it happened around the time that we lost your dad. I played back everything that occurred over that, time period and I think I have figured out what is up with you."

"Mom...."

Helen, Jayden's mom, held her hand up to silence her son's protest.

"Be quiet and just listen to me for a change. You're throwing yourself into this ranch working eighty to ninety hours a week, when I know for a fact it's not required. You are purposely burying yourself with work, and you refuse to hire another hand to ease your burden. I know what it is now. You're running scared from something, and I think I have a good idea what that something just might be."

"You were there for me after your father passed. I know I was a mess after it happened. I fought against going on with my life every single day, but I did. He was what you young people would call my soul mate, and I loved him more than my own life. But one thing I want you to know, and I want you to understand, is I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Yes, I grieved, and yes, I had to fight to go on, but the love your father and I shared was worth it. I wouldn't change one minute of time with him, even if it meant it would ease the heartbreak I felt when he was gone. Love isn't something to be afraid of, it is something beautiful. It's magical when you find that one special person that you know deep in your heart you were born to be with. Please, promise your old mom, you'll at least think about what I have told you."

Jayden looked his mother in the eyes and nodded his head. He couldn't help but wonder when his mother had become so wise because she certainly had him pegged. He stood up and leaned over and gently kissed his mother's soft cheek. She patted his cheek gently in return

"I promise. And mom?"

"Yes dear?"

"Thanks. Today of all days, I needed to hear those words."

~*~ Chapter 6 ~*~

Jayden had waited almost a week before he called Maddie. He had so much to say to her, but he knew she needed some space and time to calm down. He made five calls and left three voice mails telling her that there was something important he needed to talk to her about. He asked for her to, please call him back as soon as possible. After leaving his newest message on her voice mail, he tossed his cell onto the passenger seat of his truck in frustration.

It was becoming painfully clear to Jayden that Maddie wanted nothing more to do with him. In a way, he couldn't blame her for her anger. His behavior at the wedding had been atrocious, to say the least. He only wished she would at least grant him one, single, solitary minute to explain, though. Jayden was ready to grovel at her feet, to beg her to forgive him. He needed to tell her how big a fool he had been.

For the next three weeks, Jayden called Maddie at least fifty times, each call ended the same way, in defeat. There are only so many different ways a man can beg a woman to call him back.

According to Aiden, Maddie told Megan, that if Jayden was going to be at any of their group gatherings, to not even bother calling her. Jayden hadn't seen his best friend Maddie since the wedding, because he knew that she needed Megan to talk to, she needed her support. And so, he had bowed out of all the recent gatherings for her sake. After over a month, he finally got her message. He understood then.

Maddie never wanted to talk to or see him ever again.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Maddie sat curled up on the couch, staring at her television, but in truth, not really watching it at all. She had been so miserable during the last few weeks that it was all she could do to drag her body out of bed to go to work. All she had wanted to do was throw the covers over her head and cry for a week straight, but she knew she had to go on.

Going on was hard when the object of her despair kept calling her. She had lost count of just how many calls it had been, all of them ending with a desperate message for her to call him back. Maddie lived by the saying "Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me." She planned on not being fooled again.

Maddie pulled her sweat suit covered body off the couch and headed into the kitchen to meet her dates for the night, Ben and Jerry. After pulling a spoon out of the silverware drawer, Maddie headed back to the couch to watch some sappy romantic movie and drown her sorrows in a pint of chunky monkey.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

It had been well over a month since Megan and Aiden's wedding and thank goodness there had been no sign of Bobby stalking her. Work at the nursery had kept her too busy to dwell on Jayden, but at least his phone calls had stopped coming about a week before. She didn't think he would ever get the message she was silently sending to him to just leave her alone. He had made it quite clear at the wedding that he didn't want anything to do with her. So why in heavens name was he calling her, really how many ways can he tell her she was nothing to him but a fun time.

April had turned out to be a warm one. Everyone was out and about buying their veggies and flowers for all of their spring planting. Spring had always been Maddie's favorite season. It was when everything came to life again after the cold winter weather of the Inland Northwest.

Once summer was over, and work at the nursery slowed down, she would start thinking about her new social life. Maybe even ask out a few guys. She'd met a really cute cowboy at Johnny's the week before. Jackson Richards was new in town. He had mentioned he was from Montana and he had a just been hired as a Ranch foreman at one of the local ranches. She had blushed when he had asked to exchange numbers.

Maddie had just clocked out from her shift at work, when her phone began to vibrate in her pocket. She started to walk towards her car as she reached in her pocket and removed the vibrating phone. She couldn't help but smile as she saw Megan's name displayed on the caller ID.

"Hey, you old married women, what's up?"

"Since its Friday night and we haven't been out much since our honeymoon, Aiden and I figured we'd go to Johnny's tonight for a couple of beers. I thought I'd call and see if you wanted to join us."

A thought crossed Maddie's mind. Hmmm, maybe Jackson would be there again?

"Who all is going?"

"Well, so far, Nikki said she was in, and Trey told Aiden he would try and make it. So what do you say, you feel like a beer after work?"

"I'm not sure Megan? I don't want to deal with...."

"Aiden wasn't able to get ahold of Jayden, if that is what you are worried about. Come on Maddie, please?!"

"Oh, please tell me you are not fluttering your eyelashes while you are saying that. That only works on Aiden, remember."

"Please, Maddie come out and have some fun. You've been working too hard."

Maddie sighed in defeat as she gave into her friend's demands.

"Fine. What time?"

Thank you! Thank you! Seven o'clock. Love ya and see ya soon.

Maddie rolled her eyes at Megan's excitement. Some things just never change.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Jayden Pulled the old ranch work truck back around to the backside of the barn. Shutting off the engine, he turned to look at his new ranch foreman, Jackson Richards. The young cowboy had impressed Jayden over the last week or so with his knowledge and drive. He was definitely not one to waste time while he was getting chores done.

"Jackson, my mother reminded me that you need the keys to your apartment over the garage. Were you still planning on moving in this weekend?"

"Yeah, I was, and thanks, Jayden. I really appreciate you giving me a chance. I promise you I won't let you down. If it hadn't been for the economy and my family having to sell their cattle ranch, I would still be back in Montana working their spread."

"I know you won't. That's one of the reasons I'm so glad we're a horse ranch."

They both exited the truck, each going their own way, Jackson to his truck and Jayden to the house.

Jayden headed straight to the bathroom once he was in the house. The day had been unseasonably warm and a shower before anything else was definitely required. Jayden was in the process of emptying his pockets when he glanced at his cell phone. As he pulled it out he noticed that he had a text message from Aiden.

Jay, J's at 7! U in?

Jayden quickly responded.

Yeah, sounds good

Aiden was a man of few words. Jayden laughed when his best friend texted right back.

C U there! Jay

Within an hour, Jayden was on his way towards Johnny's.

~*~ Chapter 7 ~*~

As soon as Maddie stepped out of her Toyota, she could tell there was rain on the way. She could feel the dampness in the cooling air. From the looks of the dark clouds rolling in on the western skyline, it was going to be one of those bad spring thunderstorms. There was something about thunderstorms that always put Maddie on edge, and tonight was no exception. She just chalked it up to the electricity in the air that was causing the hair on the back of her neck to stand on end. Tonight though, it just felt different somehow. It felt like...like someone or something was trying to give her a warning to go back home and lock her doors because something evil was coming.

Laughing at her over-active imagination, Maddie pulled her light-weight jacket closer around her to ward off the chill. Bending back down in the car, she retrieved her purse from the center console. Once she had closed the door, she pushed the lock button on her key chain to set the alarm.

As soon as she walked into Johnny's, she spotted her sister and best friend standing at the bar. She waved at them in greeting and noticed that they both looked uncomfortable all of a sudden.

Okay, what the hell was going on?

"Hi Nik, Meg. What's up? You look strange Megan, you okay?"

"Yeah, umm... I'm fine, never better. We're set-up back in our normal booth in the back. Why don't you head on back, while I grab the beers.

"Sure, if you're positive everything is okay."

"Never better."

"Hey, big sis, I'll go with you. I think Megan can handle ordering a pitcher of beer by herself."

Nikki locked her arm into Maddie's and walked them both to the large booth in the back corner.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

As soon as Jayden started to walk across the parking lot at Johnny's, a clap of thunder shook the earth. A few moments later lightening streaked across the night sky. Rain drops started pounding the blacktop just as he crossed the threshold.

Jayden stood in the doorway for a moment while his eyes adjusted to the bar's dim light. Once he could see where he was going, he started making his way to the back of the bar, toward the gang's usual booth.

When he looked at the booth where he was headed, he stopped dead in his tracks. He couldn't believe his eyes when he saw her seated toward the center of the booth. It was Maddie. She was flanked by her sister on one side and Megan on the other. He knew the instantly when she noticed him. Panic showed clearly in her eyes and the need to flee was obvious. The fear in her eyes was quickly replaced by anger as she seemed to be directing her emotions toward Megan.

She turned towards her sister and said something to her. Within a few seconds, Trey stood to allow Nikki and Maddie both to exit the booth. Maddie wasted no time making a bee line towards the restrooms, tears streaking her flushed face. Tears that Jayden knew he was the cause of.

It only took Jayden a split second to make the decision to go after her. He had to try and make this right somehow because he couldn't stand to see her like this. It broke his heart to know she was hurting because of him, because he was a self-centered asshole who had been thinking of no one, but himself when he had spoken to her at the wedding. This might be his only chance to make her listen to him.

Jayden's long legs helped him as he soon caught up to her, right before she had a chance to push open the women's restroom door. Taking hold of her arm, he halted Maddie in her tracks. She tried to pull away, but he held on firmly, but not strongly enough to hurt her.

"Please Maddie, please, just let me talk to you for just a moment."

"I think I've heard all you have to say. You made it perfectly clear at the wedding. Now if you'll excuse me."

"Maddie, I'm so sorry I hurt you. I never, ever wanted to hurt you like this. Please just let me explain to you ..."

"You have done quite enough explaining to me thank you, now let me go or I'll call for the bouncer."

Jayden dropped his hold on Maddie's arm and took a step back, hurt and pain shown evident on his face from her threat.

"Maddie, I really am so sorry about everything I said to you. Will you just give me a minute so we can talk about this, please...?"

"No Jayden. If I never see you again, it will be too soon. Now stay away from me."

Angrily shoving her way into the women's restroom, Maddie headed straight for one of the three sinks lined up on the back wall. She stared at her reflection in the mirror and took in the sight of her red face and tear streaked cheeks. What was she going to do now? Who did she have left in her life that she could trust not to deceive her?

While she stared at herself, Maddie tried to work through the reason her best friend would lie to her. Megan knew how much Jayden had hurt her. She would have never believed that her best friend and her sister would betray her in this manner. If she had wanted to talk to, or even seen Jayden, she would have done it over a month ago.

Maddie tried her best to calm down by splashing cold water on her face, and then quickly patting her face dry with a rough, brown paper towel. Taking a deep steadying breath, she braced herself for what she had to do next. She was going to go back out there with her head held high. She would gather her things and leave without as much as a look back. She would deal with the nervous breakdown that she owed herself when she got home. It seemed the only person Maddie could trust anymore was herself.

Maddie stepped out of the restroom and walked directly back to their table where Nikki and Megan now sat alone. Maddie turned and looked towards the bar when she heard voices being raised. It was obvious Jayden was having a heated discussion with Aiden and Trey if the expressions and loud voices were any indications.

Turning back to the booth, she held out her hand towards her sister, not even giving her, so-called best friend a second glance.

"Nik, can you please hand me my jacket and purse. I've had enough fun tonight."

"Maddie, I didn't know he was going to be here until after I called you, I swear it."

"Save it, Megan. I'm not stupid. I know you knew about him coming when I walked into the bar. That's why you looked so nervous. I'm done with all of this tonight."

With that, she grabbed her purse and jacket out of Nikki's hand and made her way out the front door of the bar. The thunderstorm was in full swing now, and the weather was matching her mood perfectly.

Removing her keys from her purse, Maddie pulled her purse over her head and made a mad dash for her car to avoid getting completely soaked to the bone. She had just made it to the driver's side door of her car and pushed the unlock button on her remote, when an all too familiar voice stopped her dead in her tracks.

"Well, well, well, it looks like your little boyfriend's not here to defend you this time, Maddie. How long did you wait after we broke up to warm his bed? A month? A week? No, I bet you jumped in his bed that the next day didn't you? Knowing how big a slut you are, I bet you were banging his brains out the same night you left me. You were too good to sleep with me, using that lame excuse that you wanted to take it slow. We were together for over four months, Maddie, four months."

As he took a step closer to her, she noticed that he wore no jacket. Bobby was soaking wet, like he had been standing out in this storm waiting for her to come out and leave. His face was different too, thinner. The faint light of the parking lot lights made him look almost ghostly pale. Something was definitely wrong with Bobby and with that thought, fear that Maddie thought was long gone, washed over her once again.

At that moment, all Maddie could think of to do was scream with everything she had, but just as she did, a clap of thunder boomed. Real terror filled her as he stepped even closer to her and she got a good look at his face and the dark circles under his eyes. He wore a wild, crazed look. She needed to get away from him before he completely snapped and killed her.

Maddie knew there was no way she could outrun Bobby, her only chance was the item she had a death grip on in her hand. Not thinking twice about it, she pressed the panic button on her car keychain, the shrill sound of the horn blaring in alarm filled the night. For a single second, she thought she might be safe. Common sense should have told Bobby to run away quickly, but instead, the next thing she knew, his right fist connected with the left side of her face. She fought with everything she had to stay conscious, but once the back of her head connected with the blacktop of the parking lot, she knew she was going to lose the battle. Slowly, as if in slow motion, everything went silent and black.

~*~ Chapter 8 ~*~

"How could you not tell her I would be with the gang at Johnny's tonight, Megan? Seriously, you, of all people, should have known how bad a time she was having, how upset she was over everything that happened the night before your wedding, oh, and let's not forget to mention, how big of an insensitive jerk I was towards her at the church. Now, her so-called friends and even her own sister, lie to her and keep things from her. You're supposed to be her support system, the ones she can count on and turn to when she needs someone to talk to or just a shoulder to cry on."

"You know I love Maddie, she is my best friend. I really didn't know you were coming until after I had invited her. I know, I should have told her when she got here, but honestly, I thought that maybe she would give you a chance to talk to her. I didn't think she would have quite the reaction that she did. And Nikki didn't even know what was going on, so she is completely innocent in this whole ordeal. I'm sorry, Jayden, I was only trying to help."

Just then the front door burst opened and a young couple came rushing inside to get out of the rain as quickly as possible. The young cowboy looked around the small crowd of people that had braved the storm to come out on this Friday night. Walking over to their group, he spoke to everyone in general.

"Do any of you own a dark blue Toyota Camry? If you do, your car alarm is going off and your headlights are flashing. If it doesn't get shut off soon, it is going to kill your battery."

No, that couldn't be Maddie's dark blue Toyota Camry. She left the bar almost 15 minutes ago.

A sudden sense of dread washed over him. Jayden couldn't get to the door quick enough as he left everyone standing by the bar. By the time he had reached the front door to the bar, he was in a dead run. He crossed the parking in record time to the driver's side of the dark blue Toyota. It was definitely Maddie's car that he stood next to, with its lights flashing and the horn blaring. But as he turned slowly in a circle, looking for any sign of Maddie, he realized that she was nowhere to be seen. At that moment desperation took hold as Jayden started to loudly call her name.

This can't be happening. It's got to be a bad dream that's what this is.

As Jayden, followed closely by the rest of their group, neared the driver's door of Maddie's car, he saw three things that had fear coursing through his veins. He stared in horror at what he saw laying on the wet asphalt. Spread out along side of the driver's door were; Maddie's jacket, purse, and car keys. There was no doubt in Jayden's mind who had taken Maddie, and from the looks of it, she hadn't gone willingly.

Nikki and Megan pushed their way past Aiden and Trey. As they leaned around Jayden, they both stared down at the scattered items on the ground. One by one, they burst out into gut wrenching sobs as the full weight of the situation hit them both like a sledgehammer. Nikki turned and buried her face into Trey's shoulder as her whole body trembled and shook uncontrollably. Megan held onto Aiden like a lifeline as he wrapped his arms around her waist and did his best to comfort her.

"Oh my God, Bobby took her didn't?"

Nikki asked between sobs.

"We have to find her before he hurts her Aiden. We just have to. Oh God, this is my fault, all of it. She would never have been out here alone if I had just told her about Jayden when she got here."

Jayden turned and confronted the group at large as rain poured down on them.

"We'll find her, Megan. I promise you that. Trey can you and Nikki go back in and ask around and see if anyone saw anything, anything at all, out here. Aiden can you call the police and explain to them what has happened. Explain to them about everything, including Maddie's history with Bobby. One of you better call Bobby's parents. Someone needs to let them know that they need to start praying that the police find their son before I do."

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Maddie slowly regained consciousness with a pounding in her head so bad she thought she was going to vomit. A groan of pain passed her lips and she swallowed hard fighting the wave of nausea. What was wrong with her? Why was she in so much pain? Just then a damp, cold chill, raced through her body and she had to battle her stomach for control once again. Soon she realized she was lying face down on some type of leather seat. From the rocking and bouncing motion, she concluded she was in a moving vehicle.

Ever so slowly, her memory started to come back to her. Puzzle piece, by puzzle piece, it all started to fit together, until she remembered, Bobby. She remembered everything that had happened with Bobby in the parking lot. She remembered the pouring rain, the cracking of her head on the blacktop covered parking lot. She also remembered the crazy look that Bobby had on his face when he had used his fist to knock her out so she wouldn't attract attention and try to get away.

Taking a deep breath, Maddie braced herself against the pain she knew was coming as she slowly sat up. Reaching up carefully, she felt the back of her head, where it had bounced off of the blacktop parking lot. Her fingers met with something wet and sticky as she gently probed the area that was swollen to the size of an egg. When she withdrew her fingers, she saw in the faint light of the truck cab, that her fingers were covered in blood, a lot of blood. The sight of it made her stomach roll and her head spin.

She knew she had to stay calm if she had any hope of getting out of this thing alive. She glanced at Bobby's profile as he looked straight ahead at the road. From the looks of it, he seemed to have calmed down some. Maybe he would come to his senses and take her to the hospital. Saying a silent prayer, she spoke to Bobby as calmly as possible.

"Bobby, my head is bleeding badly. I think I have a concussion. I really need to be seen by a doctor. Can you please take me to the hospital or a 24 hour urgent care?"

She was met with silence, so she tried again.

"Bobby, all you have to do is drop me off, okay. I swear to you that I won't tell them about you. I'll tell them I slipped and fell in this storm. Please Bobby."

"Just shut up Maddie! Do you think that I am stupid? I know you, Maddie. I know how you think. As soon as you would walk through the hospital doors, you'd be flagging someone down. I can hear you now, telling anyone who would listen to you, some wild story about how your boyfriend smacks you around. You'd be asking for a phone so you could call him. No, no hospital, I'll take care of you as soon as I get you home."

"Bobby, your parents aren't going to allow you to do this to me. How are you going to hide me from them? You need to just stop and pull over and think this whole thing through. I swear to you, if you just let me out now, you won't be in any trouble by me."

"I don't live on my parent's ranch anymore, thanks to your buddy. I came home that night your boyfriend attacked me in the parking lot and I told my parents what had happened. Do you know what they actually said to me? They told me they would pay for me to seek professional help for my anger issues. Anger issues? They think I'm the one with issues, can you believe that? Well, I told them, in no uncertain terms, what they could do with their help. I packed up my room and moved out that night. I had to live in my truck for a few nights, but I finally found the perfect place for us, nice and secluded for privacy."

Maddie tried as hard as she could to stop the tears from falling. There was no way she would give Bobby even one more ounce of power over her. She had to push back the pounding pain that was shooting through her skull and think rationally. What were the chances of someone knowing where he was taking her? From the sound of it... they were very slim.

Taking a deep breath, she started taking notice of her surroundings. Bobby was driving in downtown Spokane. He was going north, heading towards Division Street. It was all Maddie could do not vomit from the motion of the truck and the dizzying sight of buildings whipping by at 35 mph.

Her only hope, it seemed, was to somehow draw the attention of the police. But the big question was how? What could she do in the cab of the truck to draw attention to herself?

~*~ Chapter 9 ~*~

It seemed like forever to Jayden as he stood outside of Johnny's and waited for the Spokane County Sheriff's to arrive, but actually, it had been less than ten minutes.

Jayden paced nervously as he watched the clock tick second by second. With each tick of the clock, something terrible could be happening to Maddie. Every second put her in more and more danger from this psycho. He just wanted to scream out his frustration while he watched another 20 minutes waste away while the deputies taped off the crime scene, took witness statements and bagged evidence. He knew they were just doing their jobs, covering all the bases, but that didn't help the sickening feeling of dread that was twisting his gut like a vise.

Jayden Jumped when he felt a hand squeeze his shoulder and turn him slightly. He couldn't help but notice the lines of worry that creased his cousin's normally smiling and cheerful face. Jayden suddenly realized that this whole horrifying ordeal was affecting everyone, not just him. Maddie was a sister, a best friend, and to him, the woman that he loved more than life itself, he finally realized. He prayed he would have a chance to tell her that.

"Come on Jay, let's go inside. There's nothing more you can do out here right now. You're just standing out here by Maddie's car driving yourself crazy with worry. Jack showed a deputy the parking lot surveillance tape and I, personally, positively identified Bobby. So come on, let's go inside and wait. I heard them say that they had cruisers heading toward the Carlson Ranch, so hopefully we'll hear some good news soon."

Jayden gave Trey a weak nod and slowly followed his cousin back into Johnny's.

Jayden had been pacing in front of the groups regular, large booth in the back, when a deputy walked up, glanced down at his notes for a brief moment, and asked for Nikki.

"Miss Collier, we've checked the Carlson's Ranch. Mr. and Mrs. Carlson have been extremely cooperative. They state that they haven't seen or heard from Bobby in over a month. They recalled that he moved out the same night that he had arrived home with several injuries. They said he had, what looked like, a broken nose. They observed that his face had a few small cuts, and several bruises were visible. He, apparently, described to his parents, in detail, an alleged confrontation with Mr. Evans. At that time, Mr. and Mrs. Carlson demanded that their son seek professional help for his anger management issues if he were to continue living under their roof. He moved out that very same night, and they haven't seen or heard from him since. They did, however, give us a description and license plate number of the truck he drives. We already have the description noted to be on the lookout for."

Dispatch has issued an APB, also called an all point bulletin, to all law enforcement in Spokane County as well as Kootenai County in Idaho. Just in case he crosses the border. It's our hope that we can spot him before he leaves the county. You all should go on home and get some rest. This could be a very long night. Miss Collier, we have your mother and your cell numbers and will be in contact with you both when we know something more.

There was no way Jayden was just going to go home and get some sleep. He knew he wouldn't sleep until Maddie was safe. He should have never released her when she asked him too. There had to have been another way he could have made her listen to him. He would have begged for her forgiveness, to his dying day if need be. Jayden felt like kicking his own ass for wasting over a month trying to figure out what he wanted in his life and how he should go about getting it. Now it just may be too late.

"Jayden?"

Jayden looked up to see Aiden's concerned face.

"Everyone is headed over to our house to wait for news. Jack said you could leave your truck here overnight. We're worried about you, man. So why don't you catch a ride with us over to the house."

With a slow nod of his head, Jayden put his hands in his jean pockets and slowly followed Aiden to his SUV. Within moments, they were on their way to Aiden and Megan's house.

To wait.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Careful not to be noticed by her captor, Maddie examined the interior of Bobby's truck for anything at all that she could utilize as a weapon. To her complete and utter disappointment the only thing she spotted was an empty soda cup and a few old auto deodorizers hanging from the rearview mirror.

Slowly, she reached out to the side with her left hand, careful not to draw attention to herself she felt the seat next to her. Then she felt alongside the passenger seat by the door. Still she came up empty. When Bobby slowed down for a stoplight, Maddie noticed something about the truck that had never registered before. Just when she was to the point of giving up, she had finally found something to help free herself from this Psycho. But it would all boil down to timing and just the right location for it to work.

Taking deep breaths to ward off the pain pounding in her head and calm her raging nerves, she sat back on the seat and did her best to relax. All she had to do now was wait for her perfect chance at freedom.

~*~ Chapter 10 ~*~

Sitting in the back seat of Aiden's SUV, Jayden waited for a cell phone to ring, anybody's cell phone. He wasn't picky on this point by now. He just needed some good news for a change. He knew this waiting was slowly driving him to the edge of reason. If he ever got his hands on Bobby Carlson, Jayden didn't know if he could just stop at an ass kicking, to be honest.

It had only taken twenty minutes to maneuver their way from Johnny's, in the Spokane Valley to Spokane, where Aiden and Megan lived, but as Jayden sat waiting it had seemed more like hours. The once warm and charming bungalow, now seemed to absorb their moods and was somehow sad. A chill could be felt as they stepped into the foyer. Megan excused herself and went directly into the kitchen. After saying it was going to be a long night, she let everyone know she was going into the kitchen to making a pot of coffee.

Jayden had the feeling that Megan just needed to keep herself busy for a while.

After Megan disappeared into the kitchen, Aiden lead Jayden to the living room where he took his usual seat in the recliner in the corner, next to the dark blue couch. Jayden knew there was no way he could sit still for any length of time. Before he even knew he what he was doing, he began to pace the small living room.

A knock on the front door had Aiden quickly jumping from his chair and making his way to the door. In just a few moments, Trey and Nikki entered the room with Megan following closely behind them. In her arms was a tray carrying a coffee carafe, sugar, cream and five coffee mugs.

Time was dragging along slowly. Awkward silence filled the room as they all wait for word, any word from the police. Trey and Megan were sitting on the couch, staring into their cups of coffee that they hadn't even touched yet. Nikki sat on the loveseat, clutching a throw pillow to her chest, as she did her best to stay strong for her sister. Finally, Jayden couldn't stand the silence any longer, and he let out a primal growl of frustration.

"I can't believe we haven't heard anything....not a single word. It's been almost two hours since we left Johnny's. He's had her for over three hours now. Surely they must be out of Spokane county if that was his plan. And if it wasn't, then he is held up with her somewhere doing, God only knows what, to her. I just can't stand this anymore. I can't stand this waiting and not knowing. I swear if he has done anything to her, he is a dead man."

Aiden stood up from the chair where he had been sitting and made his way to stand in front of Jayden. He put both of his hands on Jayden's shoulders and squeezed gently.

"You can't give up hope, man. They'll find her. You have got to believe that. We have a great Sheriff's Department here and they know what they are doing, so stay positive for Maddie's...."

The ring of Nikki's cell phone stopped Aiden's statement in its tracks. Nikki lifted the phone and stared at the caller ID that read Spokane Sheriff Dept. As it started on the final ring, and Nikki had made no move to answer the call, Trey took the cell phone out of her hand and answered it for her. All eyes in the room were glued on Trey as he listened carefully to what the Deputy was telling him.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Maddie knew that her chances of getting away from Bobby were quickly running out. Once Bobby turned off of Division and started heading east on Highway 2, it would be almost impossible to escape him. Maddie knew this area and she was aware of the fact that this was the safest area for her to try and escape. All she had to do was to get inside one of the businesses that lined Highway 2 on the passenger side of the truck. Once she made it inside, she would ask them to call the police and hide until the police arrived.

She had to keep telling herself she could do this, she could deal with the pain in her head for however long it would take, as long as she got away from Bobby in the end.

Maddie spied her target up ahead of them. The pizza parlor was close enough to the street so that it would make it a short run, and thank goodness it was still open. As Bobby drove closer to the traffic light, Maddie had to take a deep breath to calm her nerves. This would be her only chance and she had to time all of this just right. If she didn't succeed in her escape attempt, she couldn't bear to think about what Bobby would do to her.

This was it, her one and only chance, and she was going to take it. She had to make this work. As Bobby started to pick up speed to go through the green traffic light, Maddie acted. Reaching her hand toward the steering wheel, she took hold of the automatic gear shift lever that was mounted on the steering wheel column. As quick as lighting, with all her strength, she yanked it forward and then half way down. When the truck slammed sharply to a stop, and she heard the delightful sound of grinding gears, she knew that she had hit her target...Reverse. She quickly hit the power door lock button to unlock the door. With the door now open, Maddie bolted from the truck and ran as fast as her short legs would allow. She couldn't afford to look back to see where her abductor was, but she could hear him yelling her name and swearing at the top of his lungs.

She was only about half to her goal when her lungs started to burn and a wave of nausea washed over her, but she knew she couldn't stop, she couldn't take the chance of him being right behind her.

As Maddie approached the Pizza parlor, she heard a loud, deep, unfamiliar male voice command, freeze. She didn't know who the voice was speaking to, and she knew she should stop, but out of fear she pushed even harder. Finally, she went barreling into the front door of the restaurant. Sliding to a halt in front of the hostess podium, Maddie had to bend over for a second to catch her breath. When she raised her head, once again, to ask the hostess to phone the police, she was startled to find that the hostess was now beside her.

"Miss, I think you really need to sit down. Let me go get you something for your head. Do you need me to call anyone for you?"

Maddie couldn't help the flood of tears that started at the young woman's questions. She tried her best to slow them down long enough to speak to the young lady.

"Please call the police. My name is Maddie Collier and I was abducted. He...he is still out there somewhere looking for me. I need to hide."

"Okay Maddie, I'll call the police, but I'm having them send an ambulance for you too."

The young hostess, who's name tag read Jenna, picked up the cordless phone next to her and dialed 911. When Jenna was finished with the short conversation with the 911 operator, she walked back over to where Maddie sat.

I was informed by the 911 operator that they have police officers at the crime scene and they will be here shortly. They're sending an ambulance as we speak. They said it should be here in about fifteen minutes. They recommended since you have a head injury, to keep you awake until they get here."

Within a few minutes, the parking lot of the restaurant was filled with flashing lights and the sounds of multiple sirens. Moments later, Maddie lay on the gurney outside of the ambulance surrounded by several Spokane County Deputy Sheriffs. They bombarded her with questions about Bobby, what had happened over the last six months and the details of what had happened earlier that night. As EMT's worked on her, she answered their questions as best as she could. When it was time to leave, one of the deputies climbed in the back of the ambulance with her for her trip to the hospital.

Maddie knew she would never forget all the flashing lights she was seeing. But she took stock in the fact that she was safe from Bobby for at least a little while. She hadn't built up the courage to ask if he got away or if he was in custody. Those would be questions for tomorrow.

Maddie laid on the bed in the emergency room and watched as a small framed E. R. nurse injected a syringe of pain medication into her IV. As the medication flowed through her system she almost felt a sense of floating about the room. She did her best to listen to the ER doctor explain that stitches would be necessary to close the laceration on the back of her head, and that, yes, she did indeed have a concussion, along with a small skull fracture.

As he started to give her instructions on how it was necessary for her to stay in the hospital for at least twenty-four hours for observation, she felt herself drifting off. She really did try to stay focused on the doctor and his words, but soon realized it was a losing battle as her eyes slowly closed and she fell into a dreamless sleep.

~*~ Chapter 11 ~*~

Slowly, Maddie tried to open her eyes as the pounding in her head continued to keep a rhythm with her heart. She had never been more confused or disoriented as she struggled to focus her eyes on anything at all.

Had she been drinking Jell-O shots again, my Lord she hoped not. The last time was bad enough.

"You're safe now Maddie. No one will ever hurt you again. You have my word on that. Come on beautiful, open those gorgeous blue eyes of yours for us."

The voice was very, very familiar, and just the sound of it sent a warm sensation of safety flowing through her whole body. All she wanted to do right then was to melt into the soothing sound of it. That was until it finally hit her who the owner of the voice was.

Jayden

What was going on? When she cracked her eyes open, the first thing she saw was Jayden sitting next to the bed. In his large callused hands was her small one. He held it like it was something precious, and that only confused Maddie even more. She finally noticed, to the right of him stood her mother. Worry was clearly visible on her face as she reached out and brushed a strand of hair off of Maddie's face. To Jayden's left was Nikki, smiling a huge smile, but it was clear she had been worried too.

"Where am I and what is Jayden doing here?"

Maude Collier turned toward Jayden and gave him a weak smile, then patted his hands where they were joined with Maddie's.

"Jayden, dear. Why don't you give us a few minutes to talk to Maddie alone? There are few things that I need to discuss with her."

Jayden reluctantly nodded his head that he would grant her request for privacy. Giving Maddie a warm smile, he gently squeezed Maddie's hand and stood. Stepping away from the bed, he slowly exited the room.

"Sweetheart, I know you are probably a little out of sorts and a bit confused, so why don't we have a little talk and we can all get caught up on what's happened."

In a weak voice, Maddie pinned her sister with a glare.

"I want to know what Jayden was doing here."

Nikki gave her sister a disapproving, motherly glare, and then did her best to not upset her sister with what she had to say.

"First Maddie, I think it's time for you to listen for a change, and since you are in a hospital bed, I think now is the time perfect time. You are unable to run away from the truth and will be forced to listen. You have no idea what you being abducted by Bobby did to Jayden. I have never seen that man so freaked out with worry, and do you know why he was so freaked out?"

Maddie opened her mouth to tell her she could care less if he was freaked out with worry, but Nikki halted her words before she had a chance to even speak them.

"Of course you don't, because you have refused to talk to the man, for what, over a month. He has tried and tried to talk to you, but you refuse to take his calls or even return them. So you know what? I'm going to tell you what he has been trying to for weeks now.

He cares about you Maddie, a lot. He made a mistake when he told you he didn't want any type of relationship. He was guarding his heart against possible pain if he allowed himself to admit he had feelings for you.

When his father passed away last year, his momma had a really hard time of it. He had to watch his mother fight to go on every day, all because she had given so much of her heart to her husband. It scared Jayden to death, the thought of going through that himself. He didn't reject you because he didn't want a relationship with you, Maddie. He said what he did to protect himself from the feelings he has for you. He was scared. Please just think about giving him another chance, or at the very least just hear him out. He's a good guy, and you should know that better than anyone. To be honest, I think that's why this has hurt you so much."

Maddie looked down at her hand that Jayden had been holding so tenderly, as she fought the tears that threatened to spill. What Nikki had said kept playing over and over in her mind. She finally she had to face her own truth as she thought of the real reason she had refused to answer his phone calls or even return them. She knew if she had given him a chance to talk to her, she would be opening her heart up to him again. She wouldn't be able to refuse him a second chance if he'd requested it of her and she knew it. But what would happen to her if she did give him another chance? Would her heart survive?

"Sweetheart, I know he hurt you, but I also know you have loved him for years. My advice to you would give the man another chance. I think the two of you would be great for each other, because I have personally seen how miserable you two are apart."

Maddie looked at her mother for a few long moments. She soon realized that she hadn't given what had happened last night, one thought. Her thoughts were only filled with Jayden, and that was all she needed to know. She gave her mother a weak smile and then nodded her head to her.

"Mom you're right, can you please go find Jayden for me? I think our talk is way overdue."

Maude gave Maddie an approving smile and then squeezed her daughter's hand.

"Well, I think I should go find my daughter's knight in shining armor before he has a chance to escape. Give me a few minutes and I'll be right back with your young man, sweetheart."

"Sis, I think I'm going to go grab a latte' and give you some privacy. Maddie, I think it's time for you to follow your heart and stop thinking so much. Let love lead you now."

With that, Nikki leaned over her sister and kissed her on the forehead, then stepped out of the room.

Maddie knew that her mom and sister were right. It was time to stop fighting the feeling's she had tried to bury for Jayden. She needed to follow them, let them lead her heart to what was right for her. It was the only way she could ever be happy.

~*~ Chapter 12 ~*~

Jayden had just made a cup of old, nasty, strong coffee in the waiting room, when Maude Collier found him. He stood there stunned as he listened to her tell him that her daughter wanted to see him, and was willing to give him a chance to talk.

Jayden didn't want to lose a moment. He sat his paper cup down and hurried back down to Maddie's room. As he walked down the hall, he played over in his mind what he wanted to say to her. He didn't want to waste the chance that Maddie was giving him. Knowing how he always seem to say the wrong thing to her anymore, he needed to make sure he didn't saying the wrong things, or worse yet, something stupid to tick her off. So, as he made his way down the hallway to her room, what he was going to say to her kept playing over and over in his mind.

At Maddie's door Jayden stopped, closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and sent up a silent prayer that he wouldn't say or do something stupid. Lightly knocking on the door, he waited for her to ask him in. He heard her give him a faint "Come in." before he chanced walking over the threshold of her room.

Wyatt walked slowly back over to the chair he had vacated just a little while ago, and sat down. Looking Maddie in the eyes, he gave her a weak smile before he laid his heart out on the line.

Jayden was surprised that over the next twenty minutes, Maddie had allowed him to tell her everything. She now knew about the pain he feared and the reason why he guarded his heart so closely. He told her about the talk his mother had had with him the night of the wedding, and how it was only then, did he realize why he had said what he had to her outside of the church that day. He explained why he waited a whole week to before he called her, hoping to give her enough time to calm down.

But most of all, he told her what his true feelings for her were. How he had been crazy with worry when that psycho had taken her. He even told her about the tears of joy he had shed when Trey had told him she had been found and it looked like she was going to be okay.

Now Jayden paused and waited for some type of response from Maddie. Would she accept his heart or would she cut him loose after all that had happened between them?

"Jayden, I have been in love with you since I was thirteen years old. I would melt into this mute puddle of love sick goo every time you looked my way. I knew that you were way out of my league. I mean seriously, how much more embarrassing could one person possibly be, for God's sake. Who in their right mind would want to date the world biggest dweeb.

"I would....."

"I'm scared, Jayden. I'm scared you're going to hurt me again if I give you another chance. I don't know if my heart can handle that. I only had you in my arms for one night, and it was all I could do to get through each day. What's it going to do to me after a few months, a year? I don't know if I want to open myself up to that kind of pain."

Jayden was filled with the guilt of knowing that he was the one responsible for putting all of these doubts in her mind. He was the one who had broken her heart. Now it was all up to him, to put it back together.

Setting his hat down on the end of the bed, he reached over and placed her delicate, small hand into his large, rougher one. He locked his gaze with hers and said the last thing in the world he thought he would, to any woman, ever.

"I'm in love with you, Maddie. I've denied it for such a long time, but that stops now. I want you in my life always, but to make you happy I will back off and leave you alone, if that is what you desire from me. Even though it will break my heart, all you have to do is just say the word, and I'll be gone from your life.

I hope and pray that's not the choice you make, but it's your decision to make."

Maddie searched Jayden's eyes and found he only spoke the truth. He was willing to give her up to make her happy. He was willing to sacrifice his own heart, to save her any pain. The thought of her life without Jayden, like this last month, was too painful to think about. No, she didn't want him to step out of her life, ever.

"No, that's not what I want, but I think we need to take this a little bit slower than last time. We need to get to know each other as a couple, not as friends."

"I love you, Maddie. I'll take having you in my life any way you desire. I'm yours, to command."

Maddie smiled at him and held his hand tightly.

"If that's the case, I have your first command."

"And what would that be beautiful?"

"Kiss me."

"Your wish is my command."

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

"Jayden, I forgot to ask you earlier, what happened to Bobby? Please tell me he didn't get away?"

Jayden had to chuckle at the thought of what had actually happened to Bobby.

"First, I have to say, he's lucky I didn't find him first. And second, no, he didn't get away, but I can promise you he won't be bugging you again. What Bobby didn't know was his truck had been spotted by an unmarked police car and was being followed. The police were hanging back a few cars, just waiting for the right moment to move in on him.

When you threw his truck from drive to reverse, and locked up the tranny, that was the break the police officer had been waiting for. From what I heard, he jumped out of the truck to go after you, but didn't get too far. It seemed the officer in an unmarked police car told him to freeze, but Bobby, being Bobby, kept on running after you. So the officer had no choice but to Taser him...not once but twice.

He'll be going before a judge in the next couple of days. I know he's being charged with stalking, assault, and kidnapping. But there could be more charges coming.

"So this whole ordeal with him, it's finally over? Nothing left to do but to testify?"

"Yes beautiful, you're safe."

Epilogue

Little Church in the Valley Chapel

Spokane Valley, Washington

August 24, 2013

Trey stood on the sidewalk dressed, once again, in a tux, in front of the same church that only five months ago he stood with his cousin and their best friend Aiden. Trey was smirking at his cousin as Jayden fidgeted with his bow tie on his tux.

"I swear you had something to do with Maddie choosing August for our wedding just so you could win our bet. I'm smothering in this tux. It has to be a hundred degrees out here today."

"Speaking of our bet?"

"Hey, I made you my best man, Trey. Now you are going to break me, when I have a honeymoon to pay for. Thanks a lot."

Aiden, couldn't help but laugh, as he watched his two friends joke around.

Trey held out his right hand and gave Jayden an expectant look.

Jayden narrowed his eyes at Trey, before growling in defeat. Reaching into his tux pocket, Jayden removed several folded, twenty dollar bills. With a smirk of his own, Jayden started counting out the money into Trey's waiting hand.

"Twenty.... Forty.... you know, this is the first bet I don't mind losing to you. Sixty.... Eighty....Hey, I got a great idea!"

Jayden pulled back the money and gave Trey an evil grin before he taunted his cousin.

"Six months, double or nothing that you're next?"

Trey arched an eyebrow and gave his cousin a knowing look.

"Make it three months and you have a deal, starting now."

"You're on."

Trey held out his hand to shake on their deal.

"Good, this is going to be an easy two hundred bucks. You should know better by now, never bet against me Jayden."

Jayden started laughing.

"Trey, you shouldn't have said that!"

"Said what?"

Jayden reached over and shook Trey's hand, then reached around him and patted on the shoulder in mock sympathy.

"Hasn't anyone ever warned you about never say never? Karma can be a real...blessing."

Continue

~*~ FREE ~*~

Bonus Reads
Bonus Read

Chapter 1

"Double or Nothing"

Cowboys of the Northwest Series

By Anne Marie Beck
Chapter 1

August 31

Pulling his midnight blue, Chevy 4X4 into the parking lot of the local cowboy bar, Johnny's, Trey parked in the closest empty parking space and turned the key to shut off his truck's engine.

Setting his Stetson down on his head, Trey took a deep breath, glanced over at his passenger, and did everything he could to work up a genuinely warm smile for his date. He had a feeling his smile had failed miserably.

Trey had no idea what was wrong with him lately, but he knew it had to be serious if he couldn't offer this beauty a simple, genuine smile. To say Amber Fuller was a gorgeous Greek goddess was an understatement. With a personality that made everyone her instant friend, her long, auburn hair, and her legs that seemed to go on forever, Amber was the total package. And she did absolutely nothing for him...nothing. Yeah, there was definitely something wrong with him.

When Trey had asked Amber out earlier in the week, it had been after a restless night thinking of her, the woman that haunts his dreams. He knew he had to do all he could to get her off his mind. So he had made up his mind to start looking for that one woman that would fit his future plans. Amber had checked a lot of the boxes on his checklist. Too bad she couldn't take Trey's mind off the woman who tortured his every waking moment, of every single day, for the past week, ever since he broke things off with her.

Taking another deep breath to gain some nerve, Trey exited his side of the truck and walked quickly around the truck to the passage side door. After helping Amber step out of his raised 4X4 truck, Amber leaned in and placed a tender kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you so much, kind sir. I can't tell you what a change it is to go out with a real gentleman."

Tipping his tan Stetson as only a true cowboy can do, he gave her a wink and a warm smile.

"It was my pleasure, ma'am."

Taking hold of Amber's hand, Trey tucked her long, slender fingers into the curve of his elbow and started to walk her toward the front entrance of Johnny's Cowboy Bar and Grill.

The sound of squealing tires drew Trey's attention to the entrance of Johnny's parking lot. The maniac driver whipped this way and that before finally finding a parking spot right next to his truck. It was all Trey could do to keep from moaning in frustration as recognition struck him like a two by four. The driver's door to the little red compact opened and he saw the last person he wanted to see tonight. It wasn't enough for this girl to mentally torment him day and night, now she was taking it upon herself to torture him during his dates. Well, actually it was a date, because this was the first date he'd been on since their break up.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Nikki groaned when she saw Trey in her rear view mirror staring at her car. She fought back the tears of pain as she spied the tall redhead that could have easily been a runway model, hanging on to his arm. She couldn't help thinking that he sure didn't waste any time to start dating again, did he?

Retrieving her purse from the passenger seat, Nikki turned and opened her door and stepped out of her little car. She stood, straightened her short denim skirt and started walking as quickly as possible; her goal was the front door of the bar. She did her best to ignore Trey and his redhead, Barbie doll as she passed by them. She narrowed her gaze on the front door and took a deep breath of relief that she had made it past the happy couple. Repeating over and over to herself that she could do this, her footsteps quickened. Nikki, in another deep breath, was just starting to relax, when she heard the last thing she wanted to hear.

"Nikki?"

Crap! Double crap!!

Nikki felt her heart drop down to her toes. Steeling her nerve the best she could, she pasted her best faux smile on her face and turned to meet Trey's gaze.

"Hey, Nikki. Ummm, didn't know you were coming tonight?"

"Yeah, life is just full of surprises isn't it, Trey. If you'll excuse me, I was just...."

"Ummm, Nikki, this is Amber... Amber this is Nikki, Maddie's baby sister."

Nikki narrowed her gaze at Trey. Anger was starting to overtake all other emotions that she was feeling at that moment. Amber gave Nikki a warm smile and then held out her hand to her. Nikki never spared her a glance or even bothered to offer the Barbie doll her hand.

"It's so nice to meet you, Nikki."

"Yeah, whatever"

Nikki knew her mother would have a meltdown if she heard her daughter being so rude. Generally, Nikki would rather cut off her own hand, than behave this way, but right now she couldn't handle any more emotional garbage on her plate.

Nikki narrowed her eyes even more at Trey. She let him feel every bit of anger she felt towards him at that moment. What he had said played through her mind over and over, as if it were recorded in her brain. Maddie's baby sister..... Maddie's baby sister. It hurt like hell to know that had been all she'd meant to him. Ignoring Trey's little redheaded friend, Nikki greeted her ex-boyfriend, Trey, with as much charm as she could muster, which wasn't much.

"Oh.... hello Trey, I didn't notice you there. Well, I have people of my own age to socialize with, you know how it is. You two old people have a good night."

With that being said, Nikki put some space between herself and the irritating couple. She knew there was no way in hell she was going to stand there and watch Trey lead Barbie all the way into the bar. She also knew she was being childish, but at this moment in time she had one thought, screw it. Finally, she reached the security of Johnny's front door and almost ran inside. She came to a stop to let her eyes adjust to the dim light that lit the interior of the establishment.

"Hey Nikki, your usual beer?"

Jack, the bartender, yelled out to her as she walked by.

"Sure, that would be great, thanks, Jack."

Stopping at the bar, Nikki, pulled her wallet out of her purse, but a gentle hand stopped her from opening it. Looking up in confusion, Nikki was met with the biggest pair of green eyes she had ever seen. Jayden's ranch foreman, Jackson Richards, stood before her in all his cowboy glory. Nikki knew he really was a dream worthy cowboy, with his dark brown hair, his tall stature, and let's not forget, the way he could fit into a pair of wranglers, like nobody's business. There was only one thing wrong with this gorgeous cowboy as far as Nikki was concerned...he wasn't Trey.

"Hey Jack, can you drop that beer off at the table for us? This little lady and I have a date with your dance floor."

"We do?"

Jackson took Nikki's tiny hand and pulled her onto the dance floor. Engulfing her small frame in his arms, Jackson leaned down and whispered into her ear.

"I hope this was okay, us dancing and all? You just seemed a little flustered and upset when you walked in. I thought maybe you could use a little distraction from whatever the problem was."

"Not a what, but, more like a who. And thank you, Jackson. You've become a very good friend to me over the last few months and right now I really need a friend more than anything."

Nikki glanced around Jackson's shoulder and spotted Trey sitting his little redheaded, bimbo friend into their booth. The man actually had the nerve to drape his arm over her shoulder, as she sat there and talked to her friends and family. Nikki couldn't help but notice that Trey's focus wasn't on the tall redheaded beauty sitting next to him. Oh no, that would have been too easy for Trey, no, he was sitting there with his arm around another woman while he was glaring daggers at the back of Jackson's head. Nikki was sick to death of these little mind games he was playing.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Things only went from bad to worse for Trey when he spotted Jackson and Nikki staying out on the dance floor for another dance. The fact that it was a slow dance irritated him even more. Trey just knew that there were sparks shooting out of his ears when he saw Jackson pull Nikki a little closer and place his hand on the small of her back. Oh, and to top it off, the man had the nerve to lay his cheek on top of her head.

After the slow dance had ended, Nikki and Jackson stepped off the dance floor and stood talking by the bar. Trey couldn't do anything but watch, as Jackson and Nikki exchanged cell phones and keyed their numbers into each other's phones. Nikki gave Jackson a flirty smile and handed him his cell phone back. Jackson said something to her and the next thing Trey knew, Jackson was holding his phone up towards Nikki as she struck her best, Marilyn Monroe, pose for his cellphone camera. The final straw for Trey was when Nikki reached up and brought Jackson's face close to hers. As she did, she held out her own cell phone and snapped a picture of the two of them, together.

Enough was enough. Trey removed his arm from around Amber's shoulder and was just about ready to stand, when the sound of Maddie's voice broke through his anger.

"It's really nice seeing my sister hitting it off with someone. I don't know what has been going on with her, but I was really starting to get worried about how depressed she's been lately. We even thought about cancelling our honeymoon because she had been so upset at the wedding. But you know Nikki, she wouldn't hear of it. This is the first time I've seen her smile in.... in weeks. I asked if she was having guy trouble, but she just refused to talk about it. All she said was, she needed to start hanging out with people her own age, whatever that meant."

Megan looked at her best friend and then to Nikki. She was at the bar laughing, standing next to Jackson.

"That is really strange. She'd seemed so happy and on top of the world for months and then, all of a sudden, it was like someone flipped a light switch. Maybe your right, maybe this guy turned out to be a jerk and she's just too ashamed to confide in us."

Trey narrowed his eyes at Megan. He tried his best to bite his tongue and ignore the two women as they gossiped, but he soon lost the battle.

"You know, he might be a great guy and you two are sitting here bashing him for something that he didn't do."

Both Megan and Maddie looked at him like he had lost his freakin mind, which at this point, he wouldn't be shocked to find out he had.

Maddie gave Trey her best, disappointed mother, look before addressing him.

"Really, Trey? You know how sweet Nikki is, you're her friend too. Why would you stick up for someone like this guy? You know what, it doesn't matter. I'm just glad she got that jerk out of her life. I mean my sister is so caring and would do anything for anyone. She deserves better than some guy just looking for a good time. There are a lot of pigs out there that wouldn't think twice to hurt someone like my sister and moving on to the next as quickly as possible."

If Trey could have melted into the booth, he would have at that moment. He had never meant to hurt Nikki. He cared about her and he felt terrible when he told her he needed to find someone closer to his own age. She'd not taken the news well at all and she had demanded to know what she had done wrong. How was he supposed to tell her that when she told him she loved him, his own feelings freaked him out so bad that it left him stunned? How could he tell someone like Nikki, that yes, he had feelings for her, but because of her age and the detailed plans he had mapped out for his life, there was no place for her. She had done nothing wrong, but he couldn't get over a five-year difference in their age. It was his hang up, not hers, but he couldn't make her see that. She was too young for him, way too young.

A swift kick to his shin had Trey jumping in pain. Rubbing his throbbing shin, he glared across the booth at his cousin, Jayden.

"Are you okay? You were spacing out there for a few and mumbling something about, too young. Way too young. Care to share with the rest of the class what you're talking about?"

"Ummm.....no, not really."

Jayden narrowed his eyes at his cousin.

"You and I are going to have a talk later, and if what I think you were talking about was indeed what you were talking about, you are in some serious shit with me, Trey. You following what I'm saying to you?"

Trey nodded his head as his eyes travelled over the rest of the group at the table. If the confused looks were anything to go by, no one else had picked up on what was really going on between Trey and Jayden. That was probably a good thing, from the sounds of Maddie and Megan's discussion about the pig Nikki had been seeing. It was a very good thing.

Bonus Read

Chapter 1

"The Story of Us"

~*~ Chapter One ~*~

October 26, 2012

Friday morning

"I'm late. I'm late. I'm late, just great. Mr. Holmes has that new client, C. R. Branson coming in first thing this morning and I wanted to meet him before I started editing his books, but no. I. Am. Late. Again. He is going to fire me for sure, this time!!!"

Katie knew she should really stop talking to herself, but after the morning she was having, there was no way she would ever manage it without hurting herself again mental and physically.

After she had hit the snooze (the inventor of that little device, must have been a dreaded morning person) on her alarm clock at least six times, she finally managed to drag herself out of her warm and cozy bed. Staggering from sleep, she aimed herself towards the bathroom doorway. This was going to have to be the fastest shower in the history of the world.

Before Katie could even reached the doorway of her destination of the bathroom and a much need shower, the leg of her dresser reach out and tried to break off her pinkie toe on her left foot. Katie just knew the dresser must be in cahoots with Mr. Lazy, her cat. There was no other explanation for a piece of innocent furniture to take such a traitorous action against her person.

Over the last five years, Katie had come to the conclusion that her cat, Mr. Lazy's life goal was to find new and imaginative ways of tripping her at least twice a day.

Katie now was not only terrible late, but was now in severe pain, since she had just spent the next five minutes hopping on her right foot and once more talking to and yes, you guessed it, herself. She also had a few choice words for the dresser that so violently attacked her for no apparent reason.

Did she actually think the evil piece of furniture would actual answer her, when she asked it if the cat was the mastermind of the attack?

The least it could do was, apologize for what looked like from the swelling was a broken foot. After she had finished her fierce tirade with the spawn of hell, disguised as a piece of her furniture, she finally managed to limp into the shower. Maybe her luck was changing this morning, she made it without falling and cracking her head in the tub.

After dressing for work and trying to taming her mass of red curls she had been cursed with, the next battle ensued. Katie wasted another ten minutes, when she realized that her foot and pinky were now so swollen that she knew there was no way she was going to get her regular work shoes on her foot. Katie quickly emptied her closet, of her whole shoe collection. Being left with no choice, Katie had to finally surrender and declare defeat, (sorry, bad pun).

Her valuable minutes were ticking by too fast. She changed from one of her standard dresses she normal wore to work, too a dark hunter green cashmere sweater, black dress slacks. Then she had to fight to put on the only pair of shoes she owns that at this moment would fit her swollen toe and foot. Oh, yeah, her old red tennis shoes that really was just what this outfit screamed for. She doubted that this was not a fashion statement that would catch on anytime soon.

Making her way to the front door, she tripped over her Mr. Lazy, like usual. This morning, he laid his trap by lying halfway under the coffee table with his butt sticking out. He was all ready to spring on Katie his part of the scheme that he had with the dresser...which he did, quite successfully, I might add. Then he so humbly rewarded her with an irritated meeeoow, for her having disturbed his peaceful slumber.

Katie had righted herself, before she fell and pick up her purse sitting on a small table by the front door. She was very proud of herself for doing all of this, without any further injuries to her already pain filled body, and then limped her way out the front door and down six flights of stairs.

Now, clumsily hobbling down the street in a not so graceful way, Katie watched in horror as black smoke bellowed behind the massive mode of transportation that was her ride to work. All she could do now was watch the silver bus grew smaller by the second.

"Crap, crap, crap. I need a rewind button for days like this one, I swear!!!"

Madder than a wet hen in a thunderstorm and yes, once again talking to...herself, Katie started to turn so she could hobble back to the bench to get off her throbbing left foot and wait for the next bus.

As she looked down and reach inside her purse that was the size of airplane carry-on bag, she search to retrieve her cell phone. She ran through her mind what she was going to tell Mr. Holmes this time, to explain her tardiness? With her eyes still on her purse, she took a step for balance and of course that was when her left foot went on attack.

The blasted thing decided right then and there, to give out on her. With arms flailing in the air madly, she stumbled and fell right into the road. With her body falling toward the asphalt and her eyes wide with fear, she spotted a small red sports car speeding down the road, heading straight towards her.

The last thing she remembered was a blood-curdling scream, her own and then the pain exploding in the back of her head as it made contact with the road. Blackness was gradually overtaking her and she could have sworn, she heard an almost angelic voice asking her if she was all right. The heaven-sent voice paused for only a split second before saying,

"Oh My God, you're beautiful...ummm, are those Converse tennis shoes?"

Her last thought before the blackness wasn't about dying or her family, oh no. Her last thought as everything dimmed was the fact that she had been right, this fashion trend of hers, was definitely not going to catch on.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Conner Stormed out of his up-scaled penthouse apartment and made his way to the elevator. Arriving a few minutes later into the parking garage. He hustled over to his red, Mercedes convertible, jerking the door open and through his briefcase into the passenger seat. In all of his twenty-nine years, Conner couldn't ever remember being so mad...ever.

There was only one question that kept repeating it's self over and over again in his mind, how did she do it. Conner had paid a fortune, to live in this high-tech secured building, with dozens of securing codes that even he had trouble keeping straight on a good day. So the question in his mind was, how the hell had that woman done it? The shock that he woke up to this morning wasn't going to repeat itself again, he knew that much for damn sure.

Seriously, waking up to find a strange woman in his bed was enough to scare the shit out of anyone. This woman was not only strange in the sense, he didn't know her, but strange, that this woman was bat shit crazy. And to top it all off, this crazy, strange woman had been NAKED to top it all off. Conner knew he had a bit of a repetition with the lady's, but still this was way over the line.

Things had changed for Conner over the last year, when a stalker tried to shot him, coming out of his old apartment building. Since that terrible night, he didn't leave his new apartment much and had become somewhat of a recluse. Nothing like having a gun barrel pointed at you, to make you change your life completely. He didn't know if he would ever get over the whole shooting ordeal, because when he saw the crazy woman this morning, the memories from a year ago came flooding back, making him freeze up for a moment.

Now, after dealing with several amused police officers, for almost two hours and having to change all his security codes...again, which he just knew he would never keep straight. Conner was now severely late for his meeting with his new editor and madder than hell about the ordeal this morning.

This was definitely not how Conner had wanted to start his day off. In fact, he didn't want any day to start like this one, period.

Taking a deep breath to calm himself down, before he started the car, Conner could feel some of the anger he felt melt away.

Once somewhat calm, he turned the key and started his car. Pulling out of the parking garage, he headed straight towards the editor's office. Conner needed to give George a heads up that he was running late, so he pulled his cell phone out of the front pocket of his trousers.

George's phone went straight to voicemail. Conner hated leaving messages on voicemail. No one ever seemed to get their messages on time or even bothered to call anyone back. He hit end and disconnected the call, without leaving a message. He would call George back, in a few more minutes.

Taking a hard right, he started to pick up speed, he had a good sixteen blocks, before he had to turn again and the traffic today was on the light side for a change for New York City. Maybe luck would be on his side and he would only be twenty minutes late to his meeting.

Picking up his cell phone from the passenger seat, he hits send again and he waited for the call to connect. Out of the corner of Conner's eye, he spotted a red-haired woman staggering on the edge of the sidewalk. She didn't seem to be paying any attention to her surrounding as she continued to dig through her huge purse.

It was then that everything seemed to happen at once, George answered his phone, as the young woman stumbled off of the sidewalk...right in front of his car.

Conner dropped the phone, as he grasped the wheel with both hands and slammed on the brakes. When the car finally came to a stop, Conner thought his heart was going to beat right out of his chest with fear. He hadn't felt any kind of impact or thud under his tires, but still the woman was not getting up.

Exiting his car quickly, he rushed around to the front of the car and the vision that meet his gaze, almost stopped his heart. Lying on the ground was a red-haired goddess. He knelt beside the woman, who seemed to be fighting to stay conscious. Conner's voice, as he spoke to the woman sounded weak and unsteady even to his own ears. What was wrong with him?

"Are you all right?"

Conner got received no response. When he started to ask the same question again, the words that came out could not have been his own as he gazed took in the entire gorgeous red-haired temptress in front of him.

"Oh My God, you're beautiful."

Conner paused for a slight moment when he noticed the young woman's feet

"Umm, are those Converse tennis shoes?"

He didn't receive a reply because it looked like the woman had finally lost the battle to stay conscious.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

Katie struggled to come out of the black fog that had completely engulfed her. Her head felt like a marching band was doing a half time show inside her skull and she just knew a semi-truck had run over her left foot. The pain was now shooting up her calf muscle and was heading for her knee and all areas north on that particular body part.

Carefully, Katie struggled to open her eyes, but was greet by what seemed like the blinding light of the sun. Quickly, Katie shut her eyes once again as the marching band picked up their beat in her head. She tried to move, but all that accomplished was to make her moan.

"It looks like sleeping beauty has finally decided to wake up."

"Oh. My. God, I'm dead, I have to be dead. I can still hear that angel talking to me again. Crap! What about Mr. Lazy, who will feed him and trip over him every day and my parents, I haven't spoken to them for almost two months. Now it's too late."

"Woman, what are you talking about, you're not dead and who is Mr. Lazy?"

"Yes I am! I'm dead, I just know it. If I'm not dead, how could I be talking to an angel?"

"Ma'am, you really need to open your eyes and look at me."

"No...it hurts when I open them."

"See, that just proves my point it right there, you're not dead. If you were dead would you still be feeling pain?"

Katie thought the angel's comment over and he did seem to have a point. She always thought when someone died, they didn't feel pain anymore. Wait, if he wasn't an angel then who or what was he?

Cautiously, she cracked open her right eye, a bright light felt like a knife going straight into her brain, which again seemed to supercharge the marching band. Then in a matter of just a few seconds, the blinding light was gone.

Opening her left eye, she stared straight into the face of a man who could easily be mistaken for an angel. His hair was so dark that it could easily pass as black and it seemed to highlight his perfect facial features. But what made her gasp out loud, were his eyes. The color of blue ice, they held her totally mesmerized in their gaze.

"Green."

Katie shook her head, as she tried to understand what he was talking about. Green? What was green? Was she green?

"Ummm...excuse me, but what's green?"

"Your eye's, they are a breathtaking shade of green. Reminds me of a jade figurine my mother has."

Katie squinted at this angel/ man in a confused manner. Did she have green eyes? It was hard for her to even think now with his gaze locked on her. Yes, she seemed to remember she did have green eyes.

"Who are you, if you aren't an angel?"

"Call me Conner and you are Katie Ann Rawlins.

Yup, that was her.

"Sorry, I had to retrieve your ID from your purse, for the ambulance and hospital. It's safe though, sitting over there on the counter."

"Oh."

"You're in the ER. When you fell in front of my car, you must have hit your head on the asphalt. An ambulance brought you here and I followed. The doctor should be here any moment to talk to you. Can I call anyone, for you?"

As Conner watched Katie closely, she turned a cute shade of pink and slowly tried to sit up. Finally managing it with a face pinched with pain.

"No, all my family live on the west coast, Oregon actually. I'm so sorry about all of this...Conner. I injured my foot this morning and it gave out on me at the wrong time. That's why I missed my bus and was walking back to the bench, to wait for the arrival of the next one. I must not have been paying attention to where I was stepping, because I was looking for my cell phone to call Mr. Holmes, to tell him I would be late. OH CRAP! Mr. Holmes is going to fire me for sure over this. I have to call him and let him know what's going on. Great, just great and he had that new, high-profile author coming in today."

Conner listened to her babble away only hearing about half of what she was saying as he stared at her like a besotted teenager. That was until Katie got to the last part of her rambling statement, which made him sit straight up.

"Mr. Holmes? That wouldn't be George Holmes, would it by any chance?"

She looked at him closely and confusion washed over her, already impact scrambled brain.

"Umm, yes it would, I'm one of his editors and he is going to be furious with me. You know him?"

"Sure do. In fact, I was on my way to meet with him this morning. You know what? Let me give him a call and I will smooth things over with him."

"I don't think that will help much, I really don't think the man likes me very much and I'm always late because my bus is never on time, except for this morning that is. I might as well face the fact and look for another editing job."

"I promise Katie, he'll listen to me."

"And why would he listen to you?"

"I guess I should start this part all over again. Let me reintroduce myself to you. C. R. Branson and it is a pleasure to meet you, Katie."

Katie's mouth fell open like a big-mouthed bass and she stumble to find the words, but found they had completely abandoned her at this moment, as she watched C. R. Branson walk out of her room to make a call to Mr. Holmes.
