MADISON

I stood frozen, facing the door in the eerie stillness of the living room. I had anticipated this moment, knowing it would feel like bruises and cuts and scratches, maybe even fractures in my heart. It had been inevitable. With Caden, nothing ever seemed to endure.

Each passing second felt like an eternity, a cycle of pain spreading through me like a contagious disease, gradually consuming me. I couldn't pinpoint what brought tears to my eyes. If I were being honest with myself, I knew I had made many mistakes that had led to this moment.

He used all the selfish moments we shared and thrust them in my face as if I were nothing more than a one-night stand.

Perhaps I am. Maybe I'm truly a terrible person. Perhaps I deserve this treatment.

I closed my eyes tightly, partly to escape this place, but mostly because I feared the intensity of the pain that awaited when I opened them. I dreaded the realization that it was still Saturday morning, and I stood near the door of the person I couldn't stop wanting, even though I knew it was wrong and he despised me for it.

But this isn't you. You used to be brave. What happened? My inner voice taunted.

Yes, what had happened to me?

I used to detest Caden, to rebel against him. So what changed? Why was it so difficult to summon a retort whenever his piercing hazel eyes scrutinized me? Why did merely inhaling his rich cologne make it hard to breathe? Why was his touch so potent?

With a frustrated exhale, I suppressed the tears that burned in the corners of my eyes. Gritting my teeth, I guided myself to my room, seeking refuge.

All I required for escape was my bicycle, a change of clothes—black denim pants, a chunky knit sweater, and my Toms. After shoving my cell phone into my pocket, I hurried out of the building, quickly gathering my hair into a ponytail.

As the elevator door chimed, I emerged from the entrance and hopped onto my bike, riding away as far as I could.

***

Palo Alto proved to be enchanting as I pedaled around the vibrant town, a sea of yellow and orange leaves decorating the pavement. The sun's golden rays peeked through the clouds, casting a warm, friendly glow. Chirping birds filled the air above the tree-lined canopy, their almost-melodic tune matching my mood and soothing my restless mind.

I cycled along, absorbing the sweet morning atmosphere, surrounded by the activity of the town's residents—people on foot or riding bikes. The Saturday crowd wasn't overwhelming; cars moved steadily over the asphalt, emitting gentle honks. Couples donned workout attire as they jogged together, while the indistinct chatter of children blended seamlessly with the serenity of the weekend morning.

It was a comforting scene, and I found myself momentarily able to overlook the complications of the past week.

Deciding to take a break, I parked my bike beside a café and stepped inside, seeking a warm cup of morning coffee. The café was pleasantly uncrowded, and I secured a seat by the open double-door window.

After placing my order with the waitress, I settled back into my chair and retrieved my phone, realizing I hadn't checked it in a while. Tapping the screen, I saw emails and a single text message from an unfamiliar number.

Uncertain, I clicked on the thread.

"Good evening, Madison. I hope you don't mind my having your phone number. I'd like to suggest another meeting to get to know you better. Bryan Tatum."

Could this be real?

Did Bryan Tatum just text me?

A wave of excitement surged through me, and I grinned like a fool. I must have appeared completely ridiculous in the café, but I didn't care.

He wants to know more about me? He's not talking about a therapy session. He's talking about me.

I scrutinized the message, realizing it had been sent the previous evening, around eight o'clock.

Damn it! That must have been the notification that startled me during the reception at work.

If only I had looked at my phone then, maybe the events of last night with Caden could have been different. Maybe the spark between us wouldn't have ignited so intensely, or at the very least, I wouldn't have tasted his saliva on a fork.

Things could have been simpler if we had only looked past the alley incident, rather than getting so deeply involved, sharing a bed, and holding each other last night, only for Caden to change his demeanor this morning, shifting like a chameleon.

When my order arrived, I thanked the waitress and raised the warm mug to my lips, savoring the delightful taste that warmed my throat. I relished a moment of solace until that insidious voice crept in, motivating me to act on a motive I couldn't clearly define.

I pressed the button and waited, my heart racing.

"Hello, Madison?" A mature, deep voice greeted me.

Damn it, I hadn't meant to call Bryan Tatum.

CADEN

The thumping beat of old classic music reverberated through the walls of the house, the dark backdrop merging with the heated and sweaty atmosphere of the party. I lounged on a worn red couch that must have witnessed countless naked bodies. It had been two hours since the frat party began, and I was already feeling the effects of the alcohol.

Some guys who had left for the backyard had commented on my bloodshot eyes and assumed I'd had enough drinks for the day. But who cares? If they were in my shoes, they'd understand.

"You look bored. Wanna dance?" Two girls approached, offering their company.

My response should be etched on my forehead by now.

"No, thank you." I sighed, closing my eyes, trying to escape the repetitive scene.

How many girls did I have to turn down today?

"Are you sure? You're too cute to be on your own."

I peeked at them through one eye. "Says who? I am on my own, aren't I?"

They exchanged a quick glance before smiling at me. "Uhm, you've been sitting here for quite a while," the taller one observed.

"Have you been keeping an eye on me?" I sarcastically scoffed, lazily pushing strands of hair behind my ear.

"Everyone keeps their eyes on the good stuff." They both sat down on the couch beside me without asking, their hands starting to explore my torso.

"You've certainly caught every girl's attention," they pointed out, stating the obvious.

"You see that guy over there?" The girl on my right motioned to a shy guy who was staring in our direction.

"The one with blonde curls," the other girl added.

"What about him?" I asked, somewhat reluctantly.

"He said he'd be gay for you," they both whispered simultaneously, and I chuckled.

"Is that so?"

"You make people horny," one of the girls whispered seductively in my ear.

I narrowed my eyes at the guy they were referring to, and he quickly turned and disappeared into the noisy, sweaty crowd.

"Come on, let's fuck," the tall girl demanded.

I turned to her with a smirk. "So forward."

"I don't like to waste time when I can't resist myself. I want you," she purred, biting her bottom lip suggestively.

With an intent smile, I shifted my gaze to the other girl. "And you?"

"I've always wanted a threesome," she winked, rolling her tongue against the inside of her cheek.

That was all the encouragement I needed to let them lead the way through the chaotic, alcohol-infused crowd of dancers.

You see, for the past few hours since I left home, I'd been wondering if maybe hooking up with some different girls, like I've done many times before, might help alleviate the mental and emotional turmoil that Madison had stirred within me.

Even though I'd been declining dance proposals, I'd still managed to screw two girls in the last hour.

Don't get me wrong, it was mostly experimental, and partly for my own well-being.

Both girls grabbed my hands and guided us towards the staircase, their excitement palpable.

On the second floor, the noise level was slightly lower than the first, but the hallway was cluttered with empty bottles. The girls stumbled over them, and when I caught them in my arms, they both giggled.

"You're so strong," one of them whispered breathlessly.

The electronic music had transitioned to a mellower tune by Ed Sheeran.

We walked down the messy hallway, which reeked of drugs and weed. One of the girls turned to me with a mischievous smile.

"We can find some privacy here," she smirked and pushed open the door to the room I had occupied earlier before the party began.

"Told you it would be a good spot," she beamed as she examined the room.

Just as I was about to embrace the moment, my phone buzzed in my side pocket.

"Hmm," I groaned, not particularly thrilled by the interruption.

I just wanted to get this over with and move on.

"No phones, let's just enjoy ourselves," the other girl instructed, snatching my phone from my pocket and tossing it onto the sofa. "I'll take your shirt off," she added, while the other girl shamelessly began stripping right in front of me.

Hell yes.

From my vantage point, I could still see the phone's screen flashing, but I was beyond caring about anything, especially with the alcohol coursing through my veins and my heightened state of arousal.

With a deep breath, I grabbed the naked girl by the nape of her neck and pulled her in for a passionate kiss, while the other girl giggled and started to undo my pants.