* * *
The golden sunlight streamed through the cream-colored vertical
blinds as Maddy quickly silenced an alarm clock blaring Kathy Troccoli's
latest hit, Everything Changes. She grudgingly blinked open her eyes as she
sank her head back down into her plush pillow. Ugh! She didn't even drink
and felt like she had a hangover.
As she stretched her arms over her head and gazed at the whirling
ceiling fan, she recalled fondly the events of the previous night. Even if
she never saw Ken Lockheart again, she would always remember their
brief time together. In just a few short hours, he'd demonstrated more
respect and admiration for her than Jake had in nearly two years. It was
reassuring to know that good men were indeed out there. No matter what
may or may not transpire with Ken, one thing was certain: Maddy was
over the last vestiges of sadness and depression for a man who never
deserved her in the first place. For once, she actually felt relieved to be rid
of him before doing something stupid, like walking down the aisle.
She hauled her five-foot, two-inch frame out of bed and headed for
the bathroom, mindful not to wake a deeply slumbering Carmen in the
next bed. As she washed her face, brushed her teeth and carefully applied
minimal make-up to complement her slightly sunburned cheeks, her
thoughts drifted aimlessly to the handsome ex-sailor from Somers Point.
Was he sincere? Would he actually show up on the sand today? Did he really feel the
same exciting attraction?
She slipped a comfortable cotton sundress over her head, adjusting its
aqua spaghetti straps before smoothing the white A-line embroidered skirt
and stepping into a pair of cute white wedge sandals, safe for walking the
13 blocks to and from church on the boardwalk. Maddy stole a quick
glance at her watch, confirming she had just about enough time to get to
10:30 a.m. Mass by foot, rather than fight for a parking space in the
overcrowded St. Augustine lot. As an added bonus, it would satisfy her
brisk exercise requirement for the day. After running a brush through her
silky auburn hair, she raced down the stairs and out through the back
patio.
* * *
Ken awoke to a bright blue sky and streaming rays peering through
the skylight above his king-sized waterbed. He placed his hands behind
his head as he gazed up at a brand-new morning, still thinking of the
amazing woman he'd been with only a short time before. Madeline Rose.
Did he dream her sweet face and adorable admonitions to knock off the PDA's?
Could he ever forget the exquisite feel of her in his arms as they slow danced, or the way
she spoke in enthusiastic bursts about topics that interested her? More importantly did
he actually stand a chance with someone so bright and educated?
He rolled onto his side as he adjusted his pillow and kicked the satin
sheets down to the end of the bed. Thinking of her attending Sunday
Mass-most likely in a feminine dress complemented by the perfect
accessories-made him smile. He could picture her long, flowing hair
partially caught up in a bow, and her tiny hands holding the prayer book,
or reaching out to offer someone a sign of peace. Though he'd been
raised as a Catholic himself, Ken hadn't set foot inside a church in years.
For Maddy though, he'd definitely reconsider.
Whoa! He barely knew this girl and already she wielded enough power
over him to accomplish what no one else could: bring him back into the
spiritual fold as well as stimulate his mind and excite his body. Thinking
of her smooth, flawless skin, his mind began to wander. He imagined
what she'd feel like beneath his touch as her warm lips met his for a
passionate kiss, while they lingered under an incandescent moon on the
soft sand.
Lost in these seductive thoughts, the harsh reality of a ringing phone
startled him back into the present, with its endless responsibilities and
unwavering demands. Sure enough, it was his co-worker Quentin on the
line, reminding him of his promise to work at the plant for him that
afternoon so he could spend time with his family on his daughter's
birthday.
"My shift starts at three, don't be late," Quentin urged him.
"C'mon, man you know I am the most reliable guy in the whole
place," Ken reminded him. "You don't have to worry, I'll be there."
Three o'clock. Perfect. He'd have plenty of time to find Madeline Rose and sweep
her off of her feet before then.