[chapter eighteen]
Disclaimer: If you've heard of them, I don't own them. Everything else is mine, so no stealing, pretty please. ;-)
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~Jeff's POV~
I don't know if I should be pissed, shocked or just flat out turned on.
As it turns out, I seem to be all three at the moment.
"Wow." I say instead, trying to contain my grin. "Wasn't expecting that from a nice girl like you."
"Shut up!" Madelyn shoots back. "See what you do? You make me so mad!"
I duck my head, suddenly sorry for goading her so many times. I'm surprised she hasn't hit me upside the head yet.
Maybe if I can just make her smile…
"I don't think Joan has any Jello, but I might be able to concoct something out of Kool-Aid. Cherry or grape?" I venture, watching her face for a reaction.
For a long moment, she just stares at me, her eyes glittering like diamonds.
And then she throws back her head and laughs as loudly as I've ever heard anyone laugh.
I grin in response as her laughter slowly drifts away. "Nice try, Gordon."
I shrug. "Worth a shot."
"Why?" She questions.
"Why what?" I ask. "Why is it worth a shot?" She nods and waits for me to continue. "Well, duh, Madelyn. Haven't you figured it out by now?"
She shakes her head no.
I'm going to kick her ass, I swear.
Right before I make her mine.
"I want you." I say, tracing patterns into the carpet with my toe and avoiding her eyes.
"No you don't."
"Trust me when I say, I do." I answer softly. "I always have."
"I somehow doubt the always part."
I don't.
"This is a really bad idea, Jeff."
"What is?"
"Us. Us is a really bad idea."
Please god, just give me the chance
to prove to her it's the best idea I've ever had.