Page 31 of Saving Meadow

“I was never worried. There was no way she could ever fall in love with someone else. Not when the connection we had was so strong. She needed to live and grow too. Besides, look at me, you think another man could stand a chance?”

Mike and I both laughed at Joel’s arrogance. He was a good-looking man, but Ellie? She was stunning and brilliant. Joel had definitely married up. Dr. Ellie Brinkley worked for the CDC here in Virginia.

“I’m not saying you think of her as filler, and I never thought of any of the women I dated that way. But her? Her self-esteem the way it is, I can see why she feels that way,” Joel added.

“I hate she feels that way. She told me about her hysterectomy. I didn’t tell her I already knew. That’s another thing, she feels like she has nothing to offer a man because she can’t have kids.”

“Adopt.” Mike shrugged, mirroring my thoughts.

“That’s what I told her She has options but can’t see past the fucking scar on her face. As if it matters - she’s still Meadow, and anyone that can’t see past it is a fucking fool.” Mike and Joel stood speechless staring at me with matching grins. “What?”

“I know I asked you this before, but are you sure you’re ready for her? A woman like Meadow isn’t looking for a quick romp,” Joel asked.

“I’ve had my fair share of women. I’ve never been a one-night stand kinda guy. I like knowing who I’m taking to my bed. But that’s not to say I haven’t done it. Am I ready to get married? Shit, I just met her, I can’t answer that. However, now that I know there is a Meadow Holiday out there in the world, I can’t stop thinking about her. I want to learn everything about her. Hell, I want her to know everything about me.”

“You’ve got your work cut out for you,” Mike noted, unnecessarily I might add. I’d already known, but last night nailed the point home. I was going to have to battle it out.

“Damn Boy Wonder, go big or go home, right?” Joel laughed.

“She’s worth it,” I told them.

“Then fight and don’t stop until you erase all the nonsense from her head. While talking about your lady love has been exciting, I got work to do. Mike, you coming?” Joel pushed away from our group and waited for Mike.

“Yeah, I’m coming,” he answered, then said to me, “dig in deep. Dig in so fucking deep she can’t get you out.”

I watched as the guys walked away and thought about what they’d both said. Mike was right. I was going to dig in so deep she’d never want to get me out.

I grabbed my phone and pulled up the messaging app, opened a new text box, and put my plan into action.

Me: Free for lunch?

I’d decided last night I wasn’t going to play games. I wanted Meadow, and there was no sense in fucking about. I didn’t need to play it cool and wait a few days before I reached out and set up another date - Meadow didn’t need that either. She wasn’t the type of woman that you kept waiting.

Meadow: Today?

Me: Yes. Today.

Meadow: You didn’t get enough of me being a blubbering mess last night? Are you a glutton for punishment or a closet masochist? FYI – I don’t know how to wield a whip.

Damn, she was funny.

Me: Lucky for you – I do.

There was a pause before my phone beeped. I hadn’t realized I was holding my breath until I opened the message.

Meadow: I’m not sure if the flip-flop in my belly is because I should run and hide under my bed or if the thought of you with a whip is… exciting.

Any hope I’d had to control my erection flew out the window. Fuck. I wasn’t into whips and chains but the thought of pinkening Meadow’s ass with my palm while I took her from behind was certainly…exciting.

Me: I don’t think the guys would appreciate me walking around the office with a hard-on. Lunch? Can we continue to explore the option of leather goods over burgers? And just so you know – I’d find you if you ever tried to hide from me.

Meadow: Yes to lunch. No to talking about this in person.

Me: Why not in person?

Meadow: I can be brave over text. I can tell you things without having to look you in the face and have you see me embarrassed or shy. IDK. It’s stupid.

Damn. She was adorable.