Taste of Love

chapter Sixteen




When Madison walked out of the restaurant that night, Cameron was there waiting for her. "What are you doing here?" she asked, pleasantly surprised.

"Well, I didn't want you to walk home all alone this late at night." He waited for her to lock the doors before he took her hand.

"You know I've made this walk alone many times before and nothing's happened to me."

"I know, but I worry," he told her. "Just let me be a man, alright?"

"Fine, fine, fine." She turned to where Abby was hailing a cab. "See you tomorrow Abby?" She was hoping that the new employee liked it enough that she'd be returning.

"Without a doubt!" Abby smiled as she got into her cab and drove away.



Once they were home, Cameron sat down and turned the television on. When he patted the spot next to him on the couch, Madison shook her head, and laughed at the pout he gave her.

"Give me an hour, it's bathroom night," she said. "And besides that, I really need a shower."

Once Cameron heard the cleaning stop and the shower turn on, his face lit up in a smile. Making his way to the bathroom, he slowly shed his clothes, leaving them in a trail as he went. The scent of cleaner was heavy in the air, but wasn't over-powering. The smell that was really catching his senses was that of the shampoo Madison was using on her hair.

Trying not to shock her, he slowly opened the door to the shower.

At the sudden blast of cold air, Madison turned to see Cameron joining her. She burst into a wide smile. "Well, hello there!"

"Hello yourself," he said, and gave her a quick kiss.

He pulled her hands from her head and started massaging the shampoo into her hair. Madison turned so her back was to his stomach. Relaxation soon took over, and she moaned in sheer relaxation. She loved it when someone played with her hair, but to have someone wash her hair for her sent her into sensation overload. It was such a tender and loving gesture.

Once all the shampoo was rinsed from her hair, she shut off the water and dragged Cameron out of the shower.

"No shower sex?" he pouted.

"Shower sex isn't all it's cracked up to be," she told him.

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh, yeah? And how do you know that?" He was suddenly a little jealous of whoever had had shower sex with her before he came along.

Madison simply gave him a wide smile. "I just do. And I have to have you now!"

He had never heard so much passion in her voice. It was the growl of a woman who knew what she wanted.

"Lead the way. I'm at your mercy," he told her, completely turned on.

She turned to him and pulled his head down so that she could feel his lips on hers as she backed out of the bathroom. Madison was already so turned on that she couldn't take much more; she had never felt this kind of heat with anyone, the kind of "take me now" heat that made her feel like a wanton whore.

"Forget the bed," she said, and dropped to the floor, pulling Cameron with her. When he dropped to his knees, she bent low and kissed her way along his belly, letting her breath leave a trail on his damp skin. He watched as she kissed lower and lower.

"Oh dear God," he muttered as she bent even lower and took him into her mouth.

Madison was thrilled by the way he groaned. She moved slowly up and down, enjoying the taste of his clean skin. He smelled like shampoo and clean man and heat. She began to move faster and suddenly Cameron grabbed her wet hair and stopped her.

"I will come if you keep that up," he warned, and she responded by planting her hand on his chest and pushing him back. He went easily to the floor, lying on his back, as she climbed on top of him.

"I would rather make you come this way," she growled, and impaled herself on him with one long thrust. Cameron reached up and held her hips as she took what she wanted from him, riding him harder than she ever had.

When she came, it was with a shout that surely woke the neighbors. Cameron held back until she collapsed over him, then he thrust up into her, holding her steady, until he went the same way she had gone.



The next few weeks were wonderful for the new couple. Cameron walked Madison to work when he could, and picked her up nearly every night when he was in town. He made a few trips to nearby cities to promote his album, but it only separated them two or three times a week. Cameron had begun helping Madison with her chores when he was around, so she had a couple of free nights a week. When she worked on the bathroom, he worked on the kitchen. When she worked on the bedroom, he worked on the living room. And laundry nights were spent together.

The moment came when it was time for Austin to return to work. Madison had been nervous for two days prior, not knowing whether he was going to show, and even if he did, she wasn't sure what his attitude would be.

But unfortunately, she could probably guess. She was prepared for anything.

She went to work alone that morning, since Cameron had a radio appearance across town. She tried to busy herself with paperwork, to take her mind off Austin's arrival or no-show.

An hour before the other employees were supposed to show for work, Madison heard the front door open and shut. She went to the dining room, not knowing what to expect. When she saw Austin, the butterflies in her stomach took full flight. She gestured to one of the tables in the middle of the dining room, as if they were metaphorically meeting halfway. They both went to the table and sat down in chairs, facing each other.

Both of them looked nervous, and the moment was awkward. It seemed like neither one knew how to begin. "How was your vacation?" Madison asked at the same exact time as Austin asked how business had been. They both laughed, seeming to have broken the ice.

"Vacation was good, but I missed this place a lot. How has it been going?" he asked with a smile.

"Busy as ever. I actually hired a new girl. She's going to be the Assistant Manager, but don't worry, it just means that she's here to help you out. You are Co-Assistant Managers. I know that my being here every night is draining me, and asking you to fill in for me every time I need a night off isn't fair. Now I have someone else that I can trust without burning you out too; that is, as long as you intend to stay."

Her words came out in a rush. Austin paused for a moment before he answered.

"Well, I guess that's up to you. There are some things I need to say, and after I say them, you might not want me to stay." He took a deep breath. "I don't like Cameron. And I don't know if it's because of his fame, me worrying about him hurting you, or if I'm just completely jealous that he gets to kiss you and I don't."

Madison tried to say something, but he just put his hand up.

"I know you think I've just been messing around when I've flirted with you all these years, but the truth is, I've meant every word of it. You are my best friend, yes, but at the same time, I've always wanted more from you. I want to know what it feels like to say that you're mine, to kiss you and hold you. I've always waited for that chance, for you to finally take me seriously. But you never noticed."

Madison sat there in shock. Had she really heard all of that correctly? Was he saying what she thought he was saying? When he stood and moved closer to her, she was taken aback.

Austin crouched down next to her chair. "I've wanted to do this for so long, no matter what the consequences are now."

Then he pulled her head to his and latched his lips to hers. Madison was too surprised to react, and it was only when she heard a throat clearing that she pushed Austin away.

"Cameron!" she exclaimed.

"Anyone want to explain what's going on here?" he asked, watching Madison jump out of her chair. Austin put his head in his hands.

Taking charge of the situation, Madison told Cameron to stay there, and dragged Austin into her office. She was furious and embarrassed and sad and a whole host of other emotions that she couldn't pinpoint, but she knew she had to get control of the situation immediately.

"What you did out there was one of the stupidest things you have ever done!" she snapped. "You don't want me, Austin; you just think you do because I never succumbed to your charms. Every other girl fell at your feet, and I didn't. You liked the thrill of the chase, but I think you realize after that kiss that the feelings you have for me are strictly platonic."

She glared at him. "As for thinking Cameron will hurt me, that is something I have decided I'm willing to risk. You don't know him at all, except what you've seen in the papers, and I know firsthand the lies they invent." Her voice was getting louder and louder.

"And he will never replace you, silly. You are one of my best friends. Do you believe I'm not capable of sharing my friendship?"

She looked at him, waiting for him to say something. He finally shrugged. "I'm sorry, Madison. There's a lot of truth in what you've said. You were right about the kiss. All I could picture was kissing my sister, and it was horrible." He gave her a shy grin. "If you are that strong in your conviction towards Cameron, then I guess I need to give him a chance, if I want to keep you as a friend."

He paused for a moment. "Are we still friends?"

Relief made her knees go weak. "Yes, we are still friends, and you still have a job if you want it. But now we need to deal with Cameron."

The both walked out of the office to find Cameron sitting at the table, with a look on his face that Madison didn't recognize. For a moment she was scared, but she knew better than to be frightened of him.

"Would anyone like to explain why my girlfriend and her 'best friend' were kissing when I walked in?" he asked, in a voice tinged with anger and hurt.

Madison was about to say something, but Austin jumped in before she could. "It's my fault. I've been jealous, and I was under the illusion that I was in love with Madison. She had no part in the kiss, I surprised her with it."

Cameron's eyebrow rose. He looked from Madison to Austin, then back again.

Austin cleared his throat and went on. "But I know now that the feelings I had weren't those of being in love with her, as much as I love her as a friend. It was more about jealousy, and fear of losing her to you."

Cameron's face softened a bit. "Madison, can I have a moment with Austin?"

"You aren't going to hurt him, are you?" she asked, a bit worried.

Cameron laughed. "No, I just think we need a long overdue conversation."

Madison nodded and went to her office, looking back at them before she went in and closed the door.

Cameron turned to Austin. "Sit down, please."

Austin cautiously sat down across the table.

"Let's be honest here, okay? I know you've seen the tabloids, and Madison has too. When she was with me in Chicago, she saw firsthand how they distort innocent images, making me out to be the king of sleaze. But I promise you, I am not like that at all. Maybe when I was younger, I enjoyed the benefits, but as I got older, the most I did is kiss a girl at a party. Since I met Madison, I didn't even do that, but the magazines made it look like I did, because that was what they had come to expect from me."

He took a long, deep breath. "I would never, ever do anything to intentionally hurt Madison. I love her with all that I am, and I would protect her with my life."

He stopped for a moment. Did he just admit that he loved her? The words hit him like a ton of bricks.

Austin watched as Cameron's face went pale. He saw the realization dawn in his eyes. Austin felt a twinge of jealousy, but at the same time, he had to grin at the change he saw happen right in front of him.

"I'm guessing you haven't told her that yet?" Austin asked gently.

Cameron took a deep breath. "Umm, actually...well. No. No, I think I just told myself that." He laughed and shook his head. "But I know it's true."

The two men regarded each other across the table for a long moment. Cameron had even more to admit. He cleared his throat. "And the truth of it all is that I've been jealous of your relationship with her," he said. "You know her so well, and you are one of her best friends. I guess I would like your acceptance, since you mean so much to her."

Austin laughed. "So it looks like we both felt anxiety over the same things. I guess we can work through them and actually become friends, as long as you don't hurt her."

"I won't hurt her. I would rather die than hurt her," he vowed.

"Good," Austin said without missing a beat. "Because I know where they keep the really sharp knives in the back."

Cameron grinned, then extended his hand across the table. The two men shook hands in understanding and friendship. They both loved the same woman, but for completely different reasons.

When Madison came out of her office, she was elated to see the two of them were getting along well. "Did you two kiss and make up?"

Austin smiled. "I guess we did."

Cameron motioned her over and pulled her onto his lap. His kissed her cheek and neck, making her giggle. She looked at her best friend.

"So Austin, you think you might get to work sometime today?" she asked.

"Yes, boss!" he said and made his exit.

"We good?" she asked Cameron.

"Yup, everything is perfect." He winked at her. "I suppose I should let you get to work now."

"I suppose." She squeezed his arm. "What did you say to him?"

"Well..." Cameron chuckled. "A lot of things, actually."

She smiled. "I'm glad we got that worked out."

"Me, too." He kissed her, then lifted her so he could stand. "I'll see you when you finish tonight."

They kissed once again, and she watched him leave. She still couldn't believe she was lucky enough to have him in her life.

The night went very well. Austin and Abby got along, and though the new hire had been there for two weeks, he was still able to teach her a few things. And though Madison had thought Austin might be resentful towards Abby, she could see he was pleased to have her there to share the load.

After closing up, Madison, Austin, and Abby were leaving the building. Abby opened the door first and was surprised to see Cameron standing close by, waiting for them to come out.

"Excuse me," he said. "I would like a table for two."

Abby smiled and let him in. "Hey Madison," she yelled back, "This man wants a table for two."

"We're closed," she yelled, before walking around the partition.

"Think you could make an exception?" Cameron grinned.

She watched the others walk out the doors and locked up behind them. "I think I can squeeze you in. We only have a table near the fireplace though."

"The really romantic one?"

"I didn't figure you would mind!"

Madison led Cameron to the dining room and sat at one of the first tables. He placed a bag upon the table, and started lifting out containers of food. "I know this won't be as nice as the food here, but it should work."

Madison was impressed. Not only did he have food, but he had brought nice plates and silverware too. He lit the candles on the table, creating an amazingly romantic atmosphere in the dark restaurant.

"What is all this for?" she asked, obviously pleased.

"I can't do something nice for the lady in my life?"

She smiled and dug into her food. After she was done, he took her plate and gave her a piece of caramel apple cheesecake, one of her favorites. Her mouth watered just looking at it. Finally finished with the meal, Cameron cleared the table of all dishes, putting them back in the bag, then reached over and took Madison's hands.

"You know, we've been through a lot in the time we've known each other, and I feel it has brought us so close. We've been through both good and bad, and what remains is the fact that we can get through anything together."

Cameron took a deep breath. He hadn't prepared a speech for this...but he knew what was in his heart, and it was time to pour it out. "Madison, I love you so much, with all my heart and soul." Madison was struck speechless. She stared at him as tears welled up in her eyes.

Finally she whispered, "I love you too. I think I have for some time now."

"Then that makes this so much easier on me," he teased.

He moved around to her side of the table. He got down on one knee as he looked up into her eyes. Madison's mouth fell open and she drew back instinctively, shocked at what was about to come.

"Cameron?"

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small square box. Madison gasped in shock.

"With all that said, I know we haven't known each other long, but I do know that we were meant to be," he said. "Madison Drew, will you marry me?"

Her world seemed to stop turning. She stared at him with wide eyes.

"I realize this is sudden, but we can wait as long as you want to get married," he reassured her. "As long as you say yes, I will wait until you are ready."

He gazed at her with so much hope in his eyes, tears sparkling there, though not spilling over. He opened the box and held it up to her.

She stared at the exquisite diamond ring. She hadn't expected this to happen - never in her wildest dreams did her thoughts to there. But now that the possibility was in front of her, she knew that she had only one answer to give.

She didn't need to think before she fell into his arms. "Yes! Yes, I will marry you. Yes! Today or tomorrow or next month, I don't care. But yes, I will marry you!"

The tears finally spilled over. He picked her up in a hug and swung her around, kissing her until they were both dizzy. When he set her down, he slid the ring onto her finger, making it official. The diamonds glittered in the candlelight.

"You are everything to me, the soon-to-be Madison Rome," he said, and the name sent shivers through her.

"I love you, Mr. Rome," she said, and kissed him, knowing that neither of them would ever hunger for love again.