Madison Awakening

“I apologize. We didn’t get to meet formally because of the fight that erupted at the bar. My name is Jonathan Cain. We shared a drink and a dance last night.” 

All the air has left my body. 

The Hamptons god is calling me! But…

“How did you get my name, let alone my number?” I ask with an undertone of annoyance to mask my delight. 

“Let’s just say I have my ways.” 

Stalker…

But I can’t help but be flattered. The Hamptons god spent his time trying to locate me. But I know I can’t let him off the hook for invading my privacy. Whoever this guy is he needs to know I’m not that easy.

“Well, that doesn’t sound creepy at all,” I reply mockingly.

“I am a man that gets what he wants, and I wanted an opportunity to actually spend time with you.”

“Why? We barely spoke three sentences to each other.” I care little about his actual answer. His actions are enough for me to be interested. 

“Because you were the only woman I noticed the entire night. I’m curious, so I’m calling to see what can be done about curing it. And let’s not forget our dance. I never dance, yet you got me to break my own rule.” He says it as if he is challenging and complimenting me at the same time. 

“What exactly are you curious about?” 

“Well, I’ve never seen you here before, and I know everyone. Where are you from?”

“How do you know everyone?” I ask, feeling put off by the elitist undertone of his question.

“You can’t answer a question with a question, Madison,” he replies in a way that causes my body to respond in a rush of warmth. “Answer mine and then I’ll answer yours.” 

I steady my breath before I answer. “I’m from Brooklyn, born and raised. I teach English to teenagers. The reason you haven’t seen me is because this is my first time this far out on the island. And the lack of sidewalks is making me uncomfortable,” I say matter of factly. He laughs, releasing a hearty, robust sound through the phone that is so sexy. “Now answer my question.”

“I have businesses here in the Hamptons, but I live full time in SoHo. I guess I don’t know everyone, but I know most of the people that come out here regularly.”

“What businesses do you have here in the Hamptons that allows you to know everyone?” 

“I own a few restaurants and clubs here, plus a few back in the city.” 

Hearing that piece of information, I internally cringe. This guy is probably just another rich asshole. 

“So, Mr. Cain, was I able to quench your curiosity?” I ask sweetly. 

He snorts in response. “Hardly. What are you doing right now?”

“I am relaxing by the pool recovering from last night’s festivities. Why do you ask?”

“Because I would like to see if we can get together. How about tonight?”

I have no plans for tonight, but I know I can’t go into anything blindly when it comes to this guy. Instinctively, I need to prepare for a one-on-one encounter with Jonathan Cain, at least twenty-four hours.

“Actually, tonight doesn’t work for me. How about tomorrow? I’m free all day.”

“Tomorrow works for me. Let’s have dinner. How is seven p.m. for you? I will have my driver come to get you.”

“That works for me. The address is—”

“I know where you are, Madison. The driver will be there at 6:45 sharp, okay?”

“Um…that’s fine. So, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yes, I look forward to it, Miss Madison Davis.” 

And with that, he hangs up, leaving me to stare at the phone trying to decipher what just happened. 

My brain is swirling at the notion of being wanted in such a way, with the actions to match, by a complete stranger. I gain some composure, place the phone down on the chair, and walk briskly to the pool. I throw myself off the side to cool down from my unexpected invitation from the Hampton god, Jonathan Cain.