Madison Awakening

“Good afternoon, Miss Davis.” Michael greets me when I open the door.

“Good afternoon, Michael. Good to see you again.” I reply with an undertone of excitement. 

It’s round two with Mr. Cain, and I can’t wait to see what he has planned. I walk behind Michael, almost skipping in my white eyelet sundress, nude beaded sandals with my favorite Gucci cream Hobo and gold hoop earrings.

The sun is shining, peeking out from clouds with a slight breeze that causes my hair to whip around my face as I move towards the SUV. I slide into the back seat and give Michael a beaming smile as he closes the door. I’m not as nervous as the last time because I know so much more about Jonathan. I didn’t feel completely subordinate in his world and hoped this date would be the same.

As we turned on the main road, the butterflies started in my belly. Not an anxiousness but anticipation, making me fidget in my seat. So much so, even Michael noticed.

“Are you comfortable Miss Davis?” He asks politely, lifting his eyes to the rearview mirror.

“Oh, I’m fine. Can you turn up the radio Michael?”

“Yes, Miss.”

As Billy Joel croons about the “The Longest Time,” I settle more comfortably in my seat and take in the lush landscape. I have no idea where I am but the plush emerald trees blur into a picturesque scene. Whizzing by looking at acre after acre of overgrown fertile lands with pockets of farms in between, helps to quiet the butterflies.

I feel the car start to slow just as I see the sign for DuBois Wineries, turning onto a gravel path leading up a hill. My stomach starts to flip flop with the realization that the secret location is revealed.

This is it. Round two.

At the top of the hill is a large farmhouse with a circular driveway and fountain in front meets us.

The car comes to a stop and I take a deep cleansing breath.  Ashely’s words float in my mind as I exhale and I resolve to focus on what I want from the Hamptons god.  But in the same moment a slight panic pops in. This man has something…and I can’t figure out what it is or why it is pulling me into his orb.  

The sound of Michael opening the door brings me into the present. I put a bright smile on my face to hide the hum of anxiety. Michael graciously takes my hand as I step down onto the driveway.

“Enjoy your day Miss Davis.”  Michael says with a slight nod.

“Thank you Michael.”  

The farmhouse has a red roof, wrap around porch with cobalt blue shutters and white siding. The perfect balance of country and chic. There are also large doors with weathered paint giving it some character. As I finish my pleasantries with Michael, the farmhouse doors open and Jonathan emerges. 

He isn’t the reflection of a powerful mogul as in the previous days. He’s more relaxed in a navy blue Izod polo, tastefully distressed jeans and pristinely white Nike sneakers. When we lock eyes, my skin becomes inflamed as my heart races, but I stand stock-still.

I want him to come to me this time. I want him to feel the pull. I wait for what feels like forever as he takes deliberate determined steps towards me. Our gaze never waivers from connection until he is inches from me. He looks down, draws me into him, lifts my chin and places a chaste kiss on my lips. He pulls away, meeting my eyes again, and see that his hazel eyes are now a bright blue.

“Hello Mr. Cain.” I say sweetly.

“Hello again Miss Davis.” He says while tightening his hold on me. I lower my head slightly and take a long inhale of his scent instantaneously causing a quiver in my belly. “Welcome to Dubois Wineries.” He says proudly.

“Thank you. Is this one of your favorite places?” I ask, as I survey the area and note there is only one other car towards the side of the house.

“Not exactly. I just recently purchased it and we have our official opening in a couple of weeks. You are my first guest.” He states with a hint of apprehension, I think. 

“Well so far, it’s beautiful. I love the farmhouse.”

Jonathan shakes his head. “Ah, the outside we haven’t done much with. Come see the inside. That is what I want to show you.” He releases me and then grabs my hand with gentle force. I smile as he turns to lead me up the stairs.