Taking a Chance by KC Ann Wright Read Free Book Online Page B

evening.”
    Maddie was sure her face had turned red with the room focused on her again, but flashed a smile at Todd as he walked back to their table. When he sat down, Maddie placed her hand on his leg.
    “Todd, that was fantastic. I’m honored to be your date.”
    Todd placed his hand on top of Maddie’s and gently squeezed.
    “Thanks.” Todd leaned toward her, but was stopped halfway as Dr. Hernandez spoke.
    “Everyone, the band is going to start and we would be honored to have Dr. Anderson and Maddie begin the first dance.”
    Todd turned back to Maddie with eyes pleading. Maddie almost laughed out loud at his desperation, but she stood up and followed him to the dance floor. Todd took her easily in his arms and began to move around the dance floor. He was an excellent dancer and she wondered where he had picked up the talent amongst everything else he obviously had going for him. Todd wrapped his arm tighter around her waist.
    “Maddie, you’re the most beautiful woman in this room. I can’t say how thankful I am that you’ve been such a great sport through all of this.”
    “Thank you. I do have to say it’s the most interesting first date I’ve ever been on. But I’m happy to be here with you.”
    As she finished her sentence, he leaned down to kiss her. The kiss was tender, but she could sense the hunger behind it as he pulled her closer. His warm body pressed against hers felt good. Todd lifted his head up, but continued to hold her tight. When she stiffened slightly, he loosened his hold and leaned back to look into her eyes.
    People were starting to fill the dance floor.
    “Maddie …”
    Todd was cut off by another male voice.
    “Seriously, Madison. You couldn’t find someone else? I mean out of all people, you pick Lola’s doctor! What is wrong with you?”
    Maddie could not believe her ears. How could it be possible? Chicago was a big city, and she was at an event for doctors and surgeons. When she turned to face him, the black suit caught her attention as if he was meant to be there.
    “George,” she stammered, “wh— what are you doing here?”
    “What am I doing here? What are
you
doing here? You’re disgusting. Of all the pathetic things to pull, you’re going out with him. Do you ever think before you do things?”
    “How do you even know who he is?”
    “Oh, I know everything about you Madison. Everything.”
    George was getting louder and Todd’s eyes grew rounder as he obviously had no idea who the person was.
    Maddie turned and rushed away from the dance floor. As she heard George yelling behind her, she moved faster and ran toward the exit of the room. Ruining Todd’s event was not an option. As she ran through the doorway, she saw the elevator doors beginning to close. She darted in just before they closed, leaving George on the other side. Catching a glimpse of Todd as they shut made her stomach drop even more.
    She hoped George would calm down with her out of sight. When the elevator arrived at the first floor, panic filled her. In her rush out she had left her purse on the table. No phone. No money. Nothing. She felt terrible leaving Todd behind, but was not sure what else to do.
How could this happen again?
Fear swirled through her and took away her ability to think straight.
    She stepped into the lobby and quickly scanned the area. It was a wide-open space with a fountain in the middle and a few plants around the perimeter.
No place to hide
. She had two options, the exit or back in an elevator. The couples who had ridden the elevator down with her were all heading toward the front doors to exit. She debated her options, but she was too late making a decision. The elevator bell sounded and George stepped out. Only one other couple was in the elevator and as they exited the building George made a beeline for Maddie and grabbed her by the arm. His eyes glowed with anger.
    “What’s wrong with you, Madison?”
    Like a parent scolding a child, George had always used her