Mad Summer Love

A Night To Remember

The next day, Summer was putting the finishing touches on her make up when the doorbell rang. She heard her mother let Maddox in and the mumbles from their conversation below her. She took one last look at herself, securing the bow around her waist and hurried down the hallway, slowing down to make her descent on the stairs, her heart hammering out of her chest.

Maddox casually made small talk with Summer's mother and adjusted his tie for the hundredth time, but when Summer started down the stairs all he could do was stare. His heart skipped a beat and he realized he had stopped breathing. It was like he was seeing Summer for the first time. Time seemed to stop and it was as though their whole time together ran through his mind while he watched her. Maddox knew there was no one else in the world he could ever feel this way for.

“You...you look radiant,” he stammered, taking her hand as she reached the last step.

Summer blushed to match the color of her pink lace dress. “Thank you,” she said, her eyes roaming over his body.

He was so sexy in his charcoal suit that she literally felt weak in the knees.

“You look so handsome,” she told him as she leaned in to give him a kiss on his lips, hearing a click beside them as the flash went off.

“Mom!” she giggled as she broke from their kiss.

After a few thousand pictures, they finally made their way out of the house.

“Sorry about that,” she giggled.

“Not going to complain about being photographed beside you,” he said, stopping her outside the door and looking lovingly into her eyes. “You need this before we go any further.” He pressed a small blue box into her hand. “Open it.”

Summer took the box, her hands shaking as she opened it. She had no idea why she was so nervous. Probably because she knew it was jewelry and that it was expensive; he had never given her jewelry before. She slowly opened the box and inside was a gorgeous infinity necklace laced with diamonds - big beautiful diamonds.

“Oh, my God, Maddox! Is this...is this real?” She was stunned, her mouth still gaped open as she awaited his response.

Maddox beamed. He was nervous that she might not like it or think it was too extravagant. “It's real. I wanted to get you something special.”

“Oh, it's so beautiful! I love it!” She handed it back to him and turned around, showing him her neck. “Put it on for me, please?”

Her heart was leaping out of her chest. She was so happy that she didn't think it was a moment that could be topped. She knew she wanted this guy forever. One day, she would marry Maddox, she just knew it.

Maddox gently put the necklace around her neck and fastened it, it looked perfect with Summer's dress. He caressed her shoulders and gently kissed her on the neck.

“I love...the way that looks on you.” He closed his eyes. It wasn't what he wanted to say, but it wasn't the time. Not yet. It had to be perfect.

Summer smiled and turned around to face him, giving him a light kiss on the lips. “So,” she took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying not to cry from happiness. “Where are we going to dinner?”

Maddox linked his arm with Summer's and led her to the waiting limo. “I guess I had a second surprise. I didn't tell you I got reservations at Paradiso? Have you heard of it?” Maddox gave her a toothy smile, it was only the most exclusive restaurant in town.

He opened the door for her and with a flourish beckoned her to get in.

Summer's mouth fell open as she got into the limo and scooted over. “You're kidding!” she exclaimed, her smile huge as he got in. She threw her arms around him. “You are the best boyfriend ever!” she beamed before kissing him.

As the car pulled away from the curb, Maddox took a bottle of champagne out of a nearby ice bucket and poured it into two tall flutes.

Handing one to Summer, Maddox raised his glass. “To us and a night to never forget.”

Summer took the glass and smelled it. Is this real champagne?! She grinned wide at Maddox and clinked glasses with him.

“I don't think we'll ever forget it,” she said, taking a sip. Oh, yes, it was real and really good! “So far, this is the best night of my life.”

Maddox took a sip of his champagne and kissed her. “Mine too,” he said, caressing her cheek.

The ride to the restaurant didn't take long, which was fortunate considering how much they were enjoying the champagne. The car rolled to a stop and Maddox hopped out and extended a hand to Summer.

“M'lady.”

Summer giggled as she took Maddox's hand. “Thank you kind sir,” she said, stepping out of the vehicle and smoothing her dress.

The place was like a dream with twinkling lights out front. She was beyond excited for their night.

Maddox smiled as he linked arms with her again, escorting her to the door and opening it for her. “You're going to love this.”

They walked inside to find the restaurant empty, a host and two servers waiting by the stand.

“Signore, Altera, welcome,” a man with a large mustache spoke as he walked over. “Your table is-a ready and we have-a prepared something-a special for you and your lovely companion tonight.”

The restaurant was beautiful and he rented the whole thing out just for them.

“Maddox! This is too much! How did you rent out the most exclusive restaurant in town?!” she gasped, shocked, as they followed the host to their table.

Summer clung tight to Maddox’s arm, leaning her head on his bicep.

Maddox caressed her hand on his arm as they walked. “Well, my dad is good for something…or at least his name is.”

When they were seated, the host returned with a bottle of expensive red wine and gave Summer a wink, putting his finger to his nose. “Our-a secret,” he said pouring. “Tonight-a, we have something-a truly special. To start, we have-a risotto al salmone, followed by saffron pasta made-a with our signature noodles and a beautiful-a tomato sauce. For dessert...our-a homemade-a Tiramisu. If you need-a anything, ask for Alphonzo. Grazie milla.”

Summer giggled as she raised her glass to her mouth to take a sip. It tasted super fruity and sweet. It was so yummy.

“Maddox Altera...you're not trying to get me drunk so you can take advantage of me, are you?” she teased him with another giggle as she drank some more of the wine.

Maddox laughed. “Or maybe so you can take advantage of me,” he winked at her. “I am glad you are enjoying yourself. I want this night to be perfect for you.”

She laughed at him. “I could be planning on taking advantage of you…you could be so lucky,” she said, returning his wink. “This night is beyond perfect so far.”

She leaned over and kissed him, her heart picking up pace.

Maddox and Summer spent the evening laughing and flirting in between commenting on how amazing the food was. The appetizer and the main dish were one thing, but the dessert had them both making sounds they usually reserved for when they were alone. Once they were done, it was hard to believe two hours had passed.

“That was amazing,” Maddox said as they walked out into the cooling night air. “What do you want to do now?” he asked, wrapping his jacket around her shoulders.

Summer settled into his jacket. The air was especially chilly for May.

“Well, we should probably go to Prom now, don't you think?” she giggled. “We are an hour late already,” she told him with a smile.

Maddox nodded. “I suppose we should. I was enjoying having you all to myself.”

He escorted Summer back to the car so they could be on their way.

They arrived at The Grand where their Prom was taking place. It was being held in one of its many large rooms they usually used for weddings. It was decorated with blue balloons and streamers everywhere. There were booths to take pictures and a huge table full of refreshments.

“Wow, they went all out!” she yelled over the DJ who was announcing another song he was about to play.

Maddox took in the scene and found himself reflecting on the past three years. Had someone asked him then if he'd be standing in that ballroom, the answer would have been no. Back then, he was on the verge of giving up school and giving into his father's demands to shadow him in the business. Then, he met Summer. It was just by chance, at a ridiculous pep rally he'd normally have skipped. She took his breath away and his life changed. Maddox took Summer's hand and looked at her adoringly. He'd never told her that story. Never told her what she had saved him from.

The music slowed and he leaned close to her and whispered. “Dance with me.”

Summer looked up at Maddox as he grabbed her hand and leaned into her, smiling brightly when he asked her to dance. “Of course,” she replied as they made their way to the dance floor.

Summer wrapped her arms around Maddox’s neck, resting her head on his shoulder. She couldn't believe they had made it to this night. When Maddox first asked her out on a date, she told him no. She wasn't mean about it or anything, but she had heard the rumors about him. Everyone said he was a bad boy, that he came from a bad family and not to get involved with him, but when he didn't give up, she finally gave in. She has never regretted it. She loved him more than words could say which was, ironically, the song that was playing at that very moment.

She looked up at him, her eyes boring into his. “Maddox, I…” The words were caught in her throat. “I love this song…” she said, smiling at him and completely bombing the moment to tell him how she really felt.

“Me too,” he said, gazing into her eyes.

Maddox's hands slid to the small of her back, pulling her closer. He dipped his head and kissed Summer's shoulder, then her neck, his lips lightly grazing her skin.

“I could stay like this forever,” he whispered in her ear.

Summer sighed deeply in contentment. “Me, too, but...I do still have a surprise for you,” she smiled even though he couldn't see her.

She was enjoying the feel of his lips on her skin. His scent wrapped around her senses making her knees weak.

Maddox shifted so he could look at her. “Oh, I haven't forgotten. Are you going to put me out of my misery, yet?”

Summer smiled up at him. “Maaaybe...,” she teased. “How about you go take pictures with me and then, I'll give you my surprise?” she smirked at him. “But first,” she grabbed his jacket on both sides, “you kiss me.”

He groaned dramatically, making Summer giggle. Then, he scooped her up in a flourish and kissed her deeply.

Summer melted into his kiss, her heart practically leaping out of her chest at the feel of his lips on hers.

“There definitely must be more pictures of you in that dress,” he said carrying her toward the photo booth.

She was not kidding about the major cleavage. The dress had such a deep v-line that it went almost all the way between her breasts, stopping just under the swell of them. Then, that long slit that started at her hip and showed off her entire leg, made him ache for her. He couldn’t look at her for too long or everyone would be able to see how much he wanted her.

They headed off for the photo booth, Maddox still carrying her with her arms wrapped around his neck. They took what felt like a million pictures: funny ones, kissing ones, smiling ones.

Then, when they were done, Summer turned to Maddox. “Ok, you ready?”