Love & Shadows

Chapter 4

Madison clipped Levi, Lucy, and Feeney's colors on, grabbed their leads, and led them out her front door. It was her first day off in three days, and she planned on spending the day with her dogs on the beach. She grabbed her surfboard on the porch. The dogs, as always, ran out in front of her. She knew they'd be okay, this part of the beach was far from the rest of the guests. And no other dogs were allowed on the beach or at the resort. This was to protect her animals and potentially other people's animals too. She wondered, not for the first time, how Kiara was settling in. She knew they'd arrived. Alison let her know as soon as they checked in. She wanted to stay as far away from her as possible. Madison knew a month was a long time to try and dodge a guest, but she was going to try her very best. She stopped at the edge of the beach and watched the waves wash up on the shore. She closed her eyes and listened to the surrounding sounds. Far in the distance, she heard kids laughing and people enjoying the beautiful day. She grinned and ran the rest of the way, the dogs barking happily as they chased after her.

Two hours later she dropped on the sand and grabbed the water from her backpack. After filling a bowl for the dogs, she took a long drink herself. This was the life she'd wanted. The peace, the quiet, and no family drama. Not that the latter was possible. Her father made sure she was always aware of his needs. The stupid gala he held every year was coming fast, and she needed to make a decision soon. Or her mother would be the one to suffer. He always made sure Madison paid, even if it was through her mother. As if on queue, her phone rang. "Hello."

"Madison."

"We've had this discussion, Dad, I'm not going to attend a gala where I'm not welcome as myself."

"What if you were?" Her father's voice was quiet. He did not sound like himself at all. "I spoke to your mother. She has made it clear to me that I am the one who will have to make adjustments. My expectations of you are just not possible. So, if I allow this, this debacle to unfold, will you attend?"

"Debacle Dad?" Madison shook her head. "It's not just that. I have a business, I have responsibilities here."

"You have a wonderful team, Madison. They can cope without you for a few days. Two at most."

"Dad."

"Just think about it. It's still a week before the gala."

"Fine. Okay, I will think about it."

"Thank you." He hung up before she could say anything else.

"Your grandfather is up to something." She told the dogs. He never conceded, not even for her mother and definitely not for Madison. What could he possibly get out of her going to the gala with another woman? She didn't intend to find out. She stuck her phone back in her backpack and watched dolphins play in the waves not far from shore. "I envy them their freedom." She knew her private island could be taken away in an instant if her father wanted to. He had the power and influence to make it happen. Madison honestly didn't know why he'd let her get this far or why he'd never tried to push his way into her business. She was grateful for whatever that reason was.

She stood and, shaking off the irritation of speaking to her father, she grabbed the two balls and the stick. She'd enjoy the rest of the day, and worry about her father's hidden agenda later. She threw the balls and the stick and ran after the dogs. Levi and Feeney always brought the balls back, but Lucy wanted to be chased. She laughed as all three dogs barked happily and chased their toys. Feeney dove after his ball and nearly somersaulted as he dug into the sand with his front paws. Levi grabbed his ball, barked, and waited for Feeney to right him before taking off together to get back to her. Lucy happily trotted along with her stick in her mouth.

"Okay guys, last time, we all need a bath and cold drinks." Madison grabbed the balls and stick and turned to throw for the last time. She heard a scream, someone shouting to stop, and then a man laughing. She turned back to the dogs, pulled her hand back to throw the first ball, and froze. "Feeney?" She shouted and spun in a circle. Her Malinois was nowhere to be seen. She looked around frantically and saw the tip of his tail disappear over a dune. "s**t!" She threw the balls and sticks down and took off after him. She knew where that dune led and the last thing she needed was for him to get into trouble with Kiara. Lucy and Levi barked ahead of her as they realized they were chasing their brother. She cursed as her calves began to burn. She'd run around too much before, and her body needed that cold drink.

Madison winced as she heard a high-pitched squeak and a loud bark, as Feeney found someone to get love from. A laugh had her slowing down her pace just a bit. At least whoever he'd found was good-natured about his attack. She slowed completely as she watched her dogs excitedly bark and lick their way around a laughing woman. Madison bent over, hands on her knees, as she tried to catch her breath. Madison snuck a peak at the woman now watching her with the most expressive hazel eyes she'd ever seen. She took the time to look the woman over herself. Her light brown hair shone gold in the sun, her skin was lightly tanned, and her body was toned, but soft. She was beautiful, and the bikini placed all her glory on display in just the right way. "Hi." Madison got out between breaths, she swallowed as the woman's tentative smile turned into a full-blown grin, that did weird things to Madison's stomach. Madison watched her reach for her water bottle and hold it out.

"Hey."