Taste of Love by Stephanie Nicole Page A

real. Two minutes later, she heard a knock at her door and nearly jumped out of her skin.
    "Who is it?"
    "Thomas Winters. My mother, Sasha Winters, sent me over to pick you up," the voice on the other side of the door called.
    Madison looked confused and rushed to the door to open it. A gorgeous man stood tall and proud before her. She looked him up and down with wide eyes.
    "Hi. I wasn't told you'd be coming."
    "She said she wanted to make sure you got to the house okay," he told her. Then, with a million watt smile, he confided, "But I think she has an ulterior motive."
    Madison grinned. "That I can believe." She held out her hand. "I'm Madison Drew. Nice to meet you."
    Thomas took her hand and kissed it. "Nice to meet you too. I'm glad I can finally put a face to the name I've heard so much about."
    "Likewise," she told him, looking into his crystal blue eyes. She had to admit, Sasha was right, he was very handsome.
    "Well," Thomas snapped her out of her stupor. "We should probably get going. Don't want to upset Mother by being late."
    "Right." Madison gave a small nod. She grabbed her small handbag off the coffee table. "Let's go."
    All was quiet as they made their way outside, until Madison saw Chase standing in the middle of the street with his hand in the air.
    "TAXI!" He shouted at one that passed by him, never slowing. "Stupid son of a bitch," he muttered, flipping the driver off.
    Madison burst into laughter. Thomas did, too. "What in the world?"
    Another one came by.
    "EXCUSE ME! TAAAAXI!" That, too, passed him by.
    His hands flew to his hips. "Do I have fucking queen written on my forehead? Is that why you won't stop?"
    Madison was still giggling, but she had had enough. She didn't want Chase riled any more than he already was, funny as it may be. "Hey Chase, it's alright. I got a ride."
    Chase looked over to where Madison stood with a man he didn't know; a very fine specimen of a man he didn't know. He strolled over to the curb, wanting an introduction. "And who is this hunk of a man?"
    Madison looked mortified. But before she could introduce them, Thomas held out his hand. "Thomas Winters. Pleased to meet you." He smiled and showed his perfectly straight, bright white teeth.
    "Well hello Tommy Boy. I'm Chase, the man of your dreams." He shook his hand, holding on to it a little longer than necessary.
    "Chase!" Madison scolded. She grabbed Chase by the ear and dragged him away from Thomas, then whisper-yelled, "I can't believe you are embarrassing me like that."
    "Sweetie, he's a closet flamer. I hate to tell you," Chase told her, matter-of-factly.
    "What? You're delusional!" She protested. She looked over at Thomas, who gave a little wave in their direction. "I've got to go, we can't be late."
    "Okay, at least I know you're safe tonight with him as your date." He smirked and kissed her cheek before he turned and strutted away.
    "Sorry about that," Madison said, rejoining Thomas. "I'm ready whenever you are."
    The ride to the house had them comparing notes on recent pop culture. They seemed to enjoy the same music, books, movies, and shows on television. By the time they had arrived, Madison thought Chase was way out in left field, thinking that Thomas was gay.
    Thomas got out of the car first, then turned to offer his hand to Madison. "Here we go."
    "Thank you, Thomas." She held tightly to his arm as he led her through the front doors and into the foyer, where Sasha was greeting her guests.
    "Ah, Madison. I see that Thomas got you here safely." Sasha was obviously quite pleased to see Madison with her son.
    "Yes, he was the perfect gentleman. And thank you for sending him, though it was completely unnecessary," Madison told her. "Did the appetizers arrive?"
    "They did. They were delivered about half an hour ago. Right on time. So now you can relax and enjoy yourself," Sasha winked. "Thomas will be your personal escort this evening, so if you need anything, you just let him know."
    Madison thanked her, then moved