A/N – Well, another chapter, I actually got it done Saturday night … I'm so proud of myself. I'm not giving anything away form the chap … so you have to read to se it

I want to own Greg … but he's not on ebay pout

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Chapter 9

So it became ritual for them, or at least, ritual whenever both were able to make it. After each shift, they would go together for breakfast. A rotation started, because Madison wouldn't let Greg continue to pay every time. Greg would take her out for breakfast one day and she would take him the next. It was a comfortable ritual, with casual chatting, and harmless joking around. Until the time came when Madison let slip that she could cook.

"You can cook! Well come on then, you have to prove it then babe." Greg had prodded her both verbally and physically.

She had shook her head, "No way Sanders. I don't do cooking for others."

He'd pouted for the rest of the day, well at least each time he'd ended up seeing her, and by the end of the shift, she'd relented and sighed, "One time. I'll cook for you this one time. But," she waggled a finger at his face, "You owe me two breakfasts."

Greg had simply smirked and nodded, "Whatever you say babe …"

And she had swatted him with her hand; tell him to quit calling her babe.

So that is how Madison came to be leading Greg to her apartment for the second time, separate cars of course. She parked where she saw two empty spots, and waited for Greg to park before she got out of her Black Eclipse. He smirked, coming around the front of his Silver Mustang. Madison looked at him strangely, "What's that smirk for?"

"I've never had a woman cook for me before …" he chuckled, still grinning, "It's so … domestic."

She rolled her eyes, "Don't get used to it Sanders, this is a one time deal only."

Greg nodded slowly, "Sure … whatever you say."

She turned around and began towards the building. Greg followed quickly behind her. As they entered the building, and started up the stairs, she hadn't counted on one of the families from the floor above them trying to get down the stairs. She slid to the side as best she could, and ended up having her back pressed into Greg's chest. She was so close; she could feel the rise and fall of his chest. She silently cursed the family for having four children, as she had to stay pressed against Greg for much longer than she cared to be. Her cheeks were flushed, and in her trying to suppress the quickness of her beating heart, she hadn't noticed that Greg's arm had snaked around her midsection protectively. Once the family had finally passed, Madison tried to turn away from Greg. It was then she realized the hold he had around her. She moved her hand over his, and spoke a bit shakily, "Greg … let go of me."

He wiggled his fingers against her side, and leaned into her ear, "You don't sound so sure."

But he let go of her, and she moved away quickly, walking up the last flight of stair, at least four steps ahead of him. She fumbled with her keys in the door, and as she slid her key into the lock, his back pressed against hers again a bit roughly. She turned her head angrily, but saw the apologetic look on his face, and noticed the form of her neighbor going down the stairs quickly. He grinned, "Sorry … I was pushed … but you are a good cushion."

She turned her head away and laughed softly, "Whatever Sanders."

Madison turned the doorknob, and pushed the door open, moving her body away from Greg's. She continued in through to the kitchenette, only stopping to toss her coat over the back of the couch. She knelt down at the stove, and pulled out a large frying pan. She grinned twirling it in her left hand, "Now … do I cook for you. Or just hit you on the back of the head flee for my life … such tough decisions."

Greg laughed, and held both hands up slowly walking towards her, "Just put the frying pan down … preferably on the stove with some eggs, bacon, sausages … and pancakes. I love pancakes."

Madison laughed back at him, setting the pan down, "You little glutton you. How about I make you pancakes … chocolate chip pancakes. I make them really big, size of the pan, so you'll only need about two …"

He nodded happily, "Pancakes and chocolate. Heaven babe."

She smirked, and turned away from him, "I'm not your babe … babe."

Madison began busying herself with finding pancake batter, the chocolate chips, and some bowls and a Wisk, to mix the batter. Soon, she had her sleeves rolled up, she had batter across one cheek, from the splatter, and finally pouring dome of the batter into the pan. She turned and grinned, seeing Greg leaning against the counter, watching her. Madison smirked and turned the burner on, "Now, I can't add the chips until the batter is more solid, or they would just melt into the batter."

He nodded slowly, "I'm just waiting for you too flip them."

She rolled her eyes and moved the pan around, watching the batter. After a few minutes, she dropped some chips into the pan, and moved the pan up after they sunk into the batter, "Ready?"

He nodded quickly, and grinned more, "Come on … flip it."

She laughed softly, and tossed the pancake up into the air, watching it intently, before catching back into the pan, making sure that she didn't have it rip, or fall out. Greg clapped, "Yay. You're very good."

She rolled her eyes, and continued on with her cooking, until she had a stack of four pancakes ready. She set them on the counter, since she didn't have her own table, only her bar counter, and three stools. She reached for a bottle of syrup, and grabbed two forks and knives from a drawer and slid next to Greg, "Well … dig in."

Greg eyed the plate for a moment; pour a good amount of syrup on it, then began to cut himself a piece, sliding it past his lips. Before he even swallow, his eyes lit up and he nodded, "Master chef!"

And so they ate like that, he praised her cooking, and she slapped him on the arm, telling him to shut up and eat. He insisted on doing the dishes, since she cooked, and since she hated dishes, Madison was happy to oblige. She was resting against the couch, when Greg had come bounding over from the kitchenette, to behind the couch, "I'm done!"

He leaned over the back of the couch and grinned at her widely. She widened her eyes and laughed, "Okay. No more sugar for you."

He pouted, but sighed, "Sorry. I guess … I'm just in a great mood … I always am around you."

Madison was getting the awkward feeling from him again, and shook her head, "Greg …"

But he was already around the side of the couch, sitting down. He looked at her, smiling, "Madison … I want you."

Madison slid to the opposite end of the couch, "Greg. Stop that. I told you-"

He cut her off, sliding onto his knees on the cushions, "No. I didn't mean it like that," he sighed, "I want you … not just sex. I have actually, deep down, good god feelings for you."

She shook her head, "You're infatuated. Simple as that. You'll get over it. Find someone else to occupy those feelings."

"I thought that … maybe, a little," he smirked, and reached out for her hand, " tried to, went out on a few dates. They were pretty girls, they were funny … they were a lot like you."

Madison nodded through gritting teeth. Even though she needed Greg to move on, that didn't mean she enjoyed hearing about it. Greg grabbed onto her hand, and held tightly, even after she tried to pull away, "Maddy … they were a lot like you. But they weren't you, and let's face it … why would I look for imitation, when I want the original …"

She smiled softly, even though she knew it wasn't helping her case for pushing him away from her. She looked back up at him, "Maybe because … it's easier to get imitation … and impossible to get the original."

Greg grinned his lopsided grin, and she shivered inwardly, involuntarily grabbing into his hand. He leaned in closer to her, "I like a challenge …"

"And I like us being friends. You said we could be friends Greg. I don't want to have to stop that," She leaned her face away from his, and shook her head, "This can't happen Greg."

He shook his head as well, and leaned further to her, getting on all fours. He crawled over to her, and she admitted it looked so sad, the pleading in his eyes. Madison closed her eyes, until she felt his hot breath against her neck. Her eyes shot open quickly, and found his hands were sliding up her legs. He nuzzled his face into her neck, whispering in a mournful tone, "Please …"

She shivered as his breath slid along her skin. Madison grabbed his wrists, and shook her head, "Greg, no … stop …"

He pulled one hand away, and ran it along her stomach, "I need you … let me have you …"

"Greg … stop it!" she pulled her body away from his, trying to stand, but she lost her balance, and fell to her knees on the hardwood floor.

Greg leaned over the edge of the couch, "Maddy, are you alright. I'm sorry I didn't-"

"I Was Raped!" her fuse was too short, and her anger too close to the surface to stop her for exploding at him, "I. Was. Raped!"

Greg fell back against the couch, and looked down at her shaking body. He watched as she stood up, and turned to glare down at him. Greg stared, gape mouthed, "Madison. I didn't know. Obviously, but … I'm sorry."

"Of course you didn't know! No one knows! … well, that's not true, but I didn't want you to have to know!" she began to ramble angrily, "Couldn't 'I don't date' have been enough for you! No, of course not, no for the legendary Greg Sanders! He needs to climb all the mountains. Mount all the women! You're a little slut, you know Sanders? There isn't a woman in the lab without a story about you. It makes me sick. All these women know you … biblically!" she turned on her heels and faced away from him, her face getting redder with rage, and hurt, "I wanted to remain with a little dignity Sanders. I didn't, and don't need this … not right now …"

She quieted down, and took in several breaths, her mind registering what she had just said to him. Her eyes widened, and she brought a hand up to her mouth, shaking her head, "Greg, I …"

She turned back to him, intent on being on the receiving end of a backlash from him, but … he was just sitting there, staring up at her. She looked down at him, sure he was in shock, and his anger would show any moment. After several minutes of simply staring at each other, Madison ventured a few steps closer, "Greg?"

He looked up into her eyes, and reached out for her. She didn't pull back, so her body moved to his, and Greg's grip tightened around her wrists. Once she was close enough, Greg's left arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her body down onto his. She squeaked in surprise, and began to try to pull away, but he had her in a tight grip. She was scared, and his eyes were staring to intently into her, that she had to look away from him. She thought, what if he used this as some sort of incentive, that since she was overpowered once, he could do it to her as well. She squirmed in his grip, but he shook his head slowly, "I'm so sorry …"

Her eyes were wide with fear; she thought he was apologizing for what she thought he was going to do to her. Soon his head was resting against her shoulder, and she was confused again. He nuzzled into her neck again, and Madison shivered when he spoke into her skin, "When did it happen?"

"When I told you. I was thirteen. My stepfather, he … he was my only dad from when I was born, but he … he was drunk, and … he, raped me. Plain and simple." Madison began to feel Greg's hand slid along her hair, stroking it softly.

It felt nice. She leaned into him, and sighed softly. Greg moved both arms around her back, hugging her gently, "I'm so sorry … I had no idea. You don't seem-"

"Like the type to get raped." She finished for him nodding.

Greg laughed softly, "I know, there is no type, but I just. I didn't think that was the reason. I'd rather you didn't want me plain and simple."

She pulled her face away from him, "Who says I do want you?"

He smirked, and reached one hand up, touching her face, "I can see it. You're eyes give it away babe. I know you want me, but you're guarded … and know I know why. Relationships have been hard for you."

"No they haven't. I haven't had any." She shook her head, "I haven't been with anyone, ever. I can't, not since … it happened." Madison smiled softly to herself, glad she was able to show she was sure about something.

Greg gaped at her, "Never? No even in college? That's crazy. You can't do that. It's unhealthy to keep yourself closed up like that. You need to be loved … to let yourself love."

She shook her head quickly, "No I don't. I never have to do that. I won't go through all that just to be let down."

He moved his face closer to hers, and she began to get anxious again, "Who says you have to be let down?"

She began to squirm again, "Greg. Maybe you should let me go now …"

"There's no where to go but up for us babe. I'll take care of you … I promise." Greg pulled her closer to him, and turned his body, so she felt hers land on the couch.

Madison felt him turn so he was hovering over her, just like her stepfather. It wasn't something she wanted to see. Madison shook her head, and pursed her lips tightly, "Greg … stop it."

His left hand slid down along her cheek, stroking softly, "I need you."

And then his lips were on hers. He was pressing so hard, and Madison was so scared. Greg searched her lips, trying to draw her out. He knew she wanted him, he could feel her wanting to respond. He then realized how hard he was pressing against her. He pulled back quickly, but looked down at her, "Madison, please … I want you to let go … you're hurting yourself."

Madison opened her eyes slowly, and didn't find drunk, hungry eyes sliding over her body. She saw Greg, staring into her eyes, his filled with concern. His hand was stroking her cheek softly, and he was smiling. She felt her own arm lift, so her finger brushed against his head, stroking through his hair. He smiled wider, and leaned back in, testing another kiss against her mouth.

He felt her lips part slowly, and he pressed against her lips, his tongue slipping past, and against her. She wasn't responding, but she wasn't resisting. He nudged her along more, stroking her cheek, and her neck, trying to coax her out. He flicked his tongue against her bottom lip, and he felt her moan softly. He smiled, kissing her again; he was giddy to feel her mouth move against him. He hungrily searched her mouth, and she pressed her body against his, kissing him with as much force. He began to kiss down along her jaw, nibbling against her neck, and she giggled softly. His hands slide under the back of her top, and explored the softness of her back.

Madison let her attraction to him surface, and her hands went flying for his shirt, tugging it quickly over his head. She stared at his bare chest. She hadn't expected it to be so … well toned. She ran her fingers over her chest, and smiled, leaning in to kiss his chest softly. She was very satisfied to hear the pleasant reaction she got from Greg. He murmured happily, and dipped his chin down to kiss the top of her head.

"Greg …" Madison looked up at him, her eyes a blur of wet tears.

Greg leaned down, taking her face in his hands, "Maddy … Maddy babe, what is it?"

She shook her head, "Oh you idiot Sanders …" she sniffled as tears fell freely from her eyes, "Why do you have to be so right?"

He looked down at her, confused, "As much as I love being right … maybe you could tell me what I'm right about babe …"

Madison pulled his body closer to his, as if she was using him to keep her warm, "Greg … I want you."

He laughed out loud, and smiled down to her, "Yeah … I noticed …"