DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own "Hawaii Five-O" or any of its characters. I do, however, own Maddie, Tina, Pete, Doc, Frank, Mo, her stalker, etc.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I am so sorry for the long gap in between this chapter and the last one. My mom had several health situations the last year and I have spent majority of my time helping her. I won't make this lengthy as I know you've all been waiting for this chapter. I'm already working on writing the end of the next chapter. I think you all will be happy!

As always...

1. Thoughts are in italics.

2. Flashbacks are in bold.

I hope you all are doing well! I would appreciate any reviews and/or feedback you'd like to give.

Enjoy!

xo

DivaLola

Chapter 40

Maddie had only woken a few times that night from nightmares, but she'd been so groggy that she was able to fall back asleep. Thankfully, the nightmares were less intense, and she never had a night terror. Steve, on the other hand, hadn't gotten much rest. Not only had he gotten up frequently to check on her, but he was beating himself up for what he'd said to her. He'd been sitting at the kitchen table working for hours as he tried to hash out a plan to get through to her.

Hearing footsteps in the hallway upstairs, he turned his head in the direction of the stairs. He glanced at his watch, slightly scowling. Ten, he thought. Please don't be Maddie. A sense of relief washed over him as he saw Tina appear at the top of the stairs clad in an oversized black shirt and short, black, cotton shorts. She rubbed at her eyes as she stepped off the last stair.

"Morning," Steve greeted. He wasn't surprised when her eyes flew open only for them to narrow at him. He flashed her a friendly smile. Her back straightened and she walked into the kitchen, saying nothing. She headed to the espresso machine feeling his eyes on her the whole way.

"Are you hungry? Want me to make something?" he offered. He had to get her talking to him again. Not only did he care for her as a friend, but he needed her help with Maddie. He hadn't had the opportunity to sit down and ask her questions about the stalker and Maddie's behavior before her two month absence.

"No," Tina curtly answered.

Steve sighed as he stood and walked into the kitchen, stopping a few feet away. "I messed up, Tina."

"Yep, you did," she responded. Her eyes slid closed at her first taste of caffeine.

He leaned back against the center island and crossed his arms and ankles. Had Maddie been there she would have smiled at the signature Steve pose. "I handled that news badly."

Tina leaned back against the counter near the espresso machine. With both hands holding her mug she took another sip. Had she been alone she would have moaned in ecstasy. She'd always loved that first cup of coffee in the morning. She and Pete had that in common. Her jaw clenched in frustration at thoughts of Pete already invading her morning.

Taking her silence as anger, Steve continued. "I had no idea what I was even saying... Not that that's an excuse. There is no excuse for what I said." He paused. He knew he was going to have to be honest with Tina if he wanted her forgiveness. Honest and vulnerable, something he wasn't happy about. "All that was running through my head was that I should have been with her. If she was hurt, if her life was being threatened, I should have been there." He licked his lips as he searched for the right words. "Literally everyone knew, but me... but..." He sighed as he looked away. "Sure, I was angry. But more importantly, I was hurt. She didn't want me there with her. She was in pain and scared and I was the last person she wanted."

Tina felt a slight crack in her hardened heart at his candid words. "That's not true. You weren't the last person she wanted. You were the only person she wanted."

Steve's eyes found hers. "But she specifically told them not to call me."

"Yeah, she did. She was hurt... the old Maddie would have never taken that comment before rehearsals so hard, but she's not the same Maddie you're used to Steve. She's scared and confused and exhausted... and God only knows what else," Tina explained.

"I know. It's scary. She has been through terrible things in her life and I've never seen her like this," he admitted. She could hear the fear in his voice. "I want to help her, but she won't let me in. I need her to let me in."

"She will," Tina said, smiling sadly. The vulnerability in his eyes almost caused her to rush forward and hug him, but she knew it might cause him to clam up. He had never wanted to discuss his relationship with Maddie other than insisting they were just friends. He'd never been this open with her before and she didn't want him to stop. "Just give her time."

"She can't go on like this for much longer. She's physically and emotionally exhausted. Even..." he stopped himself. "How much do you know about her childhood?"

"Not a ton. I know a bit more than what the world knows. I know, of course, she considered your parents parents of her own. I know her mom died when she was little. And I know that she hasn't had contact with her dad since she was a teenager. Well, other than the extremely brief and uncomfortable interactions they've had when he shows up backstage to her shows here on the island." She took several sips of her coffee before adding, "I have gathered whatever happened wasn't good."

Steve's jaw tightened as he tried to hide the rage he always felt when he thought about her father. He cleared his throat before speaking. "No, it was really bad. It's not something she and I have ever really discussed. There was... there was physical abuse. Abuse she successfully hid for years. I spent every day with her, and I had no idea. I..." He paused and looked away. This was not a topic he liked to think about let alone discuss. "I let her down. I can't and won't do that again."

Tina's heart crumbled at the anguish in Steve's voice. His reaction over the incidents made a lot more sense. Of course, she knew he wasn't going to handle the knowledge well, but even she had been shocked at how badly he'd reacted. It was all making more sense to her. He was still trying to make up for not knowing all those years ago. "Steve, you were a kid. How could you have known?"

"I should have. Looking back now, there were signs." He cleared his throat hoping to hide the raw emotion the subject always gave him. "I can't have her living in fear, not again. And I can't have her keeping me in the dark about it." He shook his head. "I fucked up the other night. I was hurt. I had no idea what I was even saying... And now she's even further away from me. How will I get her to let me in?" He rolled his eyes at his own stupidity before adding, "Let alone give me another chance."

Tina fought the urge to once again tell him that he was in love with Maddie. "You'll get her to open up. And she'll give you another chance. It's just going to take time... she's not thinking clearly right now. Then throw in the fact she's sick, in pain, and exhausted." She took a step towards him. "Just promise me something?"

"Anything," he answered without an ounce of hesitation.

"No matter how many times she pushes you away, don't give up on her. You guys are meant for each other... I mean it took you two long enough. I could have had little Steve and Maddie's to spoil." She laughed as Steve fought to keep from blushing.

"I promise," he mumbled. Maddie was the only one he'd ever let see him vulnerable. He forced himself not to think about little Steve and Maddie's. Not because he didn't want any, but because it was terrifying and currently there were a thousand other things he needed to focus on. He eyed Tina closely. "Are you done being mad at me?"

She laughed. "Yeah. I'm still annoyed though... but, I've never been able to stay mad at you. However," she warned, "you do another stupid thing and I'm going to kick your ass."

"Fair enough," he smirked.

Tina placed her coffee on the counter before closing the distance between them and hugging him. "I'll do what I can to help," she quietly promised. He hugged her back, giving her an extra quick squeeze in silent thanks.

When she pulled away, he asked, "Now, are you hungry?"

She smiled brightly at him. "Starving."

Steve laughed out loud. "Okay then, I'll make breakfast."

She glanced at the clock on the oven. "Perfect! Maddie will need to eat, too."

His eyebrows furrowed as he shook his head. "Hopefully, she stays asleep till the afternoon."

"No can do, Steve. I need to go wake her up now," she answered.

His eyes shot to her as he demanded, "Why?"

"That meet 'n greet that was supposed to happen the other day... they rescheduled it for today so she could rest a bit more before her show." Tina swallowed the last couple sips of coffee as she walked across the kitchen. "Hair and makeup will be here in 45 minutes. And then she has the after party tonight."

"Damn it," Steve cursed. "She needs rest."

"I know. And she'll get it." She smirked as she walked towards the stairs. As she reached them, she turned around. "After tonight you can handcuff her to the bed to keep her resting. Or not resting..." She laughed as she hurried up the stairs and to Maddie's room.

As he started breakfast Steve couldn't help the images that were now running through his mind.

Thirty minutes later, Maddie crutched into the kitchen with Tina. Steve immediately looked her over. Much to his relief, her coloring was better. The dark shadows that had been under her eyes were lighter. He smiled at her even though she wouldn't look at him. "Morning!"

The aching in Maddie's heart had increased the second she saw him cooking in the kitchen. His words came back to haunt her. As she sat at the counter, she tried so hard to force them from her mind, to not see the condescending smirk on his face, but the entire moment was stuck on repeat. Her eyes fluttered shut as they taunted her. Why don't you take a picture? It'll last longer.

Steve watched her closely as he finished the omelet he knew she loved. "You hungry, Mads?" he asked, trying to bring her back to the moment.

Quickly she glanced at him as she almost imperceptibly shook her head. Her eyes were already elsewhere when he responded, "Well, you need to eat before you head out." He slid an omelet on each of their three plates. He slid one to Tina, who had taken a seat next to Maddie, before placing one in front of Maddie. "Under your tongue," he said as he handed her a thermometer.

Making sure their fingers didn't brush, she carefully, and precisely, took the object and placed it in her mouth.

"This is so good," Tina moaned around the food in her mouth causing him to chuckle.

When the thermometer beeped he leaned across the counter and took the object from Maddie's hand before she had a chance to look at it herself. Relief washed over him. "98.2," he smiled. "How do you feel?"

She shrugged. "Fine."

He wasn't buying it. He knew she had to be in pain and still didn't feel well. Her fever had broken, which was great, but her throat and body probably still hurt.

Seeing him stare at her as if he was expecting more of an answer she added, "I'm sore."

Steve forced himself not to get too excited by the additional information. "I bet. Wish you could've slept longer."

Maddie only nodded and took the first bite of her breakfast. She was sure to not let on how happy her tastebuds were. She loved his omelets and had missed them dearly the last couple years. She forced herself not to fidget under his watchful eyes as he leaned against the kitchen island and ate standing up. He opted not to sit at the counter with them so he could hopefully engage with her.

"You have skills," Tina murmured as she continued wolfing down the omelet.

The three ate in companionable silence until the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Steve said as he set his plate on the counter and headed to the front door. Through the frosted glass he immediately recognized the dynamic duo and opened the door. "Nicole, Lorelai, hey!" The three embraced in greetings and he motioned them inside. "Maddie's in the kitchen finishing breakfast."

"Morning," Tina smiled. "Hope you guys got some sleep!" She stole a glimpse of Maddie. "She's just about ready for you. Just go ahead and set up in the bathroom like usual."

Steve returned to leaning against the island while he continued eating. He subtly eyed Maddie as she set her fork down and pushed her plate a bit forward. "You done?" She nodded in confirmation. He was pleasantly surprised to see she'd eaten a bit more than half of it.

"I'll eat the r-rest later," she told him, her voice cutting out slightly before she cleared it.

"I can make you another one whenever, Maddie. You don't need to heat up a leftover omelet." He didn't know why he even bothered as it wasn't the first time this had come up. He knew she loved to heat the rest up late at night.

"It's fine," she responded.

Steve smiled. "You're still the only person I know that likes leftover omelets as midnight snacks."

She shrugged in response as she carefully slid from the barstool, using her crutches to balance on one leg. He was just about to tell her to wait so he could help her, but reminded himself he needed to give her space. I hate this so much, he thought.

As Steve finished his omelet he reached across and grabbed Tina's empty plate and placed it with his in the sink. "I'm gonna shower and change while you're in hair and makeup," he told Maddie as she took the first few "steps" towards the stairs.

"Okay," she replied, not bothering to turn around.

As he watched her begin her ascent to the 2nd floor with Tina, he placed her omelet in a container, and into the fridge.

Steve was dressed in his usual khaki cargos and a white t-shirt. His weapon was on the kitchen counter in front of him when Johnny and Karen walked in. "Hey," he greeted. He stepped forward and shook Johnny's hand before enveloping Karen in a hug.

"How is she today?" Johnny asked.

"She's," Steve started.

"I'm good," Maddie interrupted as she crutched down the stairs. She hated having to wear her brace and use crutches on the stairs. She always felt like she was going to fall, which wouldn't be a stretch given her everyday clumsiness.

When she was three quarters of the way down Steve met her and hovered. He tried to ignore the way she tensed the closer he got. Keeping his hands close by, he walked down the remaining steps with her. "Come sit," he instructed as he walked to the freezer. Knowing what he was going to do, she opened her mouth to protest, however Johnny caught her eye and shook his head in warning. She sighed loudly as she sat in the chair. Steve knelt in front of her and carefully pulled the warm ice packs from her brace.

"I can do this," she mumbled.

"I know," he responded as he finished inserting the new ice packs. He caught her tiny shiver as he stood. He looked her over. She was dressed in skinny jeans and a t-shirt and her studded black high-top Converse. "You need a jacket or sweatshirt or something. You're sick."

Maddie wanted so badly to remind him they were in Hawaii and not New York in the winter, but she wasn't ready to have that much interaction with him. Her skin was still on fire from where his fingers had grazed her leg. She wanted him, something that only added to her hurt and anger. She hated that she wasn't able to control her own body. And she hated that she still wanted him this much after he'd stomped on her heart.

"Mads?" Steve said, trying to interrupt her train of thought.

She briefly met his eyes before looking away, despising the level of embarrassment and unsurety she felt. She couldn't risk seeing any sort of mocking or taunting in them. She just couldn't handle it. She'd heard him loud and clear the other night. He had zero feelings for her. "Tina put my jacket in the car."

His heart ached at the flash of pain in her eyes. He felt sick to his stomach knowing he was the one to cause her pain. Every fiber of his being wanted to reach out and hold her. He wanted to slowly kiss away the hurt and show her with his body how he really felt about her. However, he knew he couldn't push her.

"Let's go, Mads," Pete said as he walked into the kitchen. "Car's ready." He glanced at his long-time friend. "You coming?"

Steve continued to stare at Maddie. He really wanted to go with her, but Charlie had called as he was getting dressed. Some of the results had come back. He wanted to catch her stalker and take that burden and fear from her. He knew once they did that it would be easier to focus on their relationship. He glanced at Pete. "No, I need to go to Five-O and see what evidence has come back." He looked back at Maddie. Seeing that she was looking to the backyard in order to avoid him, he said, "Look at me."

His order grated on her nerves, something made apparent by her clenched jaw. He smirked slightly as he watched her fight the urge to argue. He would welcome any sort of argument with her. It was better than this silent obedience she had going on.

Irritated, Maddie met his eyes as she tried to ignore the aching in her chest.

"Do not take off and leave security, Madeline. You stay with Pete," Steve told her, using her first name to convey his seriousness. "You got me?" When she didn't say anything, he put more firmness in his tone. "You got me, Madeline?"

"Yes," she calmly answered even though she was itching to tell him what she really thought. However, needing minimal interaction with him won out.

"Promise?" he pushed.

Maddie nodded quickly before looking away again.

"Don't worry, she's not going anywhere," Johnny stated, his tone filled with warning.

Maddie's eye fluttered as she tried to fight the urge to get up and run. The walls felt like they were closing in on her.

With that sorted, Steve clipped his badge to his belt as well as his gun. Maddie watched from the corner of her eyes. It wasn't a sight she was used to. He was a police officer now. So weird, she thought. However, if she really thought about it, it wasn't that weird. His dad had been a cop and although they hadn't seen each other in a while, she knew he had looked up to him.

"Let's go, Maddie," Pete said.

"I haven't finished analyzing everything, but I've pulled prints from the roller skates as well as her costume," Charlie told Five-O as they gathered in the lab.

"Same prints?" Steve anxiously asked.

"Yeah," Charlie answered. "They came back belonging to none other than Walter Seasius."

"What?" Danny exclaimed. None of them had been expecting that.

"Could they have been planted?" Steve asked. It was the first time he'd voiced the idea, which terrified him as that would mean her stalker was also most likely messing with him and not just Maddie. Although she wouldn't admit it, they knew her stalker was threatening Steve. And then given the picture text sent to Pete of Tina the other day, he had a feeling there was more to this than just being a big fan of Maddie's and having a creepy obsession.

"You really think this guy is that deranged, boss?" Kono asked.

"Yeah, I do," Steve answered, a pit in his stomach. "Is it possible, Charlie?"

"I mean, I guess. But there's more than just one fingerprint on these. There's several as if they were actually handled by him. It's not just a lone print."

"Which her stalker could have pulled from Walter's stolen laptop," Chin quietly stated.

Steve's jaw clenched. "Yes."

"I mean everything we know about this guy so far, which isn't much, says he's much smarter than your average stalker. He's well-trained," Lori added.

Steve's mind was reeling with possibilities. "It's no coincidence that Walter's girlfriend is a paralegal for the district attorney, which is near us at 'The Palace'." His fear for Maddie's safety and wellbeing was increasing as the seconds ticked by. "Who is this guy? What does he want besides her?" he mumbled to himself.

"Nothing good, Steve," Danny answered. "Nothing good."

"Alright, let's go back and dive deeper into Walter Seasius just in case I'm wrong and it is him," Steve ordered. "Go back to when he was born. Let's make sure this isn't a deep cover alias." He turned to Charlie. "Thank you. Please, let me know when you have more."

All of Five-O had arrived at Maddie's after party before her. As Steve took in his surroundings, he had to give it to Pete, he'd done a great job on security. Members of Maddie's security team were sporadically placed throughout the outdoor party at every possible entry. Steve wouldn't have changed a thing had he been the one to plan it. It helped quiet his worries over the new information they'd gleamed. He was still worried, but it helped to know that when she wasn't with him, she had Pete and the guys.

What did concern him was that her stalker had gotten to her while she'd been with a highly trained 16-man security detail, which didn't include the security the venue had in place. He tried to tell himself that the Blaisdell Arena and her massive stage was a more difficult situation to cover than this particular party.

He hadn't seen her since her house that morning. He'd texted her to check in, but, no surprise, she hadn't responded. He had touched base with Pete who'd told him she was fine. Although her fever had broken, she was still sick, and he knew she should be in bed resting. Especially since she was having surgery soon. They needed the infection in her foot to heal before they could do it. Rest and staying off it was going to be make all the difference.

Danny, Chin and Steve were standing together shooting the breeze and drinking beer just inside the party. From their vantage point they'd be able to see when she arrived and help keep an eye on her as she went down the press line. Kono had helped vet and clear the couple dozen photographers and journalists that now impatiently waited for Maddie's arrival. Steve didn't particularly care for moments when she was on a red carpet. All the press squished together made him nervous as it was difficult to see a threat from within them.

He couldn't wait for everyone to go home while he had 3 weeks alone with her. He hoped she'd be with him longer than that, and if his discussion with Johnny the previous day was anything to go by, she'd be on vacation for months. I just need her to agree to stay with me for the whole time, he thought as he nursed his beer. The hurdle was getting through the emotional walls she'd currently put in place.

"Have you," Danny began, but their focus was pulled when two black SUV's with heavily tinted windows pulled up. Accompanied by Ryder (a security member he didn't personally know but recognized from the venue and his own background checks) Tina appeared from the first SUV. Steve was happy when Ryder stayed on her like glue.

"Okay, okay," Tina shouted, trying to get the press' attention. "Here are the rules for tonight." When they didn't quiet, she added, "The faster you pay attention, the faster you'll see Maddie." When the noise died down to a more manageable level she could speak over, she continued. "You ask any questions in reference to reports of an eating disorder, she will end the interview and you will be escorted from the premises. If you ask any questions about footage from the beach the other day, she will end the interview and you will be escorted from the premises." Tina found herself frustrated with the arguments she was hearing. "Or I can have you escorted out now." While she'd been addressing the press, Mo had emerged from the vehicle she'd been in and pulled Maddie's crutches from the car. He walked to the SUV carrying Maddie and stood by the closed rear passenger door. Seeing that the press seemed to have settled, she nodded to Mo who opened the car door.

Steve found himself uneasy at the fact Maddie was maintaining such a strict boundary over the rumors of an eating disorder. Over the years, if there were false reports or incorrect rumors, Maddie would usually make a statement saying so. For her to not be willing to address it in any way troubled him. His day had been so focused on her stalker that he'd pushed the eating disorder report to the back of his mind, but now he found it front and center. Had he missed something all these years? Or was this a new development? He needed to get her talking to him again, so he could ask her.

Pete emerged from the back seat before helping Maddie out. Before she was fully out, the press started yelling questions to her. Mo passed her her crutches before joining Ryder and Tina, who were making their way over to Five-O.

"Sometimes I hate press," Tina said as she stopped near the group.

"Sometimes?" Mo smirked, earning him a slight elbow from Tina.

Steve wasn't paying attention to them. His attention was glued to Maddie. His eyes slowly scanned down her body as if he was physically caressing every inch of her. She wore a white suit jacket as a dress. It ended a few inches past her bubble butt, a part of her body that he found often with his eyes. She had nothing on underneath. At least on the top, as the neckline plunged below her breasts giving him, and everyone, a view of a bit of cleavage, but not overtly so. She wore black and white striped heels, high heels, he was guessing at least 5 inches. What he wouldn't give to undress her, leaving her heels on as she wrapped her gorgeous legs around his waist. He felt his body immediately react to the image. This is going to be a long night, he thought to himself. He was in desperate need of another beer, but found himself unable to look away from her.

As Maddie placed the crutches underneath her arms, she began the short distance to the red carpet. She couldn't help but feel grateful for the invention of double-sided sticky tape as the crutch pads dug into the sleeves of her "dress". Thankfully the tape kept everything in place and prevented any kind of possible wardrobe malfunction. Pete and Joshua stayed close to her, both to protect her and to help in case she tripped.

Hoping to distract himself, Steve tried to focus on her wellbeing. H noticed that while she was using her crutches, she wasn't wearing her knee brace. His eyes darted to her legs and heels again. Don't go there, he told himself. Instead, he forced himself to think about the extra pain she was probably in because of the heels.

He continued watching as she posed on the red carpet, the photographers all calling for her to look at them individually. He knew this was not one of her favorite parts of the job. Even knowing that, he couldn't help but notice how calm and comfortable she appeared. But then again, that made him nervous. She'd gotten increasingly better at hiding her emotions over the years.

After a few minutes, Maddie crutched to the first interviewer. "Maddie! You look gorgeous, as always!" the man exuberantly told her. She smiled humbly in response. "Tell me, are you happy to be back home in Hawaii? Looking forward to some downtime?"

"Absolutely! While I love being on tour and seeing the fans each night, getting to lounge around my house in my pajamas sounds... beyond wonderful." She flashed him a brilliant smile.

"Planning on spending your downtime with anyone special?" he asked.

"Yes, my bed." The press collectively laughed, as did Pete and Joshua.

She answered a few more questions before moving on to the next reporter.

"Maddie! I caught the show the other night. It was phenomenal!" She smiled in response, waiting for a question. "After months of mediocre, at best, shows, how did it feel to nail this one? Did you do anything different beforehand?"

"What an ass," Steve mumbled, having heard the reporter.

"I don't know how she deals with this side of fame," Kono replied, shaking her head.

"I'm so glad you enjoyed the show," Maddie responded, never betraying the annoyance she felt. "Even after doing this for nearly 20 years, I have off nights. I'm just glad I was able to bring it for my hometown." With that, she moved to the next reporter, effectively putting an end to the interview.

"Always lookin' hot!" the next reporter said to her. "Tell me, does your eating disorder help you stay skinny and fit? Is that one of the reasons you starve yourself?"

Carl immediately appeared as Maddie moved onto the next reporter, saying nothing and emotionally betraying nothing. "You're going to have to come with me, sir." He quickly and efficiently escorted the man from the premises.

"Wow, that took balls," Danny commented as Steve fumed. "You have aneurysm face, Steven."

Steve said nothing as he sipped his beer and watched her finish with the press. Three more reporters were deftly kicked out after two asked about the eating disorder rumors and one brought up the beach footage.

"They're vultures," Tina angrily said before heading to the bar.

Maddie found herself standing alone for a minute, no longer having to force a smile. She took a deep breath. All she wanted to do was go home, get into her sweats, and crawl in bed. She'd been doing this for so long, never really taking a break, and she was getting tired. This world could be so fake. Just as she was going to head to a nearby table to get off her feet, a man came up to her.

"Maddie! I don't know if you remember me," he began.

She turned to look at him, taking in his tall, coifed good looks. His green eyes and blond hair looked familiar. All of a sudden, she realized who it was. "Ashton! Of course, I remember you. Long time, no see." He leaned forward to give her a hug as she thought back to her childhood.

FLASHBACK

"We don't play with girls!" a five-year old, blonde, green-eyed little boy screamed at the much smaller four-year old Maddie as he yanked the soccer ball from her hands.

"Now there's cooties on our ball!" another boy yelled at her accusatorily.

"I don't have cooties," Maddie vehemently responded. Why wouldn't they let her play with them? She loved soccer.

"You do! You're a stupid girl!" the blond boy, Ashton, said to her right before he pushed past her. In case the teachers were watching, he didn't outright push her, but instead smacked into her side as he passed.

Maddie fought the urge to rub her shoulder, not wanting to let him know he'd hurt her. She watched as the group of boys walked away, laughing at her. She didn't understand the big deal. The girls didn't want to play with her because she was constantly singing to herself, something they found "weird". And the boys wouldn't play with her because she was a girl. As she watched them kick the ball around, she swore she'd have her revenge.

Her opportunity came two days later. The teachers had the pre-school class doing an arts and craft activity outdoors. She had noticed that Ashton had left his new soccer ball in the classroom. Maddie approached her teacher. "Ms. Daisy?"

"Yes, Maddie?" her teacher replied, readjusting her thick glasses on her round face.

"Can I go potty?" Maddie asked.

"Of course!" Ms. Daisy smiled. "Do you need any help?"

"No, I'm a big girl," Maddie said proudly before she turned to head back into the classroom. Once inside, she quickly approached Ashton's soccer ball. She pulled out the bottle of Elmer's Glue she'd hidden in one of the pockets of her dress. With great precision for a four-year old she applied the glue to all the black pentagons on the ball before pulling the bottle of glitter from her other dress pocket. Her blue eyes sparkled with mischief as she sprinkled the glitter on the glue. She giggled to herself as she placed her masterpiece back into Ashton's cubby. As she skipped towards the door, she returned the glue and glitter to her pockets. Having just left the boys bathroom, Steve had seen what she'd done. He'd also seen them yell at her earlier in the week and he'd hated every minute. Ashton was a bully, and he hated bullies. He smiled to himself as he followed Maddie outside.

An hour later the class had finished their arts and crafts outside and had just helped put all the supplies away. They weren't allowed to go to play time until they'd helped clean up. When they were finished, Ashton ran to his cubby to grab his soccer ball only to find it covered in glitter.

Maddie was outside humming to herself when Ashton and his friends approached her. "You put glitter all over my ball!" he screamed.

Maddie didn't deny it. She only stood and smirked.

"Clean it up!" he yelled.

"If I do, can I play?" Maddie innocently asked.

"No! You're a stupid girl! We don't play with girls. Especially weird girls."

Maddie looked at him calmly. "Then, no. I won't clean it up."

That was it. Angry, Ashton pushed her so hard she tripped over a big rock behind her. She tried to cushion her fall with her hands, but she still found her knees, and her hands skinned. Even as she watched blood run down her shins, she didn't cry. She wouldn't let them see her cry.

Knowing that Ashton would probably have his own revenge on Maddie when he saw his soccer ball, Steve had made sure to stay nearby. When he saw Maddie fall, he was reminded of something his dad had told him. "Sometimes, you have to protect people that can't protect themselves." That's what his dad did as his job. He protected people that needed protecting. And Maddie was one of those people. Before Ashton even saw him, Steve walked up and punched him in the face. As he ran to the teacher crying and tattling, Steve reached down to help her up. "Are you okay?" he asked. She smiled, never once letting on that she was in pain.

"Yes," she said, taking his outstretched hands with her scraped ones. She couldn't believe he had done that for her. "Thanks." She paused. "You're gonna get in trouble."

"Oh well," Steve shrugged. "Did you see his face?" She giggled, nodding. From that moment on they'd been inseparable.

END FLASHBACK

"It's so good to see you," Ashton said, flashing his pristine white teeth.

Maddie noticed he had aged well. Even though he'd tortured her throughout school, up until she signed her record deal and moved, she'd always thought he was hot. An ass, but hot.

"You, too!" She tried to inconspicuously readjust her crutches. She was in so much pain, and the heels were not helping. "What have you been up to?"

"I joined my father's financial firm. We have offices here in Hawaii, New York, and LA." He paused, seeming a bit unsure. It was in this moment that Tina had quietly approached, not wanting to interrupt. "You know, I've always wanted to reach out to you, but didn't have your number." He cleared his throat nervously. "I actually always had a crush on you. I was going to ask you to homecoming freshman year, but Steve was always around. He was like your own bodyguard. Then you left school for the mainland, and I never got a chance."

Maddie was stunned. He had tortured her every year since she'd tried to play soccer with him. She would've never guessed he liked her. Recovering quickly, she said, "Yeah, Steve gets like that. Tends to be overprotective."

Tina couldn't help but laugh. "TENDS to be overprotective?" She snorted. "If you look up overprotective in the dictionary, there is a picture of Steve, fully armed." Maddie tried to inconspicuously elbow her. "Sorry," she mumbled still trying to stifle her laughter.

"Tina, this is Ashton. We went to school together," Maddie introduced. She looked to Ashton. "This is Tina, my assistant and friend."

Ashton reached out to shake her hand. "Nice to meet you," he smiled.

Tina looked at him, mischief lurking in her eyes. "You, too." She paused, seemingly amused by something. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but there's a group of HBO execs that flew in for the show and party. You need to do your thing."

"Fantastic," Maddie muttered sarcastically. There were times she really hated the business. But, man, did she love the music. "It was really nice seeing you," she said to Ashton.

"You, too," he beamed. He pulled something from his pocket. "Here's my business card. I don't know how long you'll be in Hawaii... I'm guessing for a bit given the crutches."

"Yeah," Maddie grumbled. "Hazards of the job."

"Anyway, I'd love to meet up if you have the time." He handed her the card.

"That would be awesome!" she enthusiastically responded. As she began to crutch away, she added, "I'll see you later!"

Fifteen minutes later Maddie sighed in relief as she sat at one of the tables. Tina was right behind her, carrying four shots of vodka.

"So..." Tina began as she took a seat next to Maddie, passing her two of the shots. As Maddie threw the first one back, Tina continued, "Ashton is hot."

Maddie wrinkled her nose at the burn from the alcohol. "Yeah, he's good-looking," she agreed somewhat dismissively.

"You should go out with him," Tina nonchalantly said. Maddie wasn't so sure. How did she know her stalker wouldn't go after Ashton if they went out? She didn't want to be responsible for anyone getting hurt. Of course, she couldn't say that to her friend. Instead, she avoided answering by taking the second shot. "Okay, well at least sleep with him," Tina added.

"Is that why you ordered us vodka and not something else? Trying to get me to jump Ashton?" Maddie asked. Alcohol had always made her horny, but vodka? Vodka made her insatiable.

Trying to school her facial expressions, Tina took both shots back-to-back. It wasn't Ashton she was hoping Maddie would hook up with, it was Steve. He needed help getting Maddie to let him in. Well, she was giving him a wide-open chance. She knew how her friend was when she drank vodka. With how bad he'd hurt Maddie, it was the only option she could think of that would get her talking to him faster.

As two more shots were suddenly delivered, Maddie asked, "How are things with Pete?"

Tina's face immediately fell. "He thinks of me as a friend. That's never gonna change. Plus, he's seeing someone."

Maddie wasn't so sure that was true, but decided not to say anything. Instead, she took her third shot, making a face afterwards.

"But," Tina began with a coy smile. "I met this guy..."

"Tell me everything," Maddie immediately responded causing them to crack up.

"His name is Arthur," Tina began, filling her in on her meeting with the kind stranger from the other day.

"He sounds like a really nice guy," Maddie said as Tina took her last shot.

"He was really nice... He actually texted me earlier asking if I wanted to grab a drink tonight."

"You should do that!" Maddie exclaimed. She just wanted her friend to be happy regardless of who she ended up with. As long as they treated her well, and loved and appreciated her, she was happy.

"You think?" Tina asked hesitantly.

"Absolutely!" Maddie smiled.

"The only thing is security hasn't let me out of their sight. Someone's always with me. I feel a little weird meeting Arthur with one of the guys glued to me."

Maddie glanced quickly at Ryder and Noah standing nearby. She'd noticed they seemed to be assigned to Tina and had been meaning to ask Pete about it, but she hadn't had a chance. While her security always made sure Tina was safe, this was different. Was it because Tina had hit her head? Or had Pete realized he had feelings for her and was keeping a close eye on her? She wasn't sure. "I've noticed that, too." She took a sip from the glass of water one of the bartenders had brought. "I'm happy to make a diversion so you can slip out."

Tina laughed. "You are quite talented when it comes to escaping and evading security." Maddie shrugged her shoulders unapologetically. "I'll probably take you up on that."

"Awesome! Just keep me posted!" Maddie smiled.

Tina approached Steve, Danny, and Chin while Maddie sat at a table spending some much-needed time with Karen.

"Who was that guy with you and Maddie earlier?" Danny asked curiously. He'd noticed a change in Steve's body language when the stranger was talking to Maddie.

"His name is Ashton. Hot, right?" Tina couldn't help herself. "He's in finance. Gave Maddie his card."

"Figures with a name like Ashton," Steve mumbled. He took a sip from his beer. "What a stupid name."

They all tried to hide the smiles his comment caused. How had he not realized he was head over heels in love with Maddie?

"You know him?" Danny asked. Chin chuckled, already knowing the story. "Am I missing something?"

Steve took a long draw from his beer before telling his partner what happened in preschool.

"So, what you're telling me is that you owe him for becoming friends with Maddie?"

"Hardly, we would have become friends anyway," Steve retorted.

While Tina and Steve had hugged it out earlier that morning, she couldn't help but torture him a little. "I told her to at least sleep with him. I mean, a girl's got needs." Steve choked on his beer. Danny and Chin fought back laughter. Tina was evil, awesome, but evil. Just to piss him off she added, "She seemed really interested."

"Oh God, Steve has something worse than aneurysm face. I wasn't sure it was possible," Danny quipped, taking pleasure in the torture of his partner. "It's possible his head is gonna explode."

Chin couldn't hold it in anymore. He started laughing.

"What's so funny?" Pete asked, joining them.

"Nothing," Steve ground out, finishing off his beer.

"You know, it's actually perfect," Tina suddenly said. She couldn't help but twist the knife in further. "Alcohol, particularly vodka, which we've been taking shots of, makes Maddie incredibly horny."

Pete lost it. Tina was a rockstar. With near tears in his eyes from laughing, Pete watched Steve's face turn from stony, to shocked, to angry, and then to jealous.

Steve needed another beer, and fast. All he could think about was undressing Maddie all night, and now with Tina's information, he was completely tortured. "Like hell she is," he whispered as he grabbed a new beer from the tray of a passing server. There was no way Ashton was getting anywhere near her.

Finally taking pity on Steve, Chin looked to Pete. "So, is it true you're dating someone?"

Before Pete even had a chance to answer, Tina excused herself to the bar where she ordered two more shots. She couldn't listen. It would hurt too much. With vodka in hand, she rejoined Maddie and Karen.

When Karen had left to go talk to Steve, Tina looked at Maddie. "Can you cause a diversion for me to sneak out?"

Maddie took her shot. "Of course! When?"

Tina threw her shot back. God, she wished Pete returned her feelings. "Give me five minutes."

"Will do." She looked around, trying to determine Tina's best route of escape. "Your best bet is to be standing near the guy wearing the red bowtie and then to sneak out that side. Connor and Dominic are covering it now, but they'll be the first ones to respond to my distraction. And Ryder will do the same. They're still searching for Pete's approval."

Tina took a long look at her friend. "You're sort of terrifying sometimes."

"Well, my father figure was a cop, and my best friend is a Navy SEAL. You pick up stuff. You have to, for sanity's sake," Maddie replied as she shrugged. There was a long silence as she took in her friend's demeanor. There was sadness there. Knowingly, she reached her hand out to squeeze Tina's. She knew what it was like to love a man who would never feel the same way. It hurt like hell.

"So, when am I getting my grandbabies?" Karen asked Steve.

"I wouldn't count on that happening any time soon, if at all," Pete quipped.

Karen's head shot to Steve who was glaring at his friend. "What happened? What did you do? Is that why you haven't been with her at all tonight?"

"Oh, he did something really stupid," Danny commented before filling her in. Steve was convinced they were all out to get him. They took too much pleasure in his misery.

"Steven Jack McGarrett!" Karen sternly said, furious. "I've been waiting more than fifteen years for the two of you to get your heads out of your asses and as soon as it looks like you finally did, you shove yours back up yours?!" Pete, Danny, and Chin started laughing hysterically. Steve only inwardly cringed, preparing himself for the lecture.

Five minutes later, Maddie rose from her seat at the table and began to crutch towards the end of the bar closest to Connor and Dominic's position. As she neared the bar, she started to trip. Tons of security rushed forward from all parts of the outdoor space. Inwardly she triumphantly beamed. She was right, Connor and Dominic reached her first with Ryder close behind. She didn't need to look to know that Tina had successfully escaped.

"Are you okay?" Connor asked intensely, as they made sure she was once again steady on her crutches.

"Yes. Thank you, guys, so much," Maddie replied. "Might have had one shot too many." She wasn't completely lying. She hadn't had much dinner and she'd had four shots with Tina. She was definitely nearing drunk, not sloppy drunk, but buzzed drunk. And horny. Damn Tina and vodka, she thought.

"Here, let me get you some water," Dominic said before darting off for a glass of water. He wasn't even gone a minute when he returned with the beverage.

"Thank you so much," Maddie beamed.

"Seemed like a close call," a voice said. She turned to see Ashton.

"Oh, yeah, I'm pretty clumsy when both my feet are on the ground, therefore I'm screwed on crutches," she answered.

Steve was seeing red as he watched Ashton shamelessly flirt with Maddie across the room. What made it worse was that she seemed to be receptive to it. All he could hear were Tina's words. I told her to at least sleep with him. I mean, a girl's got needs. That and the knowledge vodka made her horny, something Steve hadn't been able to get out of his mind, his nerves and resolve were wearing thin. He'd been in a state of arousal all night, and Tina's imparted knowledge had only made it worse.

Jealousy like he'd never felt before exploded inside him when he saw Ashton tuck a strand of Maddie's hair behind her ear. At the same time, he leaned in to say something to her over the loud room. The whole exchange had an intimate feeling. Taking the last sip of his beer, he decided he'd had enough. He had to put a stop to this. With no hesitation, he took confident strides towards Maddie and Ashton.

"There you are, baby," Steve lovingly said to Maddie as he put his arm territorially around her shoulders. She immediately tensed, something he felt, but Ashton hadn't seemed to notice.

Ashton looked between the two, surprise evident on his face. "Steve, it's so great to see you! It's been a long time." They all knew it was just something to say. The two had never been able to stand one another.

"You, too," Steve replied dismissively before glancing at Maddie. Feeling the continued tension in her body, he lovingly rubbed her upper arm.

"We were just talking about making plans to have dinner Sunday," Ashton commented.

"We," Steve said, making sure to enunciate the word, "would meet you, but she's having surgery in a few days." He turned to look at Maddie. "By the way, you're the only woman I know that can make crutches look sexy."

Maddie turned her face to look at him. He saw the anger and iciness in her gaze. She couldn't believe he was doing this, but at the same time, she was also reveling in the feel of his arm around her. There was a protectiveness and intimate nature about it. But, after everything she couldn't believe she still felt that way. It was infuriating.

Taking advantage of having her gorgeous face looking at his, he leaned forward and kissed her. Not once, but continuous.

Seconds into the kiss, her hormones got the best of her, and she leaned into him. She wanted him. She wanted him bad. Damn vodka, she inwardly cursed. Her mind was telling her to push him away, but her hormones were louder.

Steve had to fight to keep his tongue from exploring her mouth when he felt her body finally give in to him. Reluctantly, he ended the kiss. He took in her perfectly painted face and noticed her blue eyes were dilated and dazed. Tina was right, he thought. He'd have to thank her later for giving Maddie vodka. It had definitely caused her to lower her guard. So much for promising Pete I would give her space. He cleared his throat, trying to keep from kissing her again. "Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?"

Maddie just stared at him. Was this for real or was he just putting on a show because he hated Ashton? The thought cleared her mind from the fog caused by the kiss and alcohol. Steve instantly saw the change in her face and knew she was going to pull away. Before she could, he picked her up bridal style. "Let's go home," he smiled suggestively at her. He spared a gloating glance to Ashton. "Bye! It was nice to see you!" Steve didn't wait for a response. He just started walking out of the party with a stunned Maddie in his arms.

Danny had come up behind them and expertly grabbed her crutches. Even though he loved to torture Steve, he still wanted him to make it work with Maddie. He followed hot on his partner's heels, throwing her crutches in the backseat of his truck before Steve drove away with her.

"This is an interesting twist." Danny glanced to his right to see Karen next to him. "Maybe I'll get those grandbabies after all."