Ice Dreams Part 1 Read online

  ICE DREAMS

  PART 1

  BY

  MELISSA JOHNS

  ICE DREAMS

  MELISSA JOHNS

  Copyright © 2013

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted under U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or

  stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

  Please check out these other books

  By: Melissa Johns

  FIRST LOVE (Now & Forever Series #1)

  EVERLASTING LOVE (Now & Forever Series #2)

  FOREVER LOVE (Now & Forever Series #3)

  Her website is now up: http://melissajohns.webs.com

  Stop by her blog: http://firstlovethenovel.blogspot.com/

  “Like” her facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/firstlovenovel

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  CHAPTER NINE

  CHAPTER TEN

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  DEDICATION

  This book is dedicated to my father, Bill Benn. He was my best friend and the first man I ever loved. He believed in me until the day he passed away this past April. When I released the Now & Forever Series, he told all his friends that he was so proud of his daughter’s accomplishments. I hope he is looking down at me and proud of my continuing success.

  This one is for you, Dad….

  CHAPTER ONE

  Madison Sinclair sat in the window seat of her small apartment, curled up and watched the snow fall over her small town of Huntsville, Canada, which was just north of Toronto. She loved the small town way of life. She could walk from her apartment to work and run into friendly waves and hellos.

  She was born and raised there and but always dreamt that there were bigger things out there for her. Her parents still lived outside of town but kept their distance from her. Madison grew up in a household where her brother was their favorite child and no one in their right mind would argue that fact.

  Carter Sinclair, her brother, trained his entire life to become a professional hockey player. His dreams came true when he turned seventeen and was drafted into the major league. Even though Madison and Carter were only two years apart in age, he was the first born and received all the attention during their childhood. Between all of the practices, minor league games and tournaments, no one gave her a second thought.

  It took Madison years to come to terms with her life but at the current age of twenty, she was happy or at least she thought she was happy. The downfall was they were so close in age her parents spent every penny they had on Carter's training. She had to give up the opportunity of furthering her education by going away to college. No one pushed her or encouraged her to pursue any of her dreams. When she graduated from high school, she found an office job and co-workers that she liked so she didn't mind the tedious work.

  As the snow continued to fall, Madison picked up her book and went back to reading about the passion love affair between the prince and the handmaiden. She never had a love life of her own because her father wouldn't allow her to date. She had been asked out in high school but always had to say no. Once they graduated, most the guys headed off to college and moved out of their area, leaving Madison alone.

  Jessie was her closest friend. She was the only person in Madison's life that truly loved her and stayed by her side no matter what was going on in their lives. Unfortunately, she had abandoned Madison for a higher education but always called her to catch up on the current events.

  Over the past year, she had been trying to fix her relationship with Carter. They would talk every week to keep in touch with each other. He lived in the States along the east coast with his fiancée who he had proposed to her last year during their vacation to France. Carter and Alicia were madly in love and looked forward to start their life together. Alicia was wonderful to Madison and tried to be a big sister to her.

  It was because of Alicia that Carter and Madison started to work on their relationship. Alicia saw through his hard exterior and taught him the importance of family. It took time but Madison felt like she had a brother who would do anything for her and a new sister who helped them through the roller coaster ride.

  Madison's attention went back toward the street as the plow hurled the snow to the side of the road. She sighed as she picked up her cell phone.

  "Hey Maddy, how's it going?" Jessie asked as she answered her phone.

  "I think I need a vacation."

  "Are you going to come and visit me?"

  Madison laughed. "Sorry, not this time. I thought that I would visit Carter and Alicia."

  "That's a great idea! They would love to see you."

  "He asked me to come last month but I couldn't get away from work. But, I have two weeks worth of vacation coming up and he's on the all star break.”

  "I think that’s a wonderful idea, Maddy. You need to see the world. There is more out there then Huntsville."

  "Do you think my parents would care if I go visit him?"

  "Who cares, he's your brother! They are the reason that you couldn't have a normal relationship with him to begin with and now that you do, don't listen to them anymore!"

  "How's school?" Madison asked as she changed the subject.

  "Driving me crazy, I have papers due and living at the library."

  She laughed. "Maybe that will be me one day."

  "It's never too late, Maddy. You are only twenty years old. You could get financial aid and get your degree!"

  Madison smiled. "Maybe one day, I'm going to call Carter. Be safe and talk soon."

  As they hung up, she looked at her calendar and decided it was time that she started having some fun in her life. She called her brother and got his voicemail. She left him a message and told him to call her back as soon as he could.

  She headed to bathroom, looked at herself in the mirror and frowned. She was unhappy with her flat black hair and she noticed that her skin looked tired and pale. She took care of her body and worked out most nights but never realized how poorly she looked overall.

  Most girls grew up with mothers who taught them about make up or hair care products but Madison didn't have a mother like that. Some of the girls in high school would snicker at her but she was comfortable wearing her hair in a ponytail and not having the hippest clothes.

  If she was going to embark on a vacation, it would be the perfect time to put a little effort into her appearance. She ran her fingers through her long black hair and decided it was time to cut it. Her mother had always forced her to have it long. She smiled slightly as she thought about the changes she would be making in her life.

  Her cell phone started to ring and snapped her out of her trance. "Hey Carter, thanks for calling me back."

  "Of course, what's going on?"

  "Does the offer still stand for me to come down and visit you?"

  "Yes! Maddy, I'm so happy that you want to visit us."

  "Alicia won't mind, right?"

  "Of course not, you know that she loves you too. We will get the guest room ready for you. When do you want to visit?"

  "I thought about flying down next Monday. I looked at your schedule online and noticed that you started your all star break and then have some home games."

  "That's perfect. I will be at the all star game but you are more than welcome to come with us or stay at the house. We are on the beach so you can tan that pale Canadian skin of yours."

  M
adison couldn't help but laugh. "I will call you when I have my flight information."

  "Sounds good, are you going to tell mom and dad that you are coming?"

  "I should,” Madison paused. “But I don't care if they tell me not to go."

  "Madison, you are a grown woman. You can do whatever you want to do, ok? You need to find your own confidence and I think two weeks with us is a good start."

  "I think you are right, Carter. I am going to try."

  They said their goodbyes and Madison started to plan her next move.

  CHAPTER TWO

  After Madison finished her last day of work and started her much overdue vacation, she headed into town towards the salon. Her flight left in the morning for North Carolina and she decided she wanted a new hairstyle.

  She opened the door and smelled the blast of perm solution and heard all the gossiping ladies over in the back corner. She had been going to the small boutique since a little girl because it was the only salon in town. She thought back to all the times that her mother would drop her off with some money and tell her to get a trim. She would never come in with her. She was lost in her thought when she heard a familiar voice greet her.

  "Madison Sinclair, I don't remember seeing an appointment for you tonight."

  "Good evening, Mrs. Adams. I hoped you could squeeze me in. I'm taking my first vacation and going to see Carter in the States."

  "How wonderful, Madison! What did you want to have done tonight? Mrs. Adams asked as she pulled her towards the empty chair.

  Madison took a deep breath. "Cut it."

  She felt her older hands touch her shoulders from behind as she looked at Madison in the mirror. "Are you sure?"

  "Yes. It's time that I try something new. I want it shoulder length with some kind of style."

  Mrs. Adams smiled at her. "Well, let's get started."

  Madison was nervous as the scissors started their assault on her hair but quickly relaxed as she watched the transformation occur before her eyes. As the hair came off she felt the stress and tension lower as well.

  When Mrs. Adams was finished, Madison couldn't believe her eyes. The short hair stopped above her shoulders and had soft layers that framed her face. She couldn't understand how, but it made her brown eyes stand out more and gave her overall appearance an overhaul. Madison started to cry as she stared at herself in the mirror.

  "Oh my God, you don't like it. Please tell me how I can fix it, Honey."

  Madison quickly shook her head. "No, I love it. I'm sorry it's just a major shock. It makes me look so different."

  Mrs. Adams clearly relaxed and smiled at her. "You have always been beautiful, Madison but the haircut suits you. It brings out more of your natural beauty."

  Madison said good night as she got into her car and ran her fingers through her short hair. She smiled as she realized she had just made the first major change in her life. It was amazing how a simple haircut could change her outlook on life.

  She stopped at a few more local stores and bought some new summer clothes. Her main goal was to try and find a swimsuit but since it was February in Canada, it almost seemed impossible.

  As she walked into the only department store in her area, she hoped they would have something she could purchase. She headed towards the seasonal department and felt a sense of relief rush over her as she spotted a small rack of bikinis.

  She grabbed a couple of choices and picked a dressing room. She removed her winter coat and boots and sat on the small bench. She went through her choices and picked out the one she wanted to try on first. She was around five feet four inches, her body was fit and the bikini fit the way it should. Her hips were narrow and she was blessed with a larger chest. The bikini just reinforced all of her natural features. She picked the dark red swimsuit and paid for it. As she arrived home, she quickly packed her new clothes and decided to call her mother and inform her of her plans.

  "Good evening, Sinclair residence."

  "Hello Mother, I just wanted to let you know that I was leaving for vacation.”

  "I heard that from your brother. Don't disturb him during the all star game, just stay at his house. He doesn't need any distractions. I'm not happy that Alicia will be accompanying him."

  "Mother, it's his fiancée, of course she will be going with him."

  "Just behave yourself and stay out his way."

  "Yes Mother, I will call you when I get home."

  With that the phone conversation ended, Madison sighed as she dialed her brother.

  "Hey Maddy, are you ready for vacation?"

  "I guess so."

  "What's wrong?"

  "Just talked to our mother, she's thrilled that I'm coming to see you."

  Carter laughed as he knew the truth. "Maddy, just remember what we said. She's not going to ruin our new relationship. I can't wait to see you and Alicia is just as excited as I am."

  Madison smiled. "Thank you, I'm looking forward to it too."

  "Travel safe and I will see you at the airport."

  She hung up and finished packing. Her heart raced as she became very nervous about her first plane ride to the United States. Madison fell asleep and dreamt of what was in store for her over the next two weeks.

  ************************

  As the plane touched down in North Carolina, Madison took a deep breath and watched out her window as the airport appeared in front of her. She was proud of herself that she got through her first plane ride with no issues. As people stood up around her and grabbed their belongings, she became very excited about seeing her brother. She reached for her carry on bag and headed towards the front of the plane.

  As she walked through the airport she noticed people without jackets and quickly removed hers. She was excited to feel warm weather during the winter months. She continued through the security gate and could see her brother signing autographs. She smiled as Alicia spotted her.

  "Madison, look at your hair! It's beautiful!" Alicia exclaimed as she wrapped her arms around her. Alicia was a stunning a blonde. Her blue eyes shined as she smiled at Madison.

  "Hey Alicia, you are beautiful as always. How long has he been signing autographs?"

  "Oh, I don't keep track anymore. Carter!" Alicia yelled.

  Carter excused himself from the group of fans as he grabbed Madison and spun her around in the air. "Hey Maddy!"

  She couldn't help but giggle like a little girl as he placed her back on the floor. "Hey Carter."

  "I can't believe you cut your hair. Does mom know yet?"

  "No, please don't tell her. I want to enjoy my vacation. She will see it when I get home."

  "He won't say a word," Alicia piped in. "I can't wait to get to know you better, Madison."

  She smiled at Alicia and felt as if she should be intimated by her but Alicia’s personality was so comforting that she couldn’t help but love her immediately. “I look forward to that also.”

  Carter grabbed her bag and headed towards baggage claim. Once her luggage had arrived, they headed outside to his SUV and drove towards his oceanfront property. Madison was so excited about seeing the ocean for the first time. She always dreamt of feeling the waves crash around her feet and walking through the sand. She couldn’t imagine what it would be like to live right on the coast.

  "What would you like to do tonight, Madison?" Alicia asked interrupting her thought.

  "What would you suggest?"

  "I hoped that you would be up for dinner at The Pier, you like seafood right? Carter has a small team practice tonight and we could tag along afterwards."

  "Maddy, I would completely understand if you didn't want to visit the arena but I would love to show you around,” Carter explained.

  He knew that hockey wasn't her favorite sport due to all the circumstances from their childhood but if he was willing to work on their relationship than she would try also.

  "I would love that, Carter. I want to see how popular my big brother really is."

  Alicia laughed. "You
will see that tonight at dinner if there are any hockey fans there."

  Madison smiled as they pulled into her brother's beachfront property. She hopped out of the truck and took a deep breath. She could smell the fresh ocean air and felt the bright sunlight on her face.

  "It's amazing, right? Carter asked as he grabbed her bags.

  Madison couldn't speak as she walked down the driveway and followed the stone pathway around the side of the garage. The pathway stopped at a set on wooden stairs that led to the beach and a set of smaller steps that took you up onto their deck. Madison looked at the horizon and stood in amazement as the ocean crashed on the rocks below her. “It’s breathtaking.”

  Alicia smiled as Carter took Madison's bags inside. "I remember the first time I saw too. You don't know how to explain it to people. You just have to experience it for yourself."

  Madison nodded as she looked back towards the house. "It's so quaint and peaceful.” The back of the house was lined with large windows and an awning that covered their beautiful patio furniture. “Carter mentioned that you wanted to move.”

  Alicia smiled. "We won’t sell this house. We love it too much but we want something closer to the city. It's quite a drive during the season. He has an apartment that he stays in when he can't commute but we thought that a house would be more comfortable."

  Madison nodded. "I know the all star game is in town this weekend so are you staying in the city?”

  Alicia nodded. "We will leave Thursday and come back on Monday. Our apartment is big enough if you want to join us but we completely understand if you want some time alone. Our house is your house."

  Alicia hugged her and disappeared through the patio doors. She could hear Carter in the house as she followed his voice, as she walked through the patio doors, she entered their dining room and off to the side she could see their kitchen. All the rooms were very open and the above skylights provided natural light that filled the rooms.

  Carter walked into the dining room. "Well? What do you think?"