Take Me Upstairs

Madison could barely keep the grin off her face.

The moment Derek turned and walked out, a pulse of triumph bloomed in her chest. That was it. That was exactly what needed to happen. The whole reason for throwing this party, for bringing everyone together—it had all led to this. And Joey had handled it perfectly.

Not with yelling. Not with drama. Just calm, quiet certainty. Not a boy fumbling his way through emotions, but a man who knew who he was. A man who stood his ground without needing to puff up or prove anything.

God, he was sexy when he did that.

She felt her heart beat faster just watching him—still standing in the middle of the room, thoughtful, soft-spoken, a little confused at all the attention he was getting. He didn't even realize what he'd just done. That made it even better.

Joey Granger, the boy everyone had overlooked, had just stood toe-to-toe with Eliza's ex—a grown man—and walked away with his dignity intact. And he hadn't needed to win some big macho showdown to do it. He'd just been himself.

And Madison? She'd never been prouder to be his girlfriend.

She reached out and slipped her hand into his. The contact sent a thrill up her spine. "Take me upstairs," she said, her voice low and steady.

It wasn't a suggestion.

Joey blinked at her—wide-eyed and earnest—but didn't resist as she led him forward.

Aynsley was immediately at his side, her arm slipping around his waist. "You have to let us spoil you," she said, practically glowing. "You earned it."

Bianca pressed in close from the other side. "You did so good," she whispered, trailing her fingers along his arm. "Let us take care of you."

Madison smirked. She didn't mind sharing—not when it was like this. Not when it felt like they were all on the same team. The three of them pulling Joey toward the stairs felt natural, right, even beautiful in its own way.

He wasn't just hers.

He was theirs.

And somehow—somehow—he had chosen her first.

Madison glanced back for just a moment. Indira was still standing near the dining table, watching them with a soft, unreadable expression. Her hands were folded, her eyes uncertain, her posture a mix of shyness and longing.

"Have fun," Indira said, tucking her hair behind one ear.

Madison gave her a small nod. There was no jealousy in it. No rivalry. Indira wasn't ready yet, and that was okay. Joey made her feel safe—just like he did the rest of them. She'd get there in her own time.

Besides, Madison thought, he loves her too. Just like he loves Aynsley. Just like he loves Bianca. Just like he loves me.

It was insane—how lucky she was.

There were a million girls in the world, but he was hers. Hers to hold, to kiss, to follow up those stairs. Hers to believe in. Hers to love.

And tonight?

Tonight was for celebrating that.

The music thumped below them. Laughter echoed down the hall. But as they climbed the steps, hand in hand, Madison didn't hear any of it. Not really.

The only sound that mattered was Joey's breath. Steady. Warm. Close.

This was the life girls dreamed about—being with someone kind, someone gentle, someone strong enough to know when not to fight.

And somehow, against all odds, it belonged to her.

Joey Granger was everything she hadn’t known she needed.

And tonight, she was going to show him just how lucky he was too.