by S. Moose
“It’s not a good idea. It was one night and one night only. There's so much going on in my life. I don't have time for a boyfriend.” I need to continue coming up with excuses to keep Bryce away. I’m not sure how much resistance I have in me before I cave, and that scares me more than anything. I’m only scared because Bryce has the power to break me, and I can’t go through that pain again.
He smirks as if this is a “hard to get” kind of game. “Let me prove you wrong.”
I’m not sure what to say. We are standing in the middle of his parking garage and neither of us makes a move. It seems like hours have passed when his cell phone rings, breaking our trance.
“You should get that. I’ll see you tonight.”
Bryce reaches over and opens the door for me, waiting until I’m in and then shutting the door. He still hasn’t said anything, so I smile and reverse my car out of the parking spot to exit the garage.
As I drive back to work, I can’t help but think about him. I know it’s not a good idea to get involved, but I can’t ignore the way he makes me feel. It’s an instant attraction—a need to get to know more and delve into the depths of his soul. I crave that. Then again, I’m smart, and men like Bryce Hunter don’t see commitment and love, they see playthings and where they’ll find their next dirty little secret. Pretty soon, I’ll forget him, rock my job, and do something more.
It’s almost six thirty when I finish putting together his outfits, but I’m pleased with everything I’ve picked out. I’m using two mannequins and mixing up what he can wear with each suit, and what he can wear when he wants to be casual. The idea of casual Bryce makes my heart tingle. The way that man can rock a suit leaves me no doubt he’ll look sexy in a casual outfit.
“Explain to me how you’re going to walk away from this account. Madison, the man is exceedingly hot, and you said he's amazing in bed. Are you sure you want me to handle it?”
“Please. I can’t do it, Kaylee. I really can’t.”
She raises a brow. “So you had sex with him. You’re acting childish, and I’m only saying that out of love. He wants you. Why can't you see that?”
I sigh. “Bryce Hunter is dangerous for me. I've been with a powerful man and look what that did to me. I can't put myself in that position again. I barely made it out after Kent. What makes you think I can survive it again?” I flatten my hand on the crisp blue and gray tie and imagine him wearing it. “I need to be alone for now. It doesn’t matter if I feel a connection to him. I’m sure any woman with a pulse who sees Bryce will feel a connection to him. It’s nothing and I’m putting it behind me.”
I need to keep telling myself this. The more I’m around him then the more he’ll wear me down and I’ll give in to him again.
“Go on. Why do you think that?” she presses.
I give her a nonchalant look and turn back to work. “I already told you.”
“There's more.”
“I'm scared okay? When we were together, there was this connection. It was there when we had sex, and it was there again today. I won't deny it, but I have to protect myself.” I take a few deep breaths before continuing, “Yes, he’s hot. He’s dominant. He wants me to be his stylist or girlfriend, I don't know, and I can’t do that. It’s really that simple. A broken heart doesn’t heal right away. It takes time. I deserve time to myself.”
“Unless Bryce makes it worth your while,” she suggests in a righteous tone. “Think about it. If you really don't want to be with him, then keep him around for the amazing sex. Keep your feelings at bay, then take advantage of the benefits he’s giving you.”
I see her eyes light up with her good idea, and I have to shake my head. “No! Bryce isn’t the type of man who lets you keep your feelings at bay. I see myself easily falling in love with him, Kaylee. If I stay away, then I’ll be done. Out of sight, out of mind.”
Kaylee rolls her eyes. “You don’t know what you’re giving up. How old is he?” she asks while typing on her phone. “I can’t find much about him online.”
“Why do you want to know how old he is?” I don’t mean to come off flippant, but his age has nothing to do with this.
She shrugs her shoulders. “Just curious.”
I roll my eyes. “He never told me. I’m sure he’s probably in his thirties. He’s much older than I am. With the age difference, that means we have different levels of experience. He’s the master, and I’m the student. It won’t be worth it.”
My phone buzzes on the floor, and I gasp when I see the name. How in the hell did he add his contact information into my phone?
Bryce: I look forward to seeing you soon.
Madison: I’m not feeling well, so Kaylee will be bringing over the clothes. It’s for the best. I’m putting in my notice. This job isn’t for me. Nice meeting you and good luck.
Bryce: Why are you lying to me?
Madison: I’m not lying.
Bryce: It’s not very nice to lie, Madison. If you continue this façade, then I’ll have to put you over my knee and show you how badly you want this. Because you do. You want me the way I want you. The more you deny me, the more I’ll push you. If you submit to me, I’ll show you all the pleasures of the world. I can give you anything and everything you want.
“Oh, hell no,” I mutter.
Madison: I don’t want you anymore. It was one night and one night only. You’re not my type, and I’m certainly not yours. If you want a plaything, might I suggest Tinder or even a strip club? I’m sure you can make someone very happy, but I can assure you it will not be me.
He doesn’t text me back, and I’m perfectly okay with that. Pushing Bryce out of my head will be easy. Men like him want sex and more sex. They don’t care for women. Women, to them, are disposable. I bet he uses that line on all the women. Most likely, he has pickup lines in his notes section on his iPhone. All he needs to do is highlight, copy, and paste the lines into the text message box, press send, and then boom! Instant booty call. Sadly—for him, not me—that’s not going to happen.
Chapter 7
Bryce
The door opens, and I set my glass down, turning to meet Madison halfway. She’s playing hard to get. It’s only making my dick hard as a rock. This game of running away from me isn’t going to work. I don’t go down easily.
The idea of seeing her again, fuck, it’s doing things to me. I’m consumed by her presence. No other woman has done this to me.
Only Madison.
The only downside of this is I’m a controlled and composed man. I’m running a multibillion-dollar business, close high-priced deals, and never back down from the competition. She wants me to chase her and show her I’m not like other men. I’m not dangerous. One night with her isn’t enough, and I’m craving forever nights with her.
Today, in my office with her, I realized I’m in over my head. I’m not sure how to take this or how to process the situation. Everything I do is based on a plan, a very calculated plan. Rarely do I ever veer off my plan because then I lose control. I lose the upper hand.
A woman enters the living room, and I look at Peter in question. This isn’t what I had in mind. I didn’t think Madison would have it in her to go against my wishes. I’m not sure if I’m pissed off or turned on. Normally, the women I'm with do what they’re told without question. Those types of women attract me. No complications. No drama. Then there’s Madison. A spitfire and someone independent and doesn’t care to please a man.
“Hi, Mr. Hunter. I’m Kaylee Calkin. Madison’s not feeling well, so I’m here to drop off your outfits and help you with anything else you need.”
Touché, Ms. Smith.
“Well, this is unexpected.” I motion for Peter to take the garment bags. “Come and have a seat, Ms. Calkin.”
As she’s getting comfortable on the sofa in my living room, I pour myself another drink. Looking back over my shoulder, I ask if she’d like a drink.
“No, thank you.”
“Very well.” With the glass in my hand, I
walk to the sofa and sit across from her. “So why did Ms. Smith send you?”
“As she said, she’s not feeling well.”
I nod, looking at her, and know full well she’s lying from the way she’s playing with her thumbs while resting her hands on her lap. “I see. I take it you and Madison are best friends? I remember seeing you at the bar that night as well.”
“We are.”
“Then you know about her and me?” I watch her nod before I continue. “She mentioned on several occasions being with me wasn’t a good idea. I have a feeling I know how she’s feeling, and I understand.”
“Of course I know about you and her. I was there, and then she told me all about it. There’s a reason why she’s trying to push you away. She’s not playing hard to get. Madison’s been through a lot.” She pauses before speaking again. “So, she’s guarded. If you are interested in her, and I’m talking about more than just one night, then show her you care.”
“Thank you for that insight, Kaylee.” I get up from the sofa, and she does the same. “It was nice meeting you.”
“You too.” She snaps her fingers and turns to look at me. “I’m not going to be your stylist. I’ll let Madison know you refuse to work with me and want her.”
I laugh and place my hand on her back to guide her out. “I like the way you think. Thank you for coming by tonight.”
“No problem.”
When Kaylee walks out the door, Peter emerges from the office. “Is she worth the trouble?”
“Very.”
Madison isn’t a conquest. If I only wanted to spend one night with her, I wouldn’t pursue her. I feel a pull to her, and I’m not close to being done with her.
“Is she part of ...?”
“She was. Initially, yes. Now, I’m taking matters into my own hands.”
“Is that wise?” Peter questions, and I appreciate his concern.
Peter was a Navy SEAL and served for twelve years before his honorable discharged. My friends and I were at a bar one night when a bunch of idiot frat boys thought it would be fun to start a fight. We took it outside, and I was a young hothead. I sucker punched one frat boy, and then knocked out another. This was around the time my father passed away. My anger was too much to handle, so I took it out on these assholes. Sirens were blaring. My friends and I bolted, but we were all beyond the legal limit. That’s when Peter pulled up and told us to get in. He became my personal guard and assistant that night.
“It has to be. There’s something about her, Peter. She’s more than I ever expected.”
Peter nods and leaves the room. Knowing I won’t be able to sleep tonight, I head to my home office and pull out the information I have on Madison, pouring over it for the millionth time. Everything about Madison is in these files thanks to Peter and his investigational skills. I know the woman on paper and in bed, and now, I want to know the woman. These lascivious thoughts won’t go away. I can easily make a phone call and have a willing woman satisfy me, but I don’t want another woman.
I’m recalling the way she fumbled with her bags and files, sorting through the papers to give me the correct ones, and the flush rose pink coloring in her cheeks whenever I was close.
My eyes flick to my cell phone and then the time. Putting the file back, I take my glass of bourbon and head to my bedroom. Walking outside on the balcony, I take in the night air, relishing in the feeling of now. The long days and nights aren’t exhausting enough. I need to do more to keep myself busy. My past comes back to haunt me in the quiet. To remind me I shouldn’t feel an ounce of happiness or love. Hanging my head low, I stare at the glass in my hand, putting into motion the plan to make Madison mine. There’s a pure light in her, and she’s the light I only can see.
Chapter 8
Madison
Later that night, I’m in my yoga pants and a tank, drinking wine and catching up on my shows. My cell phone’s been quiet and I know I shouldn’t care Bryce didn’t text me, but I do care. I hate this back and forth I’m doing to myself. If I’m going to stay away from him then I’ll need to stay away.
When Kaylee walks in the door and tosses her purse on the chair in the living room. The plop of her purse gets my attention, and she’s staring at me with a smirk with her arms crossed over her chest.
“What?”
“I’m not taking this account. Bryce Hunter is yours, and you can’t get out of this.” She wags her finger at me like I’m being disciplined.
“What in the hell are you talking about? I gave the account to you. He and I don’t mesh.”
“Oh, my bestie, you two mesh very well. The look on his face when I walked into his penthouse was as if I kicked his dog. Then he was pissed, asking who I was and where you were.” Her eyes are animated as she continues. “Wow. Just wow. Let me tell you, boo thang, that man wants you. And I’m pretty sure, no, almost positive, he wants you for more than one night. I’ve never seen someone so profoundly upset like he was. If it was just a booty call, then why didn’t he hit on me?”
I shake my head and pause the show. “You’re being stupid. That didn’t happen. Just work with him. And who knows why he didn’t. Maybe he knows he couldn’t have gotten anywhere with you,” I point out.
Kaylee smirks, and I know that smirk all too well. “He wouldn’t have had to try hard. Trust me. I would’ve let that man do anything to me.”
I scrunch my nose up at her. “Ew. Gross. Then if you want him so badly, why don’t you go back to him?”
Before Kaylee can answer, my phone buzzes, and I check to see there's a text message from Bryce.
Bryce: I didn’t like what you did, Madison. But I understand. You felt what I did when we were together, and you felt it again when you were in my office. Don’t allow your fear to mask what you want. I’ll be here whenever you’re ready.
Madison: And how do you know what I want?
Bryce: It’s obvious you want me the way I want you. What are you thinking about? I can guarantee you’re thinking about us in bed together. The way I made you moan and scream my name. How I made you come more than once. The way I licked you, sucked you, and savored every inch of you. Are you wet?
I hiss under my breath, watching the bubbles on the screen jumping up and down on the screen.
Bryce: I believe you’re avoiding me. Tell me, do you like to touch yourself? If you do, then imagine my voice. Feel my hands.
Madison: Why would I be avoiding you? And none of that is your business. I’m very comfortable with how I handle that aspect of my life, and it’s none of your concern.
Bryce: Everything you do is my concern. Once you realize that, then you’ll open yourself up to me. Since you’re making me do things I normally wouldn’t do, I’m going to be patient and wait for you. I’ll wait until you’re ready for me. For us. The connection between us is undeniable, Madison. The sooner you give in, the sooner I can make you scream. Make you complete.
Who does this man think he is, or whom does he think he’s talking to? No self-respecting woman would ever take that line as sexy or appealing. I’m done and over this.
So why the hell are my panties drenched and why am I biting my lower lip?
“Kaylee! We’re going out. Now. Get ready.”
There’s no way I’m responding to Bryce.
None.
I don’t care who the hell he is or how much money he spends. This man has zero respect and thinks just because he’s damn sexy and handsome that I should fall to his feet and beg him to take me.
Shit. Shit. Shit. Need to get that image out of my head.
“KAYLEE!”
“Shit, bitch. I’m getting ready. Your cute butt should too.”
“Fuck,” I mutter and hop off the couch, sprinting to my bedroom and throwing on skinny jeans and a slinky off-the-shoulder shirt. Maybe tonight I can find a gentleman who’ll get my mind off the mysterious man trying to invade my brain and heart.
The rooftop bar we’re at is busy, and after my third dirty martini, I’m feelin
g good. Undoubtedly good.
“Let me get this straight. He’s the one from that night. He kept your note and will wait for you?”
“Yep.” I bring the glass to my lips and finish my martini before slamming it down. “I mean, who the hell does he think he is? Does that line work on women?”
Kaylee raises her hand. “I’m hot and bothered just reading the messages between you.” She fans herself, and I hold back rolling my eyes. How is that sexy? “Girl, before that night with him, you hadn’t had sex in forever. You need to keep this man, even if it’s just for the hot sex. If you don’t, then your vag is going to turn in a ghost city. No one going in or out.”
“I know. I completely hear you. So many things are wrong in this situation, though. He’s a client. I cannot get involved. I’ll miss the hot sex and all the orgasms he gave me, but we had one hot night together. That’s it.”
Kaylee points her glass at me. “That one night can turn into many nights. Sometimes even twice a night. How are you going to function without his dick?”
“Not helping, K. So not helping,” I tell her, raising my eyebrows. It sucks to admit she’s one hundred percent right. “I’m going to let him go and live with the memories. It’s the best I can do.”
She places my cell phone back on the bar top. “What I would give to be you. You have a sexy, rich, and dirty-mouthed man … may I repeat? Man. Who wants to give you lots of orgasms! It doesn’t make sense!”
“Because. He’s a client. Well, your client. And I don’t trust men. I let myself go for one night. I even gave him a fake name. I wasn’t Madison when we hooked up. I was Sophia, a woman who gave no fucks and did whatever she wanted while Madison likes planning, organizing, and scheduling.”
“Oh, babe.” Kaylee rests her hand on mine, and I’m doing everything I can not to break down. “Not everyone’s like him.”