by S. Moose
“Liar,” I mutter again. I don’t understand why she won’t tell me the truth. If Tiffany’s going to be rude to her, then I want to handle it.
Bryce: Are you sure?
Madison: Yes. Positive. And if she was, it’s nothing I can’t handle. Thank you for asking and for your concern.
Bryce: Of course. Well, have a good night.
Madison: You too.
An undeniable smile breaks across my face, rereading my messages with Madison. It’s nice to have someone who doesn’t do exactly what I say and can stand up for herself. Almost every woman I’ve been with has been easy to dominate and control. Not Madison. With her, I can’t use my usual tactics. I need to tread carefully if I don’t want to lose her.
Chapter 12
Madison
The next few days go by in a blur. Since I'm not directly working with Bryce, and only through Tiffany, Glenn's giving me the okay to work with a few more clients.
On top of Bryce, I have Nicholas Reimer, a successful CEO of a technology corporation, and a few women I'm helping Kaylee with.
Our appointments are booked for the next few weeks, and Glenn is begging someone to work overtime. Since I don’t have much of a life, I volunteer. That’s why I’m here.
At midnight.
Working on one last package.
Every now and then, I check my phone to see if Bryce has sent a text message. I’m not sure why I care even though I know why. He does affect me. And in a way no one has before. It scares me. I won’t be able to handle another broken heart.
Finally, a quarter after one, I pack my things and leave the department store. It’s dark and a little cold when I get outside, but my car isn’t too far of a walk. When I press the button to automatically start my car, I realize I don’t have my cell phone and groan because I have to go back inside and reopen the store. Glenn’s going to kill me for tripping the alarm and resetting it again.
I hurry back inside and send him a sorry text to explain what happened. I’m not sure he got it, though, since he never responded. The door closes behind me, and I’m so lost in my head that I don’t realize my car isn’t where I parked it until I am standing where it should be parked. Frantically, I’m looking around and groaning.
“This isn’t happening!” I yell into the night air and throw my arms up. “Why are you doing this to me? Crap!”
Before I’m able to call Kaylee, a dark vehicle drives up and parks next to me. Goose bumps are all over my skin. I hate this feeling.
I’m so going to die tonight.
“Ms. Smith?”
I recognize that voice.
“Big and Scary?” I laugh and see the humor in his eyes too. “What are you doing here?”
Before he answers, I hear a door open and shut, and I know exactly who is coming my way.
“Madison. Is everything okay?” I hear the concern in Bryce’s tone, and it chips away at my icy attitude toward him. He comes closer and attempts to place his hands on mine but then pulls back.
“My car.” I sigh, tipping my head back and letting out a frustrated groan. “Someone stole my car. I don’t understand why this is happening.”
“I’m terribly sorry, Madison. Here, let’s call the police, and while we wait, you can sit in the SUV with me.”
“Okay.” I give in and feel his hand on the small of my back. I don’t tell him to stop touching me. It’s nice.
When I’m settled in, I call the police, and we wait in his vehicle for an officer to arrive, which doesn’t take long. Bryce stands with me while I give the officer my statement and describe my car. He writes all of it down and tells me they’ve been experiencing a rash of stolen vehicles without any being recovered. This doesn’t sit well with me at all. How the hell am I supposed to get to work now?
“Thank you, Officer Paul. I appreciate it. Please keep me updated. I need my car.”
“You’re welcome, Miss. I’ll do everything I can,” he assures me.
He wishes me a good night, and I do the same. Once I have all the paperwork and Officer Paul’s card, I get back into the vehicle, remaining quiet during the drive. Bryce doesn’t try to talk to me either. This whole night sucks. First, I got stuck working late, then the whole thing with Tiffany being the big C word, and now this. Why is karma mad at me?
“Oh. Peter, my address is …”
“It’s very late, Madison. I know you wouldn’t want to spend the night at my place but considering the time and the fact you don’t have a car, stay with me. My place has plenty of guestrooms for you to choose from.”
I mull over his offer and realize he’s right. By the time I’m back, it’ll be almost two in the morning, so there’s no point, and I’m not completely sure if Kaylee’s home to take me to work tomorrow.
“Okay. Thank you very much for your help this evening.”
Bryce smiles, and my panties are instantly wet. Talk about ovaries exploding. “You never have to thank me.”
We get to Bryce’s penthouse, and Big and Scary opens the door for me. I step inside, and the battle of going or leaving continues. Bryce places his things down and gives me a mini tour of the downstairs of his penthouse. It’s gorgeous inside. The design of each room and the artwork along the creamy colored walls are astounding. This isn’t a penthouse but rather a museum.
“I’d give you the whole tour, but I know you’re tired and would like to get some sleep.”
“Thank you. Sleep sounds amazing. I’m sorry I wasn’t much company during the drive.”
“It’s okay. I’m sure we’ll run into one another again, and then you can make it up to me.”
My cheeks are on fire. I’m trying so hard to put distance between us. It’s not healthy to be here with him when we’re just … I guess, friends.
He guides me upstairs to the guest bedroom. The room is large and fully furnished. The king-size bed looks comfortable. I turn to look at Bryce and suddenly I’m not tired anymore. I want to stay up and talk to him. Get to know him better.
“I’ll be back with clothes for you. Your room has a bathroom. Kelly, my housekeeper, keeps the toiletries in order, so I’m sure she has something for you.”
“I’m okay. Thanks for your concern.”
“Never thank me, Madison.” Bryce winks and exits the room, leaving me alone. With no one else in here, I run and jump onto the king-size bed. As soon as my body hits it, I feel like I’m in a sea of clouds. I easily fall asleep.
Bryce
Opening the door to the guestroom, I instantly see Madison asleep in the middle of the bed with her leg hanging off to the side. Setting down the pajamas, I slowly walk over to her, bring her in my arms, and set her down gently on top of the pillows. She doesn’t stir in my arms. I take the opportunity to look at and admire her. Her long hair fans over the pillows, and her face is gentle. I reach down and take off her shoes, pull the covers from under her, and then cover her delectable body.
“Sleep well, my beautiful Madison,” I whisper before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.
I should leave and get some work done, but I position the chair to face her. Watching her sleep brings me a sense of peace even though it’s a little unnerving to feel this way for her. I’m not accustomed to these feelings. Little moans leave her lips and make me rock hard. I can’t wait to be between her thighs and sink deep inside her. I love knowing I’m slowly breaking her down, but I know it’s going to take time. All her reservations about being with me are understandable, but once I have her, she’ll see I won’t let her go, and she can be happy with a man like myself.
These possessive emotions scare me. I’ve been with women, and no one has captured my attention and heart the way Madison does. She’s real. My gut’s telling me she’s rare, and once you find rare, you shouldn’t break it apart. No part of me should even be considering this beauty. She’s the type you protect. Guard.
I’m a selfish man, and I know what I want. The object of my desire is sleeping, and all I want is to be in bed with her
, holding her in my arms and seeing her in the morning.
Her reservations come to mind again, and I curse whoever made her feel the way she does. I’m going to fuck those feelings out of her and make her see I’m the right man.
The right choice.
“Bryce?” Her sleepy tone is soft. I’m up in a flash, sitting on the bed and pushing her hair out of her face. “I fell asleep, and I wanted to talk tonight.”
“I know, baby. It’s okay. Sleep well and I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Okay.” She yawns, and I pull the covers higher on her body and tuck her in securely. “Thank you, Bryce. I’m beginning to see you’re not like other men. Maybe we can get to know each other better. I want a chance with you.”
Her words sink deep into my soul. Even in her hazy sleep, her honesty speaks volumes. She may not say this to me in the near future, but she’s saying it now.
“Good night, sweet Madison.”
“Good night, Bryce.”
Chapter 13
Madison
There’s no update on my car, and I’m dreading the phone call I’ll have to make to my father. He’s going to lose his shit, then lecture me and make me go car shopping with him so he can pick it out while giving me the rundown on car safety.
My day’s about to start, and since last night with Bryce, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him.
He dropped me off this morning and walked me inside. I didn’t protest … that much. Bryce was attentive, and before we left, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast of eggs, fruit, coffee, bacon, and croissants. The conversation was easygoing because I wasn’t holding any hostility. Slowly, I was seeing him as a friend.
“Do I want to know why you didn’t come home last night? And is that a new outfit?”
I blanch, forgetting all about Kaylee and her interrogation. “My car got stolen,” I honestly tell her. There’s no point in keeping anything from her. “Then Bryce saw me stranded, so he took me back to his place, and no, nothing happened, Kaylee. We had breakfast this morning, then Bryce and Peter took me to work, and I bought this red dress since I didn’t have anything else with me.”
Kaylee’s positioned in front of me, and her hands quickly land on my shoulders. The look of what the hell did you just tell me is in her eyes, and I know she’s about to fire twenty million questions at me.
“Nothing happened. I was doing him a favor. Not a big deal.” I shrug her off.
“Right.” Kaylee draws out the word. “Let me get this straight. Your car gets stolen, and magically, out of nowhere, Bryce is in the parking lot, and he takes you to his place, and you spend the night. I know something else happened, and you’re going to tell me!”
“I swear, nothing happened.”
Kaylee stares at me with her judging eyes. “How? Do you want cobwebs in your vag again? I mean, seriously, you were in bed with a sexy as sin man and nothing happened? You’ve slept with him before. Why not make it a second time?”
“We didn’t share a bed. He was a gentleman and offered me the guest bedroom. Sorry to ruin your fantasy of my nonexistent sex life.”
Kaylee rolls her eyes. “And whose fault is that? I mean, really, Madison? You’re doing so well not to think about the asshole, and you’re holding back on a possibility. Live a little.”
I love my best friend because she’s always there for me and brutally honest. Crap. Am I losing it? I’ve never been good at playing the game, and I think games to get someone’s attention are immature anyway. Either way, I’m fine with my decision not to allow anything to happen.
I get up from the chair and flip her off. “Then so be it. It is what it is. Don’t overthink it because I’m not. Plus, getting with Bryce Hunter will only bring me drama and pain. I don’t need that in my life, and you should know that.”
Kaylee smiles and squeezes my hand. “I know, babe. Sometimes, I think you’re afraid to get back into a relationship. In your eyes, all men are pigs. Maybe Bryce is someone worth thinking about.”
I push away that thought and pull her with me. “Come help me with this project before Glenn comes in.”
“Fine,” she concedes, letting me change the subject.
Kaylee and I spend most of the morning getting things organized and confirming appointments. There’s an important gala this weekend, and people are scrambling to get the latest designs and outfits. We have records of everything purchased. Glenn sent us an email, stating if duplicates are purchased, he’s going to have a heart attack, and we’ll feel his wrath. Luckily, our store is one the top stores, ensuring we get all the newest lines. Our client list is exclusive. There is no way duplicates will be made.
Before noon, I run out on a coffee run. Outside is pleasant with no clouds in the sky, so it sucks I’m stuck inside all day. I wish I could leave work early, head to the park, and just be. I check my phone for any messages about my car.
And there’s nothing.
This is pissing me the hell off. I groan and make a note to call my father after work and explain what happened.
“I’m back,” I sing to Kaylee and twirl in a circle. “Tell me you love me before I hand this latte over to you.”
“Does it have an extra shot of espresso?”
“Mmmhmm.”
“I love you to the moon and back!”
We’re filling out paperwork and watching Galen talk to a group of housewives. He’s putting on the charm. No one knows he’s gay, so women eat him up and love the way he treats them. It’s hilarious, to be honest.
“I have to tell you something,” Kaylee says and puts down her pen, scooting closer to me.
“What’s up?”
“Remember that date I had a few nights ago?” She sighs.
“Kinda. You didn’t say much, and I thought it was a bust.”
“Oh. It was. Total waste of time. Are there any decent men left in this city? Or rather this world? I’ve had six horrible dates, but this hits number one as the worst date ever.”
“What the hell happened?”
She picks up the pen and twirls it between her fingers. I know this story isn’t going to be good. Whenever Kaylee is annoyed, she fidgets and twirls things in her hand. “First, we had dinner. It was okay. He kept talking about his ex-wife and their upcoming divorce. And then he starts crying! CRYING, Madison. You know I don’t handle pussies. Literally, I sat there, crossed my arms over my chest, and laughed. He looked at me all puppy dog eyed and asked why I was being mean. I told him straight up why, and he stopped crying, then excused himself to use the bathroom. Do you know what that fucker did to me?”
Oh shit, this doesn’t sound good. “What?”
“Left me with our bill! Our bill was a hundred and seventy-five dollars!” She scoffs. “I mean, who the hell does that? By the time I paid and went outside, he was long gone. I sent him a text, telling him if I ever saw him again, he’ll be missing an important part of his body. No response. Nothing. As I said, there are no more decent men in this world. I’m going to die alone with a million cats.”
I pat her back. “No, you won’t.” I giggle at the image of Kaylee and cats.
We work side by side for the next few hours. My feet are killing me, but these heels are too sexy not to wear. I reach for my coffee, and the cup’s empty. Checking the time, I realize a refuel is needed.
“Kaylee?” I walk over to where she’s standing and try to get her attention.
“Yes.” She takes her phone out of her pocket and taps away. I’m not sure who she’s texting.
“Coffee?”
“I need another recharge. Do you mind going again?”
“No worries. I’ll be back.”
The coffee shop is a close walk. I place our orders, and while I wait, I check my phone to see if Bryce texted me, but there’s nothing from him. I really shouldn’t be upset, so why the hell am I? Maybe he realizes I’m not worth it since nothing has happened between us. He should keep thinking that because I won’t give in.
I don’t t
hink.
With our rechargers in my hands, I head back and see Peter, aka Big and Scary, waiting by the door.
“Hey. What’s going on?”
He gives me a nod and smile. “Mr. Hunter would like you to have this. He’d give it to you himself, but he’s in meetings all day.” Peter hands me a small box, but then sees my hands are full. “Let me walk you back to work.”
“Okay.”
I can’t help but wonder what’s in the box and what Bryce would have gotten me. “It’s not necessary, and I hope he knows that.”
“He does, girly. He does.”
“Oh. Okay.”
We get to the store, and I hand Kaylee her coffee and let her know I’ll be back, then I go back downstairs with Peter. The elevator ride is quiet. I want to ask him if he knows why Bryce didn’t send me a text, but the ding makes me forget, and I walk him to the door.
“Here you are, girly. Now, let me warn you. Just accept it. Mr. Hunter won’t take it back, and you’ll hurt his feelings if you try to return it or refuse to accept it. Take my word and accept it.”
“Um. You’re confusing me.”
He smiles again. “Once you open it, you’ll know. Have a good day, girly. I’m sure I’ll see you soon.”
Peter walks out without looking back, so I head back to work. In the elevator, I stare at the tiny box. It’s wrapped in gold wrapping paper with a white ribbon tied around the box. For sure, it looks fancy. I don’t have the slightest clue what’s in the box, though. The doors open, and I walk back on the floor to see Kaylee and Galen standing around the counter. They’re both looking at me and see the box in my hands.
“Open it!” Galen squeals, so I do.
I gently peel off the ribbons and the wrapping paper. The white box stares at me, and my heart literally feels like it’ll jump out of my chest and flop around. It’s beating extremely fast and hard.
My eyes go wide when I lift the box cover off, and I’m sprinting out of work, yelling at Kaylee to cover for me.
Chapter 14