His eyes softened in understanding. “I hear you.”
We heard the sound of footsteps, and we all stood, grabbing plates.
“Enough sharing. If we aren’t busy when they get down here, we’ll all be in shit,” I ordered.
Bentley winked as I grabbed a platter.
“Welcome to couple-hood.”
Dee and I were alone and quiet in the elevator.
Aiden and Cami had left not long after the girls joined us in the kitchen. They rolled their eyes at our efforts and helped us clean up, so we finished the task quickly. They seemed fine, although they all had red eyes and weren’t as chatty as usual. They did appear better when we sat down with fresh cups of coffee and discussed plans for the wedding. We left as soon as I drank my coffee.
I glanced over at Dee. “Everything okay?”
She met my gaze. “Nice announcement. You’re like a bull in a china shop.”
“I said I was going to tell them.”
“You said we’d be subtle.”
I scratched the back of my neck. “Yeah, I forgot that part.” I took the chance and slipped my arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “Are you and Cami okay?”
She sighed, leaning into me. “We will be. We cleared the air, I think. I told Cami how hard I was struggling not being her first to confide in anymore. She admitted she feels overwhelmed at times, and because we’re not living together anymore, feels as if she shouldn’t bother me.” She smiled at me, her eyes watery. “We’ll work it out.”
The elevator door opened, and we walked outside to the car. “Good. Did you address the marriage part?”
“Nothing much to be done there. They’re married, end of story. It was impulsive on their part, but it was their decision. She and Aiden are happy, and that’s what really matters.”
“Are you sure about that? I think you’re still upset about not being involved.”
“I’ll get over it. We have Emmy’s to plan, and one is enough. Simple as it is going to be, there are still lots of details.”
“So Bentley tells me.”
“Cami has a friend who helps out brides. Emmy is going to go see Jen. It will take a lot of stress off her so she can concentrate on school and enjoy her wedding.”
I pulled into traffic. “Good. Now let’s go home. I’m going to pull rank as your boyfriend and demand sex this afternoon.” I glanced her way. “In your frilly room, with you naked and spread out on that fancy bed of yours.”
She rolled her eyes and looked out the window. “Stop with the boyfriend comments.”
I was certain she smiled, though.
Dee
I opened my eyes, my body warm. I shifted, the weight of something pinning me down. For a moment, I began to panic, then realized it was Maddox. He was asleep, his arm flung across my waist and his head buried next to mine on my pillow. He had one leg wedged between mine, effectively holding me prisoner. His silver hair was bright against the deep red of my pillowcase, and his scruff tickled my shoulder. I had to suppress a smile. Considering he wasn’t someone who liked being touched, he certainly seemed to like touching me. Thank goodness he was on the same page when it came to PDA. It didn’t bother me to watch Emmy and Bentley, or even Cami and Aiden, snuggle or kiss, but I preferred to keep that side of my life private and Maddox agreed.
At least he hadn’t changed the game rules there.
His sudden declaration that we were in a relationship and wanted to announce it had shocked me. While his thoughts made sense, hearing the words he used filled my head with warning bells.
Dating. Boyfriend. Exclusive. Relationship.
Broken down, none of the words frightened me by themselves. Used together, they scared the shit out of me.
However, he wanted the words, and the entire time we had been involved, he never once asked me for anything else. To my surprise, I found I wanted to give in to him. To please him.
From the moment we first had sex, it was intense. He was exactly what I needed in a lover: demanding, passionate, and controlling. He issued directives I followed without question; I had complete trust in him. No matter what, there was a quiet sense of respect, even when he had me on my knees in front of him. Regardless of the demands he growled in his low voice, his eyes were always warm, his hands handled me with care, and his body drove me to the highest pinnacles of pleasure. We were electric together.
The first time I met him, I had been attracted to him. Tall and lean, he looked older than his thirty years because of his prematurely gray hair. Some of the strands were so light they shone silver, and his scruff was the same. He kept his hair short on the sides, but longer on the top, the waves carefully disheveled. He had a toned and muscled body, his legs long and sinewy. He dressed with care and looked every inch the modern business executive.
He shifted, his hold tightening. Taking advantage of his closeness, I stared at him. In repose, he lost the tightness around his eyes, the skin smooth. His jaw was sharp, the silver scruff soft under my fingers. His eyebrows were still dark, highlighting his light blue eyes. The glasses he wore, simple, with heavy black frames, accentuated the amazing color. His normal expression was somber—serious and contemplative—older than his years. With those he cared for, he showed his humorous side. His smile was easier, and the constant worry lines on his forehead smoothed. His laugh was contagious, and I had noticed it ringing out more lately. When we were alone, another side of his personality shone through—one I knew not even his closest friends saw. A gentle, compassionate side that made me feel protected and safe. He was open and honest with his thoughts, and I loved our discussions about books, movies, and whatever other subject came up.
I was surprised at how natural it was to have him sleep beside me for the first time. To feel his strong form close when I woke. My body’s reactions to him were vastly different from the swirling thoughts constantly in my head. I felt as though I melted into him once I was in his arms. When he touched me, the chaotic thoughts dimmed. I felt myself drawn to him—every brush of his lips or caress from his hands easing me. Doubts evaporated and only the rightness of being close permeated my soul.
He worried over small things: the lock on my door, how often I took the subway, if something stressed me out at work, or lately, Cami. His introspective nature made him quieter than most people, but his eyes saw everything. His understanding of my feelings, his patience in letting me talk, to try to help me come to terms with it, made me care for him even more.
And I did care.
I simply couldn’t love him.
I would never allow that intense connection. It destroyed my mother, and the one time I allowed myself to feel it, almost did the same to me.
Still . . .
At times, I found myself wondering how it would feel to love Maddox. To have his love in return.
I shut those thoughts down as quickly as they surfaced, because it wasn’t going to happen.
That was the one hard rule we both agreed on.
Exclusive sex? Yes.
The inevitable failure of love? No.
My thoughts were too overwhelming. Suddenly uncomfortable, I shifted, easing myself away from Maddox. He stirred, his eyes opening, and he frowned.
“Where are you going?” his sleepy voice asked.
I grabbed my clothes strewn around the floor, pulling a shirt over my head, needing its cover. I had to hide away from his penetrating gaze, so I bent again to grab my skirt. He had been impatient to fuck me when we arrived, and there was a path from the door leading into the bedroom of discarded fabric. “It’s almost five in the afternoon. I need to do some laundry and get ready for work tomorrow.”
He sat upright, leaning against the headboard, and stretched, resting his large hands on his lap. I tried not to think of how easily they encompassed my waist when he yanked me close. He looked so masculine in my frilly bed. He had one leg draped over the edge of the mattress, the muscles taut. When he was dressed in one of his stylish suits, he was handsome. Naked i
n my bed after our afternoon nap, his hair in disarray, he was devastating. I had to drop my eyes from ogling him.
He slid from the bed, not concerned with his nakedness. His semi-erect cock jutted out, and he smirked as he grabbed his pants. “I see that flush, Deirdre. Laundry isn’t what’s on your mind at the moment.” He stood, slowly tugging his pants up his thighs, leaving them open at the waist. He rested his hands on his hips, the bulge at the front growing. “You know, I rather like this no-condom thing. We can be spontaneous.” He stepped closer. “I can have you anytime, anywhere, anyway, I like.”
His words were small bombs of heat hitting me right between my legs. The feel of him without a barrier was mind-blowing—steel encased in silk. When he was buried deep in me, it felt as if his cock was made for me and me alone. It was heady and powerful.
“You like Sunday evenings to yourself,” I reminded him, biting on my thumb. Maddox liked order and schedules. “I’m sure you have things you need to do as well.”
He stepped even closer, cupping his erection. “Right now, the one thing I have to do—is you.”
“You already did that—twice,” I protested weakly, knowing it was useless.
His laughter was low. Deep. That of a man thoroughly in control.
“Third time’s the charm, Deirdre.” He tugged my thumb from my mouth, drawing it into his and swirling his tongue on the flesh.
I whimpered at the sensation, feeling the dull ache build between my legs that only he could create.
His eyes darkened, his voice quiet in the room. “Ask me to stay.”
There was no choice.
“Stay.”
Maddox
MONDAY EVENING, I examined the latest figures, satisfied with what I saw. Our footing was solid—even more than I had envisioned. Our bank accounts were full, our investments strong, and everything pointed toward another massive success with Ridge Towers.
I picked up my mug, frowning when I realized I had drunk the contents already. I wasn’t sure how many cups I had downed today. I’d come in early, knowing it was a crazy week ahead. Yesterday, I had left Dee’s place late, somehow unable to tear myself away. I’d had her repeatedly, needing her with an intensity that surprised even me. She was asleep when I left her, curled up in her frilly bed, sated and at peace. I hated to see her upset, but I hoped that since she and Cami had cleared the air, she would be able to move ahead.
With me.
I shook my head to clear my thoughts. I needed to put Dee aside and concentrate on work.
Earlier, I had remembered my promise to Dee about the surplus office furniture, and I checked out the storage room, finding the set I had thought about. Light wood, clean lines, with a modern feel, I knew Dee would like it. There was a desk and credenza, along with the set of shelves which I knew would fit in the space. It had been in an office we kept for visitors, but when we added the legal department, the décor had been changed to something more masculine.
I snapped a couple of pictures and sent them off to her, then asked Van to arrange the delivery without waiting for her reply. I knew she would love them. When her reply appeared a short time later, I let her know they were already hers. Her one-word response made me laugh.
Bossy.
I pulled a folder to me, flipping it open. We’d had our first video conference for the marketing of Ridge Towers with both Advance and Zip, which took most of my day, and I was rereading my notes. Both companies had been professional and bright but lacking in their grasp of what we wanted when it came to Ridge Towers. I hoped The Gavin Group had a better handle on it.
Bentley walked in, briefcase in hand. He sat down, crossing his legs with a sigh.
“What did you think?”
I knew what he was asking. I shrugged. “Good concepts, but not what we wanted.”
He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “I want more than pushing a new condo tower and all the amenities. I didn’t like the one slogan, and Zip made the place sound elitist.”
“I agree.”
Aiden wandered in, a muffin in his hand. He flung himself onto the sofa, kicking up his feet as he chewed.
“‘The best instead of the rest’?” He snorted. “That was lame.”
“Hopefully, The Gavin Group will step up to the plate,” Bentley mused. “I spoke with both Graham and Richard. I liked what they had to say.”
“I did too.”
“I have a good feeling about them,” Aiden said, swallowing the last bite of his muffin.
“Seriously, are you ever without food?”
“Dude, have you met me? I need constant sustenance.” He flexed his arms, the muscles rippling under his shirt. “It takes a lot of fuel to keep this temple going.”
I rolled my eyes. “Don’t you have a wife to get home to?”
He grinned. “She’s having dinner with her sister so they can talk more.” His grin widened. “Your girlfriend.”
“Shut up.”
“What about you, Bent?”
“I’m free. Emmy is meeting with a consultant.”
“Oh yeah, Dee mentioned her.”
Bentley nodded. “She’ll help Emmy figure out what she wants, then handle the details. Emmy’s crazy with school and her work here. I don’t want our wedding to stress her out.” He grinned. “Still, I want to marry her as fast as possible. If Jen can speed things along, even better.”
Sandy bustled in, always efficient. “I booked a table for Thursday’s dinner at Stables for ten people at eight o’clock. It’s business casual, and before you can ask, yes, Reid’s suit is clean and in his closet.”
I chuckled and met Aiden’s amused grin.
“The boardroom is set up, their hotel is confirmed, and as you requested, lunch is ordered for Wednesday and Thursday. Friday, they will be at your disposal—their words, not mine—until they leave for the airport for their afternoon flight. I’ve arranged with Frank for them to be picked up at the airport, and for their return journey.”
“Excellent. Thanks, Sandy.” Bentley beamed at her.
I had asked Dee to join us for dinner on Thursday before I left her last night. Cami and Emmy were coming and I wanted her included. She had hesitated, but she finally agreed when I informed her since we were in a relationship, our friends would expect her to accompany me.
She had slapped my arm, told me off about taking advantage, and told me to stop using the word “relationship” so often.
Still, she was coming, so that was all that mattered.
“I listened to the pitches today. They were both crap,” Sandy announced, pausing in the doorway. “Let’s hope this group does better. They certainly seem to be more on the ball.”
Aiden guffawed from the sofa, his head reclining on the cushions. Bentley shook his head, but his lips quirked at Sandy’s declaration. I knew she’d been hovering during both presentations. We welcomed her input. She was honest to a fault and had no problem telling us what she thought.
We all adored that about her.
“You heard the woman.” I chuckled. “Crap.”
“Really. That one man, Bruce”—she shook her head—“he was such a pretentious asshole. He makes Bentley look like a laid-back hippie. The pole he has shoved up his backside must tickle his throat.”
Aiden’s laughter exploded and echoed in the room.
Bentley blinked, and a wide grin split his face. “Okay, well, on that note, I’m going to get ready and go. I want to head to the commune early and see my chick,” he deadpanned, holding up his fingers in a V formation. “She’s groovy.”
Aiden rolled off the sofa.
I snorted, unable to stop myself from joining in the laughter. “Peace, brother.”
For a moment, all we could do was laugh. It felt good and broke the tension of the day.
Bentley stood, his shoulders still shaking with amusement. “I hope The Gavin Group pleases her, or they’ll get an earful.”
“She might as well sit in on the meeting since she is going to e
avesdrop anyway,” I stated loudly, knowing she would be in earshot.
Sandy poked her head around the doorway. “I planned to,” she quipped. “You need me.”
None of us argued as she spun on her heel, clearly smug.
“This week is going to be interesting.” Bentley brushed off his suit. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Given the new role I was playing in the process, I was as well.
Wednesday morning, The Gavin Group arrived.
Graham Gavin was a true professional—polite, courteous, with an old-fashioned charm that spoke of class. His handshake was warm and his gaze direct.
Richard VanRyan was a force unto himself. He was confident, assured, and dynamic. He was at home in the boardroom, ready to impress, never doubting his ability to do so. Yet, his bravado suited him. He possessed an underwritten cockiness and an easy composure I liked. He and Graham were obviously close, sometimes finishing each other’s thoughts.
With them was a young, attractive woman with deep brown hair, whom Graham introduced as Rebecca Holden. She was petite, dressed in a smart suit, her hair twisted into a knot on top of her head. Her eyes were a bright blue, kind and intelligent, and her smile somewhat shy.
I shook her hand, smiling. “Nice to meet you, Rebecca.”
“Becca, please.”
“Becca.”
We sat down after collecting coffees and pastries from the trays Sandy had provided. Before we could start, the boardroom door opened, and Reid stumbled in. His face was creased, his hair all over the place, and his sneakers undone.
“Good God,” Bentley muttered. “I thought his suit was in his closet. Did he forget to open the door?”
Aiden and I shared an amused glance. Reid’s torn jeans and wrinkled T-shirt were his standard office uniform. While we were used to them, I still wanted to cringe at times.
“Sorry,” Reid rasped. “I was here all night working on some code. I guess I fell asleep and . . .” His voice trailed off, and he swallowed. His gaze was locked on Becca, who smiled and dropped her gaze to the table. He cleared his throat, pulled off his glasses, and rubbed his eyes. “Yeah, sorry,” he finished, seemingly at a loss for words—a rare thing for him.
Maddox ~ Melanie Moreland Page 8