by S. Moose
Chapter 17
Madison
I get to the apartment, completely missing Bryce, and walk inside. All I want to do is be in comfy clothes and spend time with my best friend.
Kaylee comes out from her bedroom and takes one look at me. “You had hot sex! Tell me!”
The knock on our door makes us turn our heads toward the noise. I look at Kaylee, then back at the door, wondering who is here.
“Oh! Shit. I forgot I ordered takeout!” Kaylee puts down her wine glass and goes to open the door. I’m thankful she ordered food. My stomach growls, and I realize I haven’t had anything to eat all day.
I take a final drink before grabbing the wine bottle to pour myself another glass. Tonight, my diet’s going out the window. All I need are my best friends—Kaylee, wine, and food.
We spend the rest of the evening vegging out and eating Chinese food. She fills me in on another horrendous date.
“Men with a foot fetish creep me out.” I cackle, holding my belly since I’m laughing so hard.
“What’s wrong with me? All the men I’ve dated suck. Ugh. So annoying.”
“Nothing’s wrong with you. Sometimes, you have to kiss a few frogs until you find your prince. You’re trying so hard to find a connection. If you stop, focus on something other than getting dick, I’m positive you’ll meet someone worth it. Because you’re worth it, Kaylee Calkin.”
She smiles, bringing her hand to mine, and nodding before we finish eating. After putting the empty containers away, we order a movie on iTunes and down three bottles of wine before calling it a night. I strip out of my clothes and get into bed naked. Today has been a shit show, and I’m ready for it to be over and start a new day.
A day without drama.
It’s another slow day at work, so Glenn’s having us work on mindless tasks. We have a few last-minute appointments for tomorrow, but the outfits are ready. I only have to switch out a dress shirt for one client and then his package will be all set.
“Ready for lunch?” Kaylee asks.
I put down the shirt and nod. “Yes, please.”
We head out to The Gage and are immediately seated.
“Have you talked to him today?”
I shake my head. “I’m giving him space. He needs to figure out some shit before we can go further.”
“I know this is hard for you, but stay strong, babe. You’ve been through so much in your life and look at you. You’re successful, smart, sexy as hell, and nabbed one of the most eligible bachelors in Chicago.”
I smile because my best friend is the most amazing woman in the world. “Thank you. I’m a little sad because I miss him. I’m telling myself this is how it must be for now.” My tone gets lower and softer. “I think I need to spend time with my dad. I haven’t seen him in a while, and it’s only an hour drive. I miss home.”
“That doesn’t sound like a bad idea. After the gala, things should calm down, so no more working every weekend.”
I raise my glass of water. “Amen to that.”
We finish lunch in forty minutes and head back to work. The afternoon goes by faster, and as we’re getting ready to leave, Kaylee checks her phone and frowns.
“Are you up for drinks?”
“Not really. Go ahead. I’ll be fine.”
Kaylee hugs me and kisses my cheek goodbye, and I walk toward my car. Before getting in, I stare at the Audi. The loaner from Bryce. Right at that moment, my phone vibrates, and it’s Bryce.
Bryce: I need to see you soon.
Madison: I know, and you will.
Bryce: Spend the night with me.
Madison: Not tonight. I need some me time. I’ll come over tomorrow.
Bryce: If you don’t, I’ll find you.
Madison: I know you will.
The apartment’s quiet when I get home. A night in is just what I need. Galen wanted to grab drinks for happy hour, and I felt bad for turning him down, but I told him next time for sure. Tonight, I need me time to refocus and gather myself.
After two chick flicks, the door opens, and Kaylee comes in. She walks over to me and sits down, placing her head on my shoulder. Words aren’t needed. Right now, she needs her best friend and not anyone’s advice.
Chapter 18
Madison
The alarm blares for the second time. I have three alarms set since I’m not a morning person and getting up this early is hazardous to my health.
I get to work fifteen minutes early, and after putting my things away, I log in and look for Glenn to see what he wants me to work on.
“Hello. I have a delivery for Madison Smith.”
My eyes zone in on the bouquet of orchids and roses. It’s a combination of reds and pinks. He remembered.
The man eyes me. “Are you Madison Smith?”
The question finally registers, and I look at him to answer. “Yes.”
“Awesome.” He hands me a gorgeous arrangement. “Sign here, please.” He holds out the machine to electronically sign my name.
“Thanks. Have a great day!” He nods his head and turns to walk away.
A card sticks out from the bouquet, and I slowly pull it out and place the flowers down on the counter. With both hands on the card, I want to toss it in the garbage and forget about what he did. Then the other part of me wants to know what he has to say.
Madison,
You. Only you.
X,
Bryce
I need to see him. Glenn’s asking how things are going with Bryce, so I let him know things are good.
“Madison, love.” I turn to see Glenn walking toward me with a garment bag. “Please take this to Mr. Hunter. Make sure he tries these on. An up-and-coming designer sent these to corporate, and they want him to model in these.”
“Oh. Okay. Yeah, no problem.”
Problem solved.
Pulling into the usual spot, Peter comes to my car and opens the driver’s side door for me.
“Hello, girly. He’s waiting for you. Go to his office and through the door on the right. I’ll handle the boxes and bags. Hurry along now.”
“How did he know I’d be here?”
Peter winks. “He figured you’d be here as soon as you got the flowers.”
“Oh.”
“You okay, Ms. Smith?”
“Yes.” I nod and head to the elevator to his office.
My mind spins. Something tells me he has some sort of plan. For me or for us?
The walk to his office is slow. I’m counting the steps I take and look at what’s in front of me. There’s a list of things I want to say. I’m repeating those sentences in my head, so I won’t falter when I see him even though that’s a real possibility.
His office looks the same when I go in. I follow Peter’s instructions and go through another door. It leads me to a long hallway and seems to be separate from his office. Almost like a hideaway.
Rose petals lead to a room with a closed door. If I walk inside, I’ll be catapulted into Bryce Hunter’s world. In his space, I lose all rational thought. Bryce Hunter has the ability to make women forget. He has the skills to make a woman moan and come without touching her. His voice alone is a walking orgasm.
The pull I feel for him is something I’ve never felt. It’s powerful and strong. I give in, following the petals, and reach for the doorknob. The cool handle surprises me. My hand turns to the right. When I walk inside, I’m surrounded by candles and the aroma of lavender and lemon.
My favorite scents.
The room is dim with only the soft glow of the candles. I look around, taking in where I am, and notice another door. So this room is a living area? Maybe somewhere he comes to escape. There’s so much about this man I don’t know, and thinking about who I’m about to be with is giving me anxiety.
“You’re here.”
His capturing voice makes me turn around. Before me is Bryce. He’s wearing a fitted gray suit with a teal shirt. His suit jacket is unbuttoned, and his tie hangs over his shirt.
He walks closer to me and cups my face. I love when he holds me like this. “I had an emergency meeting with a company I’ve been trying to acquire. Unfortunately, you’re right. I can’t let Tiffany go, not when there are a few deals worth millions on the table. The only thing I can assure you is I want you and only you. I hope Tiffany won’t be a bother, and if she is, then you need to tell me.”
Bryce takes a moment to look at me and walks around the room. He picks up an orchid and twirls the single flower in his hand.
He’s close to me again and tips my head back a little so I’m looking up into his hands. “You ignite my body and soul. When we’re together, I can be myself, and we can laugh and hang out. I never look at you as someone below me. I see you as something higher and with power.” He caresses my cheek, and I lean into his hand. “I lose myself in you.”
I see Bryce.
It’s getting harder to stay away. The way he looks at me like I’m the only one he sees. All his attention is on me. This type of emotion doesn’t come very often. I know Bryce will be worth it, and I’m willing to go all the way with him. To take the drama in stride and allow myself to be happy.
“Madison. Talk to me.”
I gasp and place my hand on my chest. “Bryce, I want it all with you. Please, no more lies and no more secrets. We have to be honest with each other and learn how to communicate. Those are the strongest foundations of a relationship.”
“I’m here for the whole ride. Just you and me, baby. I’m going to do anything to make this work, and I’ll learn how to be the man you want me to be. To be the man you need.”
A shuddering breath escapes through my lips, and I whimper at our closeness and heat coming from his body. Before I can say anything else, he drags his finger across my bottom lip. It quivers under his touch, and I force my eyes to stay open. I want to see him. All of him. He leans into me, intently watching me, and his lips touch mine. The kiss is simple. He’s testing the waters, and I’m allowing him to do so.
Chapter 19
Bryce
I need to take this slow. Now that I have her, I’m going to take my time and cherish her. She’s the type of woman to be appreciated, and I fully intend on showing her my appreciation. I fiercely take her mouth, increasing the pressure and moving her until her back hits the wall. My hands move from her cheeks, down her sweet little body, and land on her ass.
Her quiet moan goes straight to my balls, and I feel the buildup of my desire. I rock my erection into her and feel her nails digging into my back. Pulling away, I turn her around and pull down the zipper of her little black dress. It falls to the floor, and she steps out of it. My eyes are on the perfect curve of her ass. The vision of her in her black bra and thong nearly makes me come. Fuck.
“Turn around.” I wait for her to do so. “Now, take off your bra and lie on the bed.”
Her eyes widen, but she instantly complies.
I’m watching her follow my instructions. The predatory gaze I have on her makes me crazy. I want to fuck her, then make love to her. No one will interrupt us this time.
I stand before her, leaning down to touch her thighs, and move my hands up her toned stomach and cup her breasts. “I love how natural these are.” My lips sink down and take a nipple in my mouth. I suck and lave her nipple before releasing it and moving to the other.
Her moans are sexy as fuck. She’s perfect. Beyond perfect.
When my lips brush against hers, her mouth opens to say something, but she decides against it and closes it. I yank myself away, moving back down and kneeling before her, pushing her legs up and opening her wide. I rip off her thong, and her entire body shivers.
“I’m going to take my time devouring your sweet cunt.”
Her whimpers and moans rip apart my self-control. I lick and suck her clit, feeling her fingers pull my hair. I push one finger into her tight hole and thrust in and out before adding another. A loud moan rips from her throat. I feel her ready to come and quicken my pace. She fucking tastes amazing.
I’m standing over her, undoing my pants and taking off my shirt. Her eyes widen, and her breath quickens. A condom’s in my hand, and I’m fucking ready to take her.
“Do you want my cock?”
“Yes, please.”
I’m wrapping my hand around my hard cock, stroking myself from the base to my tip. “Tell me what you want now.” I wait for her to respond. Ripping the package, I roll the condom over my dick. “I’m waiting, Madison.”
She nods. “I want you to fuck me, Bryce. I need to feel you fully inside me. It’s been too long.”
I coat my dick with her slick heat before pressing against her opening. Her moans are getting louder. Instead of taking my time, I push myself all the way into her tight cunt, and fuck, she’s tighter than I remember.
“Oh, my God!” she cries and wraps her legs around my waist. “Bryce.”
My blood’s pounding in my ears, drowning out her screams. I can’t move. My breathing nearly stops. The tightest and hottest pussy has my cock in a vise grip. Her eyes rest on mine, and I can’t look away. After a few moments, I gather myself and slowly move inside her. I’m pulling back and pumping inside her with long strokes. I lift her ass in the air so I can fuck her at a different angle and hit her G-spot.
“Damn, baby. You feel so fucking good.”
“Keep going. Oh my God, please keep going.”
I laugh and thrust faster. “Anything for you.”
My thumb plays with her clit, and her pussy muscles squeeze me harder. “Don’t come yet. You’ll only come when I tell you to.”
I thrust into her three more times before a roar rips through my chest, and I yell for her to ride the orgasm with me.
“Fuck!”
I shoot my load into her, and it’s taking everything out of me. Madison somehow sits up with her legs still around my waist and pulls me down. I move her with me until we’re lying sideways.
“Don’t move.” I get up from the bed and walk toward the bathroom to clean up and toss out the condom. When I come out, I nearly stop in my tracks because the gorgeous woman before me is smiling and waiting for me to join her back on the bed.
I crawl beside her, bringing her body to mine, and softly kiss her lips. “You’re amazing.”
She blushes and smiles. “What is this room?”
“Another place for me to get away. I don’t use it very often. If I’m working late or on an international call, I’ll crash here and get ready.”
“Has there been any ...?”
“No, Madison. You’re the first and only woman I’ve had in this room. On this bed. Don’t worry. I’d never do that to you.” I continue speaking to ease her mind. “My room. My bed. No woman has been there. I have a room on standby at the Waldorf. Since I have you, I won’t need that room, and I’ll get to have you in my own space.”
“Good.” Her voice is small, and there’s that damn beautiful smile again. She’s unmanning me and has no idea the control she has over me.
It’s a little unnerving what I feel for her and how close I already am. I’m not accustomed to these feelings, but I’m not at all dismissing them.
A light snore comes from the bed, and I look down to see Madison’s eyes closed and her arms wrapped around my body.
“Sleep, beautiful girl.”
Chapter 20
Madison
I’m finishing a project when my body stills. My hands get clammy, and my eyes go wide.
No.
No.
No.
“Madison? Is that you?”
I turn around and can’t believe who I’m seeing. “Hi, Kent.”
Don’t cry.
Don’t cry.
Don’t cry.
“It’s good to see you.” His lips curve into a smile. I don’t return it. “This is my wife, Julie.”
Julie.
Julie, with the beautiful heart-shaped face, wide crystal blue eyes, and straight blonde hair.
Her posture is straight and perfect. Everything about her screams class and elegance. I love what she’s wearing—a gray Dior dress. I know the brand because I’ve had my eyes on that dress since it arrived in our store.
She’s so beautiful.
Especially her pregnant belly.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Madison.” She smiles warmly at me. “You wrote that paper about the effects of sexual influence in marketing. Right?” I nod. “Oh, gosh! That paper was amazing. Kent raved about you.”
I gulp, digging my nails into my palm. “Yes. That was my paper. Kent was my advisor and professor.”
It all makes sense. Everything. There’s no question in my head. All I need to know is in front of me. Since he pushed me out of his life, I thought it was me, and now I know it never was me. Kent is a fucking man whore loser.
“That’s wonderful.” Again with that smile. “If you’ll excuse me.”
There’s only us. I look away, hoping Kaylee feels my soon-to-be nervous breakdown. My nails are still pressing into my palm. I don’t feel the pain. My entire being is numb.
“Madison …”
“No,” I whisper, finally getting the strength to look at him. “Thirteen months, Kent. You never told me about your wife. Or your baby. She’s at least six months pregnant. We’ve only been broken up for a month. So while you were in love with me, showering me with everything, you were with your wife and creating a family. I should’ve known. But I was blinded by the love I thought we had.”
“Had? No. There’s no past tense with us. You love me. You still love me. And I love you, Madison. I think about you every day. Breaking up with you was the hardest thing I ever had to do, but I needed to protect you. Please believe me when I tell you I was going to leave Julie. I didn’t care if she was pregnant, but I needed to protect you, so I couldn’t divorce her. All that matters to me is your safety. I hope you see that. This past month has been hell for me. I’m asking for another chance. Meet me at our spot and I can explain everything.”