“Does she not want to?”
He stands and walks up to me, wrapping me up in his strong arms. “She wants to make a living off her art, but as we all know, that’s hard to do, especially living directly in the city. It’s too expensive for what she’s making. I’m hoping she comes on, even if it’s just part-time to give her some extra cash and insurance. God forbid she gets hurt or sick. I’ll be paying her medical bills out of pocket.” He leans down and kisses me gently. “Come on. Let’s go have dinner.” He releases me but keeps my hand in his so he can lead me from the room.
Bennet leads me into a fancy restaurant and directly to a table that has two women already seated. They both stand and give him a quick hug, then turn to face me.
Bennet’s mom smiles as she holds out her hand to shake. “It’s wonderful seeing you again, Madeline.”
I smile and shake her hand. “You too, Mrs. Windsor.” I then turn to his sister.
She leans in and gives me a quick hug. “It’s good to finally have a name to put that face to.” She pulls away but keeps me at arm's length. “I hope I didn’t screw anything up the night you came to the house.”
I laugh. “I’m afraid I did that all on my own.”
Bennet laughs and rubs my shoulders before pulling out my chair. I sit, and when he slides me forward, he bends down and whispers in my ear, “The only thing you’re going to be screwing is me.”
His words make my face heat up, and there’s no doubt my cheeks are bright red.
He takes his seat between his sister and me. “So, how’s everyone doing?”
“I’m doing wonderful. I just got acknowledgment for my beautiful rose garden. I was mentioned in the Tribune,” his mom smiles.
“That’s great, Mom. What about you, Val?”
She shrugs. “I may be moving in with Mom soon.”
Bennet scoffs. “Just come and work at the company and quit being so damn hardheaded.”
“What would I be doing?” she asks, eyes cast down at the glass of wine she’s swirling around.
“Callan needs an assistant. He’s gone through several already this month. None seem to stick.”
She rolls her eyes. “That’s probably because he’s a dumbass.” She shakes her head. “I still can’t believe Dad let you hire all your buddies.”
He laughs. “Well, they’re getting the job done, aren’t they?”
She shrugs. “I’ll think about it.”
“What is that you do in the company, Madeline?” Val asks, taking the attention off of her.
“Please, call me Maddie. And I no longer work there. I recently got into data configuration at Chance Security.” I pick up my glass and take a drink, hoping this answer doesn’t make Bennet start in about me coming back to the company.
“Speaking of that,” he says, looking at me.
I roll my eyes, telling him now isn’t the time.
“What do you say we order, huh?” he changes the subject.
We all pick up our menus, and the conversation drifts off to easier topics.
I knew, at some point, Bennet would mention me coming back to the company, and I’ve been dreading talking about it. It’s not that I hated working there. In fact, when nobody knew about us, it was fun being able to sneak into his office and have a little dirty time. But now that everyone knows, I don’t know if I can ever show my face there again. Especially in that office, or on that floor entirely. Plus, I’m really liking my new job. It has good hours, great benefits, and the pay is more than I’ve ever made before.
The topic isn’t brought up again through the rest of dinner, but the moment Bennet and I slide into the car, he asks again.
“What are your plans for working, Maddie? Are you going to stay where you’re at? Do you ever see yourself coming back? Or do you not want to work at all?”
My eyes cut in his direction. “Of course I want to work.”
He flinches from my harsh tone. “Okay, I’m just letting you know that you don’t have to if you don’t want to.”
“What would I do? Sit around and drink tea all day?” I ask sarcastically.
He snorts. “God, I’d hope not. But I miss you at the office.” He reaches over and takes my hand in his, his thumb gently rubbing the back and forth.
“I can’t show my face there, Bennet. I mean, the moment I walk into that building, I will feel like everyone is talking about me.”
“Who cares?” he asks.
I turn and look at him. “I do. You don’t know what it’s like having everyone say you got something you worked hard for just from being with one person.”
He laughs. “Do you know who you’re talking to? I’ve had a million people talk badly about me because of who my father is. I’ve been told I never would’ve made it on my own, that I owe everything to my father. You know what I did?” he asks, glancing at me.
I shrug.
“I proved them all wrong. I took Dad’s company and pushed it into becoming one of the top business in Chicago. I admit, Dad started it off right, but if it weren’t for me, it wouldn’t be worth nearly as much as it is now. And all those people that said I couldn’t do it, they all shut the fuck up. And now when I see them, they smile and suck up, acting polite. And I just rub it in their smug faces. You can do the same.”
I smile, wanting to laugh, but I hold it back. “I just want you. Not that job.” I shake my head while looking at him.
He slows the car to a stop in the middle of a traffic jam and leans toward me. “If that’s what you want, Maddie.” He kisses me softly. “I just want you happy.”
I smile. “Thank you.”
He sits back in his seat, and my mind begins to drift. He just wants me happy.
Well, I want him happy too. And if working there would make him happy, shouldn’t I do it? I know he would do it for me. Should I quit my job and come back to work for my boyfriend? Would I be happy doing that?
I let out a deep breath, confused and completely unsure.
22
Bennet
“If I asked you to quit your job, would you?” she asks out of nowhere.
I look over at her in the passenger seat. “What?”
“If I asked you to resign or sell or quit, would you?” Her face is serious, eyes narrowed on me.
I turn to look back out the windshield, thinking it over. “I guess I would have to ask why.”
“To make me happy. If I said it’s me or that company, which would you choose?”
“You, without question,” I state.
I’m not sure if that’s the answer she wanted or not. She turns to look forward once again.
“Where’s this coming from?”
“You said you just wanted me happy?”
“I did.”
“Well, I want you happy too. And if coming back to work there would make you happy, shouldn’t I be more than willing to give you that?”
Now I see where this is going. “Mads, I didn’t mean anything by it. I’m happy just having you in my life. I’m happy being able to touch you and kiss you and share our lives together. That’s all I meant.”
She nods. “I know. But me working there would make you happy,” she states.
“I guess it would. It wouldn’t make me unhappy.”
“Okay. You’re willing to do anything I ask. I’ll do it. I want you to know that I’d do anything you ask too. I want our relationship to be a team. I don’t want always to get what I want while you never get what you want. I want us to be equals. I have your back, and you have mine.”
I laugh softly as I press a kiss to the back of her hand, squeezing it gently. “I’ll get you your own office. Hell, you can have my office if you want it.”
She looks over at me and smiles. “Thank you, but my own office will do just fine.” Her eyes flash over to me. “Oh, and I want more pay. You have to at least match my salary at Chance.”
“Deal. New office. Salary matched. What else?”
She places her finger on her chin as she t
hinks it over. “Ummm, I want paid vacation time, unlimited access to your office any time I want to visit, and a 401K.”
I laugh. “You drive a hard bargain, but I accept.”
I pull into the parking lot and shut off the car. “Now, the big questions: where are we going to live?”
She smiles and steps out of the car, leaving me to chase after her. I smack her on the ass playfully as I pass, opening the door to the building for her. When we step into the elevator, I spin her around and press her back to the wall with my lips to against hers. Her hands come up and thread through my hair that’s beginning to grow out. She gently pulls it, breaking our kiss.
“I don’t care where we live, as long as we’re together.”
I grin from hearing her words, moving my lips back to hers. My hands have a mind of their own, traveling her body, massaging and caressing. My dick hardens, and I grind it against her core. She lets out a breathy moan of excitement.
I move my hands up to her cheeks, pushing her hair away from her face. “You’re so beautiful,” I whisper. “I don’t want to wait to see where the future takes us. Let’s create our future.” I place her on her feet and drop down to one knee.
Her eyes grow wide and her lips part. I reach into my jacket pocket and pull out a small box.
“How long have you had that?” she asks.
“My mother gave it to me tonight at dinner. It was my great-grandmother’s ring. It’s been passed down for generations.” I open the box, and the light in the elevator catches the diamond perfectly.
“Madeline Michelle Strickland, I’ve loved you since the moment my eyes met yours. I don’t want to walk another day on this earth without being able to say you’re mine. Will you please marry me?”
Her gaping mouth turns into a smile as she nods slowly. “Yes,” she whispers.
I take the ring from the box with shaking hands and slide it onto her finger. The instant she pulls her hand back to examine the ring, I stand and pick her up against me, kissing her with everything I have.
I don’t know how long the door to the elevator has been open, but I turn and walk us through it, down the hallway, and to her apartment. I manage to get the door open with one hand, and I carry her through, kicking it closed behind me. I set her on the island in the kitchen, and immediately she starts pushing my jacket over my shoulders.
I shrug out of it quickly, letting it fall to the floor at my feet. My hands land on her thighs, working her dress up her legs. When I get it high enough, I’m surprised to find her completely bare underneath. Her hands are unfastening my belt and pants, and before I know it, she’s working my length up and down in her hand.
I grab her hips and pull her to the edge of the counter before positioning myself at her entrance. I thrust into her, and the moment we become one, we both let out a relieved moan, finally back to the way we’re meant to be.
My lips move from her mouth, down to her neck, and I’m in such a rush to taste her, my hands begin pulling at her dress. The fabric tears and the sound of tiny beads peppering the tile fills my ears. I pause and look around. She laughs but pulls my mouth back to hers.
Finally, I take her in my arms and carry her through the apartment, never separating, until I can lay her down in bed where I can move between her beautiful thighs all night long.
When I place her on the bed, she rolls over, getting up on her knees as she glances over her shoulder at me. I bite my lower lip, getting even more excited. With my hands on her hips, I pull her toward the edge of the bed until I can slide back inside her. In this position, she feels tighter, and it makes all my muscles constrict to hold back the orgasm that’s begging to be set free. As I rock my hips back and forth, she moves into my thrusts, making me feel like I’m deeper inside her than I’ve ever been. Her muscles begin to twitch around me, and I let my hand move around her hips and down to her clit. The extra stimulation has her crying out my name over and over until I feel her relax. I remove myself from her, and with one hand, gently push her hips to the side where she rolls over onto her back. As I begin climbing up the bed, she places a hand on my chest and urges me back. At this point, I’m so wound-up that I can’t fight her. I’ll give it to her any way I can. She straddles me and slides me back inside her. I latch onto her hips, pulling her down harder each time she begins to slide me out of her.
I can tell she’s about to come again, and I’m about to lose all sense of control. At the last second, I roll us over and drive into her so deep she lets out a scream. Her nails dig into my back, and teeth bite down on my shoulder. She’s so hot and tight around me; I have no choice but to let my release go at the same time she lets out a soft whimper.
“I love you, Maddie,” I whisper into her hair as we both stop to catch our breath and regain control over our bodies.
Monday morning rolls around, and Maddie is a nervous wreck as we ride my private elevator up to my office together. “Don’t be so worried. We’re going to make sure everyone in the building knows that you are soon to be part-owner of Windsor Wealth Management.”
“What? How?” she asks, icy eyes popping up to meet mine.
“We’re throwing an engagement party in the conference room. Food, drinks, and cake for everyone. Come on; we’re running late.” I take her hand and pull her from the elevator, down the hall, and into the conference room.
We walk in, and everyone yells, “Congratulations!” Then all their eyes narrow on Maddie standing next to me. Their mouths drop open as they force themselves to recover quickly.
“Thank you for leaving your desks for a moment to celebrate with us,” I tell them. “Please, everyone, help yourselves to the food and drinks.”
Maddie is standing by my side, quiet and worried. Her eyes are dashing around the room, and they’re filled with fear.
“Madeline and I are aware of the rumors going around the building,” I start addressing the group of employees that are gathered around. “And I am here to clear up anything you may have questions about. I didn’t meet Madeline until Brian, our usual data guy, was out sick. She was hired for his position but ended up being put in the mailroom on hold. When she was called to action, she went above and beyond what any other person in her position could have done. Which is why she landed the job full-time. We started working together, became friends, and it was undeniable the feelings I was having for her. We had been together for weeks before any of you found out. I assure you, this won’t affect any aspect of your jobs or normal working day. Madeline and I know how to be professional around the workplace. But just so you all know, when we’re married, Madeline will be part-owner of this company. So, I suggest you all treat her with respect moving forward.”
Everyone starts talking at once, saying congratulations and best wishes. They go back to their small groups and the conversations they were having before we even walked into the room. I take Maddie’s hand and pull her into my office; the second the door is shut between us, I move my mouth to hers. She lets out a deep, content breath against my lips.
“God, I thought I was going to explode if I didn’t get to taste you soon,” I whisper, allowing my hands to roam her beautiful body.
She giggles. “What happened to being professional, Mr. Windsor?” she teases.
“Fuck being professional,” I whisper as I walk her toward my desk.
“Where are we going?” Maddie asks as I lead her from the office into my car.
“We have some things to go over.” I climb behind the wheel and pull out of the garage.
“What kind of things?” she asks, turning her upper body to face me.
“Well, first off, if we’re going to be living outside the city at times, you’re going to need a vehicle.”
Her eyes stretch wide. “I can’t afford a new car,” she points out.
“It’s on me, Maddie.”
“What? No, Bennet. I don’t want your money,” she argues, crossing her arms over her chest.
“Whether you want it or not is not up to you. We�
�re getting married. Half of everything is already yours. I don’t want to have my money and you to have your money. I want us both to have our money. Understand? Teamwork, remember?” I flash her a quick smile and shoot her a wink from quoting her words.
She laughs. “Fine. But I’m not getting something this fancy.” She motions toward my Mercedes.
“You can get whatever you want,” I assure her.
“Even a Lambo?” I can tell she’s teasing me by the way she’s holding back a smile.
I laugh. “If you wish.”
She shakes her head and rolls her eyes, but she doesn’t argue.
We get out at the car lot, and we walk around several times. But every time she checks out one car, I notice her always looking back at another. I know the only reason she hasn’t spoken on it yet is the price tag.
I look over at her. “Just get the one you want. It doesn’t matter how much it cost.”
“But I said I didn’t want a Mercedes, and now I’m totally in love with that G-Wagon,” she pouts.
I laugh, wrap my arm around her shoulders, and lead her to the blacked-out G-Wagon. I open the door and motion for her to climb inside.
She sits behind the wheel, and I see her face and eyes light up. “Is this the one?” I ask.
She smiles wide and nods.
“Let’s go do the paperwork.”
Once everything is signed and done, I have the G-Wagon delivered to the house and we go to our next assignment. I hit the highway and drive out of the city. Her hand is in mine as the music softly plays over the speakers. The top is down, and the sun is shining. Every time I look at her, her skin is glowing while her dark hair flies about crazily. Just looking at her makes me smile. Being able to reach out and hold her hand brightens my day. I know one thing for sure: I’m going to thank God every day for bringing her into my life. I will cherish every day I get to spend with her and call her mine. It almost seems impossible that I’m this happy, and a part of me doesn’t want to trust it. But that’s old me speaking. Maddie has taught me so much about love and trust and happiness. I think it’s about time that I start to trust us. Not her or me, but us together as a team.
His Every Desire (Contemporary Romance Box Set) Page 18