by Myers, K. L.
“Mr. Livingston, we’re approaching your building.”
The sound of Austin's voice had the same effect of ice-cold water drenching me. I scrambled off Xander's lap and righted my dress. Oh, my God. I couldn’t let that happen again. I glanced over just in time to see his hand press against his length and attempt to push it to the side.
“Looks as if you have a problem.” I giggled
“Looks as if you’ll be walking in front of me while I think of naked old ladies,” he replied.
Chapter 13
Xander
Son of a bitch! I hadn’t expected an angry Maddison to confront me. She must have assumed Elodie and Hailey were with me. I had just politely opened the door for them. I’d been running behind and had to text Austin to pick up Maddie before coming to pick me up. When she snapped at me, I thought a little jesting would get her to simmer down. I guess in hindsight, telling her she was bitchy then accusing her of sexually harassing me wasn’t the best way to go at it. But damn it, the minute I saw her tight black dress pushed up high on her tan legs, I couldn’t quell the desire I felt inside for her.
And, once again, my bright ideas aren’t working. I thought having her walk in front of me would buy me time to let my hardon soften, but the sway in Maddie's hips as she walks in front of me has done anything but. This is going to be a very, very long day.
Maddie reached out to grab the salad from my hand. Working through lunch was going to be the only way we were going to be able to cram everything we needed to go over into the short time we had together. Especially after she disappeared this morning for almost an hour to take a phone call, one I was certain wasn’t work-related.
“So, I’ve decided we only need one M&A and R&D Department. That means we’ll have to cut the staff at your location.”
“What? No, that’s ten families who’ll lose their income. They didn’t ask for your uncle to buy the company. Why are they impacted and not your staff here?”
“First off, the owner of their company sold. He didn’t have to, but he did. Secondly, if you’re going to be successful in a Fortune 500 company, you need to leave your feelings out of it. They are not families. They are employees. Employees we no longer need and whom we will give a handsome severance package. One larger than what they deserve. Can you live with that?”
I watched as Maddie bit the corner of her lip repeatedly. It was clear she didn’t like my decision, but she needed to learn that sometimes decisions aren’t what we want them to be, and I had to know I could count on her to execute them.
“Yes, I suppose so.”
“Good, because you’ll be the one explaining it to them.”
“Why me? You’re doing this, not me.”
“Maddie, I’m anticipating making you the president of my company as well one day. I need to know I can count on you to execute my desires. If you can’t do that, then I’ve made a mistake and overestimated your abilities.”
Maddie pushed her salad away. I watched as her chest rose and fell a couple of times. She bit her lip once again before she closed her eyes, took two more deep breaths, then opened them.
“Fine. I may not like it, but I can do this. You didn’t make a mistake. “
I knew I hadn’t. I just needed her to believe in herself. She was never one to push herself outside of her comfort zone, but when it came right down to it, and she had to, that’s when she shined. She knew how to be diplomatic and sympathetic at the same time. Something I didn’t have the luxury of being.
“Now let’s talk travel. There are multiple projects we have going on right now that I need to bring you up to speed on. I know this trip was last minute, so we’ll cover as much as possible now. I’ll have my assistant schedule in a few calls with you over the next week, and either I can come your way, or you can come mine the following week.”
“I’ll come here. No need for you to come to California.”
Maddie's response was instantaneous. I wasn’t sure if she was that excited to be here in the Big Apple, or if she was avoiding me coming to California. Something wasn’t sitting right with me, so I decided to press a bit further.
“You came here. Maybe I should pop out there this time. You know, see the operation, and you could cook me a homemade meal.”
I had been jesting about cooking me a meal, but when I saw her eyes widen, I knew she didn’t want me coming out there.
“How about you come out next month. I’ll make the trip back here the week after next. That will give you time to rearrange your schedule for future visits.”
I wanted to argue with her, but she had a point. This meeting was so spur of the moment, I had to cancel appointments and shift meetings. Her coming out here would give me ample time to reschedule the items I had to cancel and put together a schedule that would accommodate her coming here and me traveling there in the future.
“Fine, that works. Now let me show you around and introduce you to the senior members here.”
* * *
As the sun began to fall, it was time to wrap up. Maddie surpassed my expectations today. Everyone she met took to her as if she had been a member of the company for years. It wasn’t hard to figure out that she was genuine in the words she spoke. Even the executive team welcomed her. I had been worried that some might have felt that they deserved the position over her. But the one thing Maddie didn’t know was that making New York her home predicated her longevity with the firm. But before I could make that happen, I needed to understand what was behind her hesitation to my visiting California.
My office door had been open, and I could hear Maddison speaking with my right-hand, Millicent, about arranging calendars with her assistant, Theresa.
“Time to wrap it up, Maddie,” I called through the open door. “We’ve got dinner plans.”
“Dinner plans?” Maddie questioned as she stood in the doorway. “I planned on a quiet night at my hotel.”
What she really meant was that she planned on a glass of wine and room service. But unlike last night, there would be no porn or drunken texts. Of that, I was certain.
“Sorry to deprive you of your debauchery, but I’m sure my accounting department will already find it interesting that your bill will reflect your moment of wickedness last night.”
Maddie’s, face turned completely pale at the mention of the accounting department knowing what she was up to last night.
“Calm down, dirty girl. I was only kidding. Your stay goes on my credit card. No one will know.”
I couldn’t help but laugh as I watched the wave of relief fall over her face.
“I’ve got one last call I need to make. Would you like Austin to drop you by the St. Regis so you can freshen up?”
“Would that be okay?”
“I wouldn’t have offered if it wasn’t, Maddie. I’ll see you shortly.”
Chapter 14
Maddison
Once again, I found it interesting to watch all the tourists walking up and down Fifth Avenue as we made our way back to Park Avenue. Seeing the Grand Central Terminal building took my breath away.
“Austin, who is that statue of?”
“That’s Cornelius Vanderbilt, ma’am.”
Note to self. Why is there a statue of Cornelius Vanderbilt there?
Every street was one-way. It seemed as if it took forever to get anywhere because you had to go left just to go right three blocks to then go right again to end up two blocks back from where you started. It was like driving in a square. My nerves would be shot within two minutes behind the wheel.
Now I get it. That’s why everyone walks in this town.
“Here we are, Miss Hightower. I’ll be back to pick you up in thirty.”
As I climbed out of the car, I immediately pulled out my phone so I could talk to Brooke. My time with her would be limited, and we would have so much to catch up on quickly. Attempting to multitask, I quickly walked toward the spinning door and punched in the numbers just as I stepped into the pie-shaped glass opening. I wa
s in such a hurry, I accidentally dropped my purse and bent to pick it up, just as someone behind me jumped in to join me and knocked me to the ground before causing the door to stop spinning.
“For Christ’s Sake,” I screamed as I attempted to pick myself up off the floor and came face to face with a hand that was attached to an arm that was attached to a body I was certain belonged to my imagination of what Ares would look like, if he were real. He was tall, about six-foot-two, and he had the broadest chest imaginable. The black, form-fitting button-up stretched across his upper body, showing off his well-defined pectorals before tapering down as it made its way to his waste. It tucked into a pair of designer jeans that hugged his thighs and cupped his butt. I placed my hand in his, and zing! Electricity shot up my body.
Is this how I’m going to react to every good looking guy in this town?
I was about to tell him thank you, but once I was on my feet, he quickly dropped my hand and went on his way. What an asshole.
Dusting myself off, I realized I had hit send just as I stepped into the doorway. I quickly lifted the phone to my ear in time to hear Brooke speak.
“Mom, Mom, are you there?”
“Hey, baby girl. How was school today?”
“It sucked balls.”
“Brookie! How many times have I told you it’s not ladylike to speak like that?”
“Too many already. But really, Mom, it sucked. I hate Mrs. Patterson’s class.”
“I know, sweetheart, but we aren’t always going to like our teachers or our bosses. You’ll have to get used to it if you’re going to succeed.”
Stepping into the elevator, I was forced to the back behind an older couple and their children and grandchildren.
“Hold on a second, Brookie. Can someone press thirty, please?”
As the elevator shot up, I prayed I wouldn’t lose my signal and drop my daughter's call. When the doors opened on my floor, I had to fight my way through the group of folks in front of me.
Damn, doesn’t anyone have any common courtesy?
“Sorry about that, sweetie. I’ve got a dinner meeting, and I wanted to call you before I had to leave for it.”
“So, Mom, do you like your boss, or is he a Mrs. Patterson?”
I inwardly giggled. If she only knew how much I liked my boss.
“My boss is very nice.”
“Is he hot? Like Dwayne Johnson hot? You always say the Rock is hot, Mom.”
“Brookie, you do realize it’s not appropriate to size up your boss based on whether he’s cute. Right?”
I could hear her huff into the phone, which made me envision her lips all twisted into a pout as she rolled her eyes at me.
“You know, Mom, sometimes you’re a pooper nutter.”
“Ha, ha.” I genuinely laughed. “Okay, yes, my new boss is handsome. Are you happy now?”
“Take a picture of him, and send it to me, Mom. I wanna see.”
If she only knew she’d seen him before in the numerous pictures of us that still filled our home. All I shared with her was that another company bought my company, and I had to come to New York to meet the owner. Keeping Xander my secret, for the time being, was best. It wasn’t like she was going to meet him anytime soon.
Chapter 15
Xander
Maddie stood outside as I returned to collect her. She’d changed into a red sweater dress that landed just above her knee with matching red stilettos. Fuck, that woman was going to be the death of me. I climbed out of the car, making my way to her.
“You look absolutely astonishing, Maddie.”
“Thank you.”
Placing my palm against her lower back, I escorted her to the car and waited for her to sit before closing the door and walking around to the driver's side, where I climbed in the backseat beside her.
“I hope you’re hungry. I think you’ll enjoy the restaurant. It’s one of my favorites.”
“Oh, so we’re having Italian, then?”
“Sort of. Let’s just say it's traditional Italian mixed with a bit of Vanguard cuisine.”
I watched Maddie roll her eyes then look out the window at the passing buildings.
“So, basically, it’s pretty food.”
“Pretty food?” I questioned.
She turned to face me. “Yeah, food that looks like art on a plate where you pay for the appeal, not the quantity.”
I had to chuckle because she hit the nail right on the head. Armani wasn’t about portions. It was about savoring the taste, enjoying the creation, and sampling something you’d never be able to get anywhere else.
“Yes, you would be correct.”
“Can we stop by a fast food place on the way back so I can load up on some carbs, please. There is fast food in the city, right?”
“Yes, you can find fast food in the city, but no, it is not prevalent as you would find in California. We have delis here.”
“Fine. A deli, then, because I promise you, I’ll still be hungry after dinner.
“A deli it is, then.”
As the car pulled to a stop at the corner of 5th and 56th to let us out, Maddie stopped in her tracks as she got out of the car and stood on the corner.
“Oh, my. Trump Tower as I live and breathe. All this glass amongst the concrete and brick building. It seems out of place.”
I knew what she was saying. The first week I was here in the city, I couldn’t help but notice one minute I was admiring the architecture of the past with all the beige, brown and white concrete buildings, and then boom there was colossal Trump Tower nestled between Tiffany & Co and the Armani. It was nothing but shiny glass and mirror, looming high above the ancestry block buildings that were NYC’s past.
“I couldn’t agree more. But that’s what makes New York City the eclectic mix of old and new.”
As we followed behind the Maître d, I spotted Hollis and his business partner, Addison, sitting in the corner. When he noticed us coming his way, he stood and quickly pulled the chair away from the table.
“You must be Maddison,” he spoke as he offered her the seat then pushed it in for her once she sat.
“I am. Thank you.”
“I’m Hollis LaCroix, and this is my business partner, Addison.”
“Hollis and Addison own the firm that manages all of Livingston Technology's investments,” I said.
Maddie reached across the table and shook hands with Addison as I took my seat.
We were halfway through dinner when Hollis’s phone rang. Looking at Maddie, he said. “Please excuse me for a moment.”
Addison took a sip of her wine and laughed aloud as she looked at me. “I’m guessing it’s Elodie.”
“It better not be the damn bird again,” I snarked.
Maddie looked between Addison and me. “Elodie? Bird?”
This was an opportunity to explain who she had seen me with this morning when she got so angry.
“Elodie is Hollis’s fiancé’. She was his nanny and took care of Hailey, his niece, who lives with him. But then, one thing led to another, and now she’s his fiancé. You saw them this morning when I was coming out of the building.” I knew the moment she acknowledged who the woman was earlier today. “The bird in question is named Huey, and he belongs to Hollis.” Maddie raised an eyebrow as her lips formed a tight grin. “Elodie interrupted a meeting with Malcolm and me when she took the bird to the vet. I find it amusing, and given the opportunity, I will rib him about it every chance I get.”
Hollis returned to the table, placing his phone in the breast pocket of his jacket. “Don’t even say it. It was not Elodie calling about the bird.” The table erupted in laughter. “I’m glad everyone finds the humor in this. At least my bird is no longer baahing like a goat.”
“Excuse me. Did you say goat?” Maddie questioned Hollis.
“Yes, while at the damn vet, there was a foreign guy there with a goat, and my bird decided it would be amusing to emulate it each time it opened its beak.”
“Oh, my
God. What are the odds? I have a couple that lives down the road from me who walk a goat every day on a leash.”
“Apparently, the odds are in our favor.” Hollis laughed.
* * *
Two Town Cars sat idling at the curb along with one yellow cab, minus the shining light that would indicate it was available for use. Addison excused herself first.
“Very nice to meet you, Maddison. I look forward to seeing you again.”
The cab driver exited his car, coming around to open the front door for her. But not before placing a chaste kiss on her lips. Maddison looked very perplexed by the interaction.
“That is her husband,” Hollis interjected. “Nice meeting you, Maddison, but I have to go. It’s getting late, and I’d like to catch up with my niece about her day before she goes to bed.”
He held out his hand to Maddie, but she reached out and hugged him instead.
“It was delightful. I look forward to talking with you very soon.”
With a twist in her step, Maddie turned to face me. “It’s so nice that he wants to know about his niece’s day. I find that admirable, don’t you?”
I pondered her question for a moment. I wasn’t exactly sure how to answer that. I would think any person acting as a guardian would take an interest in what was happening daily in their house.
“Sure, I guess,” I replied.
Maddie’s brows scrunched together. I’d seen that face before many times. Mostly when she had been frustrated and disappointed with me or an answer I’d given her. My response wasn’t what she wanted to hear.