So how are you liking the new role? I am so happy you decided to take it. I mean I know it was scary but sometimes that’s exactly what you need to take that next big step in life." Jazmine shimmied into her leggings as Maddie pulled her long hair into a high top knot.

"Well it’s only been three days but so far so good. Bennet had to go to New York the day I started but my old boss Mr. Thomas has been extremely helpful."

"Is the living situation still going ok?" Maddie couldn’t help but flash back to images of herself in Bennet’s lap as he assaulted her mouth.

"Yeah, fine. Actually my apartment is supposed to be ready this month so that’s good news! It’s only been like four solid months now that I’ve been homeless, way to go Chicago!”

"God Damon kicked my ass tonight!" Maddie was bent over trying to catch her breath. He had put the girls through a lot of drills and jump rope work tonight to get their hear rate up.

"No kidding I can’t lift my arms." Jazmine laid down on the bench in the locker room. "Are we still on for tonight? Pizza and wine at my place?"

"Yes please!" That was just the inspiration Maddie needed to get up off the floor she had sunk down on and get ready to leave.

The girls ate their pizza and sipped their wine as the night went on. "So how are things with Ethan? You guys doing ok?"

"Same old, same old…that sounded bad, it’s going great. Same old is good for me, I like the routine. He’s been getting more regularly scheduled hours at the hospital which has been nice and we’ve even been able to plan a small weekend getaway in April." Jazmine took a large bite of her slice of pizza as Maddie smiled.

"Oh that’s great news! Twenty bucks he proposes on the triiiiiip." Both girls burst out laughing.

"Uh no we are not getting married anytime soon! We have a lifetime of med school debt yet to work on."

The night got later and Maddie decided to sleep on the couch since she’d had a few glasses of wine and didn’t feel like dealing with an Uber at this hour. She had just brushed her teeth when her phone pinged with a text from Bennet

You ok? Got home early and you weren’t home. Maddie smiled to herself as butterflies danced in her stomach.

Hey there, I’m staying at Jazmine’s. I’m sorry I didn’t leave a note. I didn’t expect you to return tonight. He explained that it wasn’t anything to apologize for he was just worried but glad to hear she was safe.

Maddie woke up early the next morning and took the train back to Bennet’s house. The elevator door opened and she stepped into the entryway just as Bennet was walking down the hall in his workout hear. A big smile spread across his face.

"Just in time! Go change and put on your tennis shoes." Maddie groaned and dropped her bag.

"How about no, I stayed up late and got up early…and may have had more than two glasses of wine."

"So a run is exactly what you need, so go get your clothes on…NOW." Dammit how did he have this control over her! She rolled her eyes and scurried off to her room to change.

She may not have wanted to go running at 7:00 AM on a Saturday morning but she was determined to prove to Bennet she could keep up. She had been running regularly since high school and the recent addition of boxing to her routine had increased her aerobic capability significantly.

They ran out and back on the lake front and ended up in a grassy patch to stretch out. "Not bad for being hungover and the size of a middle schooler." Maddie turned around slowly.

"Uh excuse me? I wasn't hungover and I may be small but I’m quick and strong so don’t mess with me!" She tried to sound tough but realized she was like a Chihuahua talking to a pit bull right now.

Bennet threw his head back and laughed, "whatever you say pipsqueak, let’s stretch." She playfully punched his arm before launching into a series of stretches to keep her muscles limber.

"You want to stop at Whole Foods on the way back and make brunch at home?" The way he casually said the statement made Maddie wonder for just a moment how it would be to be in a relationship with him…is this how it would be? Casual "brunch dates" at home? She was lost in thought when he slipped his arm around her shoulders.

"Maddie?" Hearing her name brought her out of her daydream.

"Yeah that sounds great I’m starving!"

Maddie slipped on a pair of lounge shorts and an oversized t-shirt and headed out to the kitchen. Bennet was already getting started on brunch, making mimosas and slicing a large loaf of sourdough bread.

"So what’s on the menu? I see mimosas?"

"Well mine is technically a “manmosa” but yes." He winked. I knew you like avocado toast so I was getting started on that and maybe some fruit with yogurt and granola?"

"That sounds delicious, I’ll get started on the fruit." She said as she grabbed her mimosa and headed to the sink to prep the fruit.

They spent the morning chatting about Bennet’s trip to New York and Maddie’s new position. She told him what Vincent had shown her through the week and how nice Janice had been helping her get acclimated in her new office. She hadn’t started interviewing anyone yet but was confident in the next few weeks she would feel ready to start interviewing candidates for her team. Bennet smiled at the change in her demeanor when speaking about the job. She blossomed overnight it seemed into an ambitious go-getter ready to take on the world.

As he listened to her speak he couldn’t help but let his eyes wander over her face. She had big blue eyes and full pouty lips that begged to be kissed. She had such delicate and petite features all engulfed in long, natural blonde curls. He couldn’t imagine how she was single or how he had been so lucky to meet her. She was nothing like most of the women in his circle—superficial and out to find a Mr. Right to support their financial habits.

The conversation had died down but Bennet was still staring at her intently. "You owe me an answer." She turned her head to face him as she placed her empty glass on the counter.

"I do?" She knew exactly what he was referring to but hoped playing coy would buy her some time. It didn’t work, he pushed her glass and plate aside and then turned her stool to face his. Without warning he hoisted her on top of the counter and maneuvered his body between her thighs.

"Mmmhmmm and I think it’s time I collect that answer…with interest." His hands slid up her thighs and around her backside cupping her and pulling her closer to him. "These little shorts are very tempting, how is a man to think straight when you’re parading around here in them?"

She never knew what to do when he took over her, she just knew she wanted him. Bennet’s hand slipped up her neck and into her hair, he pulled her mouth to his and began to slowly kiss her. This time she let her body do the thinking, she closed her eyes, shut off her mind and let her guard down. Her hands reached out and entangled themselves in his hair as she leaned into the kiss. She wrapped her legs around his back and pulled him in closer as she kissed him back with passion. Suddenly he broke the kiss and pulled her hands from his hair.

“I'm done waiting Madeline," he pulled her off the counter with her legs still wrapped around himself and walked down the hall towards his bedroom.