The last three months had flown by. Spring had come and gone and the summer heat and humidity were in full effect in Chicago. Maddie picked up her phone, “I’m coming down!” She grabbed the rest of her items and ran down the stairs.

“I’m going to stop accepting your rides to work if you intend on harassing me every morning!” She said as she brushed past Bennet. He grabbed her arm and planted a firm kiss on her lips and a swat on her ass as she climbed into the car.

“Well if you would accept my offer to move back in already we wouldn’t have this issue now would we?”

Maddie rolled her eyes, “I told you my lease isn’t up until September and I’m not going to break it just so you can boss me around all hours of the day and night!”

Bennet had asked…no commanded that she move back in with him immediately; however she wasn’t ready to give up her independence. “You do realize you spend 80+% of the week at my house so really you’re just using this place to store your stuff.”

“My answer is final Bennet, besides Rascal has finally completely adjusted to his new home and I don’t want to stress him out. Now, can we please go over this presentation we have this morning?”

Bennet loved when she got exasperated, it meant the sex later was going to be fan-fucking-tastic…not that it wasn’t normally.

They talked through the presentation they had this morning with a local, Chicago based restaurant chain. “This is another big one baby, think you’re up for the challenge?”

Maddie smoothed her dress and took a deep breath, “Yes, yes I got this.” She nodded her head as she stared ahead running her hands over her lap over and over.

“You’re giving yourself one of your pep talks aren’t you?” He smiled. She looked over at him and let out a small laugh, he knew her so well in such a short amount of time. “What’s going through your head right now?” He reached over and took her hand.

She squeezed his hand, “That I just can’t believe I’m so lucky to have a man like you in my life.”

The presentation was outstanding as Bennet expected, Maddie had knocked it out of the park once again. She had a way with people, she seemed timid at first but she knew how to listen and read people which was an immeasurable tool in the business world.

She was his dream woman, someone that he could not only be a life partner with but someone who was driven and ambitious just like him. She had really come into her own in the time she had been working at Windsor Marketing, she now had a small team under her that she managed efficiently and she continued to impress him every day with her hunger for growth and knowledge.

“So should we celebrate tonight?” Bennet asked as he ushered Maddie into the car at the end of another successful day. “You closed another massive client today and I’d love to show you my appreciation…as your boss of course” he said with a wink.

“Well I could certainly go for a nice glass of wine but if I’m honest I just want to relax and eat in if that’s ok.” She leaned her head on his shoulder as the car pulled away from the curb.

“Whatever you want sweetheart, I’ll order some food from that little vegan place you love, sound ok?”

“Mmmhmmm” she mumbled as she nuzzled into his neck.

They enjoyed a lovely dinner and had taken their wine in Bennet’s massive soaker tub. “If you would have told me nine months ago that I would have a naked, sudsy Madeline Strickland resting against me I would have lost my mind. You know I’m the luckiest man in the world right?” He slowly ran his hand between her breasts.

Maddie leaned her back against his chest and let out a sigh of contentment, “And if anyone had told me I would have a naked sudsy Bennet Windsor against my back I would said you’re crazy.”

Time felt like it stood still when they were together. She pulled her robe tighter as she stared at the window admiring the city lights. Bennet walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, “Maddie…I’m going to marry you someday. Someday soon.” She spun around so fast she almost fell over.

“Are you proposing?!” He laughed as he caught her.

“Well not in this moment no but someday I will.” She didn’t know what to say.

“Don’t look so surprised, you are the woman of my dreams and I’m not letting you get away.”

“It’s only been like…six months!” She gripped the lapels of his robe.

“Maddie relax, I know it’s been a short time and we can have a long engagement but I just want to be transparent with you about my intentions and where I see this going. You are the love of my life and I would be honored if you would let me spend it with you.” Her eyes began to fill with tears, seriously HOW did she get this lucky?! She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

“Nothing would make me happier than having the most intelligent and beautiful woman I’ve ever met by my side as my wife.”

She pulled back from him and looked in his eyes, “I would love to be your wife.”

“Well since we agree I think it’s only fair we discuss you moving back in again. And before you say no think of all the extra space Rascal would have! He could have his own room and he’d love to be able to watch birds outside the windows. Oh we could get him one of those giant cat tower things!” He smiled a boyish grin, knowing he could get her if he appealed to the needs of her cat. He had actually really grown to love the little fur ball. She sighed in defeat…”Ya know, if it you weren’t so charming I just might hate you.”

He pulled her face to his and kissed her passionately. “Who knew I could convince a sweet and innocent young woman to settle down with a snobby old dude.” She laughed as he pulled her in for a warm embrace.

“You know, there’s something I’ve never told you…” She hesitated as he searched her face for clues.

“What?” He asked nervously. “I’ve always had this secret desire to be with a man who knew exactly what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to take it.” She could feel the blush creeping up her neck.

“What else?” He could sense she was holding back.

“I just didn’t expect to be so…intrigued by your dominant nature in the bedroom. I really, REALLY enjoy it.” He lifted her chin so that he could see her eyes.

“There’s no need to be ashamed of those desire sweetheart. I want to be the man that helps you explore those areas and fulfills your desires and fantasies.” She bit her lower lip as she played with the edge of his robe.

“You’re kind of bossy though so it’s hard to get a word in when we’re intimate.” A huge grin spread across her face.

“Oh yeah?” She could see the mischievousness building in his eyes as he pushed her against the window. “And how does that make you feel Miss Strickland? Are you inclined to obey me or do you have it in your head to be a defiant little brat?”

She playfully pushed against his chest “Depends,” she said as she lifted her chin.

“On what?” He said as he pressed his body against hers. She leaned forward and nipped at his earlobe to distract him.

“On if you can catch me!” The silkiness of her robe allowed her to slip away from his body as she took off across the room towards the hallway.

She ran down the hall laughing as Bennet took off in a dead sprint after her, catching up to her just as she entered his room. He grabbed her around the waist and threw her on the bed, climbing on top of her to pin her down. He grabbed her hands and held them above her head as she laughed and squealed.

“Miss Strickland, I do believe I told you the very first time we were intimate that I’m the boss in and out of the office and bedroom. Seems you may have forgotten.” Maddie’s breathing calmed as she stopped resisting.

“Is that really what you want Mr. Windsor? I think you enjoy the challenge.”

He smiled as he leaned down to kiss her, “Resisting you was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, I guess I could put up with a little resistance from you as well.” He brought their mouths together and vowed in his head that he would never resist her again.