Madison

The next few days go by in a blur. Since I'm not directly working with Bryce, and only through Tiffany, Glenn's giving me the okay to work with a few more clients.

On top of Bryce, I have Nicholas Reimer, a successful CEO of a technology corporation, and a few women I'm helping Kaylee with.

Our appointments are booked for the next few weeks, and Glenn is begging someone to work overtime. Since I don’t have much of a life, I volunteer. That’s why I’m here.

At midnight.

Working on one last package.

Every now and then, I check my phone to see if Bryce has sent a text message. I’m not sure why I care even though I know why. He does affect me. And in a way no one has before. It scares me. I won’t be able to handle another broken heart.

Finally, a quarter after one, I pack my things and leave the department store. It’s dark and a little cold when I get outside, but my car isn’t too far of a walk. When I press the button to automatically start my car, I realize I don’t have my cell phone and groan because I have to go back inside and reopen the store. Glenn’s going to kill me for tripping the alarm and resetting it again.

I hurry back inside and send him a sorry text to explain what happened. I’m not sure he got it, though, since he never responded. The door closes behind me, and I’m so lost in my head that I don’t realize my car isn’t where I parked it until I am standing where it should be parked. Frantically, I’m looking around and groaning.

“This isn’t happening!” I yell into the night air and throw my arms up. “Why are you doing this to me? Crap!”

Before I’m able to call Kaylee, a dark vehicle drives up and parks next to me. Goose bumps are all over my skin. I hate this feeling.

I’m so going to die tonight.

“Ms. Smith?”

I recognize that voice.

“Big and Scary?” I laugh and see the humor in his eyes too. “What are you doing here?”

Before he answers, I hear a door open and shut, and I know exactly who is coming my way.

“Madison. Is everything okay?” I hear the concern in Bryce’s tone, and it chips away at my icy attitude toward him. He comes closer and attempts to place his hands on mine but then pulls back.

“My car.” I sigh, tipping my head back and letting out a frustrated groan. “Someone stole my car. I don’t understand why this is happening.”

“I’m terribly sorry, Madison. Here, let’s call the police, and while we wait, you can sit in the SUV with me.”

“Okay.” I give in and feel his hand on the small of my back. I don’t tell him to stop touching me. It’s nice.

When I’m settled in, I call the police, and we wait in his vehicle for an officer to arrive, which doesn’t take long. Bryce stands with me while I give the officer my statement and describe my car. He writes all of it down and tells me they’ve been experiencing a rash of stolen vehicles without any being recovered. This doesn’t sit well with me at all. How the hell am I supposed to get to work now?

“Thank you, Officer Paul. I appreciate it. Please keep me updated. I need my car.”

“You’re welcome, Miss. I’ll do everything I can,” he assures me.

He wishes me a good night, and I do the same. Once I have all the paperwork and Officer Paul’s card, I get back into the vehicle, remaining quiet during the drive. Bryce doesn’t try to talk to me either. This whole night sucks. First, I got stuck working late, then the whole thing with Tiffany being the big C word, and now this. Why is karma mad at me?

“Oh. Peter, my address is …”

“It’s very late, Madison. I know you wouldn’t want to spend the night at my place but considering the time and the fact you don’t have a car, stay with me. My place has plenty of guestrooms for you to choose from.”

I mull over his offer and realize he’s right. By the time I’m back, it’ll be almost two in the morning, so there’s no point, and I’m not completely sure if Kaylee’s home to take me to work tomorrow.

“Okay. Thank you very much for your help this evening.”

Bryce smiles, and my panties are instantly wet. Talk about ovaries exploding. “You never have to thank me.”

We get to Bryce’s penthouse, and Big and Scary opens the door for me. I step inside, and the battle of going or leaving continues. Bryce places his things down and gives me a mini tour of the downstairs of his penthouse. It’s gorgeous inside. The design of each room and the artwork along the creamy colored walls are astounding. This isn’t a penthouse but rather a museum.

“I’d give you the whole tour, but I know you’re tired and would like to get some sleep.”

“Thank you. Sleep sounds amazing. I’m sorry I wasn’t much company during the drive.”

“It’s okay. I’m sure we’ll run into one another again, and then you can make it up to me.”

My cheeks are on fire. I’m trying so hard to put distance between us. It’s not healthy to be here with him when we’re just … I guess, friends.

He guides me upstairs to the guest bedroom. The room is large and fully furnished. The king-size bed looks comfortable. I turn to look at Bryce and suddenly I’m not tired anymore. I want to stay up and talk to him. Get to know him better.

“I’ll be back with clothes for you. Your room has a bathroom. Kelly, my housekeeper, keeps the toiletries in order, so I’m sure she has something for you.”

“I’m okay. Thanks for your concern.”

“Never thank me, Madison.” Bryce winks and exits the room, leaving me alone. With no one else in here, I run and jump onto the king-size bed. As soon as my body hits it, I feel like I’m in a sea of clouds. I easily fall asleep.

Bryce

Opening the door to the guestroom, I instantly see Madison asleep in the middle of the bed with her leg hanging off to the side. Setting down the pajamas, I slowly walk over to her, bring her in my arms, and set her down gently on top of the pillows. She doesn’t stir in my arms. I take the opportunity to look at and admire her. Her long hair fans over the pillows, and her face is gentle. I reach down and take off her shoes, pull the covers from under her, and then cover her delectable body.

“Sleep well, my beautiful Madison,” I whisper before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

I should leave and get some work done, but I position the chair to face her. Watching her sleep brings me a sense of peace even though it’s a little unnerving to feel this way for her. I’m not accustomed to these feelings. Little moans leave her lips and make me rock hard. I can’t wait to be between her thighs and sink deep inside her. I love knowing I’m slowly breaking her down, but I know it’s going to take time. All her reservations about being with me are understandable, but once I have her, she’ll see I won’t let her go, and she can be happy with a man like myself.

These possessive emotions scare me. I’ve been with women, and no one has captured my attention and heart the way Madison does. She’s real. My gut’s telling me she’s rare, and once you find rare, you shouldn’t break it apart. No part of me should even be considering this beauty. She’s the type you protect. Guard.

I’m a selfish man, and I know what I want. The object of my desire is sleeping, and all I want is to be in bed with her, holding her in my arms and seeing her in the morning.

Her reservations come to mind again, and I curse whoever made her feel the way she does. I’m going to fuck those feelings out of her and make her see I’m the right man.

The right choice.

“Bryce?” Her sleepy tone is soft. I’m up in a flash, sitting on the bed and pushing her hair out of her face. “I fell asleep, and I wanted to talk tonight.”

“I know, baby. It’s okay. Sleep well and I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Okay.” She yawns, and I pull the covers higher on her body and tuck her in securely. “Thank you, Bryce. I’m beginning to see you’re not like other men. Maybe we can get to know each other better. I want a chance with you.”

Her words sink deep into my soul. Even in her hazy sleep, her honesty speaks volumes. She may not say this to me in the near future, but she’s saying it now.

“Good night, sweet Madison.”

“Good night, Bryce.”