Madison

The alarm blares for the second time. I have three alarms set since I’m not a morning person and getting up this early is hazardous to my health.

I get to work fifteen minutes early, and after putting my things away, I log in and look for Glenn to see what he wants me to work on.

“Hello. I have a delivery for Madison Smith.”

My eyes zone in on the bouquet of orchids and roses. It’s a combination of reds and pinks. He remembered.

The man eyes me. “Are you Madison Smith?”

The question finally registers, and I look at him to answer. “Yes.”

“Awesome.” He hands me a gorgeous arrangement. “Sign here, please.” He holds out the machine to electronically sign my name.

“Thanks. Have a great day!” He nods his head and turns to walk away.

A card sticks out from the bouquet, and I slowly pull it out and place the flowers down on the counter. With both hands on the card, I want to toss it in the garbage and forget about what he did. Then the other part of me wants to know what he has to say.

Madison,

You. Only you.

X,

Bryce

I need to see him. Glenn’s asking how things are going with Bryce, so I let him know things are good.

“Madison, love.” I turn to see Glenn walking toward me with a garment bag. “Please take this to Mr. Hunter. Make sure he tries these on. An up-and-coming designer sent these to corporate, and they want him to model in these.”

“Oh. Okay. Yeah, no problem.”

Problem solved.

Pulling into the usual spot, Peter comes to my car and opens the driver’s side door for me.

“Hello, girly. He’s waiting for you. Go to his office and through the door on the right. I’ll handle the boxes and bags. Hurry along now.”

“How did he know I’d be here?”

Peter winks. “He figured you’d be here as soon as you got the flowers.”

“Oh.”

“You okay, Ms. Smith?”

“Yes.” I nod and head to the elevator to his office.

My mind spins. Something tells me he has some sort of plan. For me or for us?

The walk to his office is slow. I’m counting the steps I take and look at what’s in front of me. There’s a list of things I want to say. I’m repeating those sentences in my head, so I won’t falter when I see him even though that’s a real possibility.

His office looks the same when I go in. I follow Peter’s instructions and go through another door. It leads me to a long hallway and seems to be separate from his office. Almost like a hideaway.

Rose petals lead to a room with a closed door. If I walk inside, I’ll be catapulted into Bryce Hunter’s world. In his space, I lose all rational thought. Bryce Hunter has the ability to make women forget. He has the skills to make a woman moan and come without touching her. His voice alone is a walking orgasm.

The pull I feel for him is something I’ve never felt. It’s powerful and strong. I give in, following the petals, and reach for the doorknob. The cool handle surprises me. My hand turns to the right. When I walk inside, I’m surrounded by candles and the aroma of lavender and lemon.

My favorite scents.

The room is dim with only the soft glow of the candles. I look around, taking in where I am, and notice another door. So this room is a living area? Maybe somewhere he comes to escape. There’s so much about this man I don’t know, and thinking about who I’m about to be with is giving me anxiety.

“You’re here.”

His capturing voice makes me turn around. Before me is Bryce. He’s wearing a fitted gray suit with a teal shirt. His suit jacket is unbuttoned, and his tie hangs over his shirt.

“Did anything more happen with Tiffany?” Foot in the mouth. After all that rehearsing, I shoot out the first question.

He walks closer to me and cups my face. I love when he holds me like this. “I had an emergency meeting with a company I’ve been trying to acquire. Unfortunately, you’re right. I can’t let Tiffany go, not when there are a few deals worth millions on the table. The only thing I can assure you is I want you and only you. I hope Tiffany won’t be a bother, and if she is, then you need to tell me.”

Bryce takes a moment to look at me and walks around the room. He picks up an orchid and twirls the single flower in his hand.

He’s close to me again and tips my head back a little so I’m looking up into his hands. “You ignite my body and soul. When we’re together, I can be myself, and we can laugh and hang out. I never look at you as someone below me. I see you as something higher and with power.” He caresses my cheek, and I lean into his hand. “I lose myself in you.”

I see Bryce.

It’s getting harder to stay away. The way he looks at me like I’m the only one he sees. All his attention is on me. This type of emotion doesn’t come very often. I know Bryce will be worth it, and I’m willing to go all the way with him. To take the drama in stride and allow myself to be happy.

“Madison. Talk to me.”

I gasp and place my hand on my chest. “Bryce, I want it all with you. Please, no more lies and no more secrets. We have to be honest with each other and learn how to communicate. Those are the strongest foundations of a relationship.”

“I’m here for the whole ride. Just you and me, baby. I’m going to do anything to make this work, and I’ll learn how to be the man you want me to be. To be the man you need.”

A shuddering breath escapes through my lips, and I whimper at our closeness and heat coming from his body. Before I can say anything else, he drags his finger across my bottom lip. It quivers under his touch, and I force my eyes to stay open. I want to see him. All of him. He leans into me, intently watching me, and his lips touch mine. The kiss is simple. He’s testing the waters, and I’m allowing him to do so.