Madison

The apartment’s empty when I walk in and head toward my bedroom. Bryce needs to go away for the night to California. I didn’t want to stay at the penthouse, much to his dismay, so we had dinner together and made love before he dropped me off.

“Kaylee!” I yell, hoping she’s around. “I’m home.”

A noise comes from her bedroom, and it’s not the type of sound I want to hear. The thumping against the wall is loud, and Kaylee’s screams are brash and clear.

“Ugh.” I rush to my room and put in my ear buds.

A few hours later, almost midnight, Kaylee opens my door and falls on top of my bed.

“Sorry.” She blushes. “I sent Henry home, so we can spend time together. Since we’re both off, how about we have girl time tomorrow?”

“Yes!” I turn off my music on my phone and set it aside. “So ... you and Henry?” I wink. “Oh! Never, ever send me a dick picture! If Bryce knows you did that, oh my God, I have no idea what he’d do.”

“Fine. But since I sent you his …”

“No!” I stop her. “Never. I will tell you this.” I smirk and lean back on my bed against the mountain of pillows I have. “Our guys are very talented in that department.”

“Hot damn.”

Kaylee spends the night in my room, and she fills me in on her instalove connection with Henry. He wants her to move into his penthouse with him. There are two problems with that scenario. One, he’s gone every other week for business, and two, Kaylee knows moving in would be going too fast so they came to an agreement. Instead of her moving in full time, she’s going to be there part time, which makes sense, and Henry’s covering her rent at Galen’s place.

The next morning, Peter drives us downtown after we get ready. Kaylee’s busy on her phone, and my mind goes to Bryce. He should be in California, but with the time difference, it’s only six there. I’ll wait to hear from him and see how his day is going. I know this meeting is important for the company. It’s a deal he’s been working on.

“Peter, how was he when you dropped him off last night?”

“Cranky. He misses you,” he answers and looks at me through the rearview mirror. “He was an ass.” The three of us laugh because it’s so Bryce.

The rest of the ride downtown is quiet, and the silence allows me to reflect on my life and what I want to do. As much as I love fashion and working with Kaylee and Galen, I don’t think I want to do it anymore. Bryce wants me to work for his company; he actually prefers me to be a stay-at-home girlfriend, but that isn’t going to happen. And neither is working for Bryce. I don’t want special treatment, and I want to earn my place. That’s why I don’t want to work for my dad.

I turn my head and look at Kaylee. “I feel lost.” Kaylee jerks her head to me. “I don’t know what I want to do with my life.”

She puts down her phone and places her hand on mine. “I had a feeling this would happen. You’re better than this job, girl. I’ve always known that and so has Glenn. Whatever you want to do, I’m here cheering for you all the way.”

“Thanks, love. I’ll stick it out for a little while longer. Wrap up things with my clients and look around for a job.” I refuse to work for Bryce or my dad, so finding a job will be interesting. As overprotective as Bryce is, he’s going to throw a tantrum when he finds out I’m looking for a job.

“Interview at Henry’s company. It’s similar to Bryce’s. You can be his something or whatever.”

I think about it, and Henry’s good people. He’s Kaylee’s boyfriend now and Bryce’s best friend. I’m sure working for him won’t give Bryce a heart attack or have him wanting to murder my boss. “I’ll look into it. Bryce told me the movers are coming in a few days. Are you ready to move out?”

“So ready! Are you?”

I smile a devilish smile. “Of course.”

Peter drops us off at the Water Tower place, and we head right to Starbucks for coffee before enjoying the day. I’m glad to have a day with my best friend. It’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to catch up.

“You look happy. Happier than I’ve ever seen you before,” Kaylee points out. “Happy looks really good on you. And I know it's also because of the hot sex you're having.”

I sip on my Americano and close my eyes, thinking about the way he cherishes me and takes my body to euphoria. I never felt this way with Kent or my previous boyfriend, who I lost my virginity to, so even with my lack of experience, my body knows what it likes, and it enjoys all Bryce does.

“From the look on your face, you are! So everything’s good? You’re really happy?”

“Yeah, I am. To be honest, it’s annoying how controlling he is and how he treats me like his property, but we talked, and we’re better. So much better.”

“I’m so proud of you, babe. You deserve to be happy and to have a good man in your life.”

I smile. “Tell me about Henry! I can’t believe you two are a couple after only a few days!”

“I know, but it feels so right,” she answers and puts her arm through mine. “He’s sweet and caring. I don’t know. We connect on all levels. Physical, emotional, and intellectual. Sure, we have crazy, passionate sex, but after, I don’t know, Madison. Something came alive in me. He’s sensual and romantic. I really like him and can see myself being with him for the long run. We have these deep conversations about life. He’s super smart and really listens to me.”

Hearing Kaylee tell me this makes me want to cheer for her. She hasn’t had the best of luck in the love department. Either the guy she’s with is a player and cheats, or he treats her like shit. Each time she’s gotten out of a relationship, I’ve been there to help her realize she’s worth waiting for that someone special. When things went down with Kent, Kaylee did the same for me. As best friends, this is what we do for each other.

“Look at us. Who would’ve thought this is where our life would be?”

“I know.”

We walk into Victoria’s Secret and stock up on panties, matching bras, and lingerie. Kaylee has an arm full until an associate greets us and takes our things to the fitting rooms. I’m looking at the different styles of thongs when I hear my phone vibrate in my purse.

Bryce: Good morning, baby.

Madison: Good morning. How are you feeling?

Bryce: Like shit. I miss you. Needed your pussy.

Madison: So crass.

Bryce: Are you shopping?

Madison: I am. Let me guess. Peter reported to you.

Bryce: Yes.

Bryce: Look inside your wallet.

I read his text and pull out my wallet. All my credit cards are missing, and I see a Post-it note.

I took your cards. You don’t need those. This is for you. Use it.

X,

Bryce

My fingers go crazy on the keyboard.

Madison: As much as I appreciate the gesture, I don’t need your credit card. I have money, Bryce. Kinda borderline controlling.

Bryce: This type of control is to benefit you and me. I’m not trying to discredit your worth and what you make. I know you have money. I know you can take care of yourself. But I’d like to be the one to take care of my beautiful girlfriend. Will you let me?

There’s no way I can be mad at him after that statement.

Madison: Fine. Thank you, sweetie.

Bryce: You’re very welcome. I need to get ready and head down for breakfast. Send me pictures of what you’re trying on. Think of me.

Madison: I will, and I will. XO.

I put my phone and wallet back in my purse and head toward the lingerie section again.

We spend an hour at the store and walk out with smiles. I don’t want it to be this way, but if I’m being honest, it’s nice to be taken care of.

“Where to now?” Kaylee asks.

“Everywhere.” I grin.