CHAPTER 14

 

 

Jack woke up alone. The bed was empty beside him, the sheets untouched. The dark still pushed against the windows confirming his hunch that it was the middle of the night. He took a drink of water from the bottle on the bedside table before checking the time on his phone. It was 3am. Where was Maddy? Worried and now wide awake he pushed back the covers and went to check if her handbag was on the kitchen island where she normally left it. The apartment was completely quiet, the only sound was his bare feet slapping against the floor. He walked into the kitchen and felt relief wash over him at the sight of her handbag. It was quickly replaced with dread. If she was home and she wasn’t in his bed, that meant she slept in the spare bedroom. Jack softly walked towards her room and found the door slightly ajar. He slowly pushed it open to peek inside. She was curled on her side sleeping. Her lips were slightly parted. It was a cold night and she had kicked all the sheets off her. Jack bent and quietly covered her. He wanted nothing more than to climb in beside her, to hold her, to tell her that he loved her, but the amount of love he felt for her nearly burst his heart. The thought of losing her ached so much, he didn’t want to wake her only to hear she was leaving him. Jack crouched beside her bed watching her sleep for a long time. He softly brushed a stray strand of ebony hair from her face and smiled when she softly sighed in her sleep. He wanted her to come home to him willingly, not to feel obliged. He wanted to wake up to her sleep flushed cheeks and drowsy eyes. He wasn’t even sure where she had been. She had left a message at his office that she was going to be late. He didn’t want to bother her with the Where are you going’s and With who are you going’s. Instead he had come home ate some Chinese take-out he didn’t even enjoy since he had gotten used to her cooking and went to bed early.

 

 

Maddy woke up groggy with eyes swollen from crying herself to sleep. She had woken a few times during the night wanting to go to Jack, wanting to make love to him until he woke up and ravished her. It had taken all her willpower to stay where she was. After a quick shower in the ensuite bathroom to her bedroom she made her way to the kitchen, seeking coffee. Jack was sitting at the counter looking like he had a rough night himself. She wanted nothing more than to put her arms around him and to tell him how she felt. Instead she settled for an overly cheery greeting. “Good morning Jack, hope you slept well?”

Jack had heard her wake up and take a shower and had been waiting for her to show up. He was bracing for a fight. Wanting to demand who she had spent the night with, he pushed the anger down and smiled at her. “Sleep well?”

“Like a log,” Maddy lied through her teeth as she poured herself some coffee. Without thinking she walked over and topped up Jack’s cup as well.

“Did you enjoy your evening?”

“Oh yes, it was quite fun.” Maddy didn’t mention the fact that she had spent hours walking the streets of Manhattan in the cold trying to clear her head before she came home. After the conversation with Jules she was too emotional to face Jack.

“I don’t remember you mentioning a function for last night?” Jack probed quietly, he could chasten himself for the tone he had taken. Controlling husband.

Maddy cocked her head slightly and looked at Jack. He almost seemed protective or jealous. She wasn’t sure which. Either way she wasn’t in the mood for games. “I didn’t. Jules called me up and asked if we could meet for drinks.”

A wave of relief washed over Jack. She was out with friends not cavorting with young virile men. “I hope you enjoyed it. How is Jules?”

“Good, she just complains we don’t see each other enough now that we both have our own businesses.”

Jack nodded enjoying the relaxed morning conversation. “Having your own business is a lot more demanding than a nine to five. More responsibility and even when you’re not at work you’re worried about the choices you made that day.”

“Exactly, I sometimes forget your empire is essentially a business.” Maddy teased Jack, almost feeling everything was all right between them.

“You remember that charity function grandpa mentioned?”

“The one for the single mothers?”

“Yes, it’s next Thursday. Would you like to go? I know it’s a boring…”

Maddy clapped her hands together. “Of course I want to go! It’s a wonderful thing you’re doing, I’ll be honored.”

Jack raised his brows. “You must be the first person I know that willingly wants to attend a charity function. Most people only do it out of obligation or for the lucky draws.”

“There are lucky draws?” Maddy asked enthusiastically.

“Yes,” Jack asked hesitantly. “You do know it’s actually quite boring.”

“Oh come on Jack. It can’t be that bad, besides I’m sure there will be dancing. You haven’t taken me dancing before.”

Jack laughed. The worry eased away as the sunlight started to filter through the windows making both his mood and his apartment lighter. “Fine, I’ll take you dancing, Maddy.”

Maddy turned to dress for work but stopped abruptly and walked back to Jack. “What’s the dress code for these things?” She felt foolish for asking, but it was important.

“Evening wear.” Jack said as he scrolled through the news on his phone again.

“Oh dear, I guess a little black dress won’t cut it?”

“Go visit that new designer store on 5^th Avenue, according to my receptionist, their clothes are to die for.” He rolled his eyes as he said it.

“Jack, do have any idea how much their dresses cost?” Maddy calculated quickly, one dress would almost cost the commission from two events.

“You haven’t used the expense card I gave you ever since we’ve gotten married. Since this is a function you’re attending with me I feel it’s only appropriate if you use it.” Jack put down his phone and met Maddy’s bright green eyes. “Go spoil yourself Madison, after all you deserve it.”

Maddy wanted to object but she knew there was no way she would be able to afford the dress, never mind the shoes and the hair and the evening bag. Maybe she would just spoil herself and spend one night last as Cinderella before it all came crashing down.

 

Maddy listened to the chatter around her in the salon. Wives complaining about husbands not paying attention, girlfriends discussing evening plans and old ladies bragging with photos of their grandchildren. The scent of powders, lotions and hair products hung in the air. The nail technician was busy with the final step to Maddy’s make-over. Giddiness started bubbling up in her knowing she was going to blow Jack away tonight. Jules had gone with her to the boutique earlier this week and after Maddy had complained and explained how many children in Africa could be fed with the money she was about to pay for a dress, Jules had simply stated the dress was worth every cent. Thinking of the gold shimmering dress hanging in her closet and how it clung to her curves, Maddy knew Jules was right. It was off the shoulder with gold beading and a flowing skirt with a slight trail. The shade of pale gold not only enhanced Maddy’s natural olive skin but caught the gold flecks in her eyes. Once she had the dress there was no stopping Jules. Jules had dragged her through stores until she had found the perfect accompaniments. Catching the spirit Maddy had bought a matching gold beaded evening bag and a pair of three inch designer heels with gold and glass beading. The dress made her feel like a princess, and a princess needed a little pampering for the ball. On her own dime she had booked herself into a high class salon that was well known for its famous patrons. Her morning had started with a healthy breakfast followed by a full body exfoliation. Then she was submerged in a mud bath after which she enjoyed a relaxing facial that promised to have her skin glowing like a new born baby. The gay man that did her hair performed miracles. He had layered it slightly and put in low lights of a darker shade than her own natural brown hair giving it a rich glow. Her hair now fell in soft waves over her shoulders after being teased and curled into submission. Maddy had never felt prettier. The nail technician applied art to her naturally long nails finishing the entire look. Maddy had been excited about the ball ever since Jack had asked her to go even though they had barely spoken since. Avoidance was the word of the week in the Landon apartment. Maddy couldn’t face sleeping alone again, not when she knew her time with Jack was limited. Although they hadn’t made love, Jack had pulled her close in his sleep every night holding her until morning. Deep down Maddy knew he was tired of her. The sex had been wonderful but he had grown bored, why else wouldn’t he touch her? Her heart ached with the thought of losing him. Giving her heart a last chance of winning his love, Maddy had decided that tonight there would be no regrets. She would show him exactly how she felt, she only wished her feeling were reciprocated.

“There you go. All done, what do you think?” The perky nail technician asked.

“They look wonderful, thank you.”

“It’s a pleasure. Are you going into make up now?”

“Oh, I didn’t realize you do make up here. I didn’t book an appointment.”

“Let me just check the book, maybe someone can fit you in. You’ve had the whole make-over; you should get your make-up done here as well.”

Maddy checked her watch. There was still time. If she had her make-up done here she would just need to bathe and dress before they left at seven pm. “All right, I’ll wait for you.”

A short while later the nail technician returned with a smile as wide as the Nile. “Mrs. Landon, meet Juniper.”

Juniper was a small lady, middle aged with sharp features and black hair. Before answering she gave Maddy an appraising look. “Yes, I can work with that face. Come on.”

Maddy stood up and followed Juniper into a treatment room where there were hundreds of pallets and tubes of make-up.

“Right, before we start I need details.” Juniper said as she started testing foundation on her own hand.

“Okay…” Maddy said hesitantly feeling quite intimidated by Juniper.

“Where are you going, what are you wearing, and is there a theme?”

“Oh, well it’s a charity ball for my husband’s company. Landon Realty. I’m wearing a pale gold off the shoulder beaded dress and the theme is masked royalty.”

For the first time since Maddy stepped into the room, Juniper reacted. Clapping her hands together she smiled at Maddy wickedly. “You trust me?”

Tentatively Maddy nodded.

“Well you should, because I’m going to knock Jackson Landon’s feet out under him.”

“You know Jack?”

“I know of him. The hunky bachelor with the real estate empire. Wait, if you’re his wife, he is now the hunky married man with the real estate empire.”

Smiling Maddy nodded, she seemed to forget how well-known Jack was in Manhattan. “Yes. What do you have in mind?”

“Let’s just say I don’t hope you spent too much money on your mask, you won’t be wearing it.” With a glint in her eye Juniper started applying Maddy’s foundation.

 

Jack stood in the foyer checking the time. He had heard Maddy come in just over an hour ago but she had gone straight to her own bedroom to get ready. Not wanting to hurry her along her he scrolled through some mails on his phone waiting for her. A short while later he heard her door opened followed by the click-clack of her heels in the hall.

“You ready?” Jack asked as he turned. Instant arousal coursed through his veins like fuel in a jet engine. Shimmering gold material clung to her torso rising over the soft mounds of her breasts and clinging to her waist before softly trailing down her legs. Her ebony hair hung in soft curly waves over her bare shoulders. Her skin looked good enough to eat. He felt his heart beating faster in his chest as he surveyed her face. Instead of a traditional mask there were beads of gold and silver decorated around her eyes making them appear even brighter. In all his life Jack had never seen anyone look so beautiful. And this was his wife.

“Jack? Is something wrong? You said evening wear, I didn’t overdo it did I?” Maddy asked nervously running the palm of her hands down her thighs.

Jack swallowed the drool that had accumulated in his mouth and taking a step forward ran his hand down Maddy’s arm. “The only thing that is wrong tonight is the sad look in your eyes Madison. You look breathtaking.”

At his soft honest words Maddy felt her heart tighten, without thinking she put her arms around him and leaned in for a hug. She softly leaned on his shoulder where she whispered in his ear. “You look dashing in that tux yourself.” She could smell the fresh scent of his aftershave and felt the familiar tug low in her belly whenever he touched her as his hand trailed over her bare shoulders.

“Maddy if we don’t leave now I’m afraid we won’t be going at all, and you look to beautiful to not take you dancing.”

Maddy smiled knowing he was aroused, sharing his sentiment she stepped away from him. “Well come on then, Mr. Landon. Let’s see what you’ve got!” A smile spread across her face as she took her husband’s hand and led him to the elevators.

 

Landon Realty spared no expense when it came to their charity ball. The large reception in the hotel was decorated with hues of gold silver and white. Draping hung from the ceiling making the room seem cozy. As an event planner, Maddy appreciated the décor and the attention to detail. One day, she promised herself Turner Events would be at the lead of an event of this caliber. A string quartet with a middle aged singer was stationed in the corner delighting the guests with old favorites. The five course meal was prepared by chefs of international distinction. The guests ranged from single mothers and Wall Street moguls to the rich and famous. Maddy had never felt more cherished and intimidated in her entire life. She had shockingly heard the price per ticket for the event when she had slipped into the ladies room, just being here tonight cost more than her expensive dress. On the bright side she was certain that Jack would raise a good sum tonight. Jack had stayed by her side the whole evening, proudly introducing her to business affiliates and some of the movers and shakers of Manhattan. She had noticed tonight for the first time that when Jack spoke, other people listened. They were eager for his opinion, his forecast of the realty market and most of all his approval. Maddy felt proud to be his wife. Not once was he rude but always charming and friendly. The speeches had been made and the wine was flowing freely, with the formalities over guests had started dancing and those who weren’t dancing were gathered in groups either gossiping or doing business.

“Would you like to dance?” Jack’s voice whispered softly into her ear, sending chills up her spine. He had returned from fetching them another drink from the wet bar and set the drinks down on the table as he held out his hand.

“I’d love to.” Maddy stood and didn’t even notice the envious stares from men throughout the room. She hadn’t noticed when the women whispered behind their hands how beautiful Jack’s wife was, or when the men had tried their best not to compare their wives to her. The only thing Maddy had noticed since they arrived was Jack. Her blood was humming with desire.

Jack took Maddy’s hand and led her onto the dancefloor. The show tune that was playing slowly changed over into Frank Sinatra. As the singer started to croon Fly me to the moon, Jack skillfully led Maddy around the dance floor. Taking his lead Maddy twirled out with her dress clocking around her before Jack pulled her back and held her close. Their eyes met and the unspoken desire and feelings that had built up over the course of the past week accumulated into a hunger that wouldn’t be sated. A hunger that overpowered all other senses. Jack’s eyes turned a smoky grey as Maddy’s brightened with desire. Jack looked around the room confirming the fact that he had no reason to stay any longer before whispering to Maddy. “Can I take you home Mrs. Landon?” The question was clear in his eyes. Let me make love to you.

Maddy felt the desire pool low in her belly and burn a path straight to her heart. She wanted to keep her heart safe from Jack, but tonight she would show him how much heart she had to give. “I’d thought you’d never ask.” Maddy smiled suggestively before she took Jack’s hand and led him off the dance floor.