Madison

The next morning, I wake up alone but not for long. Bryce’s putting bags by the door, and he’s dressed in a sexy black suit.

“Are you leaving again?”

“We are,” he says while walking over to me. He sits down on the edge of the bed and kisses my lips. “I have a few meetings in California, and I’d like you to come.”

“Is Tiffany coming?”

He tilts his head to the side. “Why would she? I’m bringing you. Everything she’s done in California is complete. I have her going to New York City tomorrow morning to finalize the legal portion of a deal I’m ready to close.”

“Oh. So this is how you dealt with her? Keep moving her around from state to state?”

He laughs, and I love hearing the rare sound. He’s always so serious.

“Sure. As soon as the meeting was over, we had dinner with Antonio and his team, before she took the private jet home. If I’m traveling with anyone, I’ll let you know. I know you hate the idea of me being with another woman, and I can respect that. Please know I’d never do anything to hurt you. You mean the world to me. Baby, you are my world. Everything makes sense again. I can see the brightness of the sun, the brilliance of the day.”

“I’m sorry for being so insecure.” Bryce sits down on the edge of the bed, and I move closer until my head rests on his shoulder. “You mean the world to me, Bryce. I know this is going really fast, and yes, I’m still scared, but it feels right, and that’s what’s important.”

“Yes.” He kisses the top of my head, and my breathing becomes even and calm. “Get ready.”

“Okay.” I lift my arms in the air and stretch before getting out of bed and heading to the bathroom to get ready. I put on a strapless dress and matching heels.

Grabbing my purse from the dresser, I head downstairs to meet Bryce in the kitchen. He has coffee ready for me with cream and sugar to the side. This man is honestly killing me. He’s trying extremely hard, and I’m glad I can be open to this.

Kelly emerges from the corner with a smile on her face. “Good morning,” she announces, and I return a smile.

“Morning, Kelly.” I notice a brown bag she’s holding. “What’s that?”

“Your and Mr. Hunter’s breakfast along with snacks.”

“Thank you, Kelly,” Bryce says and takes the bag from her before letting her know when we’ll be back and not to allow Tiffany to come over for any reason.

“Come on, baby. We need to leave.”

I wave to Kelly and wrap my arm around his waist as we walk out the door and down to the SUV.

The plane ride is quiet. Bryce has a few calls to make, so I take out my Kindle to read. I’m lost in the story. Feeling all the feels and dying a little on the inside. The issues this couple is facing are similar to what I’m going through with Bryce. He’s slowly opening up, but I still have so many questions.

Bryce sits next to me and places his hand on my thigh. “I’m sorry for ignoring you all morning. I’ve had important conference calls that required my full attention.”

“It’s okay. I’ve been reading and keeping myself busy.”

He leans over to see what I’m reading. Pulling away, I’m slightly embarrassed by my reading selection. Can you blame for me being a diehard romance fan with a preferred dose of naughty? Well, a lot naughty.

“Since you pulled away, I’m even more fascinated with what you’re reading.”

“It’s nothing.” Blushing, I power down my Kindle and put it back in my purse. “Why so curious?” I muse, wondering if he caught any of the naughty words on the screen.

“No reason.” He smiles as he lightly touches my chin. The heat of his hand overwhelms me, and I take a sharp breath. “We should be landing shortly.” He leans against the seat and pulls out his phone, scrolling until he finds what he needs, and his forehead wrinkles.

My heart rate picks up at a rapid pace. It’s been a few weeks since we became a couple, and his touch still ignites a fierce longing for him. The empty ache between my thighs is starving for his touch.

I’m admiring him. Today, he’s wearing jeans and a soft gray V-neck shirt. It stretches across his chest, showcasing his broad shoulders and muscular arms. The arms I want to feel around me.

The next forty-five minutes go by quickly. Bryce takes my hand and guides me off the plane, walking toward a black limo. The drive is nice, and luckily, traffic isn’t too bad, so we arrive at the hotel rather quickly.

Stepping out of the car with Bryce, a friendly doorman nods his head in greeting.

“Welcome back, Mr. Hunter.”

“Thank you. This is my girlfriend, Madison Smith.”

He smiles at me. “Very nice to meet you, Miss.”

“You as well …”

“Leo, Miss,” he insists.

“It’s nice to meet you as well, Leo.”

Bryce and I wave him goodbye before entering the lavish and elegant hotel. I’ve been in nice ones before, but this one takes the cake. The marble floors are polished, and the beautiful layout has a large table in the middle of the lobby with a breathtaking bouquet of hydrangeas. Surrounding the lobby is couches and loveseats. There’s a bar close by, and a pianist plays a soft melody.

“Madison?”

“Hmm?” His voice pulls me out of my trance of the hotel, and we walk onto the elevator and ride it to our floor.

The doors open, and I’m in awe. We’re staying in the presidential suite, which is the entire floor.

“Babe, this is so nice. How long are we staying here?”

“I’m glad you approve.” I hear the smile in his voice. “We’ll be here for four days. I’d like to stay longer, and hopefully soon we can. Would you like that?”

I’m not starting at Henry’s company for another week, so it’ll work out. It's sad I won't be working with Kaylee, Galen, and Glenn anymore. Luckily, Glenn fully understands and wished me the best of luck in my future endeavors.

His strong arms circle my waist and bring me to his chest. “Yes. Of course.”

“Good.”

“I hate to do this, but I have an urgent meeting I must attend. You’re more than welcome to go shopping or enjoy the spa. Whatever you’d like to do, please go ahead.”

I’m a little disappointed he has to go already, but I know this is his job, and we’re not traveling for pleasure. “Oh. No worries. I’m going to take a quick shower and head down to the spa. A massage and facial sounds relaxing.”

“I hope you have fun. I’ll text you.”

“Okay.” I try to muster a smile. “I love you.”

Bryce leans down and kisses my lips, tightening his grip on me, and our moans fill the room. “I love you.”

Once I finish taking a shower and freshening up, I call the spa and let them know my room number. There’s availability for me, so I head downstairs and text Kaylee to let her know I’m okay.

Madison: Made it to Cali. I love it here! Heading down to the spa now.

Kaylee: Lucky girl! Henry says hi and hopes you have fun. Did you turn in your notice yet?

Madison: Yeah. I did. Sorry I didn’t tell you. Since Glenn knows how hard I’ve been working, I don’t need to work my last week there, so I’m going to have a lot of free time.

Kaylee: Aw, I’m so glad he’s doing that. We’ll miss you for sure! More reason to get together more often.

Madison: For sure!

The doors open, and I head to the receptionist.

“Hi, Miss Smith. We’ve been expecting you.”

Of course. “Hi.” I smile and fill out the necessary paperwork.

I’m led into the spa, and she shows me around. There’s a pool, sauna, hot tub, and a relaxation room with complimentary tea, coffee, water, and snacks.

“And this is where you’ll change, and there’s a robe in there for you, Miss Smith.”

“Thank you.”

The receptionist leaves, and I get out of my clothes and put on the robe. There’s still some time before my massage, so I let myself sink into the soft cushions in the relaxation room.

* * *

It’s a little past six when I return to the hotel room. There’s no message or call from Bryce, so I get into bed and eventually fall asleep.

Feeling light kisses brush against my cheek, I can’t help my smile. My eyes open to a very handsome man.

“Hi, baby,” he says and leans down to kiss me again. “Did you enjoy your spa day?”

I nod. “Yes, quite so. Now, I’m starving. Can we get room service? I’m way too relaxed to get ready and eat in public.”

“Of course. Stay in bed. I’ll get everything and wake you when it’s here.”

“Okay.”

I watch Bryce walk out of the bedroom, and I know I won’t go back to sleep, so I get out of bed and walk to the bathroom. His voice filters in, and I wonder who he’s talking to.

“Don’t worry.”

Pause.

“Everything’s going well.” His voice is agitated, and my curiosity is getting the best of me. “The payment went through. It’s not necessary. Use your money for yourself.”

I open the bathroom door, tugging the silk robe I have on, and walk into the living room. Bryce’s body is stiff. This conversation he’s having isn’t good, and he’s stressing out completely. I hate when he’s like this.

Tense.

Dark.

Broody.

“Listen …” He sees me and smiles, taking my hand in his. “We will discuss this later.” Bryce ends the call and slides his cell phone into his pocket. “No more sleeping?”

“Who was that? Is everything okay?”

“All is fine, baby. I promise. Now, are you ready to eat?”