Page 24 of Exposed

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Alex awakened, reaching for Madison. Instead, he found a note. He slid his hand between the comforter and the bed. Just warm enough to mean she’d been gone about thirty minutes. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and read the note.

Take your time getting up.

Coffee when you’re ready.

Big day. No hints.

He rolled to her side of the bed, breathing in the scent. A faint hint of her perfume and shampoo intertwined with the pure aroma of her body, and the delicious smell of sex, blended in the sheets. He took a deep sniff and moaned. He rolled back, recalling the night. Before he could thoroughly enjoy the reverie, the faintest whiff of coffee hit him. He propped up on his elbows. At the end of the bed, Tom Ford jeans and an Armani navy T-shirt were laid out. He tried to think of the last time he’d had any form of a casual day. Nothing immediately came to mind, and the unpredictability thrilled him. No hints, huh? I love a challenge.

He strolled through the penthouse, still wearing only a smile and the gold-accented tie. Rustling noises drew him to the kitchen, and he straightened his tie, ensuring he’d be most presentable. He cleared his throat and entered.

Madison whipped around, and giggled softly, seeing his head-to-toe fashion statement. He took his best GQ pose and adjusted an invisible cuff. “Good morning, Ms. Taylor. I heard coffee might be available. Tell me, is there a dress code?”

Madison, in her white peasant blouse and denim stretch capris, brought her oversized mug of cappuccino up to her lips. “Oh, you’ve met it.” She took in much more than the coffee with her sip, glancing him up and down fancifully. Then, with a whimsical frothy moustache asked “Expresso?” She started the machine while he sauntered over to kiss off her steamed milk covered lip with a moan. But as the built-in espresso machine worked its magic, Madison wondered if his seductive, grumbly moan was for her or the coffee.

Once the last drop of deep roast hit, she took a moment to straighten his tie before handing him the saucer and cup. He sipped it slowly, leaning a hand on the bright Calacatta marble, enjoying the city view as it baked in a sun-filled morning. He stood every bit as dignified as if fully suited up for work. She wondered, if he entered D.G.I. as is, if anyone would tell the emperor he had no clothes.

Still admiring the view, he asked “No hints, huh?”

“Not one,” letting her business-like tone convey the staunchness of her position, while mimicking his nonchalant demeanor. She likewise gazed out the window at the promise of an eventful day, enjoying another long sip of her nearly depleted drink.

His eyes moved from the window to her as the jolt of caffeine awakened his morning wood. “At least tell me if it’s in the city or not?”

She lowered the cup from her lips, sets it down, then went in for a long, tender kiss, welcoming every muscle of his nude embrace. She slowly opened her eyes, peering through her deceptive come-hither lashes. “Not one single hint.” She looked down and admired his skyscraper longingly nestled between them. “And, as much as I’d like you to poke and prod it out of me, we really, really don’t have time for that.” She looked up apologetically. “I’ll start your shower,” she said, giving him one final kiss before heading to the master bath.

He sighed heavily and leaned over to place his cup in the sink, shrieking as the Calcatta marble proved it was harder—and colder—than him. He just scowled at the counter.

This is not a competition.

While Alex enjoyed an extra leisurely shower, Madison made a call.

“Hello, Miss Madison.” The usually upbeat Latin accent sounded slightly annoyed. Madison supposed being on the lam with his Lambo might have been a great misstep. “If this is payback for the earrings, I’m pretty sure I did not say you could have my car.”

Madison played it off. “Are you sure? How much can one really remember when they were three sheets to the wind?” His silence broadcasted the doubt in his mind. Madison only let it linger a moment before fessing up. “Don’t worry. You didn’t give me your car. I’m just borrowing it.”

“Well, at least you took it to Alex’s.” Madison’s non-response prompted him to add, “And no that’s not mind-reading. I have a tracker.” He paused, then added, “But never mind. Keep it.”

Madison’s own doubts tapped her shoulder. “That’s generous. And crazy. Are you still drinking?”

He chuckled. “No, Miss Madison, I’m not still drinking.” Madison’s phone clicked to a FaceTime request. Madison accepted. Paco allowed his face to take up the entire frame, glaring at her with that ridiculously adorable raised eyebrow. A mild eruption of laughter burst from her, and he panned out. At first, she assumed he was just proving his sobriety by looking fresh as a daisy in a sharp new suit, pressed pocket square and all. But then his stolid expression melted into an overflowing smile as he swayed just out of shot, making way for the camera to take in the unmistakable gold on black charging bull logo. “Pull back.” He flicked underhanded while directing his impromptu cameraman. The willing assistant pulled his phone back, showcasing that he was prominently postured on the hood of a Rosso Mars red Aventador. “Like I said, keep it.”

Madison squealed as she uttered, “Really?”

Paco pulled the letter from his interior breast pocket, and pageant-waved it before the screen. “Really, Miss Madison,” he answered, his voice low and compelling. She’d given him a meaningful gift. He was clearly tagging her back. He summoned his phone back from the attendant, and requested some privacy.

She couldn’t wait any longer; she had to address a major issue. “Paco, seeing as you’re the only brother-in-law I’ll ever have, how about you just call me Madison?” The gesture swept him into silence. He could only bat his eyes to imply a yes with a beaming grin. He put the letter back in his interior breast pocket, then pressed the outside of his blazer to his heart.

“Okay, Madison. Yes, really. That car is my gift to you. Plus, you need an excuse to wear those badass gloves.”

“Well, you giving me this car is kind of fortuitous and avoids me asking for an extended loan. But I do still have a favor.”

“For my favorite hermanita, anything.” Madison’s heart swelled hearing his endearing word. It had been a long time since high school Spanish, but she instantly recognized the tender term. It hit her how she missed being a little sister. “So, what wicked scheme shall we be partners in crime on?”

Alex strolled out from the bedroom, with his shirt and jeans amplifying the prominent cuts of his chiseled build. Still, the outfit hung loose enough to radiate the confidence of a man who’d never tried too hard with his appearance. It had always just come together. His hair glistened from its slight dampness, and he embraced the carefree attitude of true relaxation. Since clearing his calendar, he hadn’t checked a single email or voice message. He was ready for anything. Madison, however, had other plans and needed him distracted for the long drive.

As he emerged open-armed and ready for an embrace, she greeted him with, of all things, his portfolio. “I know you’re not used to being away from work, so I printed out a few things, just in case you need something to pass the time.”

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