Page 142 of Taming the CEO

I sighed. “Gabe.”

His eyes bulged. "My own brother was complaining about me?"

"Well, not complaining, exactly. Just saying that you're a bit intense. But no matter. He was happy you’re here this morning."

"I see. So you've made a deal with my brother to keep me away from the team?"

"I said no such thing. I just promised that I'd keep you relaxed for today."

Maddox wiggled his eyebrows. "I know how we can make good on that promise."

I rolled my eyes. Of course. Why didn't I see this coming?

"No, but you're getting another kiss."

But I didn’t even manage that because Marjorie came bustling into the store.

"Oh my God, I'm so sorry I'm late." She stopped in her tracks as I felt my face heat up.

“Don’t worry. And good morning,” I said. “I brought the pies from home today. I just heated them up here.”

She smiled, hurrying around us. “Great. I’m going to set everything up in the kitchen.”

Marjorie was only nineteen years old and a bit shy, but I felt that she enjoyed the job.

Maddox stared in the direction of the kitchen. The second she was out of earshot, he kissed my forehead and said, "I think we're scaring her away."

"Probably."

"Are you ready to go?" he asked me. We were stopping by the cabin to change before going to the hotel. Everyone was arriving for brunch in about two hours.

"Sure," I said, then turned toward the kitchen. "Marjorie," I called.

"Yes?"

"We're leaving. Call me if you need anything."

"Will do." But she never called. She truly was fantastic at manning this place all on her own.

On the way to the cabin, I checked if I had any messages from Dad, but there weren’t any. He was living his best life, traveling all over the US by himself. He'd gotten the idea from Maddox’s mom.

A few months ago, she'd visited us, spending two nights in Essex. We went out to dinner with her and Dad, and after listening to her stories about solo traveling, he booked a trip to the Grand Canyon. He loved it so much that he decided to head to San Francisco. He was coming back next week.

Once we arrived, I headed directly to my bedroom. Oh, I loved my home so much, but I couldn’t wait for the new house to be ready. This space was small for two people.

“I’ll be right out,” I called to Maddox. We’d both laid out the clothes we wanted to wear. He’d taken his to the living room, and I'd set my outfit on the bed. All I had to do was change into my gorgeous pink dress. It had a deep V-neck and reached my ankles. It wasn't a gown per se, but it was perfect for a brunch in such an elegant establishment as the Whitleys' new hotel.

Miriam helped me pick it out from Ms. Danvers's shop. My friend was about to give birth any minute now. I couldn't wait to hold the small bundle of joy.

After putting on the dress, I looked at myself in the mirror, touching Mom’s pendant. I was wearing it almost all the time. I put on a sweater jacket and a light coat before heading to the living room.

I nearly swallowed my tongue when I saw Maddox in his brand-new suit.

"Oh, this is a whole new level of sexiness,” I purred.

One corner of his mouth lifted. "You know, you’re starting to give me ideas," he said, slowly approaching me.

He took both my hands and spun me once around the room before pulling me toward him. I tilted my head up, and he brushed his lips against mine.

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