Page 36 of Seduced in Ink

“Yeah, sure.”

He took another photo, and she grinned, happiness in her eyes. She hoped that nobody saw the fear there, too. The disappointment.

Because she knew it was there and could definitely see it.

Clear as day.

Or maybe she was projecting.

The waiter came, and Aaron put away his phone after posting on Instagram. They ordered appetizers and their meals and a bottle of wine to share.

Madison would be stuffed, and she could not wait.

“They have the best salads. The lettuce is perfectly cold and crisp.”

“I thought you said you didn’t want a salad?” Aaron teased.

“I’m eating the salad. As well as the olives and the red onions. I’m sorry, but I have to eat the red onions.”

He laughed. “I am, too. So, if we both have onion breath, it’s not a big turn-off.” He winked, and she didn’t know if it was for show just in case somebody was around, or if it was real. It couldn’t be real.

This was fake. It was all a lie.

They were sipping their wine and nibbling on breadsticks when someone cleared their throat from the edge of the table. Madison looked up, pulling her gaze away from Aaron, and blinked. How the hell was this happening?

“Madison.”

“Guy? What are you doing here?” she asked, knowing she sounded rude, but this was a little ridiculous.

“I’m here to meet some clients for a drink. I saw you sitting over here, looking lovely, and I had to see you and say hello. After all, your mother wouldn’t want me to stay away.”

“Guy,” Aaron growled, this time a true snarl. Madison hadn’t heard that tone from him before. And she didn’t know why she liked it so much.

It sent shivers down her spine, but she focused on Guy, trying not to lose her mind that he was here. But wasn’t this what they wanted? He would report back to her mom, and Mother would know that she and Aaron were together.

Why did this feel tainted, then? Like Guy had ruined everything.

“As you can see, we’re busy,” Madison said, trying to keep her voice sweet. She didn’t know what else to say. “Please give my mother my best,” she said pointedly. Guy raised a brow.

“I’m sure I’ll be seeing you soon.” Guy winked and walked away, leaving her feeling disturbed.

“I hate him,” Aaron growled.

“I’m not a big fan right now either. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t you dare apologize. We are about to eat some delicious red onions and the rest of the meal. Enjoy yourself.” He leaned forward and smacked a kiss on her lips, and she groaned, unable to hold it back.

He grinned, tucking her hair behind her ear.

“I like that sound.”

She swallowed hard.

“Oh?”

“Yeah. I’m enjoying tonight, Madison. Just you and me. Is that okay?”

“You and me.”

---