Page 121 of Savage Bosses

flipped through the channels aimlessly. The glow of the TV was flickering across my living room. Nothing captured my interest tonight. The emptiness of the house weighed down on me, punctuating my solitude. This was just another Friday night that I would be home alone.

The sound of my doorbell was unfamiliar. I hadn’t heard the doorbell enough to be used to the sound. I glanced at the clock: 9:37 PM. Who the hell was at my door this late? I didn’t have visitors. And as much as I paid to live here in this heavily patrolled gated community, I shouldn’t have any strangers coming to my door.

I hauled my ass off the couch with a grunt. I walked through the foyer. I swung open my front door, ready to give them a piece of my mind, and then I froze. It was Maddie.

She was dressed for a night out. Her long, dark hair was pushed over her shoulders.

Maddie gave me a coy smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“Hey, Kyle.”

My jaw tightened. I hadn’t remembered to revoke her access to this community. “What are you doing here?”

She averted her gaze. “I have some things I left behind. I need to pick up.”

I blocked the doorway with my arm. “It’s late. You should have called first.”

“I’ve called and left messages. You’ve been ignoring my calls.”

“That doesn’t mean just show up.”

“I know. I’m sorry.” She met my eyes briefly before staring past me. “Can I come in for a minute? Please? I’ll be quick. I promise.”

Every fiber of me wanted to slam the door in her face. No use in causing a scene. I wasn’t the type of man who held women’s personal belongings hostage. I wasn’t getting back with her, so getting her things would make that clear.

I removed my arm, and Maddie slipped past me. Her familiar floral scent assaulted my senses. Too many memories lived in that smell. Memories of our late nights together, and her head on my chest flooded my brain. I gritted my teeth. The past was done. We were done. A lot of those memories weren’t good.

I watched as she headed straight upstairs for the bedroom and probably the master bath. Those were the only places she had left some of her things. I sat back down on the couch with the remote in hand. I settled on ESPN.

Maddie emerged minutes later with a rolling suitcase. I didn’t even know she had luggage here at my place. The sound of her heels clicking across the floor aggravated me.

I crossed my arms. “You got everything?”

“I think so.” She paused in front of the couch. “Kyle, can we talk for a minute?”

“About what?”

“Please?” Her voice wavered. “I just wanted to offer my condolences in person. I heard about your parents,” she said quietly. “The funeral service was beautiful.”

“I know you were there. I saw you.”

“I had to come. Remember, I’ve met your parents. They were a really nice couple. I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”

“No, you can’t.” I growled.

“I really wish you would’ve reached out to me. I would have been there for you. I still can be there for you.”

“I think I’m good.” I said, even though the pain was still palpable.

“I can see that you’re not good.”

“Maddie, I’m not trying to talk about this with you.”

“Kyle, come on. We can still be friends.” The cushions on my couch dipped as Maddie sat beside me without an invitation. “I’m here if you need to talk or even just have someone to sit with. I’m also available if you want to fuck.” She licked her lips and that had no effect on me.

“I prefer to cut all ties with you.”

“That’s so dramatic and very unnecessary.”

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