Page 83 of Tender Offer
We missed each other in the office this afternoon. Between her holiday and our travel schedules, I haven’t seen much of her this month. Something is different, but I’m not sure what.
“Hey,” she says in a flat tone between our kisses to the cheek. Her eyes slide over my shoulder before returning to mine.
“You okay?” I frown.
“Never better.” She straightens in her suit and heels that put her around my height. “It’s good to see you.” The first genuine statement of the night.
I’ve known KD long enough to know when I shouldn’t prod. Feelings aren’t an area where we confide in each other, but when shit gets real, we’ll stand in each other’s corners.
“There’s someone I want you to meet.” I pull her toward the table, wearing a wild grin and ignoring William’s smirk.
Aside from Nonna, he and KD are the people closest to me. They’re my family, my inner circle. I want Puff to get to know them.
“KD,” I say, “this is Madison.” The smile stretching across my cheeks falters. “Puff?” Her skin is flushed, and her eyes are wide.
“This isyourMadison? Small world.”
I look between them. “You two know each other?”
“Yes,” KD says, matter-of-fact. “Madison was kind enough to do a wardrobe assessment while she was in London last month. I hired her as my stylist.” Her eyes roam over Puff from head to toe with newfound enthusiasm. “I see why you fancy her, Pres. She’s exquisite.”
“KD,” Madison repeats with a pinched brow.
“It’s a nickname only close friends call me,” she tosses on her way to William.
Something about their exchange doesn’t sit right. Two people who have a decent business relationship aren’t usually so cold with each other. KD keeps throwing glances at Madison, who looks like she’s seen a nightmare in human form.
I wrap my arms around Puff and kiss her lips. “Hey. You okay?”
She blinks out of whatever fog has her in a hold. “Bellamy never told me you two were acquainted.”
“KD is my CFO, and an old friend. We’ve known each other since we were kids. Did something happen?” I look to KD, who’s still engrossed in conversation with my brother.
KD is always cautious of new people—not that we have many entering our circle. Unlike William, she takes time to thaw. “Warm” and “bubbly” aren’t words I’d use to describe her.
Madison crosses her leg, baring a thigh in black panty hose I want to tear, and settles a napkin across her lap. KD takes the seat to my right, which leaves William across the table with two extra chairs.
I lean over and whisper, “Are you sure you’re okay, Puff?”
“We’ll talk about it later,” she mumbles before turning back to the table. “I didn’t realize we’d have more company tonight.” Her voice is clipped as she smooths the nonexistent wrinkles in her dress.
“What—”
“We always go out for dinner after our executive meeting,” KD offers. “It’s been our tradition for years.”
“Well, in the spirit of tradition, can we get the fuck on with the night? I’m starving,” William deadpans. KD brushes him off with the flick of a wrist.
“You’d have to actually attend more than one of these dinners before you complain about them,” she volleys.
“I’m here now, aren’t I?” William points a roll at KD and takes a hard bite.
“A miracle, that is.” I chuckle at their bickering, thankful for its lifting the tension. My hand finds Puff’s thigh under the table and squeezes. “It’s always me and KD whenever you’re MIA.”
“Which is all the time,” she adds with a polished laugh.
William rolls his eyes and scoffs. “You’ll have to excuse her, Maddie. She swears she’s family.”
“Don’t be foolish, Will.” She turns to Puff with a smile creeping above her water glass. “I am part of this family, and I’m not going anywhere.”
