Page 125 of Mad Rivals
I force myself up and take a shower in Madden’s wonderful shower with that shower gel that smells deliciously of him. I head downstairs and find a note with a key beside it.
I glance at Madden’s rather neat penmanship as I read his note.
K-
Here’s my key. I hope you’ll stay here tonight with me again.
All my love,
M.
This isn’t how I saw today going—at all. In fact, I figured I’d be crying as I stared into my Cheerios without eating them. Instead, I’m standing in Madden’s pantry as I try to find something to eat that isn’t simply protein powder or a protein bar.
Does he eat anything that isn’t packed full of protein?
When I think of those gorgeous abs…yeah, probably not. I text Oliver to let him know I’m running late, and then I head toward the office.
My phone rings as I’m commuting, already wondering-slash-daydreaming how exactly merging our two companies is possibly going to work. I glance at my car’s screen and see it’s Grace Nash calling me.
“Good morning, this is Kennedy Van Buren,” I answer.
“Hi, Kennedy! It’s Grace Nash. I was wondering if you were available to grab lunch this week to chat about the plans.”
“I’d love to,” I say. “And it’ll be nice to talk to someone who is used to their significant other heading off to camp as a grown adult.”
The words are out before I even realize that Grace has no idea that I’m with Madden.
“Training camp?” she asks, clearly confused.
“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t even think twice about saying that, but I’m actually seeing a player on the Storm.”
“I didn’t know that! Who is it?” she squeals.
“Madden Bradley.”
“Oh my God! I had no idea! Even with you two working for competing companies?”
“Yeah. Actually, that’s how we met,” I admit. It’s not really the full truth as I think about our actual meet-cute at Starbucks, but it’s close enough.
“I love that. Let’s talk more over lunch. Are you free today?”
I confirm that I am, and we set up a time and a place to meet.
Once I get to the office, I’m shocked to find both my parents standing there with champagne and flowers along with Oliver. He’s been wonderful here, and I look forward to continuing to work with him in this office.
Wait a minute…did I really just think that?
Maybe Idohave a friend in San Diego. And I’m meeting another one for lunch.
And I definitely have something keeping me here now that Madden and I are back together.
“To the new CEO!” my dad says as he holds up the bottle.
I burst into tears.
This is really happening.
The four of us toast to my new title.
