Page 26 of Madden

Chapter Eight

Brielle

It took everything in me to climb into my car and leave Madden standing outside of Whiskey Barrel. My lips still tingled, and my body was like a live wire from his touch.

I convinced myself I’d made a mistake.

I’ve squeezed my eyes shut and replayed the kiss over and over in my mind, wishing I could go back and relive it while hating myself more for feeling this way.

The truth is I didn’t want to tell him no. I didn’t want to leave, even if I knew it was the right thing to do. I was there to do my job. Not fly in, hook up with a rock star, and leave thinking I’d ever be able to pull myself back together.

No matter how many times Serena tried to convince me I should take advantage of the orgasms, I didn’t want to regret it later when I became another notch on his bedpost.

Another fling on a long list of conquests.

It hasn’t escaped me how I haven’t been able to stop thinking about him since I landed back in New York.

Just when I thought I started to forget the feeling, convincing myself it was all a fever dream, Madden’s name appears in my inbox.

After hearing his sexy voice on the other end of the line this afternoon, it’s been impossible for me to focus on anything.

The elevator to my penthouse dings, and my heels click on the hardwood floors, echoing around the empty space. I kick off my shoes, letting the cool floors soothe my aching feet.

After talking to him, I don’t hesitate, heading straight for my wine cellar and pulling out a bottle of cabernet sauvignon. I grab a glass from my shelf and hastily pop the bottle open.

It’s been a long and hectic week, and it’s only Thursday.

I pour myself a glass and drag my ass to the living room, leaning against the back of my couch to gaze out the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown.

New York is beautiful when you take in the view from this high.

Originally, I had dinner plans with Serena, but they fell through at the last minute. Although, on second thought, it’s almost a blessing in disguise.

I needed a relaxing night. I planned to fix an easy dinner, draw a bath, and maybe distract myself with a book before I crash.

My phone vibrating in my purse, which I left on the kitchen island, pulls me away. I glance down at my watch, noting it’s already almost eight, and I’m only just now getting home from the office.

“Who could be calling me at this hour?”

I don’t answer in time, but when I click on the number, the city displays as being from North Carolina.

Madden.

I quickly hit redial and the nervous excitement is back when I hear his deep velvety voice, sending a shiver through my spine.

Jesus. It must be the alcohol already because there’s no way hearing this man speak can do this to me.

“Hi,” I mutter.

“I hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time. You busy?”

I glance around the room and shake my head. If he could only see me right now, he’d probably realize how lame I am.

“No, I just got home from work. Going to pour myself another glass of wine.”

“Mmm, another? Guess I called at the right time.”

I stop, holding the glass in front of my mouth. “Why is that?”

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