Page 33 of Madden

Chapter Ten

Brielle

Why does it feel like the universe is warning me I’m playing with fire?

It’s been one bad thing after another since I woke up this morning.

First, I fell asleep early last night and forgot to charge my phone, which meant my alarm didn’t go off. I managed to make it to work on time, but not without making myself look like a crazed lunatic running through the lobby of Limelight headquarters.

We had our important editors’ meetings today, and I forgot to put my phone on silent. I got a text message from Madden followed by a phone call from my father within a matter of seconds, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

I thought the day was turning around when Madden told me he was in town. Only now, here we are, finding out he’s staying at none other than my family’s hotel.

The same hotel he’s rented out for the evening for us to be alone.

I grew up at this hotel. Most, if not all, of the staff knows who I am.

The entire drive there, I’m racking my brain trying to come up with a plan on what to do. I’ve busted my ass to keep my career away from my personal life, especially from my family.

As far as they know, I’m a freelance writer, but I’ve made every attempt to keep my name and identity separate from my work.

We pull up outside of the hotel. I spot Cedric, the bellhop I’ve known since I was a toddler, standing near the door. He steps outside to welcome us when Abel nods, signaling he’s got it, opening the door to greet me with a forced smile.

“Thank you,” I murmur, reaching for my bags.

“You can leave your things with Abel,” Madden says behind me. “He’ll make sure they’re safe, won’t you?”

“Of course, ma’am.”

I hesitate for a moment, then nod, not wanting to lug it inside. I set it on the seat, and Madden climbs out first, reaching for my hand to help me.

“Let’s go,” he whispers against my temple, pressing his hand along the small of my back.

I duck my head, managing to get past Cedric without him noticing me. It all comes to a crashing halt when we step inside, and I spot Annabelle, the manager, near the front lobby.

“Mr. Cole, good to see you again.” Her eyes shift from him over to me, brightening when she recognizes me. “Brielle, wow, this is a pleasant surprise. Your father didn’t mention you’d be by today.”

Madden glances between us, and I can almost hear the swirl of questions hitting him like a tidal wave.

“It’s okay. He didn’t know I would be here with my friend.”

Madden drops his hand, the heat of his body disappearing, sending a chill of nervous energy through me.

“We’ve gone ahead, sir, and made arrangements to ensure you have the restaurant to yourself.” Annabelle looks over at Madden and holds her hand out to gesture for us to continue.

Madden steps in close when we take the elevator to the rooftop bar. His gaze burns into me the entire ride up, the questions playing out on his face.

The restaurant and bar span the length of the twelfth floor along the front of the hotel. The back half has suites, nearly twice as tall.

The lights are dimmed with ambient lighting cast overhead. The bar covers the back wall, and shelves with liquor bottles reach the ceiling. The black marble booths and tabletops have smooth and sleek leather seats.

Madden leads me to the section of U-shaped booths. His hand returns to the small of my back, urging me to take a seat when we reach the one with a candle lit in the center.

I slide in, and he claims the spot across from me, giving him a direct shot of the door. I tell myself it’s because he wants his eyes trained on the door in case anyone walks in and catches us, but I’m keenly aware he’s doing it for our safety too.

“Does your father stay here a lot?” Madden asks, the questions from Annabelle’s comments lingering in the air.

How do I answer this without lying to him, when I’m not ready to come out with the truth? At least not yet.

---