Page 34 of Madden

“He used to, although he doesn’t much anymore,” I say, which is the truth. My father has been slowly turning more control over to my brothers.

He nods, seeming to accept that answer, and I’m relieved when he doesn’t continue his line of questioning.

“What are you doing in the city?” I ask, changing the subject.

“Press for Come Hell or Havoc.” He leans back against the seat with his eyes fixed on me. “We have another busy day of interviews tomorrow before we fly out Friday morning.”

Two nights.

He’s in the city for two nights, and I can’t deny I hope to spend them both with him.

“I saw you guys are killin’ it on the top charts.” I smile. “I’m happy for you.”

The server, Diego, is not someone I’ve met before. He’s younger, wide-eyed, and giddy when he approaches us. The first thing out of his mouth is how excited he is to meet Madden, followed by reassuring us he’d respect our privacy this evening.

I don’t doubt Madden made it clear he wanted our dinner to be kept private.

Diego takes our drink orders and slinks away, leaving us alone again.

“Thank you,” Madden says, lifting his water to take a drink.

I swallow hard at the sight of his throat bobbing, the cord of his muscles flexing in his arm as he does. I’m finding it hard to focus on carrying on a conversation with him.

“I have to admit it’s not even the highlight of my day, though.”

I press my lips together, hesitating to ask him what is before he answers.

“You. I wasn’t sure when I’d get the chance to see you again. I’ve been thinking about what it would be like, though.” His voice drops low.

I inhale a deep breath and nod. Only he throws me off when I watch him slide out of the booth to circle around to my side.

“Except I don’t like this space between us.” He leans in close to my ear. “So I’ll have to ask you to scoot over so I can join you.”

I lift my eyes to his, his mouth only inches away from my face.

“Don’t tell me it’s not a good idea, Brielle.” He smirks.

I snicker and tilt my head to the side. “What if I told you I can’t think straight with you so close?”

“Well, don’t overthink it. Problem solved.”

I flick my tongue against my teeth and nod, sliding over. He takes the seat next to me.

He rests his hand on my crossed legs beneath the table, brushing his finger along my thigh, causing me to tense.

Diego returns with our drinks, and I’m thankful because I need a second to catch my breath. He flicks his eyes over to me and gives me a look I’d expect Davis to throw my way if he saw the two of us together.

We thank him, and when he asks if he can take our dinner order, Madden sends him away, telling him we’ll let him know when we’re ready.

“I need you alone right now,” he whispers, turning toward me.

I lift my glass of champagne to my mouth, taking a heavy gulp, and Madden’s eyes glitter when he hears me sigh.

He tilts my head back, brushing his thumb along my cheek and over my lip, glancing down at my mouth.

I flick my tongue against his finger. He hisses and gives in, leaning in to crash his mouth on mine. All I can do is hold on for the ride.

“C’mere,” he mutters, tugging me onto his lap.

---