Page 29 of Enticing My Off Limits Billionaire

"Well, you can sleep in," I say. "I don't have anywhere to be tomorrow, and my guest room is pretty damn comfy if I say so myself."

The kettle starts to whistle, and I start making the tea. I grab two mugs and peppermint tea bags, pour hot water into the mugs, and wait for them to steep. Madison is still petting Stanley, who has now taken up residence on her lap.

"He's so fluffy," she says dreamily, and I can't help but smile.

"Yeah, he's a bit of a diva when it comes to his fur," I say, handing her a mug of tea. "Be careful; it's hot."

"Thanks," she says, taking the cup from me carefully. She keeps her eyes on me as I sit down across from her, my own cup of tea placed carefully on the table. "And thanks for letting me crash here tonight. I just...really didn't want to go home."

"I get it," I tell her. "I know it's been hard."

She chews on her lip, reaching for her cup—and pulling her hand back when she realizes how hot it is. She hisses out a breath as I almost get up, watching her closely. "You okay?" I ask.

"I'm fine," she says, nodding her head. She stares at the cup momentarily, and then she meets my eyes. "You know you're the only one who ever asks me that."

I feel a pang in my chest as she says it. Madison is always so guarded and tough; it's rare to see her vulnerable like this. But I'm glad she feels comfortable enough with me to let her guard down.

"I care about you," I say softly. "You being okay matters to me."

She smiles at me, and it's like the sun coming out from behind the clouds. "I know," she says. "And it means a lot. I wish..."

She stops mid-sentence, averting her gaze.

"What?"

"Nothing," she whispers.

We sip our tea in silence for a few minutes, Stanley purring contentedly on Madison's lap. I watch her, taking in the way the lamplight catches the golden highlights in her hair, the curve of her jawline, and the pink flush in her cheeks. She's so beautiful. She deserves to be fucking worshiped, not treated like an inconvenience by the most important people in her life.

If she weren't drunk—if she actually wanted me—I would show her exactly what she deserves. I want her. Fuck, I need her.

But I can't act on it. Not when she's so vulnerable right now. Not when I'm supposed to be the responsible one.

"You should get some rest," I say, standing up and taking her empty cup. "I'll show you to the guest room."

Madison nods, slipping off the chair and nearly stumbling. I catch her, my hands on her waist as I steady her.

"Thanks," she murmurs, her voice hoarse. Her lips are red and glistening from the tea, and she smells like honey. I don't know if I've ever faced more temptation than I have tonight.

I hold her for a moment too long, my hands burning where they touch her skin. I want to kiss her, take her to bed, and show her what it means to be cared for, desired, and wanted.

But I can't. I shouldn't.

"Can I, um...use the bathroom first?" she asks. "And maybe get something to sleep in?"

I clear my throat and step back, gesturing down the hallway. "Of course," I say. "Let me show you to the bathroom, and I'll grab you some clothes."

Madison follows me, her steps unsteady as she clings to the wall for support. I push open the door to the bathroom and gesture to the linen closet. "Towels are in there if you want to shower," I say. "I'll get you a t-shirt and some sweats."

She hangs onto me, though, and I think she might drag me inside...and I don't know if I would have the will to stop her.

But she lets me go.

"Thank you," she whispers. "I'll just be a minute."

She closes the door behind her, and I hear the shower turn on a moment later. I make my way to the bedroom and scrounge up some clean clothes for her to sleep in, and then I head to the guest room to make sure everything is good to go. My brother Adam was here a few months ago, and the bed is still made from when I washed everything for his next inevitable visit. I'm just getting everything together for Madison and setting the clothes on the bed when I hear footsteps, and I turn around to find her in the doorway, wrapped in nothing but a towel.

My mouth goes dry.

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