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“I know you do, and that’s why I’m asking you... please, don’t give up on her. She’s going to fight this. If you think she’s fought you thus far, you haven’t seen anything yet.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, if you look up the definition of stubborn in the dictionary, you’d find her picture, Maddox. She’s not one to be in tune with her feelings, but I’m trying to get her to own them. But ultimately, it’s up to her to admit what she wants.”
“And you think she wants me?”
She nods, smiling. “I know she does. She just has to realize it for herself. And if she can’t, you just might need to coerce her.”
I think back to when I denied her orgasms in her office. “I have no problem doing that.”
Pleased with my response, she continues. “I had a feeling. You’re good for her; you challenge her. And she needs to be broken down a bit before you can help repair all of the damage she’s holding inside.”
The way Amelia is speaking right now sends my mind spinning.What the hell happened to this woman?
I sigh, looking behind her to make sure that we’re still alone. “Is there anything I can do to make this easier on her?”
“You’re doing everything right so far, Maddox. Just keep telling her how you feel. Sooner or later, she’s going to have to accept that she feels the same way.”
“Thanks, Amelia.”
“No problem. Oh, and if you can, maybe ask her to dance. I’m sure you two could probably get away with that without inviting too many questions.”
“I don’t know. Every time I’m near her, I just want her more.”
“That’s not necessarily a bad problem to have.” She winks at me and then heads for the bathroom, leaving me alone in the hall.
I take a moment to absorb her words and then use the restroom like I intended to before marching back out to the reception, intent on getting Penelope alone soon so we can unleash two weeks of unresolved sexual tension on each other.
Right now, I think that’s what we both need to clear our heads.
* * *
When I come back from the bathroom, the first thing I see is Hayden dancing with Penelope. I shouldn’t be annoyed. I know Hayden doesn’t mean much by it. The kid is a natural flirt, and it’s not like they’re dancing to a slow song.
But inside, I’m irritated, angry that I can’t claim her in front of this entire room full of people, leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind who she belongs to. I notice how Damien holds Charlotte as they laugh and dance together, how Ethan broods over Amelia and keeps her close whenever she’s near, and the frustration builds. Because I can’t do that—not yet, that is.
“Mind if I cut in?” I ask as I get closer to where the two of them are moving at the edge of the wooden dance floor.
Hayden spins around and does the Q-Tip. The only reason I even know what dance he’s doing is because I’ve seenHitchone too many times. “I’m not sure you can keep up with me, Taylor.”
“This may come as a shock to you, but I actually wanted to dance with Penelope.” The song shifts from “Yeah” by Usher to an acoustic version of “Hearts on Fire” by ILLENIUM and Dabin featuring Lights.
“I’m wounded, QB,” he teases but then grabs Penelope’s hand and places it in mine. “Have fun, you two. I need to hit the head.” He saunters off as I pull her into me, holding her close with a valid reason now.
“Maddox, I don’t know if this is a good idea.” Her eyes scour the room.
“Well, it’s a good thing Charlotte and Damien instituted that no cell phone rule for their wedding, huh? No pictures to suggest anything, so we’re just two people sharing a dance.”
She relaxes a bit in my arms and then leans her head against mine. Because of our height difference, the top of her head lines up with my mouth. “True.”
“You look so beautiful tonight, Penelope,” I whisper in her ear and inhale deeply, savoring her floral scent. “Seeing you and not being able to touch you has been pure torture.”
“I know what you mean. Nice tie, by the way.” Her eyes drop to the maroon tie I chose for this evening.
“Thanks. I hear Ironman’s suit is the same color.”
She laughs and then puts her head back in the same spot, resting on mine. “Are you trying to entice me with reminders of Robert Downey, Jr.?”
