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2
Whitney
It’s beena long time coming.
I square my shoulders, willing myself to show a cool exterior, when tendrils of excitement are about to explode inside me.
For the past few years, I tried to insert myself in Maddox’s life, but nothing stuck. I applied to be a trainee at his company once, which he denied. Gave me some bullshit excuse, and that was right before my career as an influencer took off. Right before one of my videos went viral and I capitalized on my newfound success. That definitely kept me busy for a while.
Then, on the rare occasion I bumped into him at an event or my dad’s parties, I watched him. When no one else was paying attention. I never really had the confidence I faked, but it didn’t matter because he never took the bait anyway. But damn, did I try to eye fuck him.
Of course I even tried to distract myself, convinced myself dating someone my own age would be a lot easier. Hurting his and my dad’s friendship was never the goal. I love Dad, and know how much he trusts Maddox.
My dad is all I have after my mom died of an unexpected brain aneurism, when I was only a teenager. With that in mind, I gave guys my age a chance. To do the right thing. To be a good girl and not lust over my dad’s best friend. I tried to be a good girl and not be a burden for my dad in any way—which would have been the case if I had told him I had a crush on his best friend.
But even after having dated guys that were a good match on paper, I still want Maddox. Not just want… it’s this ridiculous sensation whenever I’m near him that turns me into a weird country song—I’m a naïve fool, a sexy burlesque dancer and a hot mess all at once.
“Hi honey,” Dad says when he sees me exiting the elevator to the top floor. “You’re early. Good. As you know, Maddox loves punctuality.”
“Of course, Dad. I wouldn’t dream of being late.” More like I was up all night and had to get my concealer working on double duty on the area under my eyes this morning. I smooth my hands over my shirt. I picked a fitted black blouse, with a pencil skirt in the same color, and red stilettos and my loyal designer label tote to match.
I want Maddox to know I mean business. He may not know it yet, he may not believe it, but this time, we’ll have to do what we both have been wanting for a while. After all… it’s been a long time coming.
“Maddox, just who we were talking about,” my father says as we stroll past his assistant’s desk and enter his spacious office—a mix of expensive, buttery leather furniture, state-of-the-art technology and sleek desks and shelves. Modern and efficient, and elegant without being over the top.
The moment my gaze lands on Maddox, a whirlwind of warm shivers roll through my body.
He’s wearing a dark gray suit, with a crisp blue shirt underneath that brings out his cobalt colored eyes. He still has that same hair style, with his dark brown hair slicked to the side—but the few strands rebelling against an otherwise conservative style add just enough pizzazz. He’s forty-three years old, but looks good five years younger—at least. His sexy lips purse for a fraction of a second—maybe my father doesn’t notice, as he doesn’t pay attention to these things, but I do. There it is. That sign of contempt.
My stomach curls. I hope to God this is pent up sexual energy.
I’ve seen him look at me before, when he thought I wasn’t looking.
I didn’t imagine things, right? He knows his best friend’s daughter is all grown up.
And ready to play.
A sense of empowerment washes over me, and I sashay to him. “Hi, Maddox.” I stretch out my hand, and he takes it, then gestures for me and my dad to sit across from him. “So nice to see you.”
He gives me a neutral smile I’m sure it’s the same one he offers business partners. “Thank you for this opportunity, Whitney. Charles told me about bringing you to the team, and I’m sure you’ve made big concessions with your time.”
No lying there. My assistant Astrid wasn’t happy about me agreeing to this huge undertaking on such short notice. But I guaranteed her that this is of the most utter importance. Of course she doesn’t know what that means exactly. Just me—and maybe… Maddox? He has to know this isn’t just work on my end.
“It’s a pleasure to help,” I say. “Dad already put me up to speed as far as the global idea. What I think would be helpful would be a visit to all the hotel has to offer, starting with the club. So, does tonight work?”
Maddox reaches for a pen and clicks it. There’s a slight frown on his handsome face, and a few wrinkles gather around his eyes, only enhancing how motherfucking attractive he is. “You can come anytime. I’ll be sure to let my manager on duty know.”
Thought you’d get off the hook so easy?I chuckle inwardly. “No, Maddox… I needyou.To ensure the success of my part in all this, I always work with the person most invested in the company or product. No assistants or managers. Especially since in this case, having you as the face of the hotel will only benefit the marketing campaign. You’re seen as this good looking, successful guy by the community. Your other restaurants created a lot of jobs. Helps knowing you’re the one behind the venture.”
He clicks the pen a few times in a row, lifts his eyebrow at me. “Is that really necessary?”
“Yes. It’s a first step in the right direction. To establish that rapport.”
He sighs, and puts the pen aside. “How long will that take?”
I smile. I can sense he’s trying hard to conceal his irritation. I look at Dad, whose gaze is playful. He doesn’t know why I am insisting on this so much, but he also finds Maddox’s semi reluctance amusing. Probably because he’s a busy guy with millions to make and no time to waste with these things. Getting a read on Maddox isn’t hard. “Oh, don’t worry about it. Just show up at, hmmm, ten at the lobby.”
Dad rubs his hands together. “What did I tell you, Maddox? My girl knows what she’s doing.”
