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“Sure.” He hesitates. “If you change your mind about that cocktail, you know where to find me.”
I give him a nod, but I know I’m in for the night. “Goodnight, Maddox,” I say.
“Sweet dreams, Sai,” he murmurs.
I pull my suitcase into the room, closing the door behind me. As much as I’d like to go down and have that drink with him, I know it would be a mistake.Maddox is your work partner. Your obnoxious friend. Nothing more.
With a soft sigh, I roll my suitcase against the wall. Then I walk over to the window and look out over the illuminated city. Even though it’s dark, everything is lit up and I can even see the Washington Monument in the distance. Turning around, I glance at the large bed with monogrammed pillows and wrap my arms around myself.
It looks so big and empty. I can’t help but imagine what it would look like with Maddox’s big body sprawled across it. My stomach does a funny little swoop and I try to shut those thoughts down fast.
But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hope to dream of Maddox tonight. And his hard, naked body on that bed, tangled up with mine.
???
The next morning comes fast. As planned, we meet Dr. Enzo DeLazzer after his plane lands, introduce ourselves and escort him to the SUV. Once we’re safely back at The Willard, we head to a conference room that Maddox and I arranged where we go over the schedule and safety procedures with Dr. DeLazzer. We’re all staying at the same hotel, and the only time we’ll be using a driver is when we all head over to the convention center, so it should be a short and very straightforward meeting.
The Nobel Prize winner is 50 years old with a head of thick white hair. He’s tall and has a quirky look that reminds me of Doc, Christopher Lloyd’s character inBack to the Future. Although he won’t be making any style guru’s best-dressed list with his tweed jacket with elbow patches, he seems kind, polite and well-spoken.
Maddox gives him a folder with the schedule and a few extra notes including pickup and drop-off times, hotel and flight information and the names of anyone he may encounter while in our company and under Slater Security’s protection.
He seems like a nice enough man, and I don’t think scientists generally have too many enemies, but we were called in for a reason. So, Maddox and I will be vigilant and follow all normal protocols for escorting and protecting clientele. We’ll both be armed, but we’ll do our best to blend into the crowd and not draw any unnecessary attention, yet still be within close range.
After meeting with Dr. DeLazzer, we escort him back to his room and Maddox volunteers to stay outside his door while I get ready for the welcome dinner where DeLazzer will give his keynote address tonight.
“Are you sure?” I ask.
“Go. I know you need your time to primp.”
With a smile, I pop my bubble. “You know me too well,” I say with a grin, and head back to my room. The dinner tonight to kick off the conference is a black-tie affair. So, of course I brought a slinky pale pink dress that will hopefully make Maddox’s eyes pop like a cartoon character.
After spending far too long getting ready, I critically eye my reflection in the mirror. My long blonde hair is pulled back in a low chignon and I carefully smooth a stray strand back. The soft satin material of my dress clings like a second skin and doubt starts to settle in my mind. Is it too sexy? Will I stand out when I’m supposed to blend in? I’m considering changing into the black dress I brought when my cell phone beeps with a text.
Are you almost done?Maddox writes. I can feel the impatience in his message.
No time to change.With a sigh, I grab the matching wrap, my purse which holds my Glock 19 and tube of lip gloss, and slip on my high heels.
As I walk up the hallway and approach Dr. DeLazzer’s door, where Maddox nonchalantly leans against the wall, I try not to be nervous. It shouldn’t matter what Maddox thinks. But it does. So when he pushes off the wall and stands up straight, golden-green gaze dipping to check me out, my heart soars.Good.The idea that he likes how I look gives me an extra surge of confidence.
“Sorry it took longer than expected. I had trouble with my zipper.”
Maddox swallows hard, dragging his gaze back up. There’s an almost predatory look in his hazel eyes that sets my pulse pounding hard. Trying not to sweat, I sashay past him and take up position near the door.
“Um…” He’s struggling to get his words out and I can’t help but smirk.
“Yes?” I ask innocently. I might also bat my lashes a little as I purse my lips just a touch.
He clears his throat. “I’ll be back soon,” he finally manages to utter before turning almost a bit too quickly and walking faster than necessary toward his room.
I can’t help the full-blown smile that lights up my face. He noticed me and he approved. I mean,reallyapproved.
Mission accomplished.
Chapter Four: Maddox
Back in my room, I try like hell not to picture Sailor in that light pink number that has my dick so hard it hurts.Fuck me.I’ve never seen her look so damn beautiful. I mean, she’s always gorgeous, but tonight…
Tonight it’s on a whole other level.
