He shakes his head. “I don’t want that for you either,” he says matter-of-factly. “I haven’t had a serious girlfriend since Destiny, and well, you saw how that turned out.”
I don’t know what happened between the two of them, but I’ll leave that for another time. He’ll tell me if and when he’s ready to.
“I’ve only dated a little so we’re kind of navigating this together.” At my confession, his face lights up. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s just learned that I haven’t been with many others, or the fact that I basically just told him that I’m willing to give this another chance.
His grip on my hand tightens. “Does that mean that you forgive my sorry ass?” He winks at me, and I’m pretty sure he already knows the answer to that.
I turn toward him and run a hand down his face, and I immediately hear his intake of breath. “Yes, but next time, talk to me, okay?”
“Promise.” He grips the sides of my face and his mouth descends onto mine. It’s only been a few days since I’ve tasted him on my lips, but it was a few days too damn long. I missed this. “Come on.” He stands to his feet, reaching a hand out to mine before pulling me up with him. “I want to take you somewhere.”
“Where are we going?” Not that I care if I get to be with him.
He stops us and turns to face me, grabbing my face again. “I want to take you on a date.”
The familiar tingle I always feel when he’s around comes back full force. I have to give it to him. He’s trying to make things better between the two of us.
“I’d love that.” We walk along the pier, passing the massive crowd of tourists and the large Ferris wheel that spins in the air, laughing coming from the top.
We reach a boat further down the dock, a sign on the front of it reads Al’s BBQ. I arch an eyebrow at him. This is a far cry from the winery he planned to meet me at the other night.
“Ian Wright, you continue to surprise me.” I give him a small smile and he leans in to give me a light kiss on the cheek.
“This place has some good barbeque.” My stomach rumbles at the thought, and I’m reminded that I haven’t eaten since breakfast.
We’re seated at a table on the upper deck of the boat. I say boat, but it looks like a mini cruise ship. There’s a violinist playing soft music below us and mixed with the breeze, the smell of fresh air, and barbeque, it makes for a lovely evening.
Once Ian places our orders—I let him choose for me since he’s familiar with this place—he grabs both my hands from across the table.
“Thank you.” Emotion is in his tone and I have to look away from his intense stare.
“For what?”
“For forgiving me. For being here with me tonight, even though I don’t deserve it.”
I pull one of my hands from his grip, reaching across to touch his face, and he kisses my palm.
“I want to be here. What you did,” I look over his shoulder, not able to make eye contact with him, “really hurt me. I worried you thought of this as just a fling.”
“No, Maddison. This is far from a fling.”
I smile, glad to know we’re on the same page. I’m hoping like hell our food comes fast so we can get out of here. If this wasn’t our first official date, I’d ask them to bring our food to go.
Eighteen
Ian
The city whizzes past us in a haze as we sit in the back of Edward’s car. Neither one of us has said much since we left the pier, but words aren’t needed right now. I royally screwed things up, and she somehow found it in herself to forgive me. We’ve barely gotten our relationship off the ground and I’ve already managed to act like an asshole. But I suppose that’s true Ian Wright fashion. Although, this woman makes me want to be better in every way, shape, and form.
“What are you thinking about?” Maddison asks from beside me, bringing me out of my thoughts. I turn toward her and, fuck my life, she’s gorgeous. I don’t know what I ever did to deserve her, but I hope she’ll let me show her exactly how much I appreciate being given a second chance.
“I’m just a lucky man.” I bend down, capturing her mouth with mine. She tastes of the white wine we consumed at dinner and the gum she’s been chewing on since we got in the car. I pull away, taking in her beauty, and her eyes that are an ocean of blue I could get lost in. Damn. This woman has turned me into quite the poet.
“I missed you,” she whispers up at me. “I’m sorry for not answering any of your calls or texts.”
I face forward, staring into space. “No. That’s on me.” I’ve been wanting to ask her this question, but didn’t know when I should. Now seems as good as any. “Do you live with your sister?”
I feel her tense and I hope I didn’t screw shit up with her, once again. She’s silent beside me for what feels like an eternity before she finally speaks.
“Yeah. I live with Chloe, her husband, and my niece.”
Shit. I wasn’t expecting that at all. I couldn’t see inside the apartment the other day, but by the size of the building, I know it’s not big at all.
“Why didn’t you tell me that?” I turn back toward her and see her cringe. “You’re embarrassed.” I don’t ask it as a question, because I already know.
“You’re a freaking millionaire, Ian.”
We’re cut off when Edward pulls in front of my building. We both tell him thanks and I help her out of the car after I’m on my feet.
The ride up to my penthouse is silent and not in a comfortable way. I don’t want her to be ashamed of who she is. I know my lifestyle isn’t typical, but I also had no clue that she was sharing such a small space with three other people.
We finally make it to the top floor, and I rest my hand on her back, escorting her into my space. I feel like a stupid bastard for asking her about her living situation.
She turns toward me and gives me a small smile. “I wasn’t trying to keep anything from you, but why would you want someone like me?”
“Someone like you?” I raise an eyebrow at her question.
She sighs heavily and throws her hands up in the air in exasperation. “Ian, you’re one of the wealthiest men in Chicago. I work for you just so I can get out of my sister’s apartment.”
I walk closer to her, drawing her into my arms. “I don’t care how much or how little money you have. I’m an asshole, but not that big of one.”
She thankfully relaxes into me, putting me at ease.
“Take me to bed,” she whispers up at me and my dick hardens under my pants, just from those four simple words.
I answer by grabbing her hand, pulling her toward the master bedroom. Last time I had her was over my desk and I ended up causing a lot of damage. As amazing as office sex is, she’s so much more than that. She deserves more than a mindless fuck to get over being pissed about my brother.
I lay her back on my bed, straddling her as I pepper kisses along her neck.
“Gorgeous.” I lift her teal shirt, licking her flat stomach.
“Mmm?”
“You look amazing in these clothes, but they have to go.” I lift her up slightly, just far enough to rid her of them, leaving her only in her matching bra and panties. She somehow makes the simple white set something not so simple.
“What are you going to do to me?” She rests on both her elbows, giving me a seductive smirk. The little minx.
“I’m going to make love to you.” As soon as I say the words, her cheeks turn a nice shade of pink. A color I want to turn the rest of her body.
We have yet to say we love each other, but I know we both feel it. I don’t know how it happened, and so fast, but it did.
“I’d like that.” She lies back on one of my oversized pillows and I know I’ve said the right words.
Her blonde hair fans around her, and my God, she’s a vision. I take her in, wanting to remember her like this forever.
“What are you waiting for?” She wiggles her finger at me, and she doesn’t have to tell me twice.
I slid
e her panties down her slender body, inhaling her scent as I go. Once they’re on the floor behind me, I free myself of my own clothes, leaving me only in my boxers.
I join her on the bed again and my mouth finds her wet, waiting pussy. With one swipe of my tongue, she throws her head back in ecstasy. I rest a hand on her stomach, keeping her from coming off the bed.
“Yes, Ian!” she hollers, encouraging me to keep up my punishing pace. I flick at her clit with my thumb, sending her over the edge with a cry. She squeezes her eyes shut.
“Open your eyes,” I demand. “I want to see you when you come for me.” They fly open, her mouth in the shape of an O. “We’re not done yet.”
She sits up, once she’s come back to earth, and slips her bra off behind her back. A talent I’ve never quite figured out, but no less appreciate.
“I want to make you feel good now.” She sits up on her knees, reaching for my hard cock.
“Not tonight. This is all about making you feel good.”
I stand at the foot of the bed, pulling my boxers off in record time. I lay her back and my right hand swipes her side and I immediately see goose bumps grace her smooth skin as I tweak one of her nipples with my other hand.
I grab her face, gently leaning over her, needing to taste her. Needing her to taste herself on my lips. She hums into my mouth.
I release her face, lowering my mouth to one of her hard peaks and let go of it with a pop, before giving attention to the twin nipple.
“Feels so good.” Her eyelids flutter shut, and this time, I let her get lost in the sensation.
I lick my way up her body, stroking her neck with my tongue before meeting her mouth again. As soon as my tongue parts her lips, I’m sliding into her warm pussy. Each thrust of my dick matches that of my tongue. It’s as if they are in tune with each other. Just like I am with this woman.
I lift myself up on my forearms, stroking her smooth skin with my rough hands. The contrast makes me even hotter for her, if that’s at all possible. I lean down and place my lips close to hers, not quite touching them together. Her pants of breath caress me and I smooth her hair away from her face, needing to see her eyes.
I pull away slightly so she can see me better.
“I have to tell you something, but I don’t want you to think I’m only saying it because we’re making love.”
Her face lights up and I know that it’s the perfect time to tell her. I pump into her one more time and I can tell she’s on the brink of another orgasm.
“I love you, Maddison.”
She smiles up at me, gripping my face with one of her hands.
“I know. And I love you, too.”
I meet her mouth for another breathtaking kiss, pumping into her one last time.
She said she knows I love her, but there’s no way she could possibly comprehend how much.
Nineteen
Maddison
“Did you mean what you said?” I ask, still breathing heavy. I’ve felt the same way for a while, but he was the first one brave enough to say it.
“Yes.” His grip around me tightens. “I probably shouldn’t have said it in the heat of the moment, but it’s true.”
I look up into his green eyes, and at this moment, I know I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.
“I love you, too.” I sit up so he can see me better. “I think that’s what made the other night hurt so much.” When I look at him, I see regret on his face so I grab his hand. “I didn’t tell you that so you’d feel bad. I just don’t think it would have stung so much, had it been someone else.”
“I get it.” He pulls me back into his embrace and kisses the top of my head. “We better get to sleep because we have an early morning.”
I fall asleep happier than I think I’ve ever been, dreaming of a future I’d love to have with Ian Wright.
The next morning, we arrive at Wright Enterprise’s together, and the surprised look on Nellie’s face doesn’t go unnoticed.
“Morning, Nel.” Ian kisses her on the cheek before doing the same to me. Probably not the best idea, considering where we’re at, but he’s the boss, and he does what he wants.
“Welcome back.” She gives me a cheeky grin before turning back to her computer screen.
“Morning. How was your weekend?” I head to the coffee pot to fill up a mug. We didn’t have time to stop at Starbucks because Ian had other plans to occupy my time before we left the penthouse.
“Oh, it was good.” I turn to her, seeing her staring at me over the top of her own mug. “You wanna tell me what’s going on between you two?” She points toward Ian’s door.
A small smile tugs at the corner of my mouth, and there’s no denying how I feel.
“We’re back together, if that’s what you’re asking.”
She clicks away on her keyboard, but continues to talk. “I’m glad he pulled his head out of his ass.”
“I heard that, Nel.” My guy comes strolling out of his office. And damn does he look fine today in his tailored suit and the baby blue shirt he has tucked into his pants. The white and navy stripped tie is the cherry on top, and I immediately have naughty images in my head of what he could do to me with said tie.
“What’s up, gorgeous?” He wraps his arms around me from behind as I’m spooning sugar into my coffee, lost in my lust filled thoughts. I’m sure Nellie doesn’t appreciate the PDA, and if I’m honest, it makes me a bit uncomfortable too.
I turn in his arms, taking my first delectable sip of my heaven in a cup.
I look up at him over the mug. “Don’t you think we should keep things PG at work? You are the boss after all.” I duck under his arm to escape him, turning to wink at him before I head to my desk.
“Little minx,” I hear him mumble under his breath as I take my seat and I giggle. If Nellie hears our exchange, she’s not letting on.
“Ladies, I’ve got a meeting over at Franklin’s in thirty. Maddison, I’d like to go over the contract for the McDowell’s with you before I leave. Will you come back to my office?”
Once the door is closed behind me, I prop my hands on both my hips.
“I am not having sex with you while Nellie is in the other room.”
“Would you sit your sassy ass down?” He grins at me from his desk.
I reluctantly take the seat directly across from him.
“I really did want to tell you a few things about the contract just in case Howard McDowell calls while I’m out, but if my frisky girl would rather get down and dirty, I wouldn’t argue.”
The asshole is having a heyday.
I wave my hand in the air. “No, please, proceed.” I say the words with sarcasm dripping from my voice.
True to his word, he’s all business until he has to leave for his meeting.
“Have lunch with me?” He pulls me into his arms as I stand to leave his office.
“I’d love that.” I look up at him, straightening his tie. “You look good enough to eat, Mr. Wright.”
“Ms. Monroe, if you keep that up, I’m never going to make it to my meeting.” He devours my mouth like a starving man, but is quick to pull away. I instantly miss his touch and can’t wait until we can pick up where we left off. “See you in a bit.” He winks at me and I have to calm myself down before I can go back out to my desk.
I finish my work for the morning before Ian comes back to the office, so I shoot a text off to Greta. I’ve been the worst friend over the last week, and I owe her an explanation. She responds and we agree to meet for drinks tonight once we’re both off. Just because I’m in a relationship now doesn’t mean I can forget about my bestie. She’s been one of my lifelines since I came back to the city.
My phone chimes on my desk, and I know I’ve got a stupid smile taking over my face, when I see that it’s Ian calling.
“Hey, you.” I coat my lips in ChapStick before throwing the tube into my desk drawer.
“Hey, I’ve got a phone meeting at twelve thirty. You mind if I just br
ing lunch and we eat in my office?”
Thoughts of what he could do to me in his office flash through my mind, making my panties immediately dampen.
“Maddie, you there?” he asks when I don’t respond.
I clear my throat, knowing he knows exactly where my mind went.
“Yep.” I cross my legs, and I’m thankful that I’m currently alone in the office since Nellie ran down the hall to make copies.
“How’s Rupert’s sound?”
“Wonderful. See you in a bit.”
We hang up and I find mindless work to keep me busy until his return.
“Ready to eat?” I look up as he saunters into the office carrying two bags from the deli on the first floor of our building. The smell is heavenly and causes a rumble to sound from my stomach.
I look away, embarrassed as I grab my stomach before shutting down my computer.
“I’ll take that as a yes.” He leans over my desk and pecks my lips before heading to his office.
We sit in silence while we both devour our Rueben sandwiches.
“You’ve got…” He leans over his desk, using his thumb to wipe at the sauce running down my chin.
Without thinking, I grab his hand and run my tongue along the pad of his thumb and moan around it.
“Jesus.” He pulls it out of my mouth before jumping out of his chair and goes to the door to lock it.
Twenty
Maddison
I immediately spot Greta at the bar when I walk into The Red Door Tavern.
“Hey, bitch.” She stands from her stool, pulling me into a drunken hug. It’s evident she’s been here awhile.
“Hey, G.” I take the stool beside her and I wave down the bartender, giving him my order of a dirty martini.
She takes a long sip of her whiskey sour before wiping her mouth on the back of her hand. “You wanna tell me what’s going on with the arrogant asshole?”
Her Arrogant Boss (The Wright Kind of Wrong Book 1) Page 8
