"Is this because you feel my work has suffered since the fire? I don’t feel li-"
"What?! No! Your work has been outstanding! I feel terrible for what you’re going through and I can’t help but notice that you spend every spare second at work. So actually this is me just being selfish and not wanting one of my best employees to burnout or have a breakdown.” He broke the tension with one of his dead sexy smiles.
He could sense her apprehension and the stiffness in her posture certainly made it clear she was uncomfortable.
“Listen, I have four bedrooms and live alone so I have more than enough room. You wouldn’t have to worry about being in my way. Plus we work in the same office so the commute wouldn’t be an issue. Or we can even drive separate it’s up to you. I understand if you’re uncomfortable but I feel like it would be ideal for you."
Madeline’s head was spinning, she did not expect the conversation to take this turn. This is just weird! She thought to herself. Just then Bennet’s phone rang.
"This is Bennet. Hey Terry yeah send him up. Thanks, have a great night." “Pizza's here! He said excitedly as he jumped up to get the door.
Bennet thanked the delivery kid and placed the pizza on the counter. He grabbed some plates from the cabinet and handed one to Madeline. She didn’t know what to think…on the one hand it made sense, on the other hand it was completely bat shit crazy.
She smiled when she looked down at the mushrooms and pineapple on the pizza, she wasn’t sure why she got such joy out of sharing a silly thing like pizza toppings with Bennet. She wasn’t sure what to say to his proposition so she commented on the deliciousness of the pizza instead and how awesome his living room view was.
It would be amazing to stay in a penthouse for a while, she doubted she would ever get the chance again, plus the commute did make sense. On the other hand she’d be living with her boss, a man she barely knew and that was weird as fuck! Oh god what if he brought a woman home?! Her thoughts were interrupted,
"Anything you care to share? You look really lost in thought over there. Grab some pizza instead of just staring at it and come back to the couch." He said as he took a large bit.
They continued to discuss Bennet’s proposition. Madeline voiced her concerns in the most tactful way, all of which were assured by Bennet to not be problems. She didn’t bring up the topic of him bringing women home…she felt it was way too personal and she wasn’t exactly the most forward person when it came to such intimate topics.
“So how long have you lived here?” She wasn’t sure what else to talk about at this point. She actually really enjoyed Bennet’s company. She had found him to be a great conversationalist with a knack for telling stories and he made her laugh more times than she could count, even in just a work setting.
“Well I was born and raised in Chicago, suburbs actually. My parent still live in Geneva and my little sister lives just over the border in Milwaukee. I went to school here and set down roots when I was about your age. I’ve always loved Chicago, it’s home. I get to travel so much for work I enjoy having my home be my childhood home with my family close by.”
He continued to share about all the suburbs and neighborhoods he lived in throughout the city, he had a funny story for almost every location. Crazy neighbors, insane roommates, rat and roach problems. He had bought his current place about three years ago and had it gutted and completely redone. She had to admit it was not only a great location but it was very welcoming and tastefully decorated.
The conversation lulled a bit and she placed her plate on the coffee table and turned to Bennet. "I should really get back to Jazmine’s, it’s getting pretty late and the train stops running pretty soon”. Can I think about it? The offer I mean." She said as she stood up.
"Absolutely Madeline, take your time and I won’t be offended if you turn me down." He smiled as he jumped up to grab his coat and keys, "All right let’s get you out of here. And for the record I would NOT make you take the train home young lady, I am a gentleman.” He said with a wink as they stepped into the elevator.
Chapter 8
So he asked you to move in with him?" Jazmine asked as she sipped her mimosa.
"NO! Well technically yes but he offered me a place to stay until my place is ready…This is so weird right? I don’t want to live with some dude I don’t even know!" Maddie sat back in her chair with a loud sigh.
"Look it’s actually a really awesome offer. You KNOW you are more than welcome to stay with Ethan and I for as long you want but I also know you’re incredibly uncomfortable sleeping on my couch. Please don’t think I’m trying to get rid of you but I do feel it would be way better for you. Plus my apartment is an extra twenty minute commute every day. So bottom line is…I think you should definitely consider it."
Maddie let her head fall back with a loud groan. "Fiiiiine, I’ll consider it. Well I certainly didn’t expect my year to start out this way but it’s ok, it’s good I’m saving money on rent and I’m experiencing a bougie ass lifestyle. It’s good, it’s good." She repeated the phrase a few more times as if she were trying to convince herself that the words rang true.
The girls finished their brunch and headed outside to walk back to Jazmine’s apartment.
"God I miss summer! Why do we live here again?" Jazmine said as she pulled her hood around her face a little tighter.
"Hey I have an idea! Since we got our workout in early why don’t we use those gift cards to that super fancy spa your mom got us for Christmas?" Maddie was jubilant at her own great idea…lord knows she could use some serious de-stressing and relaxation at the moment.
"Oh great idea!! Let’s hope they have some openings today but if not I know we can still use the sauna and hot tubs and stuff…plus it’s bottomless mimosaaaaaas!" Jaz punched her arm in the air as the girls giggled with excitement.
"So day drinking and massages it is. I’m down to get classy drunk while relaxing." Maddie replied as she linked arms with Jazmine and they hurried off down the street.
The spa had openings for the girls so they spent the entire afternoon getting pampered. Facials, full body massages with essential oils and even a guided meditation were part of the package.
Jazmine’s mom had been like a surrogate mother to Madeline over the past few years and she couldn’t be more grateful.
"I can’t believe your mom spent this kind of money on me for Christmas, this is insane. Did you see the prices on the menu pamphlet?" Maddie whispered to Jazmine as she tried not to let the cucumber slices slip off her face.
"You know she loves you and since I’m an only child I think she loves that she gets to spoil you too. Now shut up and let me relax!"
"Thanks again for letting me stay with you for so long. I’m going to tell Bennet on Monday that I’ll accept his offer." Maddie laid her head on Jazmine’s shoulder as the girls walked back to the train station. They had both indulged in the spa services and were finally heading back to Jazmine’s apartment.
"You are always welcome. I have loved having you stay with us but I have to admit Ethan will be happy to have the couch back…he loves bending me over the ar-"
"NO! NO! Shut up!!!" Maddie yelled as she punched a hysterically laughing Jazmine in the arm.
“I'm kidding…but not really! But I will say I’ve missed having some one on one time with him so thank you for being so understanding."
The rest of the weekend went by quickly. Madeline spent her time packing up her things at Jazmine’s and taking Jazmine and Ethan out for a thank you dinner. She called her brother again and kept him informed on the status of her apartment…she wasn’t ready to tell him she was going to be staying at her older, sexy bosses house until her place was cleared. She knew he would read into it and go into protective older brother mode.
They talked about his growing business and the wedding plans. He reminded her that she was always welcome to come to Denver and work for his company. She appreciated his support and offer but reminded him that her dream was comi
ng true at her current job and as much as she hated the weather, Chicago was home for now.
Ethan was on call Sunday night so Maddie and Jazmine ordered in and opened a bottle of wine. "Hey so I’m curious about something but if you don’t want to talk about it, that’s perfectly ok." Jazmine’s face was serious as Maddie’s brow furrowed.
"Okaaaay?"
"When was the last time you got laid?" Jazmine tried to keep a straight face as she asked the question.
Maddie rolled her eyes and took a big gulp of wine, "Uh it's been awhile…since Jake." She muttered half under her breath.
“That's been so long! I know you’re not into casual sex, that’s fine but at some point go on a few dates with someone!"
"Jazmine, I know." Maddie said firmly. "I honestly am not avoiding dating I just have been focused on work and it’s just not a priority for me right now." She tried to sound confident in her statement but she wasn’t sure what she wanted at the moment. She had never been wild about the dating world and her only sexual experience hadn’t been anything exciting or even satisfying.
She had dated Jake through most of her college career and it had been fun, he was very sweet and cute but she knew she wanted more. He had always been respectful of her boundaries and since he was her first he took things very slow.
She had to admit, she had zero confidence sexually. She’d love to have the confidence to explore things with a man, find out what she liked and what her body responded too. For now, it was fantasies…until she could find the right guy.
"Well, I’m going to get ready for bed…big day tomorrow." Madeline said heavily. The girls had finished up dinner and were cleaning up the kitchen. "So do I just show up to work with a box full of my stuff?" Madeline said as she placed their plates into the dishwasher.
"I guess I had assumed you would tell him tomorrow and then pick up your stuff after work?" Jazmine replied with a shrug.
"Yeah that makes sense. I’m guessing I’ll skip the gym tomorrow but I’ll be sure to keep you informed on how it all goes and we’ll get back to our regular schedule on Tuesday."
"Sounds perfect, sleep well." Jazmine said as she gave Maddie a quick squeeze and headed back to her bathroom.
Chapter 9
Madeline stared at her computer nervously bouncing her knee wondering how to casually tell Bennet that she would accept his offer. Fortunately she didn’t have to wait long as her inter-office IM alerted her of an incoming message. Bennet’s name popped up on her computer with a message: Good morning! Hope I’m not interrupting but could you come up to my office when you get a chance? Have some ideas for the Larson file and would love to pick your brain.
She stared at the blinking cursor…well now’s my chance. Yeah absolutely, I’ll be right up! She grabbed her coffee and notebook and made her way to Bennet’s office.
"So what do you think? Am I way off here?" Bennet put his hands on the table and looked over at Maddie as he spoke.
"No, not at all! I mean, the fact that you’re asking me if your ideas are "off" is a little hard to wrap my head around," she said with a smile.
"Hey I’m just the business brains behind this shindig, you have the eye for graphics and design!" Bennet leaned across the table and flipped through some of the designs he had printed out, his arm brushing against Madeline’s waist. She could smell his cologne as he moved about, his rich brown hair falling over his brow. He had rolled his sleeves up to his elbows so every time he moved it caused the pronounced muscles on his forearms to flex.
She let her eyes wander as he moved about the table deep in thought. He had removed his suit coat as well so she could see the outline of his firm ass as he leaned over.
Christ! She thought to herself. When did I become a raging bag of hormones?! A woman would be mortified if a man objectified her in his head this way. Madeline refocused her thoughts and muttered some agreements with what Bennet was saying.
By the time Madeline had glanced at a clock she had been in Bennet’s office for just over two hours. Little had been said the last several minutes as Bennet made some design tweaks on his tablet.
Madeline uncrossed and crossed her arms, "Hey so this might not be the best time to bring this up but I uh wanted to thank you for your offer of letting me stay with you while my apartment is getting redone or cleaned or whatever," She continued to ramble for a few moments, not even knowing what the hell she was really saying. Bennet stood stoically with his hands in his pockets as she nervously flapped her arms about and avoided eye contact.
"Anyway, short story long, if the offer still stands I’d be very grateful to stay with you." She finally looked up at him as she finished speaking and saw a huge grin spread across his face.
“That's great!" He seemed surprisingly enthusiastic about this unconventional living situation. "Well everything is ready to go so all you need to do is move in. We can swing by your friend’s place after work and pick up your things?"
"Yeah that works for me," Maddie shrugged as if she had no idea what to say or no idea what she had just agreed to. "If you don’t need me anymore I’m going to head back to my desk. I have a team meeting in a few minutes." She pointed over her shoulder with her thumbs in an awkward gesture and quickly spun her heels to head out the door.
Bennet chuckled and gave her a little wave, "Thanks again for the input today Madeline."
Maddie spent the rest of the afternoon working on her assigned projects, attending her team meeting and grabbing lunch with a few coworkers. It was nearly 5:30 and she was gathering her things to head to the lobby, assuming that’s where she’d run into Bennet. She rounded the corner to the elevator bank and ran straight into Bennet.
He grabbed her arm, "Hey! I was just coming to grab you so we can head out. I should warn you I don’t keep these crazy late hours like you." He said with a wink. She smiled shyly and they both boarded the elevator car.
"So there are three other bedrooms besides mine, you are free to choose whichever you like. All of them have an ensuite bathroom, king sized bed, walk-in closets, tv, etc." Bennet reached in one of the rooms and flipped on the switch to give Maddie a better view. “They’re all very plain since nobody uses them so feel free to decorate or I can call a painter or whatever you like. Also they all have pretty big windows but there’s also blackout curtains so you don’t need to worry about the sun waking you up at some ungodly hour."
Madeline walked into the room and took it all in. The view of the city and lake were beautiful and the jetted soaker tub was calling her name. "This room works perfectly honestly. Thanks again, I really appreciate it."
Bennet leaned against the door frame, "Stop thanking me for it already. And listen, I’m not going to be in your way, talking shop or expecting you to even converse with me." He smiled.
“I’ll be around if you need anything so please don’t hesitate to ask and if you ever do get bored and want to hang out that’s fine too." He pulled himself away from the wall, "My room is down the hall, last door on the left. I’m going to hit the gym for a bit but please feel free to roam, check out the kitchen and put anything you want on the list and Marta the housekeeper will pick it up for you. I’ll give you the full tour when I get back." He patted the wall and headed towards his room to get changed for the gym.
Madeline spent a while unpacking her things and getting organized in her new environment. She wanted to take a soak in the tub but remembered Bennet’s promise to give her a full tour of the house a little later.
She made her way to the kitchen to see if she could rustle up some tea and a lite dinner. She was just finishing up her peanut butter toast when the elevator door opened and a shirtless and sweaty Bennet emerged. His shorts were slung low on his hips, highlighting the deep V in his abs and the dark trail of hair that disappeared below his waistband. Maddie turned her head quickly to avoid staring and nearly choked on the last bite of her toast.
"Oh good you found something to eat. It’s usually pretty well stocked. I like to cook and don
’t eat out too much if I can help it." He said as he leaned into the fridge to grab a bottle of water. He cracked it open and leaned his head back as he drank, his throat constricting with every swallow. Maddie was sure her mouth was hanging open and her eyes were bugging out of her head. She tried to act natural as she dismounted from the bar stool and headed over to the sink with her dishes.
"I love to cook as well. Bake and cook actually but never have anyone to help me eat it all so I haven’t baked a lot lately."
"Well I will strongly encourage you to put the range to good use and bake your heart out!" His words trailed behind him as he headed out of the kitchen and back towards his bedroom.
Maddie headed to her room to decompress and shake the half-naked images of Bennet from her head. She decided she wouldn’t wait around for Bennet’s house tour and instead started the bath. She had packed some lavender bath salts she had received as a Christmas gift so she sprinkled them into the tub, wishing she had some candles and a nice Malbec to round out her mini spa night.
Slipping off her work clothes she gingerly dipped a toe in to test the water, finding that it was the perfect temperature. She lowered the rest of her body into the warm water and let out a long sigh of exhaustion. She hadn’t realized how ragged she had been running herself lately until this moment. She had noticed she had lost weight which was very pronounced on her already tiny frame and her dark circles seemed more prominent but she had been blaming it on poor lighting and intense workouts.
The truth was she hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in months and besides her day at the spa with Jazmine awhile back she hadn’t really felt relaxed. She breathed in the lavender and let her head fall back against the edge of the tub, the jets gently massaging her back as she soaked in each second of this feeling of bliss.
Chapter 10
It had only been a few weeks since Madeline had moved into Bennet’s house but she had settled into an easy routine of balancing her work, gym life and even some social outings here and there. She had even learned to relax a little around Bennet on the off chance he walked half naked through the house covered in sweat or joined her for dinner.
Resisting Her Page 4
