Tell Me Now_Show and Tell Duet_Book 1

by S. Moose

  She walks over to my bed, sits down, and hands me the cup of tea she made. “I think you need to listen to what you want. Listen to your heart. The only advice I can give you is to be open-minded and trust yourself. If Bryce is who you want, then don’t push him away. If you want to go slow, then just make sure he understands.”

  “He’s taken me and made me fall for him, and I gave in. I’m one hundred percent sure I’m ready to be with a man like Bryce. He and Kent are different but similar. They’re both men of power, class, and status. I know Bryce isn’t cheating on me. That’s the difference, and it makes all the difference. I’m a smart girl, Kaylee, so why is this hard?” I pout, not feeling any more resolved than I did before we had this chat.

  Patting my knee, she smiles knowingly. “It’s hard because you’re fighting it. It’s hard because you know you want to be with him. You’re scared and being cautious. I get it. The breakup is still fresh. I don’t know if I’d be ready to date either. If you need to take a step back, then tell him.”

  Before I can say anything, there’s a knock on the door, and we look at each other, wondering who it can be.

  I get out of bed and walk toward the door. Slowly, I open it and on the other side is Bryce Hunter.

  “Madison.”

  I wince at the sound of my name. “Bryce. What are you doing here?”

  He holds up two bags, and my heart slams against my chest. This man is overbearing and extremely sweet.

  My hand goes to my hair, and I internally groan. No makeup on. My hair’s in a messy bun, and I’m wearing an old concert tee shirt with boxer shorts. Then there’s the gorgeous man wearing the tailored suit.

  Bryce walks past me into the apartment, places the bags on the coffee table, and sits down on the couch. I follow and take one of the bags to see what he’s gotten me.

  “Heating pad, medicine, chocolate, and a sleep mask.” Oh goodness, my heart’s soaring. Grabbing the second bag, I peek inside. “Soup, crackers, juice, and water.” I lift my eyes to see him with a smug look on his face. He knows what this gesture’s doing to me.

  “I want you to feel better. If you want to stay in your apartment this weekend, please know I’m a phone call away.”

  “Thank you so much for all this. It’s very sweet and thoughtful.”

  He smiles, looking down, and notices I’m wearing the bracelet he got me. “You’re welcome, Madison.” He leans in and kisses my forehead before getting up and walking toward the door. “Remember, I’m only a phone call away.”

  “Okay. And thank you for the bracelet. It’s beautiful, Bryce.”

  I watch him walk out my apartment and instantly feel guilty. Here I am, holding these presents he’s gotten for me, and I think I need space from him. Then again, maybe I should talk to him again about how I’m feeling. He said communication and trust are essential to a relationship.

  Jumping from the couch, I run out of the apartment and see Bryce getting into the car.

  “Bryce!”

  He stops and turns to look at me. “Madison?”

  Leaping into his arms, I wrap my legs around his waist. “Thank you again.” I kiss his cheek. “Everything you did is really sweet.”

  Bryce sets me down and moves his hands to my waist. “I wish you’d come with me this weekend. My bed is lonely without you,” he taunts, hoping to tempt me.

  I sigh and find the strength I need. “This is going fast. I really like you, and I meant what I said when I told you I’m yours because I am. Part of me is ready to jump into this life with you and the other part’s screaming for me to be careful.”

  “You don’t trust me?”

  I shake my head. “It’s not that, Bryce. We said baby steps, and this isn’t baby steps.”

  “I don’t do slow, Madison.”

  “The intensity of our relationship is way over my head. You’re demanding. You take what you want and are giving me so much. It’s a lot to process.” I place my hands on his chest and press my lips against his chest. “Just give me some time. This is really intense and moving really fast. I want you, and I don’t want you to leave me. I only want time.”

  “What do you need time for, Madison? Clarify this for me.”

  “To think. To process.”

  “Don’t do either of those. Let it be. Let it be,” he demands, and his tone scares me. If I defy him, I’m nervous to see how he’ll react. I know he won’t hurt me. What if he gets fed up and tired of my back and forth?

  We’re standing silently, and I’m not sure what he’s thinking or how he’s feeling. Eventually, he shakes his head and lets me go. I want to cry. The look in his eyes seems haunted and distant.

  Did I lose him?

  “Bryce.”

  “It’s okay, Madison. I’ll give you the space you want.” He leans in and kisses my cheek before opening the car door and climbing inside without saying anything else. I look down at the ground, hoping the answer I need will jump out and wave itself in my face.

  Wishful thinking.

  I look up, and I can’t tell if Bryce is looking at me since his windows are tinted. Instead of standing here, I turn back and go inside.

  The silence when I walk in is cold and awkward. I’m not sure what I did, and I don’t think I’m going to be okay with this decision.

  “You okay?” Kaylee asks.

  “I’m not so sure.”

  Kaylee walks over to me and brings me into her arms for a hug. “Let’s watch something to get your mind off him.”

  “Okay. I think I’m going to eat the soup he bought me.”

  I’m holding the bowl of soup, staring at it, yet I have zero appetite. My mind is all over the place. I think about texting him to see if he wants to meet and talk. I’m an idiot. I shouldn’t have pushed him away.

  “You love him.”

  “Of course, I do. I’m terrified to jump into this with him. What if he hurts me?”

  “And what if he’s the best thing for you?”

  I let her question sink in and take out my phone to text Bryce.

  Madison: Hi. Do you think you can come pick me up, so we can talk? I’d like to see you.

  I set my phone down and try to pay attention to the movie we’re watching. A few minutes pass, and there’s no response.

  “Should I text him again?” I ask, willing Bryce to text me back.

  “Give it a few more minutes.”

  “Okay.” The patience I have is nearly nonexistent. I’m kicking myself. This silent treatment isn’t fair, nor should I allow it to happen. But then the idea of my life without him, I don’t know, makes me feel empty. Maybe I’ll endure it this time, and when I see him, I’ll clear the air.

  The weekend flies by, and my period comes and goes. By Wednesday, I still haven’t heard from Bryce. I should call him and see what’s going on.

  But I don’t.

  My fears take over, and I ignore the feeling of missing him and wanting him.

  Wednesday and Thursday end much the same. Nothing from Bryce. Not even an appointment to get outfits.

  It’s Friday, and I’m getting ready for a night out with Kaylee for our friend Rick’s birthday. I’m not in a party mood. I hate knowing I pushed Bryce away. I try to get his attention again and take a selfie in my new outfit—a deep red dress with black heels. Once I’m happy with the picture, I send it to him, accompanied by a text message.Madison: I haven’t heard from you. I miss you…

  Kaylee walks in and hands me a shot glass. “Take it and let’s go. You need a night out.”

  I take the shot and let the alcohol burn down my throat. “Okay. Let’s go.”

  The limo Rick rented picks us up, and we head toward downtown. The alcohol’s flowing, and the music is loud. I’m sitting next to Kaylee, and we’re being us—taking selfies, taking shots, and being wild and crazy.

  “Madison!” Rick shouts, and I look his way. “You fucking look sexy, girl. How’ve you been?”

  “Good! You?”

  “You know, busy livin
g it up. Thanks for coming out tonight. I know it’s been a while since we talked, but maybe we can hang out more.”

  “Ah, yeah. Sure ...” And you can meet my possessive boyfriend. He’ll most likely scare you off.

  We get to the club, and since Rick’s a VIP, we’re let in without having to wait. A hostess wearing a revealing short and tight dress leads us to a private room. All sixteen of us filter in, and Kaylee grabs a bottle and opens it, lifting it in the air.

  “Happy Birthday, Rick!”

  Everyone in the room cheers and says happy birthday. The room goes crazy, and the alcohol keeps coming. Discreetly, I check my phone and there’s nothing from Bryce, so I take another shot to numb the sting from being ignored.

  Our friend Hilary grabs us, and the girls head out of the VIP room and to the dance floor. It’s crowded, and the music gets my body moving. As the beat gets my ass shaking, I’m not butt hurt anymore. Everything troubling me flies away. We’re laughing and having a great time. If Bryce wants to be like this, then I’ll let him have this moment and go to him. I’m not letting him go.

  Chapter 25

  Madison

  After dancing to five songs, we head back to the VIP room and take more shots. My heart rate’s crazy strong, and it feels good to be here with my friends and letting loose. Although my feet are killing me, it’s worth it.

  From the corner of my eye, I think I see Bryce. I’m about to fly out of the room until the guy turns around, and I realize it’s not Bryce. Kaylee notices my abrupt change in mood and so do our girlfriends, Hilary and Dana. I fill them in and try not to let the alcohol take the wheel.

  Stupid shots and drinks. The combination is making me emotional. Like over the top, let me cry a million tears, then listen to sad breakup songs. But we didn’t break up. This I know. He said things to me about wanting more, and I’m his. Then he turns around and walks away since I’m not giving him what he wants. This man should be at the top of his game, and when he doesn’t get his way, he throws a tantrum.

  Stubborn asshole.

  I smile. My stubborn asshole.

  “Not going to lie, but shit. What?” Dana says, holding her drink and pointing it at me. “You need to forget that douche.” She leans in closer, and the three of us do the same. “Rick hasn’t taken his eyes off you all night. You guys have a history.”

  I laugh. “We dated in middle school,” I remind her. “Doesn’t count. I’m not going to forget about Bryce. We’re still together.”

  “And? That man wants you. From what I hear, he’s very talented in all areas of sex. Kissing, oral, and fucking. There aren’t many men out there who can use their tongue and dick properly. It’s usually one or the other.”

  My eyes lift to Rick, and I see him watching me. We smile at the same time. Neither of us move. He’s totally cute with broad shoulders, short brown hair, sexy green eyes, and he’s strikingly tall. His body is lean and athletic. As quickly as the thoughts come to me, I push them out. Bryce may be giving me the silent treatment, but I’m not going to cheat on him. We’re just having a fight, and we both need to cool down.

  Kaylee’s voice pulls me back. “It’s so obvious, though,” she says, drinking her drink and looking at me. “I’ve thought about it. There’s no way he doesn’t want you. The connection you have with him is off the charts.”

  I play with my drink, swirling my finger along the rim. “He hasn’t texted me back or called me. I’ll give him a few more days to lick his wounds.” I grab Kaylee's shot and swallow it down entirely.

  “Good plan!”

  “Seriously, no more therapy sessions. I’m perfectly fine.”

  “You know damn well you’re not fine,” Kaylee points out with a raised brow. “You can’t lie to me, babe. I’ve known you my whole life.”

  “Everything happens for a reason,” Hilary says in a singsong voice. “In all honesty, you shouldn’t sleep with Rick. If you do, and Bryce has a good explanation for his disappearance, you’ll feel so guilty.”

  Kaylee and Dana nod in unison. I’d never cheat on Bryce. I’m not that type of girl. After tonight, I’ll text him again or go to his penthouse, and we’ll figure it out from there.

  A new song comes on, and I yell for everyone to get on the dance floor. We dance for a while, and my feet are screaming for a break, so I excuse myself and walk toward the VIP room. Inside, I sit down and calmly take off my beautiful heels. I look at the gift from Bryce, smile, and put a plan into motion.

  “Madison.”

  That voice. My body stills, and time seems to freeze. I feel sick, like I’m going to throw up. How the hell does he know I’m here?

  I turn my head to his voice. He’s standing outside the room, and I’m still sitting down. The fact he’s here now is pissing me the hell off. Knowing him and his connections, he had me found in a matter of minutes.

  Fuck you, Kent.

  He’s heading toward me. Shit. I can do this. Kent walks into the VIP room and sits dangerously close to me. He grabs my hand before I can register what’s happening. Everything goes in slow motion. He pulls me to his hard chest, wraps his arms around my waist, and kisses the side of my head. Usually, I’d be happy for this affection from him, but now, I feel sick. The feel of his lips on my skin repulses me.

  “What are you doing here? I swear if you’re following me, then I’m calling the cops. Haven’t you done enough?” I say as I push away from him.

  He tries to reach for my hand again, but I pull it away and eye him. “I’m here for my brother’s birthday. I saw you and wanted to come over and talk. I’m going to cut to the chase. I want you back, Madison. It’s only ever been you. Julie doesn’t have my heart. You do. I’m ready to leave her and start a life with you, the life we’re supposed to have. Hopefully, you’ll love my baby the way I love you because I won’t give up my parental rights. We can be a family and when you’re ready, we’ll try for our own baby. Remember, we used to talk about that.”

  The laughter rumbles out of me. Is he being serious? I wait a few minutes for the, “Just kidding,” or someone yelling I’ve been “Punk’d,” but Kent starts fidgeting with growing impatience. The vein in his neck throbs, and he’s sighed three times. I reach over to take a drink, watching him over the glass. It’s fun to see him like this. The confident and suave Kent Hastings is gone, replaced by his annoyance and nerves.

  Kent eventually looks down at his hands. “Madison, I’m sorry. The truth is, things happened, and I was forced to leave you the way I did. I had to. You have to believe me.”

  “You were forced?” I repeat this to him pointedly, ensuring I’m enunciating every word so there’s no confusion.

  “Think about it, Madison. We were happy. Talking about a future and having a family. Then out of nowhere, I break up with you. Does that make sense?”

  I scoff, feeling tempted to pour my drink over his head. “It doesn’t matter if it makes sense or not. You’re married with a baby on the way. You cheated. I was your side piece. Your forbidden secret.”

  Kent’s expression changes to defeat. “I’ll love you always, Madison. No matter what. If you need me, then reach out to me. Knowing you’re doing well is awesome. You have so many people who love you and want to be there for you. Thrive on that. Let that drive you.”

  The tears try to erupt from my eyes. Kent gets up and leaves just as Kaylee walks in. This is all too much to register. Why the fuck can’t he leave me alone? And why the hell hasn’t Bryce responded to my calls and texts? Panic strikes me, and it’s getting harder to breathe.

  “Madison?”

  “Get me out of here,” I beg Kaylee, doing everything I can to hold it all in.

  Chapter 26

  Madison

  I’m spending the day in my childhood home. I miss this house and everything about it. It’s quiet these days, and I wonder how my dad’s handling the change since I’m not living here anymore. Maybe I’ll get him a puppy for Christmas. I’m sure Betty will love me for that.

 
“Is there anything else I can get you, Ms. Madison?”

  I look up to see Betty, my dad’s housekeeper, next to Kaylee, my best friend.

  Betty has been with us for years. Her son lives in California and is expecting his first child in December. I’ve asked her if she’s thought about moving, but she hasn’t given me a definite answer.

  I sit up and place my sunglasses on top of my head. I fill her in on Kent and Bryce. She listens and holds my hand because between Bryce’s silence and Kent’s admission, I’m a mess. A damn hot mess.

  “Ms. Madison, forget Kent. He’s not a good man. Now, with Bryce, maybe instead of being here trying to hide, you should go see him,” she suggests.

  “I guess,” I answer dryly.

  She pats my hand and gives me her comforting eyes. You know that look a mother gives to make her child feel better? That’s the look. It helps and makes me smile… a little.

  “Do what you feel is right. You’re a very smart young woman, and I know your mother would be proud of you.”

  “Thanks, Betty,” I softly respond. The mention of my mom makes me want to curl up and cry. Growing up without her has been the hardest. I grimace and try to keep my emotions at bay.

  I watch her walk into the house and turn back to grab my cell phone from the side table next to me. I toss my phone between my hands, debating if I should text Bryce. My mind goes back to the last time we talked. It still doesn’t make sense. He did everything to get me, and yes, I’m asking for space, but Bryce Hunter doesn’t seem like a man who waits around.

  “Madison, is everything okay?” The voice of my dad makes me put away my phone.

  “Hey, Dad.” He comes around and sits down next to me on the lounger. It’s only two in the afternoon, and he’s home. “You’re home early.”

  “I have a three-hour meeting, so I figured I’d take it in the home office. Back to you, honey. Is everything okay?”

  “Just wanted to stop by and visit.” I notice my dad’s looking tired from the bags under his eyes and his ashen skin. Since my mom passed away five years ago, he hasn’t been the same.