“But we have work to do.” And she couldn’t imagine taking time off … with him. She’d be too tempted to act on her desires. Her willpower if he even touched her was nonexistent.
“Look, we’re going on a business trip in a few weeks. We’ll be working then. A day off isn’t too much to ask. Besides, I’m related to the boss.” He tapped her nose playfully.
“If I recall, your relationship with him isn’t the most stable. Are you sure you want to test his temper?”
Alex shrugged. “I also have an in with his wife.”
Madison rolled her eyes. “Way to go, using your friendship with Riley to get what you want.”
“Whatever works, Angel. Whatever works. Are you with me?”
She hesitated but had to admit it was tempting. Not just the time with him but the day of freedom. She never played hooky, always took her job seriously. Earning money had always come before anything else.
“You, me, the sun, the pool,” he continued with his litany of temptations. “I’ll even get you one of those fruity drinks with an umbrella in them. Come on, what do you say?” He bumped her hip with his own.
His playful touch sent a shock of electricity shooting straight through her body. She couldn’t deny she liked this mischievous side of him, and after a morning in a lawyer’s office, she was tempted to allow herself time to let loose.
The elevator doors slid open to the lobby, and the bright sunshine from the glass doors beckoned to her as they stepped out.
She felt his questioning gaze on her. All he’d asked for was a day off to have fun.
She didn’t need to overthink this. “Okay. We can go.”
“Really?” He grasped her shoulders and turned her to face him.
His eyes lit with pleasure at her agreement, and she wanted to keep the sparkle there.
She nodded. “Now let’s go before I change my mind.”
* * *
Ian had lived well before he’d married Riley and moved out of downtown Miami. His apartment was an offshoot of The Ritz, a condominium with all the amenities of a hotel. The perfect place for Alex to bring Madison for a day off, one they could spend together. He thought it was a brilliant idea when he thought of it.
Now, as he watched Madison peel off a silky top to reveal the bikini beneath, he wondered if he’d thought this through enough. Lavender-colored ruffles covered her breasts, and a matching bottom barely concealed everything else. His mouth grew dry at the sight, the idea of tugging on the strings and revealing that luscious body to his hungry gaze all he could think about. He adjusted himself as discreetly as possible in his swim trunks.
It being a weekday, most people were at work, and other than another couple at the far end of the pool, they were alone. Alone with thoughts he shouldn’t be entertaining for a woman who was still playing it cool with him.
“I didn’t realize Ian kept his apartment after he and Riley moved to their new house,” Madison said. “It was nice of them to let us hang out here. And on a work day, no less.”
“Perks, Angel,” he reminded her.
“Something tells me you only asked Riley for permission,” Madison said.
He grinned. “I’m connected, not stupid.”
She burst out laughing, the first freely given laugh since he’d seen her again in Ian’s conference room, and he soaked in the joyful sound. Damn, he had it bad.
He’d driven her home to drop off her car and let her change clothes before stopping by his place to do the same. He’d called Riley for permission while Madison was getting her stuff together. They’d then headed here. Thanks to the confined car, he now knew she smelled of peaches and cream, and his cock had been at attention ever since.
He hoped seducing her was the answer to this all-consuming need, because he didn’t know what else would satisfy him. Nor did he know how long it would take to achieve his goal. At the thought of sliding into her wet heat again, he stiffened even more. He raised his knee up to deflect attention.
She lay down on the lounge chair and clipped her hair up, revealing her slender neck. His tongue begged to run down the smooth skin.
Slow down, asshole, he cautioned himself. Where Madison was concerned, he had a lot to prove. So he’d wait her out and would be here on her terms.
For as long as it took.
FOUR