“I want you to be all mine,” I told her as I reached over to cup her cheek, brushing my thumb across her flushed skin. I would be an idiot to let someone else scoop her up when the chemistry between us was undeniable.
Madison surged forward and kissed me deeply, throwing her arms around my neck.
I cupped both sides of her face, holding her close as we huddled together on the bench. My surroundings seemed to melt away, leaving behind the warmth of her mouth on mine. I had fallen for Madison. That was the only thing that explained my recent actions and feelings.
“I take it that you’re fine with that,” I murmured into the kiss.
Madison nodded as she pulled back to smile at me. “More than fine,” she assured me. “I was going to say something earlier, but I was nervous.”
“Why?” I asked her as we settled back against the bench together.
“That you didn’t have feelings for me too. I would’ve just been some desperate intern crushing on her boss,” Madison muttered the last part sheepishly.
I couldn’t help but chuckle at her words. It was cute that she was nervous, but it wasn’t like I hadn’t been nervous too. We were venturing into new territory, and we didn’t want to blow up the good thing that was already going on between us.
“You’re not some desperate intern,” I told her. “You’re a bright young woman who knows what she wants.”
“I want you,” Madison said as she rested her hand on my thigh.
I glanced down at her hand, feeling heat course through my body just at her touch. Ever since we met, I hadn’t given another woman the time of day. I blew off any old flings that messaged me. I ignored anyone who tried to flirt with me. All I could focus on was Madison. It was nice to cut out all the noise and focus on something that actually felt good for me.
Outside of my business, I didn’t have many goals or hopes for myself. I never bothered to give my personal life any attention besides temporary pleasures. But my business was only one part of me. I had to take care of the other parts too. I wanted my life to be full.
“You got me,” I replied. “Are you sure about your decision?”
Madison cracked a smile as she sidled up closer to me, brushing her heel against my leg. “Do you think I shouldn’t be with you? Mr. Bachelor isn’t boyfriend material?” she asked.
I used to smirk at being called a bachelor. Now, it just made me feel lonely. The sex that I had before Madison felt so empty and stale in comparison to the mind-blowing, heated sessions of passion that I had with Madison. Color bled into my black and white world when we met.
“I chose to be single for a while, but I want you to be happy with me,” I admitted. “I’ll become boyfriend material.”
“I don’t think you’ll have to try as hard as you think you will,” Madison said. “You’re actually really sweet.”
“Don’t tell anyone else that. I have a reputation as a hard-ass,” I reminded her.
Madison gave me a pointed look. “That’s something you agreed to work on. Being an asshole won’t motivate people,” she said.
“I was an asshole to you, and it motivated you,” I replied before putting my hands up defensively when she glared at me. “Kidding.”
“To prove you wrong. When you were actually nice to me, I wanted to help you,” Madison said.
“I’m not going to be some big softie now that we’re together, though,” I warned her. She couldn’t fully change me.
Madison cocked an eyebrow at me. “Want to bet?”
I smirked and shook my head at her. She was certainly competitive, but I admired her drive. It was what brought us closer together in the first place.
“No, you’ll actually make it a point to win,” I said before standing up. “Let’s go back to my place.”
Madison stepped closer to me, running her hands up my chest teasingly. “I think I might need some convincing to come with you,” she said with a coy look.
Now, she felt like she could get away with anything. Maybe she could. She hadn’t found a weak spot in me. She made herself one, and there wasn’t anything I could do to change that. If she wanted me to be a romantic, then I was going to be the best one.
“Fine,” I said before scooping her up in my arms bridal-style.
Madison gasped as she threw her arms around my neck, anchoring herself to me as I carried her down the walking path. “What are you doing?” she asked, her laughter ringing out through the park.
“Being romantic,” I replied as I continued walking. It felt nice holding her in my arms, so I didn’t mind being a little cheesy for her. Madison smiled as she peered up at me, relaxing in my hold.