CHAPTER 24
Because her aunt knew everything already, Mila divulged that she and Maddox were dating during dinner the next night.
Cathy didn’t seem as surprised as Mila anticipated. “Why aren’t you shocked?” Mila said, disappointed. She expected a battle to prove that Maddox wasn’t so bad, and she was ready for it.
“Should I be?” Cathy laughed. “It was obvious he was mad about you. And despite your rocky start, I thought you were falling for him too.”
Mila blinked. “You only met him once. How on earth did you know that?”
“It was all over him.” Cathy shrugged. “He reeked of infatuation. I could smell him down the street.”
Mila scrunched up her nose. “You could’ve chosen a more pleasant metaphor.”
Cathy set down her fork. “He bothered to get out of the car and collect you for one. And this is a man who has everything done for him. Then, when he saw you…”–Cathy fanned herself–“I’m sure he couldn’t take his mind off you the rest of the night.”
“You’re so full of it.” Mila shoved another bite into her mouth.
“Then how is it you’re dating now? You think he only started to like you in Europe?” Her aunt forced her to look up.
“Well, no…” At least, she hoped not.
Cathy looked triumphant. “I’m sure it was starting long before you had a clue.”
“You do?” Mila tried not to sound too eager. After all, her aunt should be biased.
Cathy folded her arms on the table. “I bet all that assistant stuff was to get you close.”
Mila sat up straighter. “You think so? I mean, he wasn’t nice at all…”
She nodded. “I bet even he didn’t realize it at the time but I’m sure he must have liked you already. Otherwise, what would be the point? He could’ve taken revenge any way he wanted. This was a halfhearted attempt if you ask me.”
Mila hadn’t considered that. In fact, it never would have crossed her mind.
“I think that kiss at the wedding turned him upside down,” her aunt teased. “You must’ve made an impression.”
Mila rolled her eyes. “I just did it because of Jackson.” She hadn’t thought about him much recently and wondered how he would take the news when he learned she was dating Maddox. But she shrugged it off. Jackson had probably forgotten all about her by now.
While Maddox decided if going public was a good idea yet or not, he had her brought to his home in a wealthy neighborhood in San Francisco and essentially smuggled her in.
He met her by a less conspicuous side door and guided her to the dining area by a set of windows facing the back of the property. Black shades were drawn, and the chandelier light softened the masculine lines.
“I’ve taken every precaution I can think of tonight,” Maddox said over his shoulder.
Mila gazed around curiously. “I can tell. I felt like I was coming into Fort Knox.”
“I like my privacy,” Maddox told her when he stopped by one of the dining table chairs.
“Really?” Mila rose on her toes and kissed him. “I never would’ve guessed.”
He smiled and drew her close. “Don’t get too used to it.”
“No?” Mila couldn’t imagine living like this for long. It would be hard to keep their relationship quiet.
Maddox gazed over her head. “I’m still torn on the safest path, but there’s a gala I’m attending soon, and I don’t want to go alone.”
“Would it be so bad if people knew we’re dating?” Mila tilted her head.
He frowned. “Everyone will assume I’m dating you for the connections.”
“That is kind of why you pursued me originally.” Mila suppressed a smirk when she noticed how somber Maddox looked.
“I know.” He let out a sigh. “But it’s nothing like that now. And I don’t want anyone thinking that.”
“But they will.” Mila remembered how she felt when her mother became engaged to Danny. She knew what everyone believed, and this would likely end up the same way.
He dropped his eyes. “I’m more concerned that Danny’s children will think that you’re dating me for the advantage it could bring you. At least, that’s what I would assume.”
“They already see me as a threat,” Mila said. “What’s the difference?”
“They might see this as an act of war.” His eyes were serious. “If they do, it will become a war no matter what you say.”
Mila’s face fell. “I never wanted that.”
“I know. But your mother made you a threat the moment she married Danny.”
That was sobering. And irritating.
Maddox half smiled. “We don’t have to talk about this tonight.” He took her hands. “Let me give you a tour before dinner.”
Mila followed willingly as he showed her the house. They might have to face more serious decisions soon, but at least they could just date for one night.