Sensing a change in her negotiating tactics, I decided to make my suspicions plain. I leaned forward, brought my hands together and tapped my index fingers against one another.
“Okay,” I began, as I studied her. “I think you’re covering up the real issue by claiming it’s a personal problem and hoping I’ll drop it because of that.”
Maddie’s eyes widened a fraction and a hint of bright red flashed across her chest.
“I… that is not true, Greyson. If you must know, I had a fight with my ex-boyfriend, okay?”
As I listened to her, I realized this was the first time I’d considered her relationship status. Based on the way she’d flirted, I naturally assumed she was single. And now, hearing that was indeed the case, it pleased me. On the other hand, and I couldn't explain it, but the idea of her with someone else, even talking to her ex on the phone, I didn’t like it--not one goddamn bit.
As I ruminated, the incessant sounds of the busy restaurant — knives and forks hitting plates, bottles being uncorked and the occasional blowhard recounting the success of his big business deal--all faded away into nothing as I looked at her.
I felt my jaw flex as I began to speak. “What did he say, Maddie? Did he threaten you in some way?”
“What? Threaten me?” she replied almost instantly. “No, he didn’t threaten me. Don’t get the wrong idea, Greyson. It’s nothing like that at all.”
Her tone conveyed sincerity, at least on this issue. I relaxed a bit but I still didn’t like the notion of her in harm’s way. There was nothing to do about it now however, so I accepted her statement as fact.
“Very well,” I replied. After I spoke, I looked past her for the waiter and motioned for him to come over.
“What’s going on?” she asked. “You haven't finished your meal.”
“We’re done. I’m getting the check. Get your things. We’re leaving.”
MADDIE
The limo ride back to the hotel couldn’t have been more awkward.
What the hell was going on with Greyson all of a sudden? There was no way I could tell him the truth about running out of money. He’d think I was probably the biggest idiot he’d ever met and certainly the worst business woman.
And, uh, he would tell Katy and then that would be a whole thing.
Remaining as still as possible, I kept my gaze focused beyond the tinted glass window in the back of the limousine and hoped I could get through the rest of the evening, and the rest of his trip, unscathed and out of bankruptcy court.
After only another five merciful minutes, the vehicle pulled back into the parking lot of his hotel and as it did, Greyson reached over and grabbed my arm at my wrist. Startled by the firmness of his grip, I snapped my head in his direction.
“When we stop, get out and follow me,” he said, without a trace of emotion. “Understood?”
I swallowed and nodded. “Okay.”
The car’s brakes squeaked a fraction as we rounded the entrance to the hotel lobby. Seconds later, Armando appeared and stepped aside as we exited the vehicle. Right away, Greyson snatched the same wrist he’d grabbed moments earlier. Part of me wanted to protest; the other part of me thought better of it. I chose the latter and did my best not to trip as he tugged me along until, at last, we rounded a corner to the right of the lobby. After he stopped, Greyson grabbed me by both shoulders and spun me around to face him.
“I’ll give you one chance, Maddie,” he began. “Let me say that this evening had better not end with deception on your part or it will be the end of our time together and of your fledging enterprise as well. That much I promise you.”
Flustered, I fired back. “Greyson, I don’t know what you want from me. I told you I had a fight with my ex.”
“I want the truth, Maddie. Stop. Fucking. Lying to me.”
I leaned away from him. His pupils held a dangerous glint as he stared into my eyes. I didn’t feel threatened. No, I felt something far worse — found out. I hated lying to him but what choice did I have?
“Grey…” I started, but right away he interrupted me.
“Maddie, so help me to Christ, the next words that come out of your mouth better be the truth. Got me?”
I nodded, feeling stupid and insulted at the same time. But, it didn’t matter any longer. If I expected to work for this man even for one more minute, I had to tell him.
I looked down at the pavement and dragged the toe of my shoe across it. Without meeting his eyes, I exhaled and said, “This seems so stupid now, I…”