“You better,” she began. “Besides, how the hell else are you supposed to buy me a new microwave?”
MADDIE
As the second day of Greyson’s meetings drew to a close, I sat in the limousine outside the studio offices and waited for him. We had dinner plans for the evening and with the promise of a fresh infusion of cash only a couple of days away, I spent the afternoon picking up some things to wear for the remainder of his stay. At least now I wouldn't be a complete embarrassment to him when we went out in the evenings.
Tonight I’d settled on a cute black jumpsuit with a plunging neck line and flowing pant legs. I accented it with a sexy metallic shrug, which was not only comfortable but hugged my curves in just the right spots. I’d opted to wear my hair up, mostly at Katy's insistence, but after I’d completed the ensemble, I had to admit she was right.
Glancing out the window of the car, I noticed Greyson walking towards us in the middle of group of four other men. They stopped about twenty yards away, paused, shook hands and then dispersed after about a minute or so. Afterward, Greyson continued towards the vehicle alone. As he did, I took one last look at my reflection in my compact before snapping it closed and sliding it back into my clutch.
Armando exited and opened the door for Greyson.
“Good evening, sir,” Armando said as he held the door open.
Greyson nodded as he began to climb inside the vehicle. “Armando.”
A subtle breeze carried traces of Greyson’s cologne in my direction. Slightly sweet citrus notes combined with hints of leather set my senses alight. It was a musky medley, wild and irresistible, a tantalizing reflection of the man who wore it. As Armando closed the door behind him, Greyson slid into his seat and looked in my direction. I smiled at him, but before I could offer a greeting, he spoke.
“Wow, Maddie. You look… fucking incredible. And I mean that in the most deplorable sense imaginable.”
I smiled and shook my head.
Strange that the notion I had of how a billionaire would behave clashed in such harsh contrast with the real life example seated next to me.
It’s not that Greyson wasn’t refined; he could be if it suited his purpose.
It’s not that Greyson wasn’t sophisticated; he knew how to carry himself in any setting.
And, of course, it’s not that Greyson wasn’t charming; he could dazzle any woman he desired.
No, Greyson Sinclair was all of those things when he needed, or wanted, to be. But the thing that caught me the most by surprise with this man was his total, utter, fearlessness.
Whether it was beating up some random dirtball in line at the club or feeling so sure of himself to say what he’d just said to me, I would be lying if I said his total disregard for consequences that would send ninety-nine percent of all men running didn’t turn me on.
It did.
And if I wasn’t careful, he’d know it.
So, with his ‘deplorable’ comment still fresh in my mind, I brushed it off with a casual chuckle.
“I’ve come to appreciate your unique manner of complimenting me, Greyson. Thank you.”
His caramel irises flickered in the soft light of the backseat. He leaned away from me and with a slight smile, he replied, “No, thank you. And Maddie…”
“Yes?”
“Call me Grey.”
I swallowed and looked away, uncertain of how I’d feel the first time I said that to him. As the limo drove off, I placed my hands in my lap, glanced out the window to my right and tried to change the focus of the conversation.
“So, I noticed you leaving with a few gentleman from the studio. All is going well, I hope?”
“Yes,” Grey replied. “As a matter of fact, I’ve concluded my business with them ahead of schedule.”
Turning to face him, I said, “Oh yes? Well, that’s excellent news then, I suppose, isn’t it?”
“In one sense, yes, it is. In another, less so.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I’ll be leaving tomorrow morning. Back to Chicago. So that’s good.”
“Oh,” I replied, as I attempted to mask the sudden sense of disappointment I felt on hearing the twist to his travel plans. “So what is the bad part of that news?”
“Isn’t it obvious?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, if I’m leaving tomorrow, we only have tonight to spend with one another and conclude our business together. You are prepared to honor the commitment you made, aren’t you Maddie?”