Billionaire’s Trust(13)

“Welcome home, Maddie, baby.”

I dropped my hands away from my mouth and pressed my lips into his. We kissed for several seconds until at last, he pried me loose and returned me to a standing position in front of him.

“Grey!” I shrieked, as I gestured around the room. “What did… Why did you do this?”

He looked at me for a moment before turning his attention to jungle of color of he’d created in the living room.

“What?” he said with a shrug. “Don’t you like it?"

I giggled at his question. “Of course, don’t be an idiot. I love it!”

Grey crossed his arms at his chest. “I’m really getting tired of being called that.”

As he spoke my eyes meandered among the blossoms. Nearly every imaginable color captured my attention. The fragrant air I breathed calmed me and was such a welcome change from the antiseptic aroma of the hospital, I only half-listened to his reply. Shaking my head, I turned my focus back towards him.

“Huh?” I asked. “Called what? What did I say?”

“An idiot,” he repeated, as he glared at me. His expression turned dark as he spoke. “Katy called me one the other day and now you’re doing it. I don’t like it.”

I narrowed my eyes at him. I couldn’t tell if he was being serious or not.

“Grey,” I began with a light chuckle. “I didn’t mean anything by it. Really. The flowers, they are beautiful and the thought you put into it was so sweet.”

Grey’s posture stiffened as he looked down at me through a scowl. Without saying a word, he turned and began to walk back towards the bedroom.

“Grey?” I said as he walked away. “Where are you going? Why are you mad? I said I didn’t mean anything by it!”

Yet his pace never slowed as he marched away from me. Unsure of exactly what I’d done to upset him so much, I rolled my eyes and walked down the hall after him. As I did, he vanished from sight, closing the bedroom door behind him as he entered the room. Once I reached the door, I grabbed the handle and pushed it open.

I walked inside and as I did, Grey emerged from the walk-in closet carrying an assortment of ties and shirts. He passed by me without a word, laid the items down on the bed and then after a quick turn, headed back in the direction of the closet once more.

Exasperated and confused, I trailed behind him.

“Grey,” I began as I entered the closet. “What is going on? You can’t really be mad at me right now.”

“Why not?” he asked without looking at me. He kept his attention focused directly ahead of him as he swished his suits by on hangers, grabbing the ones he wanted with a flourish.

Afterward, he walked by me again without making eye contact.

“Well, uh…” I stammered as he disappeared back into the bedroom. “Because I didn’t mean anything by it?”

What the hell was going on with him all of a sudden? I’d never seen Grey behave like this. Ever. Baffled, I exited the closet once more and followed him back into the bedroom. As I did, I noticed he’d grabbed his overnight bag and started to pack it.

“Grey?” I said as I shook my head. “Where are you going? Are you leaving?”

Without turning back to face me he replied, “I’m not going to stand here while you insult me, Maddie. If that’s what you’re asking.”

I reached up and thrust my hands into my hair on either side of my forehead.

“This. Is. Insane. Grey.” I bit my lip. “I don’t understand what you’re doing! Please talk to me. I’m sorry, I swear I didn’t mean anything about it!”



GREY

I thinned my lips as I fought the desire to burst out laughing. If my back hadn’t been turned to Maddie, it’s doubtful I could’ve pulled it off. But, this was too goddamn good to pass up and I’d played enough hands of poker in my day to get through this. So, feigning a level of colossal displeasure, I let out a deep exhale. I remained silent and motionless for several moments until at last the pressure grew too great for Maddie.

“Grey,” she begged. “Please, I’m sorry. You believe me don’t you?”

I shook my head. “You’ve got a goddamn funny way of showing it.”

“What do you mean? I was only joking with you. Grey. Of course I don’t think you’re an idiot!”

Turning around, I tilted my head down towards Maddie, fixing my eyes on hers. I had no choice. For this to have maximum impact, I’d have to see it all the way through. Her sapphire irises glimmered with confusion as she looked up at me. I nodded and gestured towards the chaise lounge in the corner of the room.