Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 70524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Once we reach the green door marked with the four card-suit symbols, I turn the doorknob and open the door, holding it for Maddox.
He raises an eyebrow. “The gentleman is supposed to hold the door for the lady.”
I bite my lip, offering him my arm. “I think you’ll find I’m full of surprises tonight.”
God, do they pump pheromones into the air here? There’s something about this place that brings out the siren in me.
But I don’t hate it.
In fact…
I walk Maddox over to the bar where DeeDee and Dudley are standing, wiping glasses down. They look up—again, not speaking a word—and widen their eyes in inquiry.
Maddox opens his mouth, but I speak first.
“Vodka martini for me, dry and dirty.” I look over at Maddox, narrowing my eyes. “And the gentleman will have another gin and tonic, I presume.”
Maddox’s cheeks flush a light pink. Damn, he’s gorgeous as hell.
“Yes, he will.”
I whip my gaze back to DeeDee and Dudley. “There you have it.” I reach into my purse and grab my credit card, sliding it across the counter. “Open a tab. Both our drinks are on me tonight.”
Maddox places his hand over my card. “That I won’t allow, Alissa.”
I turn to him, my lips pouted. “I don’t believe I gave you a choice, Mr. Hathaway.”
He drops his jaw slightly, darts his gaze around the room, and removes his hand from my card. “Are you sure? I’m happy to pay.”
“You paid for my drinks last night. And you drove me home.” I run my hand slowly up and down his upper arm—damn, I can feel those corded muscles through his jacket. “And I hope it’s not presumptive of me to assume you’ll be doing me the same service this evening.”
Maddox swallows, eyeing my breasts, which are fully on display in this tight black dress. “I’ll gladly service you in any way you choose.”
I sear my gaze into his. “Good.” I turn back to the counter and push the card forward. “So there it is. All of my drinks tonight, as well as anything Mr. Hathaway orders, are on this tab. Thank you.”
Dudley grabs my credit card and brings it to a vintage-looking computer in the back of the bar while DeeDee prepares our drinks.
Maddox grabs my hands. “While we’re waiting on those drinks, how about I show you the Hearts section for a dance?”
I bat my eyes at him, fanning myself like a debutante. “Maddox, I thought you’d never ask.”
He smiles, those tiny flames in his eyes beginning to erupt. “Just one rule. On the dance floor, I lead. Non-negotiable.”
God, this man takes my breath away. This little game of back-and-forth we’ve established tonight is so hot. I squeeze my thighs against the tingle between them.
Maddox guides me to the Hearts section. The dance floor, in front of the stage where the singer and instrumentalists are playing, is already populated by a few couples. The floor itself is laid in a gorgeous cherry-red hardwood, lit up by a pink disco ball that catches the lights off the floor-length candelabras that line the perimeter of the area. The singer—Bianca, I think her name is—is framed radiantly by a pink spotlight, its blushing beam also bouncing off the disco ball, giving the section its rosy hue.
Maddox grins at me, his dark eyes cutting through the soft pinks. “Shall we?”
“Let’s.”
Bianca’s voice fills the room, smooth and rich, carrying the melody of the old Rodgers and Hart classic “My Funny Valentine.” The song is slow, intimate, a quiet confession set to music.
Maddox wraps his arm around my waist, his hand resting just above my hip, firm and possessive. I settle mine on his shoulder, and together, we move—our steps unhurried, in sync, as if we’ve been doing this forever.
The lyrics describe someone imperfect but adored beyond reason. I bite back a laugh. Maddox’s physique is far from imperfect. His broad shoulders command attention, and his presence cuts through the dance floor like a blade. And his mouth? After last night’s kiss, I know for a fact there’s nothing weak about it.
He dips me just enough to steal my breath, his grip steady, his confidence unshaken. Then, with a smooth pull, he guides me into a spin before bringing me back, our bodies flush, not a whisper of space between us.
The song’s final plea echoes around us—stay just as you are. Don’t change.
My heart stumbles. That, I understand completely. There isn’t a single thing about Maddox I’d alter, not even the smallest detail. He’s determined, magnetic, breathtaking. And, God help me, if he kisses me again, I might just let him do a lot more.
I feel a twinge—not just in between my legs, but in my heart.
I look into Maddox’s eyes, but I see through them into his soul.
And I think I might be falling in love.
That’s crazy, though, right? It’s our second date. Third if you count our impromptu tea in his haberdashery two nights ago.