Chapter 2

Madison’s POV

“Wife, are you in there?”the voice said. Well, there goes my plan of trying to act like room service stocking up the bathroom, which now that I think about it, would not have worked considering the sparkly dress and all. My heart started pounding and I could feel my throat closing up, I’m going to throw up. What do I do? What do I do? I need to get it together, my mother did not raise a coward.

Rising from the edge of the tub, I followed the breathing technique I use when situations like these arise, and it does more than you can imagine. I stay out of the spotlight and keep to myself yet, here I am!! I was starting to get worked up again… deep breath in,hold for five seconds, deep breath out and repeat.

Now that it doesn’t feel like I’m going to die of an heart attack like my granny, Alicia, I took the few steps needed towards the door and unlocked it, inhaling another breath for confidence boost, I let the door open and stepped out.

It all makes sense now…well not everything. The long feet and the muscular build does though, looking at someone through a phone screen differs dramatically from seeing them face to face, which I must have also done before but can’t remember. He stood at 6’1 and those muscles were packed all over him, at least all over where I could see, and not in a, “ Steroids is my true love” kind of way, just in a ,“Fitness is important to me” way. His hair was ruffled from sleep and there was a smirk playing on the edge of his lips.

“You’re staring” he said, I immediately cringed internally. I most have stood here for about five minutes with my mouth opened staring at him like a creep, “Girl, get yourself together and say something,” I told myself.

“You know who I am?” Of course, that’s what comes out of my big mouth. He chucked! Chuckled!!

“ Well, Yes, Wife… I know who you are. You would remember too if you slowed down on the drinks like I said yesterday.” sexy responded. “Would you like to sit while I give you a recap that might jog your memory on our adventures the night before?” he asked. I sat down and kept my mouth shut before I further embarrassed myself.

Ethan’s POV

Stepping into the large room where the fundraiser is being held, I was immediately assaulted by the bright lights, which I smiled through as is a usual experience. My bodyguard, Tom, took a step closer so as not to get separated in the crowd of people. I was sent here to represent my parents on behalf of Maverick Enterprises, because they had a last minute meeting that could not be pushed back in the company. I would have preferred to be there but of course, I am never listened to, especially since about two years ago when I was told the faith of me inheriting my parents company relied on me getting married.

Moving further into the room, I noticed a speech was being made by the organizer, something about the plans for the money that would be raised tonight, we both knew half of the money was going into paying for the loan they “allegedly” took for the last project their company participated in and that is why I won’t be donating until I strike a personal deal. Following the usual routine, I patted my breast pocket where the cheque for the occasion occupied and thought of the deal I’d try to strike with it. Now I have to go around and shake a bunch of people’s hands while pretending I’ll remember we saw after tonight, while ladies trying to hitch a quick ride with a billionaire try to touch me in very interesting places. Thirty minutes and I’ll be out of here. As a server was passing by I took a glass of champagne and looked around for a table to sit while I waited for the fund manager to come and strike a deal with me. And that’s when I saw her, a dark haired, gorgeous lady in a red dinner dress that fit her like a glove;glaring at her glass of wine, completely forgetting about the deal I wanted to strike, I strode towards her table with my usual smooth and deliberate movement.

“You look like you’re plotting something…or about to make an exit.” She turned towards me, made eye contact and swallowed down he glass of wine in one gulp.

“Maybe I was just admiring the decor, can I help you?” she responded. “The decor’s nice but I’d rather just admire you.” Her response to that was to stop and get another wine of glass from a passing server which she also drank immediately.

After a lengthy pause she responded trying to get the upper hand, “You’re quite direct, aren’t you?” I chucked, “I’m a businessman; I don’t waste time, Miss…?” She eyed me, and just when I thought she wouldn’t respond she finally answered, “Beene, Madison Beene”.

“ Miss Madison, I’m Ethan; care for a dance now that we’ve been properly introduced ?” She slowly rose and stretched her hand towards me, directing me towards the dance floor. I took her hand, the touch sparking something careless within me and got her into position, she fit perfectly against me.

Looking at me from beneath her lashes, “Don’t step on my toes,” she remarked. I chuckled, as I have been since I met her and as we swayed slowly to the music, the room faded, the deal faded; all that was left was the beat to the song and the soft press of her body against mine.

The music stopped without asking for permission and before I was ready to let her go, she took a step back and smiled at me for the first time since we met…”Looks like we’re making good progress, Mr Ethan.”

Returning her smile, “Ethan, just call me Ethan, want to go somewhere else?”

It looked like a lot of thoughts ran through her head before she finally responded, “ Yes.”