MadisonA knock at the door interrupted my spiraling thoughts. "Room service," Alexander announced, rising from the couch. His hand trailed deliberately up my thigh before he moved away, leaving a path of goosebumps in his wake. I took a deep breath, composing myself as he answered the door. A server wheeled in a cart laden with covered dishes, the rich aromas making my stomach growl. After the server departed, Alexander gestured to the dining table. "Shall we?" I nodded, moving to take a seat. He pulled out my chair, his hands lingering on my shoulders for a moment before he sat across from me. Alexander lifted the covers with a flourish, revealing an impressive spread. Crab cakes with a delicate remoulade, a selection of artisanal cheeses, fresh berries, and two decadent desserts – the promised chocolate lava cake and crème brûlée. "Wine?" he offered, already pouring a golden liquid into crystal glasses. "Please." I accepted the glass, taking a small sip. The wine was crisp a
MadisonI moved to the living area and sat on one of the couches, kicking off my heels with a grateful sigh. My feet ached after hours in those torture devices. Alexander watched me with an unreadable expression. "Better?" "Much," I admitted, wiggling my toes. "Those shoes were killing me." "Why wear them, then?" "Because they look good with this dress, and looking good is part of the job when attending galas with you." A hint of a smile touched his lips. "They do complement the dress nicely." "Thank you," I replied, suddenly self-conscious under his intense gaze. "So what now? Should we order room service?" "Are you hungry?" He loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top button of his shirt. "A little." I tried not to stare at the exposed skin of his neck. Alexander picked up the room service menu from the coffee table and opened it. "Let's see what they offer." His eyes scanned the pages. "Hmm, nothing too heavy this late. The crab cakes look good. And maybe some dessert?" I n
MadisonAlexander shifted slightly, putting a few more inches between them. "How are you enjoying the gala?" "It's lovely," she replied, moving closer to eliminate the distance he'd created. "Though I'm surprised to see you here. You don't usually attend every fundraising event." "The Wilson Foundation does important work," Alexander said, smoothly redirecting the conversation. "How much did you invest tonight, Caroline?" Her smile faltered slightly. "Oh, I made a modest donation. Nothing compared to your generosity, I'm sure." She glanced at the small boutique bag in his hand. "Did you win something special in the auction?" "Just a small item," he replied vaguely. "Have you settled into the New York main branch yet? Last time we spoke, you mentioned relocating from Los Angeles." Caroline brightened. "Not quite yet. The transition is still in progress, but I should be fully settled in a few days. There's so much to arrange: finding the perfect mansion, transferring all my files,
MadisonOur table was filled with other guests, including a retired judge and his wife, a neurosurgeon from Mount Sinai Hospital, and a young tech entrepreneur who kept stealing glances at Alexander throughout the appetizer course. Outside, lightning flashed, followed by the low rumble of thunder. The rain had started in earnest, pelting against the ballroom's massive windows. "Quite the storm," the judge's wife commented, looking concerned. "I hope it doesn't affect the power." The first course was served, a delicate salad with roasted beets and goat cheese, as Richard Wilson took the stage to welcome everyone. "Distinguished guests, friends, and generous supporters of the Wilson Foundation," he began, his voice booming through the microphone. "Thank you for braving this inclement weather to join us tonight." As if on cue, another flash of lightning illuminated the room, followed by a crash of thunder that made several guests jump. "Even the heavens are applauding our cause," R
MadisonI adjusted the midnight-blue dress Alexander had sent over, smoothing the silky fabric against my skin. The dress hugged my curves perfectly, with a tasteful slit up the side that revealed just enough leg to be intriguing without crossing into inappropriate territory. I turned to examine my reflection from different angles. The plunging back added a touch of daring that made my stomach flutter with a mix of nervousness and excitement. Alexander certainly knew how to pick clothes that fit me like they were made for my body. A text notification lit up my phone screen. Alexander: The car will be there in 15 minutes. I slipped on the matching heels, applied a final coat of lipstick, and gathered my essentials into a small clutch. Through my apartment window, I noticed dark clouds gathering on the horizon. The weather forecast had mentioned possible storms tonight, but hopefully, we'd make it to the venue before any rain started. Right on schedule, my phone buzzed again. The c
MadisonI quickly rebuttoned it, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. "Why is Scarlett coming here anyway?" "I have no idea." Alexander settled behind his desk, straightening papers that had been disturbed during our activities. "But I intend to make it quick." I nodded, moving to the chair across from his desk just as a knock sounded at the door. Five minutes had passed faster than I'd expected. "Come in," Alexander called, his voice cool and controlled. The door swung open, and Scarlett Reynolds glided in like she owned the place. She was stunning in a form-fitting red dress that hugged every perfect curve of her body, her blonde hair cascading in flawless waves down her back. The diamond earrings caught the light as she moved, and her makeup looked professionally applied. Next to her, I felt like a schoolgirl who'd been caught making out behind the bleachers. "Alexander, darling," she purred, not even glancing in my direction as she approached his desk. "Thank you for seeing me