Walking confidently back to the counter, I handed over the items. “These as well, Melissa. Thank you.”
Nodding, she tried not to smile, likely having overheard our conversation—I had gotten a little loud. Handing me a bag overflowing with tissue paper carrying the Arabella Reign logo, I thanked her before exiting the store. Beverly Hills bustled around us, and I pulled my phone out of my purse, intending to call a car.
“Let me.” Maddox stepped up beside me.
“No, thanks.” I typed the hotel’s address into the app.
He let out a heavy breath. “We’re going to the same place.”
“I need space. Isn’t that what you wanted? For me to be alone?”
“That’s not what I said . . .”
“Careful what you wish for,” I shot back.
Good job proving you’re not a child . . .
My car approached, and the driver rolled down the passenger side window, calling out, “Bristol?”
“Yep, that’s me.” I stepped toward the vehicle waiting at the curb.
Before I could reach the handle of the backseat, Maddox opened the door for me. Even if I was mid-tantrum, my manners were hard to overrule. “Thank you,” I grumbled, sliding into the car.
Leaning inside, he placed his lips beside my ear, and his following words sent a shiver down my spine.
“Make sure to think of me tonight when you’re alone in your room because I’ll be picturing all the dirty things you’re doing to yourself while I’m stroking my cock three doors down.”
He placed a chaste kiss on my cheek before sealing me inside and giving a mock salute as we drove away.
Holy mother of God.
Chapter 20
Maddox
Tonight was a re-do.Not just for me, but for Braxton. The last time he’d attempted to propose to Dakota, I’d ruined it. This time, the risk of a run-in with Levi Nixon was low, as the momentous occasion would take place at the home of Jaxon Slate, with the Speed in Hartford for their upcoming match against the Comets.
Jenner and I shared a car over to the suburban Connecticut mansion. The Slates were gracious hosts, asking everyone to arrive several hours earlier than the couple. It had the feel of a surprise party instead of a proposal.
“How nervous do you think Braxton is?” I joked with Jenner on the ride over.
“Considering some big brute ruined the last one, I’d say doubly nervous that you’ll be in attendance again.” The humor in his voice was audible, even though I couldn’t see him well in the darkened backseat.
I bumped shoulders with him. “Shut up.”
“But seriously. The fact that he wants an audience? The boy’s got balls of steel. I’ve never been more terrified than when I was down on one knee.You think you know the answer, that it’ll be a no-brainer, but there’s this tiny second of doubt before she says yes when you think the world might end if she doesn’t. Pretty sure I stopped breathing and was about to piss myself.”
“Wanna place bets on whether he cries at the wedding, though?”
“Fuck off,” Jenner huffed. “You’ll see what it’s like if you ever stop fucking around long enough to settle down. That moment when you see the love of your life standing at the end of the aisle is the same one when you realize your life is finally about to begin. It’s indescribable. Anyone with a soul would bawl like a baby.”
I’d been the best man at Jenner’s wedding. There was nothing but love between that couple. It was a damn shame that factors beyond their control tore them apart. Honestly, I don’t know what I would have done if I were in his position—there was no winning or losing, only endless heartbreak.
“Yeah, maybe,” I said as we pulled up to the house.
Jenner stepped out with a whistle. “Damn! Must pay really well to be the face of the league.”
Thanking the driver, I exited the vehicle to view the mega-mansion for myself. Its stone exterior gave off castle vibes, and that’s when something triggered in the back of my mind.
