“Not at all,” he answers with sarcasm laced in his voice. “I can run a billion-dollar company, but getting a few guys together to try on suits is well above my capability.”
“Look, okay, I don’t need your bull—”
Maddy appears at the door with cheeks flushed from the cold, distracting us from the near argument. She removes her purple knitted beanie, beaming as she notices us sitting at the table. In a mad rush, she takes a seat and releases a long sigh. “Thank God you two are together.”
Billie joins us, asking Maddy if she wants anything to drink. Maddy mentions she left the city at the crack of dawn to beat the traffic, so she is extra wired on caffeine but orders a cinnamon twist since she skipped breakfast. “I was worried this would be too hard for you guys, like there was a beef or something.”
“I never said there was a beef.” I suck my cheeks in, sputtering those words in a raised voice. “What makes you think we can’t work together?”
“Aston is too busy, and you’re getting laid by a doctor,” Maddy replies casually.
My mouth falls open the moment those words leave hers. Across from me, Aston makes a slight growl. I can’t believe she brought up Marco, especially in front of Aston. On top of that, I’m not even sleeping with Marco.
“This is not appropriate to discuss, Madelina,” I grit, purposely calling her by her full name. “My personal life should be personal.”
“Fine.” Maddy rolls her eyes out of boredom. “Can we talk about the dress fittings, please?”
As Maddy talks, Aston remains quiet across from me. I avoid his unrelenting stare and nod when needed as if I’m paying attention to Maddy. All I hear are words liketulleandlace, but aside from that, my mind is questioning why Aston’s mood has shifted.
She glances at her watch mid-sentence, releasing another heavy sigh. “How is it this late already? Myles’s mother and Mom are heading out to brunch, and they asked me to join them.”
It’s just before nine thirty, which is hardly late in the day. Though Maddy appears to be reacting to the caffeine as she annoyingly bounces her leg beneath the table.
“Oh, you didn’t tell me your mom is here.”
Maddy glances at Aston as something passes between them. I wait to see if either will indulge my curiosity, but both look uncomfortable.
“Yes, I picked her up this morning” is all Maddy says. “It was a long car ride of silence.”
I read the signs and decide not to ask any more questions, since whatever is happening appears to be a family issue. If Maddy wants to talk, which I know she will, I’ll surely hear about it later.
Maddy says goodbye, reminding me she’ll call me later this afternoon, then bolts out the door, leaving us alone again.
Well, not entirely alone, since Billie is still stalking by the counter.
“So, I think we’re done here.” I push the chair back to stand, notebook in hand, and then smile. “Have a nice day.”
As I attempt to turn my back to Aston, he reaches out and wraps his hand around my wrist to stop me. Again with the wrist grabbing, which does something to me I can’t explain. I bite my lip, ignoring the blood pumping through my veins. After last night, I thought I got it out of my system, but with just one touch, I’m again proven wrong.
“We’renotdone,” he commands.
“I think we are. You have your list of things, and I have mine, which includes visiting a violinist this afternoon, since she’s willing to fit me in. So, if you’ll excuse me, I have some emails to send out before I leave for the drive.”
He lets go of my wrist, but his gaze is unwavering. “I’m coming with you.”
“You’re not coming with me to listen to wedding music. You’ll get bored, then make my life hell.”
“I’m supposed to help with these things as well, so I won’t take no for an answer.” Aston stands, towering over me. His eyes fall to my lips, watching them intently before I see him shake his head like he’s been caught up in some sort of trance. “I’ll be parked out front at noon.”
I fold my arms over my chest. “I’m not getting in your penis mobile again. Look, I can do this myself. I’m sure you have work to do.”
Aston doesn’t respond, but with his gaze piercing, I know there’s no stopping him.
“Twelve p.m., Everleigh. Be ready.”
“Fine! But why do you have to be such a jerk all the time?”
A devious smile plays on his lips before he leans in and whispers, “You’re an easy target, Miss Woods. But if you want, I’ll play nice. Though I’m much more fun when I’m playing dirty.” He pulls away, cocking his head with a dismissive glance. As he walks out of the café, I stand still, watching him, not realizing Billie is standing beside me.
