Chapter 287
Madison
When I unlocked my apartment door, I was immediately hit by the smell of coffee and bacon. Mom was up and cooking, which was both a relief and a concern.
“Madison?” she called from the kitchen. “Is that you, honey?”
“Yeah, Mom,” I answered, dropping my purse on the entryway table. “You’re up early.”
I found her at the stove, spatula in hand, looking better than she had in weeks. The color had returned to her cheeks, and she moved with more energy than I’d seen since before her diagnosis.
“Thought I’d make my baby girl some breakfast,” she said with a smile. “You’re always rushing around these days.”
“Mom, you shouldn’t be on your feet so much,” I protested, moving to take the spatula from her. “The doctor said-”
“The doctor said moderate activity is good for me,” she interrupted, swatting my hand away. “And standing at a stove making breakfast counts as moderate in my book.”
I sighed, knowing better than to argue. “Fine, but let me help at least.”
Mom waved me away with the spatula. “You look like you could use a shower more than I need help with breakfast. Go on, get yourself cleaned up.”
I glanced down at my rumpled clothes and touched my tangled hair self–consciously. “Are you sure?”
without an
“Madison Harper, I’ve been cooking breakfast since before you were born. I think I can manage assistant.” She flipped a pancake with expert precision. “Besides, you’ve got that big meeting today, don’t you? The one at the construction site?”
“How did you know about that?”
She gave me a knowing smile. “You mentioned it yesterday. Now scoot. Food will be ready when you’re done.”
I headed to the bathroom, stripping off yesterday’s clothes and stepping under the hot spray of the shower. The water soothed my aching muscles, a pleasant reminder of my activities with Alexander. I closed my eyes, letting the water cascade over me, trying to wash away the confusion I felt about Katherine’s calls.
What did she want? Why now? And why was Alexander ignoring her?
Not that it was any of my business. Our arrangement was clear: exclusive dating for a year in exchange for my mother’s medical care. Feelings weren’t part of the deal.
So why did seeing Katherine’s name on his phone make my stomach twist into knots?
I finished showering and wrapped myself in a towel, wiping the steam from the mirror to examine my reflection. Alexander had left his mark; several, in fact. Purple bruises dotted my neck and collarbone, a constellation of his possession. I’d need a high–necked blouse today.
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Chapter 287
+25 BONUS
After blow–drying my hair and applying minimal makeup, I selected a white blouse with a bow at the neck and a pencil skirt that hugged my curves. The outfit was professional enough for a meeting with contractors but still appealing enough to catch Alexander’s eye.
Not that I was trying to compete with Katherine. That would be ridiculous.
I returned to the kitchen to find Mom setting a plate of pancakes and bacon on the table.
“Perfect timing,” she said, pouring me a cup of coffee. “Sit, eat. You’re too skinny.”
“I am not,” I protested, but took a seat anyway. The pancakes smelled divine.
Mom watched me eat with a satisfied smile. “So, things with Alexander seem to be going well.”
I nearly choked on my coffee. “What makes you say that?”
“A mother knows these things.” She tapped the side of her nose. “Plus, you’ve got that glow about you.”
“What glow?” I asked, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.
“The kind that comes from good sex,” she said matter–of–factly.
“Mom!” I spluttered, mortified.
She laughed. “Oh please, I’m not dead yet. I remember what it’s like to be young and in love.”
In love? The words hit me like a bucket of ice water. I wasn’t in love with Alexander. This was a business
arrangement, nothing more.
“It’s not like that,” I muttered, pushing my pancakes around my plate.
“No? Then what is it like?”
I opened my mouth, then closed it again. How could I explain our complicated situation without revealing the truth?
Mom reached across the table and patted my hand. “It’s okay, honey. You don’t have to tell me. Just know that I haven’t seen you this happy in a long time.”
Was I happy? The question caught me off guard. Despite the complications, the confusion, the underlying anxiety about our arrangement… yes, I realized. I was happier than I’d been in years.
Before I could respond, my phone chimed with a text.
Alexander: Downstairs in 5. Don’t make me come up and get you.
“Is that him?” Mom asked, nodding at my phone.
“Yeah, he’s picking me up for the meeting.”
“Well, don’t keep the man waiting.” She shooed me away from the table. “Go, be brilliant. I’ll clean up here.”
“Are you sure? I can help-”
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Chapter 287
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“Madison,” she cut me off with a stern look, “I’m feeling better than I have in months. Let me do this small thing.”
I hesitated, then nodded. “Okay. But promise you’ll rest later?”
“Cross my heart.” She made an X over her chest. “Now go before your man gets impatient.”
Your man.
The phrase echoed in my head as I gathered my things. Alexander wasn’t “my man.” He was… what, exactly? My boss? My lover? My fake boyfriend?
All of the above, and yet none quite fit.
I kissed Mom goodbye and headed downstairs. I immediately spotted Alexander’s sleek black car. The driver opened the door for me, and I slid into the backseat beside Alexander.
“Right on time,” he said, not looking up from his tablet. “I’m impressed, Ms. Harper.”
“I aim to please, Mr. Knight.”
His eyes flicked to mine, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “Yes, you certainly do.”
Heat flooded my cheeks at the memory of our morning activities. I cleared my throat, gesturing to his tablet.” Anything I should know before the meeting?”
“Just the usual contractor issues. Budget overruns, timeline extensions.” He handed me the tablet. “I’ve highlighted the key points.”
I scrolled through the document, absorbing the information while acutely aware of Alexander’s proximity. His subtle, expensive cologne filled the small space, making it hard to concentrate.
“Ms. Harper,” Alexander’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. “Are you with me?”
“Yes, sorry. Just reviewing the notes.”
His hand landed on my thigh, warm and heavy through the fabric of my skirt. “You seem distracted this morning.”
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
