Chapter 298
Madison
“The lasagna is exceptional,” Alexander said, smoothly changing the subject. “I can see where Madison gets her attention to detail.”
Mom beamed. “Family recipe. I’ve been perfecting it for years.”
“It’s amazing,” I agreed, grateful for the shift in conversation. “Best batch yet.”
“The secret is in the herbs,” Mom confided. “Fresh basil makes all the difference.”
As dinner progressed, I found myself watching Alexander interact with my mother. He was attentive, charming, and genuinely interested in her stories. It was a side of him I rarely saw in the office: this warmth, this easy charm that had nothing to do with business deals or power plays.
When Mom excused herself to use the restroom, Alexander leaned closer to me.
“Your mother is delightful,” he said quietly.
“She likes you,” I replied, surprised by how much that pleased me.
His fingers brushed mine under the table. “Good. I like her too.” He paused, his expression softening. “And I especially like seeing this side of you, relaxed and at home.”
“It’s nice having you here,” I admitted. “Outside of… everything else.”
His thumb traced circles on my palm. “Everything else is just context, Madison. This-” he gestured between us, “-is what matters.”
Before I could process what he meant, Mom returned, and Alexander smoothly withdrew his hand.
“Who’s ready for dessert?” Mom asked. “I made tiramisu.”
“Sounds perfect,” Alexander said. “Can I help you serve?”
“Such a gentleman! Madison, you should keep this one.”
I nearly choked on my wine. “Mom!”
Alexander’s laugh was warm and genuine. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”
We ate dessert amid easy conversation, and I found myself relaxing completely. There was something surreal about watching Alexander Knight, billionaire CEO and the most intimidating man I’d ever met, sitting at our dining table, eating tiramisu and laughing at her jokes.
After dessert, Mom insisted on making coffee. While she busied herself in the kitchen, Alexander and I moved to the living room.
“Your mother seems much better,” he observed, sitting close enough that our thighs touched.
“The care at Hallmark has been incredible,” I said. “I can’t thank you enough for that.”
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His expression turned serious. “You don’t need to thank me, Madison. Seeing her recovery is thanks enough.”
There was something in his voice, a sincerity that made my chest tighten. This wasn’t the calculated businessman speaking; this was just Alexander, the man who had somehow become an essential part of my life.
“Still,” I said softly, “it means everything to me.”
His eyes held mine, something unspoken passing between us. For a moment, I thought he might kiss me, but then Mom returned with the coffee.
“Here we are! Fresh coffee to end the meal.”
Alexander accepted his cup with a smile. “Perfect. Thank you, Sarah.”
“So, Alexander,” Mom said, settling into her armchair, “Madison mentioned you might be taking a trip to Japan soon for work?”
He nodded. “Yes, we have some potential partners there. I’m hoping Madison will join me for the trip.”
My head snapped up. “You are?”
“Of course.” His expression gave nothing away. “Your input on the project would be valuable during those meetings.”
“Japan!” Mom exclaimed. “How exciting! Madison’s never been to Asia.”
“Then it’s settled,” Alexander said, as if the matter had been decided. “We’ll make arrangements soon.”
I stared at him, trying to read his intentions. Was this a business trip or something more? With Alexander, the lines always seemed to blur.
The conversation drifted to other topics, and before I knew it, it was past nine. Mom yawned, trying to hide it
behind her hand.
“I think that’s my cue,” Alexander said, rising from the couch. “Sarah, thank you for a wonderful dinner. The lasagna was exceptional.”
“You’re welcome anytime,” Mom said warmly. “It’s been lovely having you.”
“I’ll walk you out,” I offered, following him to the door.
Mom gave me a knowing look before disappearing into her bedroom, leaving us alone in the entryway.
“Your mother is charming,” Alexander said, his voice low. “I see where you get it from.”
“Charming? Me?” I raised an eyebrow. “I think you have me confused with someone else, Mr. Knight.”
“No confusion.” His hand came up to cup my cheek. “You’re many things, Madison Harper. Charming is definitely one of them.”
My breath caught as his thumb traced my lower lip. “Thank you for coming tonight. It meant a lot to her.”
“And to you?” His eyes searched mine.
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“Yes,” I admitted. “To me, too.”
He leaned in, his lips brushing mine in a kiss that was surprisingly gentle. “Good. Because I enjoyed myself more than I expected.”
“High praise from Alexander Knight,” I teased.
“I mean it.” His expression turned serious. “Seeing you here, in your element… it’s different. I like it.”
I didn’t know how to respond to the unexpected vulnerability in his voice. Before I could find the words, he kissed me again, deeper this time.
“I should go,” he murmured against my lips. “Before I forget your mother is in the next room.‘
I nodded, reluctantly stepping back. “Goodnight, Alexander.”
“Goodnight, Maddie.” He opened the door, then paused. “About Japan–I wasn’t just saying that. I want you there with me.”
“For work?” I asked, needing clarification.
A slow smile spread across his face. “For work… and everything else.”
With that cryptic response, he was gone, leaving me standing in the doorway with my fingers pressed to my lips and my mind spinning with possibilities.
I closed the door and leaned against it, trying to process the evening. Alexander Knight had just spent Sunday dinner with my mother and me, acting for all the world like a man who belonged here. Not a CEO with his assistant, not a billionaire with his arrangement, but a man enjoying time with… what? His girlfriend? The woman he was falling for?
“He’s in love with you,” Mom said, startling me as she emerged from her room. “And unless I’m completely mistaken, you’re in love with him too.”
“It’s complicated,” I said weakly.
She patted my cheek. “Love always is, honey. But that doesn’t make it any less real.”
As I helped her clean up the kitchen, I couldn’t stop thinking about the way Alexander had looked at me tonight, as if I were something precious, something worth cherishing. Maybe Mom was right. Maybe there was more to our arrangement than either of us was willing to admit.
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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.
