Page 51 of Made
Oh, I do hope so.
He picks up a piece of bread and tears off a chunk with his teeth. Even watching him eat is so sexy it seems to make my lady parts purr. I could spend all day looking at Maddox James, andthe feeling seems to be mutual. Lunch is usually a brown bag or a granola bar and fruit on the run. This is a whole different experience, and I feel completely comfortable enjoying the food that he’s prepared for me.
“Are you busy today?” he asks as we finish up.
“Sadly yes. I have meetings about the new app, a few ideas to run by Mason and Elijah. And we’re doing a little ceremony this afternoon, rewarding staff who came up with new ideas for our Go Greener campaign.”
“You meanyourcampaign Ellie. I know my brothers have bought into it, and you’ve definitely opened their eyes to a lot of things. It’s all down to you. What new ideas have been proposed?”
I tell him about some of them—a book swap system, a subsidized scheme to purchase bicycles, waste food collection in all the staff kitchens, and a great idea to fund Jamestech-branded reusable bamboo cups for takeout coffees and juices. He follows along, adding in his own ideas. I know he has similar views to me. It’s something we’ve always bonded over.
“Sounds like you have a full day. But can I see you later? There’s a place I’d like to take you.”
“Okay. Is it fancy? How will I need to dress?”
“However you like. I’ll be in sweats and a T-shirt.”
“What? So no high heels or pearls?” I tease him.
“Not tonight, baby, but I’ll give them a go if that’s what gets you fired up.”
I laugh at the image, and he gives me one last lingering kiss before he leaves.
I think I might have to invest in some heavier shoes, because if I keep feeling like this, I’m going to start floating through my days.
Chapter 21
Maddox
Ibump into Mason on my way out, and I can’t get the big dumb grin off my face. He gives me an exasperated look and shakes his head.
“Maddox, I remember the good old days, when you used to come to Jamestech to see your big brothers. Now you just come here to distract my VP of Marketing. I should charge you for her time.”
I know he’s joking, but I feel immediately protective. Like a wild animal that needs to defend his mate.
“She’s not distracted. She works her ass off for you, Mase. In fact, she just kicked me out of her office so she could work.”
He holds up his hands to placate me. He can’t keep the smirk off his face though, smug asshole. “Over-reacting much?”
He’s adept at pushing my buttons. Thirty-odd years of practice will do that. Usually I don’t bite back so easily. “Fuck you, ass-face.”
“Ass-face?Is that the best you’ve got? Sex must be scrambling your brain already, bro.”
“Dude, I take it back. I actually think ass-face is being too kind to you. It’s an insult to asses.”
He rubs his chin, nodding. “You’re right. Asses are great. I love ass. And it appears you do too lately. Specifically Ellie’s ass.”
I growl, and my hands tighten into fists. What the hell is going on with me? I never respond to his teasing like this. Mason has always been this way. He’s the one who will defuse a situation with humor. It never usually gets to me at all, no matter how much he tries to wind me up.
Now, though? Now I genuinely feel like I could bury my fist in his face. Mess up those perfect teeth of his. He takes a step back, obviously seeing something unexpected in my expression.
“Whoah, Maddox. Chill. I apologize. You know I didn’t mean anything by it. I respect the hell out of you and Ellie, and I couldn’t be happier that you’re together. I’m just…fuck, I’m an ass-face, okay?”
The anger inside me deflates immediately. What the fuck was I thinking? I nod, patting him on the shoulder. He’s my big brother, and I love him, and he would never disrespect Ellie. “Fuck, sorry, Mase. I guess I’m just a little touchy when it comes to her.”
“Hey, I get it. If anyone looks sideways at King, I want to skin them alive. We’re good.”
I make my goodbyes and leave.
