Page 60 of Seduced in Ink
“Good morning, darling,” Maeve said, reaching around to air-kiss Madison’s cheek. “I spotted Guy about to sit alone. We just can’t have that. He’ll join us for breakfast.”
Guy moved her chair back, and Maeve took a seat. Mark narrowed his eyes at the movement before going back to his phone.
“Good morning, Guy. Mother. I hope you had a pleasant evening.” Aaron wanted to growl at how agreeable Madison sounded, but he knew she was trying. Just like he was.
“I’m sure you had an eventful one,” Maeve said, practically snapping. While Aaron wanted to think that maybe she was discussing what Madison and he had gotten up to the night before, he had a feeling it had more to do with what had happened between Joyce and Madison.
He was grateful that he hadn’t been there. If he had, he probably wouldn’t have been as nice as Madison, and she had been anything but nice for once.
He could not believe the nerve of some people, but he couldn’t change their opinions either.
Madison had stood up for her family, though, so fuck everyone else. That was a refrain he said often lately, but he couldn’t help it. He was so tired of human beings.
“Anyway, I fixed what happened with Joyce last night. She just assumed you had too much alcohol. You know how it is.”
“That’s not what happened, Mother.”
“It’s fine, you know Joyce. She’s the one who drank too much.”
Maeve rolled her eyes, and Aaron held back a frown, wondering what Maeve had meant by that. Was she standing up for Madison? Or was she just playing games? He did not understand this woman, and she made him more confused than ever.
“Oh good, the waiter is here. I could use some coffee.”
They ordered their drinks, and everyone refilled their mugs, with Maeve getting her first cup.
Aaron was tired, probably a littletootired for dealing with Maeve and her games. But Madison needed him, and the way she leaned into him and laughed and looked at him like he was her whole world made him feel like this was real. That it wasn’t fake.
She would never play games with him like that, and he believed it.
It was hard to want more when he didn’t know what they had to begin with.
Or maybe he was overthinking.
They spoke about nothing important, mostly Mark’s job, and Guy’s investments. Aaron nodded along, mainly paying attention to Madison and no one else.
When she did the same with him, he felt like he was on top of the world.
However, he was afraid of what would happen when the world came crashing down, gravity pulling them to their deaths.
“Madison, Guy was just telling us about a little coffee shop that reminded him of yours. You should go with him to look at it.”
Aaron blinked, pulling himself out of his thoughts as Madison froze next to him.
“Oh, it’s like mine?”
“Yes,” Guy said, his voice smooth and cultured.
“You mentioned wanting to start a franchise. This might be a good way to begin that. At least, get the lay of the land. What do you think, darling?” Maeve prompted.
Aaron had no idea what this woman was playing at. Why did it sound as if she suddenly cared about Madison’s job? Was she turning over a new leaf? Not likely. No, this was more about wanting to get Guy alone with Madison. It was all a manipulation.
But Aaron saw the curiosity in Madison’s gaze, and he knew it wasn’t about the man. It couldn’t be. Guy was a nice dude, he made her laugh, just like Aaron did, but she didn’t want him. Right? No, that was just some odd jealousy that had nothing to do with them talking. She wanted to know about the coffee shop. That was it. Right?
“That sounds wonderful,” Madison said, looking at Aaron. “What do you say? Do you want to go?”
Aaron cringed.
“I’d love to. You know I love your cupcakes and coffee.” He grinned, leaning down and almost brushing a kiss along her lips before he remembered where they were. Instead, he tucked her hair behind her ear. “But…”