Page 49 of Stuck Together

“I’m counting on it,” he said. “And please, call me Carl. You’re part of the Bennington family now.”

“Of course.” I nodded. “Madison will be taking the lead on this. I’ll remain on as an advisor.”

“Sounds great.” Carl smiled at Madison. “I look forward to working with you. Although, most of the communication will go through my nephew, Jonathan.”

Carl patted Jonathan’s back, and Jonathan stepped forward with his eyes trained on Madison. There was something about the way he looked at her that made me uneasy. Madison didn’t respond to him any differently than she did to Carl, so I convinced myself I was imagining things.

“Yes, please email me next week, Madison,” Jonathan said. “The sooner we can connect and get the ball rolling on this the better.”

“Absolutely.” She smiled, politely.

“Grandmother informed me that she invited you guys to stay for our office holiday party this evening. Are you able to make it?” I was eager to put a wedge between Jonathan and Madison. I never really considered myself a jealous man, but there was something about the way he looked at her that bothered me.

“I wouldn't miss it.” Carl beamed. “It's been a long time since I've had a chance to talk with Althea. I'm looking forward to catching up with her.”

Grandmother and Carl went way back. Carl was an old college buddy to my grandfather. He used to come around a lot more before Grandfather passed away, but he and Grandmother kept in touch. I had no doubt this connection helped us win the account.

“How about you, Jonathan?” I turned to him with as friendly a smile as I could muster. “Are you able to stay as well?”

“Absolutely.” His smile grew and he never took his eyes off Madison. My protective instincts kicked into overdrive. I didn't like the way he looked at her. “I’m looking forward to it. Plus, I'd love to talk to Madison and you more about the campaign before we head back.”

“Great. Then we'll see you guys around eight or so.” I placed a hand on the small of Madison’s back. She tensed slightly, but I felt a strong urge to stake my claim to her in front of Jonathan. We’d agreed to keep our relationship private until we figure out where things were headed with us. But I couldn’t stand the way Jonathan kept looking at her like she was his next meal.

“I'll see you this evening.” Carl said. “Jonathan, you ready to head out?”

“Yes. Thanks for everything and I’ll see you tonight.” He shook my hand before he turned to Madison. “It was a pleasure meeting you as well, Madison.” Jonathan took her hand and instead of a handshake, he gently kissed to top of her hand. “I look forward to seeing you this evening.”

With a smile, he turned toward the elevator with Carl without a glance back in our direction. I watched Madison, unsure of how to interpret her reaction to Jonathan. She didn't seem offended by the way he kissed her hand even though it offended me. She didn’t seem to be affected by it at all. She simply didn’t react. Maybe I was overreacting and being a little too protective.

It was probably just all the secrecy behind our relationship. I wanted to tell people we were dating, but she asked me to keep it between us for a while. I understood her concern. Dating the boss within weeks of starting a new job never looked good. But it also meant I couldn’t tell men like Jonathan that Madison was spoken for.

I hope that would change soon.

“That went well, I think.” Madison looked at me and smiled.

“It did. And you’ll do a fantastic job managing this account.” I looked at her lips and the urge to kiss her was strong. “I really want to kiss you right now.”

“Logan.” She playfully slapped my stomach. “Don’t say things like that here.”

“I can’t help it.” I stepped closer to her and her breathing quickened. “I haven’t tasted your lips in three days and I hungry for more of you.”

She narrowed her eyes with a smirk. “Well, maybe if you play your cards right, I’ll feed you after the party tonight.”

She spun on her heels and sauntered away before I could respond. Damn, that woman was going to be the death of me. Especially if she continued to insist we keep us a secret. I needed to kiss her anytime I wanted.

Soon. Very soon. I’d convince her we were in it for the long haul.

***

WITH A DRINK IN HAND, I strolled around the lobby with a smile on my face. Grandmother never failed to deliver a great holiday party. As usual, she went all out. A half a dozen trees were beautifully decorated, each with their own theme, and placed throughout the room. White twinkle lights were strung across the ceiling and wrapped around ever available surface. Dozens of poinsettias were scattered around as well. At least one on every table and lined along the walls and in front of the bars.

Once again, Christmas exploded in our lobby.

No one ever wanted for anything at one of my grandmother's parties, especially a holiday party.

“I hear Mr. Bennington was happy with the proposal and signed the contract.” Grandmother said.

“Hello, Grandmother.” This was the first I’d seen her since before our meeting. I kissed her on the cheek and smiled. “They seem very pleased with our proposal.”