She bites her lip. “Sometimes I forget.”
“How often?”
“What?” She blinks at me with those pretty green eyes, but I won’t be deterred.
“How often are you forgetting to plug in your phone?” Then I hold up a hand, “Never mind. Your phone should last the night even if you forget.”
“I know,” she sighs. “I’ve been due for an upgrade. I just hate going to the dumb phone store.”
I hum, my plans for the day solidifying. “Let’s go.”
Her mouth pops open, “Go where?”
“The dumb phone store. By the time we’re done it’ll be time for that lunch I owe you.” I pause, “Unless you’re still hungry. We can stop and grab some more breakfast on the way.”
“Some more breakfast,” she repeats the words back slowly.
My shrug has her snickering.
I hold a hand out, gesturing down the hall. “Let’s go.”
“Axel, I can’t just leave. I need to get ready.”
“Ready?” I look her over. “Ready for what? You look good.”
“I look good,” she repeats again. Her tone is bland but there’s a hint of a smile on her face.
“Good. Sexy. Perfect.” My nostrils flare as I do another once over. “Actually, you’re right. Go change. Into something… thicker.”
“Thicker?” This time her laugh is loud. “What the hell does that mean?”
I close the distance between us and in a flash, I’ve plucked her nipple between my fingertips.
She yelps and tries to jump back but my other hand grips the back of her neck, holding her in place.
“Thicker.” I roll my fingers, eliciting a groan. “More clothing. Something that keeps these little pearls for my eyes only.”
“Axel,” Maddie pants my name and I palm her breast. “You’re being ridiculous.”
I bring my lips down until they’re brushing against hers. “Probably.”
She tries to smile but it falters as she arches into my touch. “Two things.”
Distracted, I slide my hand over to her other breast. “Two things.” It’s my turn to repeat words.
“One, you don’t need to take me to the phone store.”
I shake my head, “Non-negotiable.”
Her puff of breath brushes over my lips.
“Two?” I prompt.
“Two, when I said that I needed to get ready, I meant I need to shower. Do my hair, makeup. Ya know? Get ready.”
“Oh. Right.” Reluctantly, I release my hold of her and step back. “In that case, carry on.”
Maddie grins up at me, “Want me to turn the tv on for you?”