Maddie shrieks and skips away from me.
I could’ve caught her before she reached the front door, but throwing her over my shoulder and carrying her away from her business is not the impression I’m trying to make right now.
Not to mention it’s kinda hard to run when yourfat dickis at half-mast.
I groan and take a wide step, trying to shake everything back into place.
Then I relive her sweet voice saying those dirty words and groan again. This girl is gonna kill me.
I’m a few paces behind her when I pass through the door and into her cute coffee shop.
It’s airy and cozy and even though I know it’s a chain, I can still feel Maddie’s influence.
Maddie, my Maddie.
Her ass is bouncing around in that bright dress and I have to take another wide step.
It’s not like she’s dressed provocatively, it’s just her. Her curvy little body with handfuls of soft smooth skin. Seriously, give me another few weeks of dating her and I’m gonna need heart meds.
“That was quick!” a boy’s voice calls out from somewhere in the space, and my eyes find him quickly.
He’s rearranging a stack of something behind the counter, a big, relieved smile on his face.
“Hey, Griff.” Maddie walks towards him, lifting a hand. “We were in the area.”
So, this is Griff. A gangly teen. Great, now I feel like even more of an idiot.
Then the kid lets out a whistle, “Looking good, Boss.” And I’m back to hating him.
A rumble rolls out of my chest and the kid’s gaze snaps over to see me stalking up behind Maddie.
His eyes widen and he takes a step back, even though a counter separates us. “Yeesh!”
Maddie is chewing on her lip and I can’t tell if she’s uncomfortable or trying not to laugh. And as much as I want to stake my claim on her, even if it’s just to this spindly kid, I want to respect the fact that this is her place. She’s the authority here. Even if doing nothing goes against every instinct I have.
“Griff, this is Axel.” She pauses and it’s obvious she isn’t sure what to call me. Which is fair, since I think we’re still on our first date. “Axel, this is Griff, my best employee.”
Griff presses a hand to his stomach as he holds his other arm out to the side and takes a bow. “I live to serve.” When he finishes with the ridiculous motion, he tilts his head and looks at me again. “Oh wait!”
Maddie’s hand is making a cutting motion, and I’m guessing she’s trying to subtly gesture for the kid to stop speaking.
But either he doesn’t pick up on it, or he doesn’t care, because he snaps his fingers. “Is this him?”
“Him who?” I ask, letting my stance relax. I tip my head towards Maddie, “She’s been talking about me?”
“If you’re the guy-”
“Griff!” Maddie practically shouts his name, cutting him off.
Instead of looking chastised, he just grins. “Yeah, you’re the guy.”
“Good to hear.” I place my hand on Maddie’s lower back and tip my head down to her, “I’ll find a seat. Go do your thing.”
Her cheeks are blazing when she looks up at me. “Thanks, Axel.”
Chapter35
Maddie