She arches a brow and leans up against her headboard.
“I didn’t deny it,” she replies with a cocky shrug. Maddie enjoys getting under my skin just as much as I’ve loved watching her squirm around me these past few months.
“Well, all that matters is I’m the one who actually messed up your hair and wrinkled your dress…” I tease with a wink. I earn her famous eye roll, which causes me to smirk. “That’s what I thought.”
“Don’t be so cocky, Hulk. He’s not married, and from the boner he was sporting all night, I’d say he’s a good nine inches. Bet he’d be happy to take my V-card.”
My jaw tenses, my teeth grinding hard at the nonchalant way Maddie talks about sex and giving away her virginity.
“Oh yeah? What happened to selling it for a million dollars?” I step back until I’m leaning against the doorframe and cross my arms. She’s testing my control and knows damn well she’s pissing me off.
“Why? You gonna bid on it?” she asks, her pouty lips forming into a pompous grin.
Bidding is what got me into this fucking mess. But hell if I wouldn’t outbid every motherfucker out there to keep her as mine.
“Go to bed, Maddie. Keep your legs closed. Think you can do that for the next eight hours, or do I have to plant a chair outside your bedroom door to make sure you stay put?”
“Keep them closed for everyone, or just guys who aren’t you?” she asks loudly as I grab the knob and start closing the door.
“Good night, pain in the ass.” After I shut it, I lean against the wood until I catch my breath. I swear she’s trying to kill me along with every ounce of willpower I’ve held onto since I met her.
Chapter Eighteen
Maddie
Liam: Got a lead on a fugitive and had to head out early. I would’ve locked you in your room and threw away the key, but decided against it as I didn’t want to come home to your wrath. Think you can handle yourself until I get back?
Turning on the shower, I smirk as I read the text message Liam sent five hours ago. After our encounter last night, I’m not sure what to think, but I also really enjoy this macho side of him. He’s legit concerned that I’ll sell my virginity and give it up to the highest bidder. Or at this point, give it away for free.
Maddie: Arrogant, much? And screw you!
I also really enjoy messing with him.
Liam: Well good morning, my ray of sunshine.
Maddie: Thought it was pain in the ass? Did I get a nickname upgrade?
Liam: Only when you’re a good girl. So, be nice, and I’ll bring you a tasty biscuit.
Maddie: I am not a dog! What’s wrong with you?
Liam: Too bad. I really like doggy style.
Maddie: You’re an asshole, and I hate you.
Liam: Oh come on. I’m just messing with you. I’m running on 2 hours of sleep, and this motherfucker is pissing me off. So just humor me.
Maddie: Are you really working, or are you “working?”
Liam: I don’t know what you mean by “working,” but yes I am. Currently on a stakeout an hour away at an apartment complex, waiting to see if this bastard comes out soon since I can’t confirm which one he’s staying in. Though, I’m three seconds away from pulling the fire alarm so I can find him sooner.
Maddie: I don’t think you’re allowed to do that…
Liam: Well, I don’t follow rules. ;)
Maddie: Oh hey, there’s Mr. Arrogant again.
Liam: He never left, baby.
Butterflies invade my stomach at his term of endearment. Liam has the sexiest voice I’ve ever heard, and it’s even hotter when he says things like that. The thought has me squeezing my legs together.
Maddie: Okay, go get the bad guy. I’m going to do naked yoga and watch my shows.
Liam: Not laughing.
Maddie: No? I’m hilarious, though.
Liam: Just stay home, okay? And keep your clothes on.
Maddie: No can do, bossy pants. I’m about to get into the shower. Taking off my clothes as I type…
I smile as I hit enter, knowing he’s groaning at my message.
Liam: Try not to think about me too much. Would hate for you to slip and hurt yourself.
Maddie: Don’t flatter yourself. Zac Efron gets all my shower fantasies.
Liam: Who?
Maddie: OMG you’re so uncultured!
Liam: He one of your singing & tights-wearing losers?
I send him a middle finger emoji—because High School Musical was definitely my jam when I was eleven—then undress before stepping under the hot water.
Once I finish getting ready for the day, I head to the kitchen and make a cup of my favorite Yogi tea. Sophie and Mason cook lunch and talk about the wedding. They’ve been dedicating all their spare time to planning.
“You two going to make me an aunt again sometime soon?” I tease, walking around the table that’s covered in magazines and fabric samples.