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MADDIE
It happened unbelievably fast—the window’s fixed and the crew is already gone. They were the most efficient team I could have imagined. I barely had time to go through two applications in that time they were here.
They weren’t like the repair places I visited earlier. In those places, the men behind the counter shook their heads even as I was telling them the problem. I could already tell they wouldn’t take the job.
This crew came in as a team, moved fast, and had the big pane of glass out of the frame and replaced in less than an hour.
For them it was a quick fix.
For me it was the longest day of my life. I made a compromise and it’s one I’m trying not to think about as I pace behind my sofa and stare at the blue door to my apartment. Waiting for the knock. Waiting for the payment to be made. I close my eyes, take a deep breath in, and breathe out slowly.
All I want is for Graham to get here.
I realize that a second deal with him is past the point where I can explain it away through sheer desperation, but he smelled too damn good. Afterall, damages are probably covered by renters’ insurance…maybe? I’m sure there could have beenanother way. I didn’t want it any other way, though. He looked at me with those gorgeous blue eyes, and I wanted to feel his hands on me again. I wanted to give him something, too.
I hadn’t actually meant to make another arrangement with him, though. What I’d meant to do was go to his office, confess what had happened, then ask him for the name of someone who could fix the window. I’d have called myself and asked about a payment plan, something to make it affordable. Or given the information to insurance. I’m sure there is some other way to handle an accident like that. I’m almost one hundred percent certain.
And then he’d been there, sitting behind his desk, so handsome and charming and a little bit, what felt like, protective and flirtatious. I couldn’t help myself.
The clock behind me in the kitchen ticks.
I can hear it in the quiet of the apartment. I’m standing in a spacious entryway, which happens to be the first—no,second—place I ever saw Graham. An open archway leads into the kitchen. The entryway leads into the wide living room with the big windows I’ve loved since I moved in. My bedroom and bathroom are off to the left. My ex’s office is to the right of the living room. I wanted to make it a guest bedroom, but now it’s just…empty. Empty and luxurious, with crown molding and a calming paint job and enough room for my cousin,ifshe’d agree to live with me.
Graham’s going to be here any minute. Standing right where he was before.
I take deep breaths and pretend to be calm about it. There’s nothing out of place in the entire apartment. I’ve already cleaned everything there is to clean. I’ve prepared myself as best as I can as well.
A text pops up on my phone and I’m more than grateful for the distraction. It’s from Kenzie.
Kenzie: Hey, Maddie, I’m sorry about the phone call the other day
Maddie: It’s okay! Are things any better?
Kenzie: Not really, but I don’t want to fight with you or take out my frustrations on you. I love you.
Maddie: I love you too and we’re not fighting. Call me later if you want?
Kenzie: I will.
I don’t think she will call. Her texts make me believe she might be in a worse financial situation than before, and she feels like she needs to be on good terms with me just in case.
If only she knew the bad luck I’ve been having. A broken window doesn’t help anybody who’s short on cash.
I’ll be all right. I’ll get back on my feet. Until then…I glance back at the door, willing there to be a knock on the other side.
The only thing that worries me is how much I’ve been thinking about Graham, what we did together, and the way I feel when he’s touching me.
After my last two exes, I don’t need to fall head over heels with a man, especially one with so much more than what I have. More power and an imbalance…it’s exactly what got me into this problem in the first place. I fell in love with a man who was far more wealthy and powerful than me. I did everything he wanted to feel safe and because I loved him. I’m not saying I’m in love with Graham, but I am saying it’s something I need to be aware of.
Nothing has felt as new and exciting as being near Graham, but how can I trust that feeling when it’s led me to disaster more than once?
I have to be careful. The romantic in me needs to die. This is just sex. It’s practically business…an arrangement sealed with a kiss.
Shaking off the hesitation, I go to the bedroom and plug my phone in on the side table, doing my best to keep thoughts of Kenzie and my job search and my past out of my head. Today is about the present. Today is about giving Graham what I owe for the broken window.
Another wave of desire runs through me, and I wonder if I should wait for him naked on the sofa or if he would want me to strip for him again. He seemed to really like that. The memory brings a heat through my chest.
That probably shouldn’t be so hot to think about, but I already have to press my thighs together to keep myself from stripping out of my clothes and having some private time in the bedroom. Graham seemed to like my dress when he saw it earlier, so I decide to keep it on.