Touching the Billionaire - Holly Jaymes Page 0,59
with a couple of takeout bags of food.
“I can't cook but I can order takeout.” She held up the bags and grinned like she was pleased with herself.
I looked at her with a fear that maybe I was doing exactly what Corrine had asked me to do. Not that I was completely dishonest in being with Madeline. The feelings I had, whatever they were, were true and real. But what if I was using her just for my own needs? Was that any different than using her to get a performance?
“Are you alright?” she asked, looking at me with concern on her face.
I smiled. “Just a long day.” I opened the door to let us both in.
She carried the food to my kitchen, setting it on the counter. She went through my cupboards, pulling out plates and gathering silverware from my drawers. It hit me that she looked comfortable in my kitchen. Almost like she belonged there.
I leaned a hip against the counter and crossed my arms over my chest as I watched her serve up our meal. “Can I ask you something?”
She stilled for a moment and then looked at me. “Yes.”
“When this thing between us started, we both agreed that it was probably risky.”
She nodded in agreement.
“In terms of my own reputation, I decided I don’t care. But I do care about whatever this is between us coming back to hurt you. I know you’re concerned about it too.”
Her brow furrowed, giving her that worry crease in her forehead. It made me wish I hadn’t gone down this road in the conversation. I should’ve just pulled her in my arms like I really wanted to do. But it was too late now, I had already started. “I’m just curious how you’re handling this, I guess.”
The quizzical expression began to morph into worry. “Are you having second thoughts about it?”
I shook my head vehemently. “Hell no. I like spending time with you. But I’m well aware of how selfish I’m being in that. You’re the one who’s taking on all the risk here.”
She shrugged and turned her attention back to serving our food. “We agreed that when we were working or out in public, we wouldn’t be seen together.”
“And you're okay with that? Being hidden away like some secret?” Maybe that was what was bugging me. It felt wrong that she was like a sordid secret.
She put her palms on the counter and took a breath and I hated myself for putting her in a position where she looked so uncomfortable.
“It is what it is, Theo. I'm just taking it one moment at a time. This moment, I’m here to have dinner and spend time with you. Now, if something has changed, please let me-”
“Nothing’s changed.” I put my hands on her arms and turned her to me, looking down into her lovely hazel-gray eyes intently. “Nothing’s changed.”
To prove my point, I crushed my lips down on hers, wanting to kiss away all her concerns and fears. It took a moment but eventually her arms wrapped around my waist and she sank into the kiss with me. I carried out the kiss as long as I could before I needed a breath.
When I pulled away, I said, “One moment at a time,” repeating how she explained this relationship between us.
I used the time at dinner to push myself out of this crazy funk that I was feeling and that made absolutely no sense. I wanted to spend time with Madeline and she was here. So what was my problem?
By the time dinner was done, I was back to my old self. We washed the dishes together, and I splashed water on her, telling her I wanted to see what she looked like in a wet t-shirt contest. Later that night, as I finished coming inside her and then rolled off, pulling her into my arms, I made a vow that I would be like her. I would live in the moment, savoring everything we had right here and right now. I wouldn’t worry about the future or about what could happen. I wouldn’t think about when it was time for us to walk away.
For the next couple weeks, that was the attitude that I maintained. On set and out in public, I was a bachelor actor. But at night, in the sanctity of my home, I was Madeline's.
I. Was. Madeline's.
The thought shook me awake in the middle of the night. Immediately my hand snaked out to see if she