Chapter 36
Hunter
“ M iss Stephenson is here to see you, Mr. Stone.” Jenny comes into my office and her face tells me exactly what she thinks of Maddison. She never liked her and she wasn’t afraid to let me know. As my almost surrogate mother, I should’ve listened. I ignored her warnings that she was only after the status being with me gave her. I stand and button up my suit jacket, knowing I just have to get through today and I get to spend the weekend with Jade.
“Brilliant, send her in.” Jenny approaches, her face stern, and she jabs her pointer finger into my chest.
“I do hope you aren’t going to do anything stupid. Hunter, because, I swear, you hurt that beautiful soul across the hall, I’ll have your balls and wear them as fucking earrings. Do I make myself clear?”
“Crystal.” I gulp.
“Good.” She leaves and I hear her bark at Maddison as she returns to her desk.
“I see Jenny’s still as pleasant as ever.” Maddison struts in kissing me on the cheek.
“Please, Maddison, take a seat.”
“No need to be so formal, Hunter.” She trails her manicured nails over my forearms, but I put my hands in my suit pockets.
“So what did you want to discuss?”
“Okay, so we are being formal.” She rolls her eyes as she helps herself to a glass of red wine from my wet bar before lowering herself onto the couch.
“Help yourself,” I grit out as I grab a glass, pouring myself two fingers of scotch, before I lean against my desk. “Can we make this quick, Maddison? I have somewhere I need to be.”
“Right.” She takes a sip of her wine, fixing her big brown eyes on me. “I just wanted to let you know that I’m really sorry for how I’ve been acting lately. I promise that I won’t make a move on you again. I can only hope that you understand and forgive my behavior. I just struggled to move on. I really thought we would be together forever.” She drops her head and places her glass on the coffee table. “But I can see now that I was wrong.” She stands and moves over to where I’m standing. “I’ve worked on myself, and I’ve met someone who I really think I can be happy with.’’ She touches my forearm gently and the look on her face makes me pause. She actually looks remorseful.
I didn’t see this coming. I don’t think I’ve ever heard an apology come out of Maddison’s mouth.
“I accept your apology and I’m so glad that you’ve found someone.” I place my glass on my desk which forces her to drop her hand and hold her shoulders softly. “But unfortunately, that was never going to be me.”
She drops her gaze and shakes her head slowly. “I know. I see that now.”
“I hope we can still be friends?” She nods. “I’m guessing your job at Peak is going well?”
“Yes, thank you. I don’t think I thanked you for setting that up, either. I’ve been very ungrateful to you. You’ve helped me so much.”
Okay, this is a side of Maddison I have truly never seen before. She almost looks vulnerable.
“I was actually thinking of applying for the associate position here, but never went through with it. Is it still available?” She has moved a little closer. I try to move away, but I’ve already got my ass pressed as far as I can against my desk.
“No, that position has been filled and I’m extremely happy with her. She has become part of the Bright family very quickly.”
She looks a little taken aback. “Your new associate’s a woman?” Her voice rises in surprise.
“Yes, she’s very knowledgeable and resourceful. We’re lucky to have her.”
“And I’m lucky to be here.” Jade walks into my office like an apparition. She literally glows standing tall even at her small 5-foot frame. She barely acknowledges Maddison’s presence and addresses me. “Mr. Stone, I’ve emailed you the contracts to go over for the Johnson investments and Mrs. Blanchard has agreed to our terms. Ted has set up a meeting for next week with Mr. Harris and his son. Here are the final drafts of the McKenzie file. I think you’ll be happy with what I’ve come up with.” She places the file on my desk and I manage to worm out of Maddison’s space. Thankful that I have a valid excuse to create some distance between us.
“Thank you, Jade. This is Maddison Stephenson. She used to work here as one of our analysts.”
She gives Maddison a once over. “Nice to meet you, Maddison. I wonder why you’d leave a company like Bright?” The look in her eyes is cold, and I shiver.
Damn, my girl can be scary.
Maddison’s smile is haunting. “I was given an opportunity I couldn’t refuse.” She looks Jade up and down. “Nice shoes.” Jade doesn’t even flinch. “But I wouldn’t get too comfortable in them. Jess.” I don’t like the bite in her tone.
“Madd—” I go to defend Jade but she cuts me off.
“My name is Jade. And trust me I’m very comfortable. So I would remember my name, Miss Stephenson. I may be small but remember poison comes in little bottles. I don’t take too kindly to mean girls.” Okay, fiery worked up Jade maybe my new favorite thing. She turns her fiery gaze on me. Fuck, now is not the time for my dick to wake up. “Now If you’ll excuse me I must be going, Mr. Stone, I have somewhere to be this evening.”
“Yes, of course.” She leaves, the red of her soles flashing as she goes.
“Well, isn't she cute?” Maddison’s poisonous snicker makes my cock instantly soften.
“Cute?”
She comes to stand next to me. “Yes, cute. She’s a tiny girl playing boss babe. Those aren’t even real Louboutin’s.” She laughs, and the sound goes right through me. “Honestly, Hunter, you think that she’ll cut it?”
“She may not look like the typical boss babe as you call it, but she’s one hundred percent what Bright needs.” And for me personally, she’s truly bringing out the best in me—not that I will tell Maddison that. “She’s driven, efficient, and extremely liked by clients and employees alike. And as for her shoes, that’s a low blow, Maddison. It’s very superficial of you. I thought you’d turned over a new leaf, but apparently, the viper’s still lurking.” She visibly flinches at my tone, but I will not have her talking about Jade like that. “Now, is there anything else you wanted to talk to me about?” I take a seat at my desk and look through the folder Jade left, effectively dismissing Maddison.
“No.” She grits out.
“Great. Have a lovely weekend. I assume you remember your way out?”