Chapter 238

Madison

Something flashed in his eyes—surprise, maybe even a hint of guilt—before his expression smoothed. “If that were true, I wouldn’t have brought you here.” He gestured to the lake house, the carefully prepared meal. “I would have bent you over my desk at the office.”

I couldn’t argue with that logic. “Fair point.”

We finished our dessert in charged silence, the chocolate rich on my tongue. Alexander watched me lick my spoon clean, his eyes tracking the movement with predatory focus.

“Come,” he said after clearing our plates, extending his hand to me. “Let’s get more comfortable.”

He led me to a plush outdoor sectional positioned to face both the lake and a sleek fire pit. With the press of a button, flames danced to life, casting a warm glow across the darkening deck.

I settled onto the couch, slipping off my heels with a sigh of relief. Alexander sat beside me, close enough that our thighs touched. He draped his arm across the back o