Her breath caught. To the whole world, Elena Bartell was someone icy, dangerous, and ruthless. But waking up each day to Elena’s softness always blew that persona out of the water.
Elena might not speak of her love often, but she didn’t have to. And while few people knew what they meant to each other, the sense of belonging Maddie felt was enough for now. Even if Elena’s presence in Maddie’s world often confused the hell out of everyone…like her publishing house.
Thinking back on Alicia’s certainty Elena would never show at some insignificant little book launch, Maddie laughed.
“Care to share?” Elena asked.
“Last week, my publisher, Mr. Mandell, started running theories past me as to why Bartell Corp was bothering to help out my book.”
“Oh?” Elena’s eyes twinkled.
“Was it because I was a Bartell Corp reporter once? Loyalty to one of the company’s own? I pointed out I only worked for a short period under Bartell Corp’s reign.”
“True.”
“Then was it because I was your assistant perhaps? I explained that my assistant stint was even briefer—and that you fired my ass…twice.”
Elena’s eyebrows lifted in protest. “In my defense, I did try and reinstate you.”
“Mmm. Didn’t try very hard,” Maddie said with a grin. “So then he wondered if maybe you’d read my blog.”
“Perish the thought.”
Maddie laughed. “But Mr. Mandell decided that was ridiculous, because what busy media goddess such as yourself would have the time or interest in ‘scribblings about whimsy, loneliness, and dissecting the human condition’?”
“He has me all figured out. That doesn’t sound like the Tiger Shark at all.”
“Exactly. Anyway, the poor man gave up, declaring it a mystery. Then, not five minutes ago, my publicist was in here, breathless over some ridiculous rumor going around that the Elena Bartell might appear at my book launch today.”
Elena snorted. “Me? I’m a very busy woman.”
“That’s what she said. Anyway, Alicia suggested that if that crazy rumor proved true, could I try not to be so Australian? I suspect she thought I might embarrass myself or her in front of your greatness.”
“A wise precaution. You can be blunt. What would I make of someone like you?”
“Anything you want, love.” Maddie ran her fingers down Elena’s silken black vest, then placed them over her heart. “Thanks for wearing my favorite outfit…and for turning up today when we both know you’ve only got two weeks to prep for Bartell Corp’s AGM. You’ve been amazing about all of this.”
“Hardly. I was in the neighborhood.”
“Next you’ll deny that you’re why there’s a roomful of finance journalists downstairs, hopeful for a glimpse or a chat with a notoriously camera-shy global media mogul.”
Elena’s lips quirked. “Well. Felicity may have spread a rumor I might be here. I do appreciate how proactive she can be at times. She’s earned her promotion. And if that rumor or my presence sells more of your books, who am I to argue?”
“I owe Felicity. Maybe I’ll buy her a beer or two next time we catch up.”
“Maybe not. She doesn’t react well to carbs, alcohol, or random acts of kindness.”
“Good point. Hey?”
“Mm?”
“I love you.”
Elena’s hand tangled with Maddie’s against her breast. “Now there’s a coincidence.”
Alicia stuck her head in. “We’re ready, Ms. Grey. I have to…” The words died in her throat as she took in Maddie and Elena’s intimate pose. “M-Ms. Bartell. What a surprise!” Her eyes widened.
Alicia’s lips parted, and a deep red bloom spread across her cheeks and neck. She blinked in disbelief, then waved at the door. “I’ll just…downstairs. Me. Goodness! You two? I had no idea. Oh, Ms. Grey, you must think I’m such… Sorry, I’ll go now. Um. See you soon.” She flung herself back outside, shutting the door after her with a firm clunk.
“Oh dear. She really is quite tightly wound,” Elena said dryly. “I thought she was going to pass out.”
“Yeah. Poor thing.” Maddie chuckled. “I’ll calm her down after the launch. Don’t worry; I know her. She’ll be discreet. Besides, she’d be frightened you’d crush her like a bug if she blabs.”
Elena chuckled, low and soft. “I wasn’t particularly worried. She doesn’t hide her terror well.”
Maddie laughed. “No. She really doesn’t.” She took one last look around the room. “Know what’s crazy? Last time I was here, I wrote blog after blog about feeling lonely and lost. And now, on the day I’m launching a book of those blogs, I’ve never felt more safe and at home.”
“The universe has a wicked sense of humor.” Elena brushed her lips against Maddie’s mouth, then paused to press her lips properly against them.
Maddie responded enthusiastically, loving that heady, excited thrill she always felt whenever Elena kissed her.
Elena pulled away, giving Maddie an affectionate look. “So…ready?”
Am I?
She glanced back out the window. The view was identical, that was true, and yet… “Same on the outside,” Maddie murmured. “So different on the inside.”
“The building?”
