Page 100 of Lovers' Dance

“What did you do, Matt?” Nathan asked. “Madi doesn’t seem the type to fly off the handle for no reason.”

Matt directed his glower at Nathan. “Are you in control of your faculties? Have you forgotten the pub scene and last Friday’s media storm? She was livid.”

“With just cause,” Nathan reasoned in her defence. He didn’t want to admit it, but he liked the young woman who had turned his friend’s world upside down. Nathan had been concerned about Matt’s continued womanizing. Since he found his peace with Bella, he had hoped Matt could find his own with someone worthy of him. Madison DuMont may not be from their world, but she had an effect on Matt that Nathan had never seen before. It was changing him, and change was always good. Once their little dalliance had run its course, Matt would be ready to find himself a wife.

“Did it have something to do with the dinner party last week?” Adam asked, assessing Matt intently. “She and Grumps got into it.”

“What dinner party? What happened between her and William?” Nathan’s head swivelled between the two brothers before settling on Matt. “You didn’t tell me any of this.”

Matt didn’t like the way this conversation was heading. He felt he was being unfairly punished for Louisa’s actions, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to admit what had taken place under that table.

“She called him senile in a roundabout way,” Adam said with a gleeful smirk on his face. “You should’ve seen his face, Nathan. God. She’s a feisty little thing, isn’t she?”

Nathan was blinking fast, eyes on Matt. “She insulted your grandfather? What did he do? What did you do?”

“You two are no help at all,” Matt groused. “What does it matter why she’s angry? She is and I can’t seem to fix it. Fuck’s sake, I’ve never had a woman stay mad at me. She’s acting like a child and it’s infuriating. I’ve apologized profusely. What more does she want?”

Nathan and Adam exchanged a knowing look.

“She’s twenty-six, Matt,” Adam said matter-of-factly.

“And you’re not used to not getting your own way,” Nathan added. “Look, she’s completely different from your usual women.”

“If that’s in reference to her race, you need to get the fuck out of my office, Nathan,” Matt said coldly.

Nathan rubbed his jaw and scoffed. “No, that’s not what I meant and, I already told you, I don’t have a problem with her being black.”

Matt snorted in derision, then sighed loudly. “You’re right, I’m not used to this. I didn’t think women were complicated until I met her.”

“Women aren’t complicated,” Adam said, getting to his feet. “They are simple creatures. God knows I’ve been with enough to tell. Look, she’s mad and you’re in the doghouse. Do what dogs do: beg.”

Matt’s mouth tightened. “I’ve apologized numerous times, practically begged forgiveness—”

“Try harder,” Adam quipped. “And stop moping around the office. It’s bad for staff morale and it’s getting on my nerves. If you want to get back in the funhouse with your new plaything, then swallow your pride for once. I’ve got another meeting in thirty minutes so I’ll see you later. Don’t forget the charity ball on Sunday. You can’t miss this one like the last.”

At the mention of the upcoming function, Nathan groaned. “Bollocks. I’d forgotten about that. Do I have to attend?”

“Are you a top executive of Bradley Industries?” Adam drawled blandly.

Nathan squinted at him in response.

Adam squinted back and ordered, “Make an appearance, both of you.”

“I’m in the Cotswolds this weekend,” Nathan replied, getting up himself.

Matt looked at his brother and best friend, shaking his head slowly. Their input over the situation with Madi hadn’t been helpful. He was still at a loss on how to fix things between them.

“It’s the gala of the month,” Adam said firmly. “Everyone’s going to be there, and that includes you two. I’ve got to go.” With that, he sauntered out of Matt’s office.

When the door closed, Nathan turned to Matt. “Listen, mate, maybe this is a sign you should end things with Madison. Don’t look at me like that, I’m simply giving you my opinion. I like her. She’s young and probably not used to dealing with someone like you. You’ve apologized which, by the way, I find shocking. Give it time. I’m sure she’ll come around and, if she doesn’t…find yourself a new bed partner. I’ve got to make a call. Bella won’t be pleased with me. Who knows, I might find myself in the doghouse with you. See you later, mate.”

“Cheers, mate.” Matt did nothing to hide the sarcasm in his tone as Nathan left his office. He rubbed his face vigorously, then took a deep breath, a determined gleam filling his eyes. He’d had enough. He would go over to hers after work and insist she stop this behaviour. With his mind made up, Matt pushed his doubts aside and focused on work. The little voice of warning at the back of his mind wouldn’t shut up though. Was she right in her anger? Should the blame lie at his doorstep?

“Bloody Louisa,” Matt muttered softly. He should have never taken Madi to dinner last week.

TWELVE

IT WAS GONE midnight when I pulled up across the street from my house. That frigging SUV was still there. I was too tired to care, until I spotted Matt’s Rolls-Royce parked behind it and noticed the light shining through the curtains.

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