Page 75 of Skin In the Game (The BlackWater)

Monday morning Maddie was unsure how she could even walk or sit down because Cole had spent pretty much the entire weekend making up for the fact that she had been off limits to him all week.

She felt bruised, sore, and wanted nothing more than an ice pack to ram against her vagina.

Becky passed her a mug of coffee and she grinned taking it remembering suddenly how Burke used to do that and made a mental note to text him later when she got her personal phone back out of her locker. It had been absolute months since she’d spoken to him, months since she’d seen him and she wondered how he was getting on and what the hell was happening at Homewell now.

“You look like you’ve had a serious session at the gym.” Becky said and she laughed.

“You have no idea.” She said and then Becky gave her a look that made her frown.

“Oh my god, you’re fucking someone aren’t you?” Becky gasped.

“Becky…”

“Seriously who is it? Is he hot, is he good?” Becky asked.

Maddie laughed before heading for her desk. She didn’t want to lie to Becky but she sure as hell wasn’t going to admit it was Cole.

They spent the day working through some new data that Brandon thought might be relevant but also might not be and Maddie groaned as she ruled out most of it as not linked or dead ends.

“What you doing later?” Becky asked and she shrugged.

“Probably just food and sleep.”

“So rock n roll.” Becky teased and Maddie laughed.

“There’s a bar down the road that a few of the guys hang out at wondering if you wanted to be my wingman and check it out with me?”

“What guys?” Maddie asked.

“Aidan.”

“From the armed response team?” Maddie said.

“Yeah.” Becky said laughing.

“Are you meeting him there?”

“Oh god no, I doubt he even knows I exist but you know maybe tonight will be the night, our eyes will meet across the bar and the rest will be history.” Becky stated.

“What will be history?” Douglas asked as he walked over to their desks with fresh coffee.

“My love life if Maddie refuses me.” Becky said dramatically.

Maddie laughed then. “I haven’t said no yet.”

“So you’ll come?”

“Maybe. What about you Doug? Wanna watch Becky hook up with her dream guy?” Maddie said grinning.

“I would love to but the Mrs is out on a hen do and I have to watch the kids.”

“On a Monday?” Maddie asked.

“It’s the whole week. Apparently a trip to Brighton for the night wasn’t enough for the my sister-in-law so they’re doing Marbella like they’re on some homage trip for TOWIE.” Douglas said rolling his eyes.

Becky and Maddie laughed then. “Maybe some other time?”

“Sure, I’ll even buy the round if you promise me a night away from wedding talk and babies.” He said and Maddie nodded.

“So… you’re still coming right?” Becky checked.

“How can I say no to you when you’re whole future happiness is on the line?” Maddie quipped.

Becky grinned at her.

“Is anyone planning on getting work done today or are you all just gonna sit around gossiping?” Cole asked as he walked through and Becky quickly made herself look busy.

Maddie narrowed her eyes and he looked right back at her and she wondered why he was suddenly in such a mood, especially after the way he’d spent his weekend.

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