My girl wanted a princess night, so she got one.
Maddie’s standing on the curb, staring up at the building like she’s seen a ghost. “You okay, Mads?”
She smiles, but it barely reaches her eyes. “I’m processing the fact that you still own this place. The building is just as I remembered it. I loved it most because of the tall ceilings and windows.”
“I remember,” I mumble beside her.
A twist of my stomach lurches. I can’t fuck this up.
There isn’t one part of me that isn’t ready to go full steam ahead. Fuck, I’d marry her tomorrow if she’d let me. I know Maddie still cares deeply for me, even if she’s trying to fight it, but I also know if I push too hard, I’ll scare her off.
I give Maddie the minute she needs to process, allowing her to take in the beauty of the building. It’s cast iron, rather than carved stone, but still mimics the European Renaissance style, making the building highly ornate.
It’s quintessential here in SoHo—large open lofts, tall ceilings, with windows to match the height. Something I know Maddie appreciates.
“What are you waiting for, you two?” Leo calls after us.
Maddie takes one last glance at the building, then walks toward Leo, who’s waiting with the front door open.
“And who do we have here?” Benny, our doorman, looks Maddie up and down.
“Keep your eyes to yourself,” I snap.
My outburst only makes Benny more curious. “Damn, Davenport, look at you all jealous and shit.” He grins, holding out his hand to shake Maddie’s. “Hi. I’m Benny. Who are you?”
I don’t know what comes over me, but my hand flies out and smashes his away before she can touch his.
He barks out a laugh so loud that people on the street stop and look, including Leo, who is hunched over laughing.
Maddie is standing there, fighting a grin.
“Let’s go,” I grumble and pull Maddie along.
Leo is following, still laughing his ass off.
The three of us get in the elevator, and suddenly my nerves are shot. Fuck. What if she thinks I’m out of my mind? Buying the penthouse, her dream apartment, is only one of many things I’ve done to keep the memory of us,her, alive.
I’m pathetic…a lovesick puppy.
Maddie stifles a giggle when we step off the elevator.
“What’s up?”
She hunches her shoulders. “Who knew I’d be living in a penthouse with a private elevator opening right into my place. You two have to share.”
“Ha. Ha,” Leo mocks, then walks down the hall to his door. “I’m going to change. I’ll be over in a few.”
“Wait,” I call out, and of course, since we’re always on the same wavelength, he knows exactly what I’m questioning.
“I closed our adjoining door. She’s on your side.”
Maddie’s eyes narrow suspiciously. “Who’s on what side?”
I link our arms together. “Come on, Goddess. It’s time you met your surprise.”
Maddie’s practically vibrating with excitement as I put my code in to open the door. There’s no denying the loud pitter-pattering of paws waiting for us.
When I push open the door, and Skye comes into view, Maddie loses it, and the waterworks are almost immediate.
