Tease Me (Private Listing #4)

“Cooper, you need to rethink this.” Her voice is firm. “You can’t possibly marry that woman.”

I lean against the back wall of the elevator and cross my ankles. “Why not? Just because you settled for a loveless marriage doesn’t mean I have to.”

Her lips press into a thin line. “I suppose you think you love this woman and that will be enough? You are a Graham. It’s bad enough that you started this company with those friends of yours, but to honestly think marrying a woman you barely know is a good idea? Your father will?—‍”

“Will what, Mother?” I straighten as we reach the first floor. “Will be disappointed in me? Will cut me off? Will leave his entire fortune to some organization that will spend it? What are you going to threaten me with?”

She tips her chin up but says nothing as the doors open.

“I have a trust fund from my grandfather that is plenty large enough to keep me in the lifestyle I’m accustomed to. Plus, I own a business and make good money of my own. I don’t need the wealth and prestige you and my father have. You’ve barely been a parent to me. So if you feel the need to cut me off, that’s your prerogative. But if she’ll have me, I’ll marry Madison Harris with or without my family present.”

For a second, she almost looks stunned. Before her forehead smooths out and she brushes her hand over her skirt. “Your father will be in touch.”

She walks away without a backward glance. That woman gave birth to me, but she never was a mother to me. I got more affection from the cook than her. Even so, my heart still aches at the dismissal.

The receptionist glances my way but turns away when she sees me looking her direction. Mother couldn’t have gotten upstairs on her own. She doesn’t have access.

“Excuse me, Yvonne.” I stop behind her.

She turns, batting her eyelashes, and smiles. “Yes, Mr. Graham? How may I help you?”

“Did you send my mother upstairs without announcing her?” I have enough to deal with without our receptionist going rogue.

Her smile almost drops, but she keeps it. “She insisted on going up. I texted your assistant.”

I nod. Madison was in my office. If her phone was on her, I didn’t hear it go off. I can confirm with her later if she even got a message.

“Why didn’t you wait until Madison let you know if I was available?”

There goes that flirty smile. Yeah, you fucked up.

“It was your mother.”

“You know the protocol, Ms. Diaz.”

She stiffens at my use of her last name. I’ve always been pleasant to her, but she didn’t do her job this time.

“No one is to ride up the elevator unannounced.” This isn’t a hard job. “We have a protocol for a reason.”

Yvonne’s lips tighten and she has the decency to look a little shaken. “Of course, Mr. Graham.”

The phone rings and she turns to answer it. I have all this pent-up energy. I want to tear her a new one, but that’s not a great idea. Drawing in a breath, I return to the elevator.

My mother always riles me up, but I need to let it go this time. Yes, Yvonne didn’t do her job. I’ll make sure she’s written up, but I don’t have to tear into her for it.

When the doors open, Madison looks at me from her computer. Our eyes lock and something settles in me. Some of the rage seeps away.

She’s mine.

That’s all that matters.

“Patrick was looking for you,” she says as I approach. As I round her desk, her mouth drops open like she’s going to say more.

I lean over and, holding her chin, take her mouth with mine. Pressing up into me, she parts her lips as her hand grabs hold of my wrist. She’s the air I need to breathe.

A throat clears behind me. I lift my mouth from Madison’s and wait for her blue eyes to open. When I see the love reflected there, I breathe a little easier. This is all I need. She’s all I need.

Straightening, I turn to find Patrick standing opposite Madison’s desk.