Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107115 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107115 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Roger spared Madison a wary glance, then peeked across the room at an older woman on the sofa, as if seeking permission. She sat center stage, seemingly perched on her throne, ankles crossed perfectly, wearing designer everything without a single hair out of place.
The woman ignored Roger. “Hello, Todd.”
She didn’t spare a word or glance for Madison.
“Evening, Grandmother.”
“What sort of greeting is that? Come kiss me.”
Dutifully, Todd did. “Grandpa around?”
“In his office, on the phone. Negotiations for that damn immigration bill. Currently, it’s a House problem. But if our illustrious speaker wasn’t so inept, your grandfather wouldn’t have to get involved.” She sighed in displeasure. “The Westbrooks will be here for cocktails before dinner. Try to get him out of there to play cordial host.”
“Will do.”
Once Todd disappeared to another corner of the estate, the senator’s wife finally addressed Madison, pinning her with a glare of displeasure. “So you’re back.”
“Not by choice. I would rather have stayed in Louisiana.”
“Appearances must be maintained. This will be Winston’s tightest election in over two decades. Even your father’s illness wouldn’t excuse your prolonged absence. We must look like a united family.” She huffed in annoyance. “Who are these big brutes trailing after you?”
“Bodyguards. They’re for my protection until this farce is over. This is Ethan Garrison.” She pointed. “And Matt Montgomery.”
The old woman’s steel-trap stare narrowed on him. “The same Matt Montgomery you fucked before you married my grandson?”
“The Matt Montgomery who’s earned my trust, worked as a bodyguard for years, and will keep me safe.”
“From who, Todd?” She scoffed. “You’re overreacting.”
“You can say that after what he did to Brent?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. He would never hurt you.”
Madison didn’t bother calling Agatha a liar. Instead, she studied the garish clock on the mantle. “I’d like to get Matt and Ethan fed before everyone else arrives for dinner. Is Ramona in the kitchen?”
Agatha scowled. “Probably. That is where she belongs.”
Matt couldn’t miss how much Agatha’s condescending attitude irritated Madison.
“Fine. I’ll see you at five thirty.”
“Unfortunately, yes.” the old bag drawled. “If Todd didn’t make it clear, you can’t mention your…current arrangement with my grandson to anyone or there will be no divorce. We can’t have word of this leaking before the midterms. Understood?”
“Yes,” Madison snapped. Then she ignored every Pershing in the room, motioning for him and Ethan to follow her.
“What a bitch,” Matt muttered as he trailed Madison down a different hallway than Todd.
“That was Agatha on a good day.” Madison paused in front of a narrow doorway.
Then she pushed it open, revealing a small white kitchen with a massive, professional-grade stove, double-ovens, and a sleek, European-made salamander. Behind a narrow island, a fifty-something woman with salt-and-pepper curls bouncing around her shoulders and lively dark eyes stirred something in an enormous bowl.
“Ramona?”
The woman’s stare zipped up. When she caught sight of Madison, she frowned. “You’re back.”
She gave the woman a sad smile. “As you see. I missed you.”
The woman set her bowl and spoon aside, wiped her hands on her apron, then rounded the island to hug Madison. “I missed you, too. When I didn’t see you for a couple of weeks, I’d hoped—”
“Me, too. But here I am.” She stepped out of the chef’s embrace, doing her best to paste on a neutral expression. “Ramona, these are my bodyguards.”
When she introduced them, Ramona shook their hands with welcoming nods, giving them an appreciative once-over. “Girl, you’ve got some fine-looking protectors. If I were thirty years younger…”
“Ramona!” Madison giggled.
“I’m just saying…” Then she leaned in and murmured in Madison’s ear. “If that’s the same Matt you knew before you married Todd—”
“It is. And I can’t say more.” She glanced at the ceiling, reminding everyone they were being surveilled.
Ramona sighed with resignation. “What can I get you?”
“Thank you for understanding.” Madison squeezed Ramona’s hand. “I know you’re busy fixing dinner for the weekly family shindig—”
“Shindig is one way to describe it,” she cut in tartly.
Ethan grinned. Matt followed suit when Madison swallowed a laugh. “Do you have anything you could feed them before the guests arrive?”
“Because the help doesn’t sit at the table. Right…” She turned to him and Ethan. “You boys like a good rare roast beef? I made lunch, and no one ate it. Seems like a shame to waste all this food.”
“Roast beef? You’re speaking my love language.” Ethan winked.
“I’d appreciate some,” Matt replied.
“Good. I’ll whip you up a heaping helping of mashed potatoes, too. How about green beans, fruit salad, and some homemade peach pie to go with that?”
Matt’s mouth watered. “A lot of carbs, but that would be fantastic.”
Ethan groaned. “Could I talk you into adopting me? My mother is a terrible cook. I went to live with my father when I was sixteen, only to realize he was even worse. I’ve been starving for good food my whole life…”