The Age of Love (Book #1)

27. Scones & iPhones

3rd P. p.o.v

"How long are you staying here this time cousin?" Theodore asked sipping on his double scotch.

"A week and a couple of days, business and pleasure."

The way he added the last part, Madison was unsure if it was intentional or not, but she felt a shiver running through her body. That man's voice was the sound of a guilty pleasure.

"Is it all right if I stay here tonight and tomorrow i'll be on my way to a hotel?"

"Nonsense." Theodore looked at her as if he was waiting for her approval. She nodded.

"You can stay in the extra bedroom. No one's using it."

She nearly coughed at odds but kept a distance from them, listening to their conversation, catching Hiro glancing at her from time to time.

(...)

Madison P.O.V

Hiro got my room and I had to move to Theodore's, in my mind I kept thinking, wasn't it supposed to be like this in the first place? I'm folding my clothes into his closet, I always hated living from a bag.

I had my only silk pajama dress on, I felt somewhat embarrassed after the encounter with Hiro.

I was watching him from the corner of my eye but Theodore didn't blink, he didn't even acknowledge my not so subtle movements to catch his attention. His eyes were stuck on the screen.

"If I didn't know you were taking care of business, i'd say you're watching porn."

He shoots me a frowned look and bursts laughing.

"Sorry my dear, I have clients in New York and as much as I'd love to sleep, it's still 11 am in Manhattan." He explains, placing the phone on the bedside table. "Don't be mad please."

If only your phone was the only problem.

"I'm not." I lie. "It was just a long day... Plus seeing you with your phone makes me reminisce mine."

"We'll get you a new one tomorrow." His tone was sweet, I turn to him and his expression is caring and warm. Reminding me of the Theodore I fell for, in spite of every crap we've been through.

"Ok, but nothing fancy."

"An upgrade."

"Han, when you say upgrade, it scares me." I lean on the closet door crossing my arms, smiling to him.

"Nothing fancy." He imitates my voice terribly and we both crack up.

"An iPhone 8 plus, keep up with modern times, isn't that what you told me?"

The memory of our first kiss comes to my mind, I did indeed.

Theodore jumps out of bed carrying me on his shoulder and I scream hysterically, I absolutely hated when people did that and he was so tall.

"Let me go Theo! I swear to god I will break your hip and it's the end of the line for you!" I kick back.

He placed me on the cloudy soft mattress. "Yes, yes, yes... You and your witty mouth Mrs.Swanepoel. You drive me nuts but I love it, every single ounce of you. I am honestly so glad I stopped in that hotel that afternoon before my flight."

I'm speechless, unable to find the right words to reply, my hand rubbed gently his cheek and our eyes locked.

"I'm really scared that so many things are not in our favour."