Page 46 of I’d Be Honored

Hayley Maddox stood in front of her in light-washed blue jeans—blue jeans—that pinched above her waist and tapered at the ankle. She paired them with a white stretch T-shirt that clung to her body in a way that left little to Maddie’s imagination.

She is so incredibly sexy.

“Ready?” Hayley asked with a sly, knowing smile. She slid her hands into her front pockets and waited patiently, allowing Maddie a few extra heartbeats to compose herself.

Maddie nodded, still struggling to process the exclusive, relaxed version of Hayley on display. She looked up and down the street for a driver, then back at Hayley in confusion.

“I want you to feel like a real New Yorker tonight,” Hayley explained before leading her down the sidewalk.

The subway car was already full when Maddie and Hayley squeezed into it, and Maddie clung to Hayley’s arm to avoid getting separated. She wrapped her fingers tightly around a metal pole and focused on keeping her balance as people jostled past her. The air was thick with the heat of too many packed bodies, and Maddie started to feel claustrophobic as she struggled to find a pocket of fresh air.

A cool, steady hand found the small of her back, and Maddie turned to see that Hayley created a perimeter of space around her.

Maddie gave her a grateful smile right as an automated voice announced, “34th Street—Penn Station.”

Hayley grabbed Maddie by the hand and intertwined their fingers securely before leading them off the platform and through the subway station.

It felt so natural, the way Hayley weaved them through the crowded streets of Manhattan with expert precision, never once letting go of Maddie. Hayley led them around the outside of a massive circular building, finally pulling her to a stop under a black awning with white lettering.

VIP Entrance.

Hayley released her hand, and Maddie immediately missed the calming pressure. Retrieving her phone from a small Prada clutch, Hayley flashed the screen to a security guard, who held the door open for them.

Hayley stepped aside, her fingers brushing Maddie’s lower back as she guided her inside.

There was a short elevator ride before the silver metal parted to reveal a woman in a crisp black suit, her arms neatly in front of her, waiting for them. “Welcome back, Ms. Maddox. Please follow me.”

Maddie was used to the celebrity treatment—VIP tables in clubs, last-minute reservations at the hottest restaurants, exclusive suites at any event—but this was beginning to make those things feel like child’s play.

They followed the guest relations attendant down a long, narrow hallway lined with framed photos of events. Maddie looked closer, recognizing concerts, basketball and hockey games, and a boxing match.

Ever so subtly, Maddie felt Hayley’s hand take its place at the small of her back again. Her palm was flat and steady, and Maddie got the sense that Hayley was proud to be there with her.

“Here we are. Enjoy your time in the suite.” The woman smiled, stopping outside a set of brown double doors. She pulled one open and held it wide for them. “I will be waiting right here when you’re ready to head down to the court.”

“Thanks, Cheryl,” Hayley said, warm familiarity in her voice. Then she guided Maddie inside.

“Where are we?” Maddie finally asked, still at a loss as she took in the assortment of people milling around them.

The room wasn’t crowded, but it hummed with energy. Round wooden tables were scattered across the cream carpeting, and a few were filled with guests chatting excitedly. There was a small bar along the left wall, and a doorway on the right opened up to a massive private buffet.

Hayley smiled coyly. “We’re in the Owner’s Suite. Did you think I was going to miss the Knicks game tonight just to hang out with you?” She gave Maddie a playful wink.

“Holy shit,” Maddie whisper-shouted, trying not to draw attention to herself but struggling to contain her excitement. There was no way Hayley could have known how much this would mean to her. “Madison Square Garden? A Knicks game?” Her eyes went wide. “Wait. Hayley. Who are they playing?”

Hayley downright beamed with delight. “The Lakers.”

Maddie gasped.

“Nope, not so fast.” Hayley laughed. “Because tonight, you’re here with me.” She stepped in a fraction closer, holding Maddie’s gaze. “So tonight, you’re a Knicks fan.”

Maddie would have cheered for a flock of pigeons if Hayley asked her to.

You’re here with me. Maddie liked the sound of that.

Before she could figure out what to say, Hayley’s hand gently directed her toward an empty table.

“I’ll be right back.” Hayley waited until Maddie was settled before turning on her heel and melting into the small crowd.