Page 60 of The Encounter
“I would too. You went through a lot.”
He held her for a moment longer before releasing her.
“Thank you,” she whispered. She rested her hand on his cheek and pressed her lips against his.
“You’re welcome. I need to chat with Seth and Haley and let them know about the change of plans. The doors will open in about fifteen minutes. Let’s get you setup with a wristband upstairs while I get things moved around. Does that sound good?”
She nodded.
He took hold of her hand and gave it a squeeze as they walked out of the office and into the club. Robert attached a VIP wristband to Maddie’s wrist, while Jace walked over to talk to Haley.
“There’s been a change of plans,” Jace said. “I’m going to work upstairs tonight.”
“Oh God,” Haley said. “Don’t tell me.”
Jace winced. “Can you tolerate Seth for the night?”
“Do I have to?”
Jace turned to find Maddie waiting near the VIP stairs, chatting with Robert and Kayla. He looked back at Haley.
“This is Maddie’s first time back at the club—”
Haley held up a hand and interrupted him. “Say no more. I get it. Send the buffoon down.”
“Thanks Haley. I owe you one.”
She smiled. “Don’t worry about it. Just make sure Maddie has a good time.”
He nodded before walking over to where Maddie stood. Taking her hand in his once more, he walked with her up the stairs to the VIP lounge. Seth stood at the bar, taking glasses out of the dishwasher.
They approached him and Seth looked up, doing a double-take when he saw Maddie.
“Well, I guess we are finally meeting for real this time,” Seth said.
Maddie smiled. “I guess so. I’m Maddie.”
“Seth. Are you hanging out with me tonight?” He gave her an exaggerated wink.
“Actually, about that,” Jace said. “There’s been a change of plans. I’m going to work this bar tonight, and I need you to work with Haley downstairs.”
If it were possible for a devilish gleam to shine across someone’s eyes, it did with Seth. A bright smile followed.
“Oh really? Does she know this?”
“She knows.”
Maddie looked between them with furrowed eyebrows.
Seth clapped his hands together before coming around the bar. “It would be my pleasure.”
Jace laughed and called to Seth, who had already reached the stairs. “Seth, go easy on her.”
Seth laughed loudly before disappearing down the steps. His voice followed. “Honey, I’m home!”
Jace shook his head and laughed.
Maddie gave him a quizzical look. “What was that about?”
