Power Play

Madison’s in the kitchen pouring juice over ice when the doorbell rings. She’s not expecting anyone. She wipes her hands and opens up to find Jordan on the porch. She lets him in, and they head straight back to the counter. While she starts up the blender, Jordan lays it out: he knows she’s pushed people out at work to climb higher, and he wants something to keep quiet. She hits the switch and the ice cracks loud, drowning him out for a second. She smiles like she already owns the room. When the noise dies she turns it back on him—chapter and verse on his own shady moves. He laughs it off but the respect shows in his eyes. She calls the bullshit and tells him they both know what this really is. He plays it cool, says no way. She keeps grinning and tells him he didn’t come for cash. Jordan finally drops the act, says he hopes she can take it. Madison’s eyes spark. She steps in close and answers, “Bring it on.” He has no clue what she’s about to do with that mouth and those hands.