by Holly Rayner
She felt Ben’s hand, heavy and warm on her shoulder. The weight of it was reassuring. He looked into her eyes and said, “Believe me. You are giving her an amazing childhood. She’s happy, kind, caring, smart, and filled with love that she wants to share with the world. That’s because of you.”
He sounded so sure of himself and so confident about what he was saying that Maia believed his words. “Thank you,” she said, meeting his gaze. “That means a lot to me.”
“I would only say it if it was the truth,” he said. He lifted his hand and reached for a soft, clean towel that lay folded on the bar’s countertop. When he handed it to Maia, she used it to wipe away her tears.
As the towel dried her cheeks, she felt lighter. She took a sip of water.
“Whew,” she said, once she’d smiled. “The next time you do something so nice for me and Joy, warn us first, okay?” she joked.
“I’ll do my best,” Ben said, returning her smile.
She took another sip of water, wondering if what Caroline had said was true; now that she and Ben were becoming closer, how would they ever go back to their old boss-employee relationship?
She glanced up at him and saw that he was gazing down at her. One more week, she thought. That’s all I have. Then, we’ll have to navigate a new normal at the office.
As if reading her mind, Ben cleared his throat. “I heard from Nate today,” he said. “He’s going to be home early next Sunday—or so he says. My brother usually arrives an hour or two after he says he will. That’s his style.”
Maia gave an obligatory laugh at this, though the statement did not make her happy. The thought of leaving Ben’s house made her heart ache.
“That’s good,” she said.
He nodded. “Will you be available to stay until noon, or maybe afternoon, if he runs late?”
“Sure,” Maia said. She wanted to tell Ben how much their new closeness meant to her, but she did not know how to begin.
Ben cleared his throat and stepped back. “Good,” he said. “Thank you. So—you in on Thai food for tonight?”
“Sounds good to me,” Maia said.
“Great. I’ll grab my laptop and pull up the menu.”
Maia looked down at her glass and waited for Ben to move away so that her heart would stop pounding. But he stayed still.
“The week has gone by fast,” he said quietly.
“It has.” She stared down at her water and saw in her periphery that he was moving away.
Too fast, she thought. At least I have one more week here.
Maia looked up and watched Ben walk away. She wondered if she’d ever have the courage to tell him what she felt.
Chapter 11
Ben
A week later
I guess the saying is true, Ben thought as he looked into his reflection in the bathroom mirror. Time flies when you’re having fun.
He fastened the last remaining buttons of his crisp, white shirt and then pulled the collar up around his freshly shaven neck.
Leaving the bathroom, he walked out into his bedroom. As he crossed the carpeted floor toward his walk-in closet, he continued to ruminate. I never thought that having Colby here would be fun, but it really has been. And Maia and her daughter…
His thoughts drifted, as he tried to wrap his mind around all that having Maia in his home for the past two weeks had meant to him.
He could hardly believe that their stay was almost over. Tomorrow, Nate would arrive to pick up Colby, and Maia and Joy would return to their apartment.
I’ll still see Maia at work, he thought, as he examined a rack of ties. He chose a pale lavender one and looped it around his neck. Peering into one of the many full-length mirrors in his closet, he made a neat knot in the tie. Then he pulled a suit jacket from a hanger and fitted his arms into the sleeves.
While straightening the cuffs, he wondered what it would be like not to see Maia each morning and night, outside of the office.
He could barely imagine it.
He’d become accustomed to her presence.
He shook his head, trying to clear his mind. Then he strode out of the closet, toward the bedroom’s exit.
It had been his idea to go out to dinner that night, just he and Maia. She’d arranged to have a sitter come.
It’ll be a nice way to show my appreciation for her hard work, he thought. She’s cooked so many meals for all of us; she deserves a break.
In the pit of his stomach, he felt a twinge of swirling energy. The sense of anticipation was strong, and he wasn’t used to it.
I haven’t felt this way about going out to dinner in ages, he thought, as he descended the back staircase that connected his master bedroom to the kitchen. It’s almost as if I’m getting ready for a date.
But this isn’t a date. It’s just a nice meal with my employee, to show her how much her help has meant to me. That’s all. To think that this is a date would be ridiculous. It’s just—
His mental chatter died down instantly as his dress shoe hit the tile floor of the kitchen, when he caught sight of the woman standing there in a tight red dress, peering into the refrigerator. He could only see her exposed back, the curve of her hip, and a tantalizing view of her toned legs. Her feet were bare and her hair was tied up high on her head in a French twist.
He held his breath as she turned. The dress dipped low, showing off more of her curves than he’d ever seen before.
“Ben, have you seen the—” She stopped as she caught sight of his expression. “What?” she asked, lifting a hand to touch her hair.
He finally breathed out, a long, slow exhale. “Wow,” he said.
“What?” she said again, searching his expression as if for a clue. “Do I look okay? Is this dress all right?”
“It’s—it’s amazing,” he said. “You look gorgeous.”
Shoot. He hadn’t meant to say that. For the past two weeks, Ben had worked hard not to speak aloud about the feelings he had for Maia. Best if I keep it to myself, he’d thought, over and over again.
But now, as he watched her straighten the hemline of her dress, he couldn’t help but express his admiration.
The dress highlighted Maia’s figure in a way that Ben had never seen before. At the office, she always covered up with so many layers: ruffled, loose blouses, cardigan sweaters, vests, slacks… even her skirts were usually rather long. The dress she had on now, by comparison, gave him glimpses of her body that he’d only imagined.
He drank in the sight of her, unable to look away.
“Are you sure?” she asked, sounding self-conscious. She began adjusting the dress’s neckline. “Caroline brought it to tea today, because I asked her if I could borrow something. That girl is a bit bolder in terms of fashion sense than I am. I don’t think I’d ever pick out something like this at a store.”
She let her fingers fall away from the neckline. Nervously, she moved her hands up to her hair, as if she was making sure her twist was still in place. As she did this she went on, her words tumbling breathlessly out.
“We’re the same size, and we’ve always traded clothing. Usually, it’s Caroline borrowing from me, seeing as I have a whole office wardrobe. But I thought since you said the restaurant was on the fancy side, I’d better wear something nice, and I asked her if…” She trailed off. “Sorry. I’m babbling. I don’t know what’s gotten into me. It’s like I’m nervous or something.”
He smiled. So—I’m not the only one feeling anticipation for the evening, he thought.
His smile seemed to help her relax. “You’d think I’ve never been out to dinner before or something,” she said. “And the truth is, I haven’t been out with just another adult in… um…” She bit her lip, thinking back. “Goodness… I don’t know. Ages. But this will be fun. Nice to have the night off from the kids. I think you and I both earned it. Thank you.”
“My pleasure,” he said. Really.
He was struck, as he watched her tuck a strand of blond hair behind her ear, by wha
t a pleasure it was. Without thought, he stepped forward.
She did the same. “You look nice, too,” she said. Her green eyes moved over his body, taking in his attire. “Your tie is a bit…” She stepped forward again and reached out.
As her fingers brushed against his tie and then moved up to the knot, he tensed. As usual when Maia was near, a jolt of raw, strong attraction flashed through his core. His blood felt hot in his veins; he longed to take her into his arms and kiss her.
He felt her straighten the knot of his tie.
“There you go,” she murmured in almost a whisper.
He could smell the intoxicating scent of her perfume. He noticed, too, how she’d brushed a soft layer of smoky-gray shadow over her eyes, which made her emerald irises look even more luminescent. His focus moved to the curve of her lips, which glistened with freshly applied gloss. He’d never noticed before just how full and soft they looked.
“Thank you,” he said, his tone husky.
The sound of the doorbell pulled him from the trance he found himself in.
Maia stepped back quickly. “That must be Caroline,” she said, as she turned toward the kitchen’s exit. “I’ll go get the—” She stopped and whirled back toward the fridge. “Dang, I never found the chicken I was supposed to be defrosting.” She seemed flustered as she pushed hair back behind her ear again.
“I’ll get the door,” Ben said.
Fifteen minutes later, Maia had located the chicken and had given Caroline a quick rundown of the schedule for the evening, which included a meal in and then an outing to the movie theatre just down the block, which was going to be showing a film that Joy and Colby were both excited about.
Ben was impressed by all of the details that Maia had managed to account for. He told her as much, as they drove into the city.
Maia still sounded flustered as she chatted about some of the parenting tricks she’d learned over the past few years.
After Ben parked and gave the keys to a valet attendant, he held his arm out for Maia. It felt like the natural and polite thing to do. He wasn’t expecting his body’s visceral reaction as she looped her arm through his, and he felt the warmth of her body so close. Only the soft fabric of their clothing separated them.
“I’m sorry… I’ve been babbling,” Maia said, as they began climbing a short flight of stairs that led to the restaurant’s main entryway. “Like I said, it’s been a while since I’ve been out like this.”
She hesitated, and Ben felt pressure on his arm as she hung back without taking another step.
He stopped, too, and turned to face her. She was looking up at him.
“Ben,” she said. “I just want you to know that I’ve really enjoyed these past weeks with you. I know this isn’t a date or anything…”
“Right,” he said with a nod. “Just a show of my appreciation.”
She nodded, too. “I know, I know. You invited me out as a way of saying thanks for my nannying services. But Ben, I feel like I should be thanking you. I had fun staying with you—and I guess I want you to know that. Maybe I’ll be able to settle down and enjoy dinner if I get that off my chest.”
A couple passed them on the stairs. Maia inched over to make room for them, which only put her closer to Ben.
She stood a stair below him and looked up at him with wide eyes.
He stepped down, so he was on the same step as her. A young man brushed past them, eager to get inside and out of the chilly evening air.
Maia reached her hands up and hugged her arms, which were covered with a fuzzy black sweater. She shivered as a breeze brushed past her, but she seemed intent on staying where she was as she looked up into Ben’s eyes.
“I just—” She wrinkled her nose in the cutest way, “I want to get it out of the way, that’s all. I know you’re my boss and maybe I shouldn’t say things like this, but I really want to try to be open with you and tell you that you’re a great guy, and I feel really lucky that we got to know each other better this week.”
Ben could see what a struggle it was for Maia to get these words out. She’s trying to open up to me, he realized.
He found his throat was tight. I should say something, he thought. She’s being vulnerable with me—now I should do the same for her.
He swallowed.
For his entire life, all the way back to his childhood, he’d avoided moments just like this one. He worked hard to sidestep situations in which people laid bare their emotions. Tension filled his body as he struggled to find words.
I need to tell her that I’ve enjoyed her company, too, he thought. I need to tell her what she means to me. She’s more than just an employee. She’s… His mind froze, as if some deep part of him did not want to put her true importance into words.
Maia rubbed her arms and shivered as a breeze swirled around them. “Sorry, you must think I’m so weird, saying all this. But I wanted to try to clear the air a little bit. I feel like something shifted between us, and I’m—I’m glad about that. I’m happy I had the chance to get to know you better.”
“I feel the same,” Ben said, forcing himself to get the words out. He wasn’t practiced at admitting to his deep emotions.
These few words made Maia’s face light up, which he was happy about.
“You do?” she said in a rush. “Oh, thank goodness. I thought it was just me. I’ve really loved the routine we got into over the past few weeks, and I’m going to miss it.”
Her words warmed his heart. “Me too,” he said.
Her shoulders, which were tensed up around her ears, fell as she relaxed. “Great, now I don’t feel so crazy,” she said. “Thanks, Ben. And… thanks for this dinner out. Even though it’s not a date, it still feels special… you know?”
He offered his arm again in silence. As she looped her arm through again, he spoke. “I know,” he agreed.
He found that he really did agree with one part of her statement. The evening did feel special. At the same time, there was one part of her statement that he did not agree with.
Because, as Ben walked into the Italian restaurant with Maia on his arm and guided her toward the bar, he did feel like he was on a date. And he found that he enjoyed that feeling immensely.
Chapter 12
Maia
Maia accepted the glass of wine that the server slid across the bar to her. She could hardly believe that she was standing in Vera’s, the most exclusive Italian restaurant in New York City. As far as she knew, only celebrities, politicians, and the very wealthy dined there. The staff had greeted Ben by name.
She held her glass up and peered around the intimate, dimly lit bar area, scanning faces for a star sighting.
Her nervous system thrummed with pent-up energy. She’d hoped that speaking her mind to Ben would help her calm down, but that had not been the case.
That’s because I didn’t really tell him how I feel, she chided herself. Not completely. I stopped short before admitting the whole truth.
She’d told him only that she’d enjoyed getting to know him better. The statement had been true, and safe.
It had been her hope that by opening up a conversation about their feelings, she’d get Ben to maybe say something—anything—about what their time together had meant to him.
But he just stood there, staring at me, she thought nervously, as she brought the glass of red wine to her lips and took a sip.
“What do you think of the place?” Ben asked.
“It’s lovely,” Maia said truthfully, as she eyed the sandy-brown bricks and umber-toned wood panels that decorated the space. Everything looked vintage, including the rustic wooden shelves lined with wine bottles. “It feels almost… historical.”
“They’ve been open since 1907,” Ben said, before sipping his gin and tonic.
“I can see why everyone wants a table here,” Maia said. “Caroline and I tried to get in for her birthday one year, but there was no way.” She eyed Ben. “The hostess seemed to know you pretty well.”
“I’m lucky enough to eat here frequently,” Ben said.
“Lucky” might not be the right word for it, Maia thought, as she sipped her drink. The wine was perfect: smooth, full-bodied, with just a hint of sweetness. “Successful” is more like it.
Around them, couples and friends laughed and chatted together. A server slipped through the crowd and motioned to Ben.
“Looks like they’re ready for us,” Ben said. He glanced down at his watch. “A little early, but… are you okay with it?”
She nodded. “Fine by me,” she said. “I have a toddler, remember? I’m used to eating at five.”
Ben chuckled as he parted the crowds for them, so they could follow the server. Once they were tucked into a lovely table by a window, a server topped off Maia’s glass and brought them appetizers.
Maia’s senses were consumed by the delights of the delicious food, drink, and charming surroundings. Time slipped past, and she felt her edgy state fading. It was replaced, instead, by a warm, glowing feeling. Happiness, she thought. I’m happy.
I haven’t felt this happy in ages, she admitted to herself, as she lowered her fork into a dish of golden, hand-made pasta covered in fresh tomato sauce. She felt just a touch tipsy, thanks to the two glasses of wine she’d consumed. Her senses buzzed with pleasure as she took in a bite of food. A soft moan escaped her lips, which made Ben grin.
“Good?” he asked, as he lifted his drink.
“Out of this world,” Maia said. “You’re telling me they make this pasta, right here?”
Ben nodded. “It’s a lost art,” he said. “Fresh pasta…”
Maia shook her head and used a cloth napkin to dab her lips. “I’ve been eating dried spaghetti for years, you know—from boxes. All this time, I’ve been missing out.” She raised her glass. Had the server filled it again? It seemed to be topped off.
“Now I see how you can survive on your microwaved meals,” she teased Ben. “You’ve had this little treasure trove in your back pocket the whole time. I’m sure whenever you get tired of those microwaved dishes, you come here for a dose of the good stuff.”
