They were simple things he’d done for her, yet they filled her with a level of joy she’d rarely experienced. Shutting the door, she glanced around his bathroom. It seemed weird, but in a good way, to be in his personal space alone. The temptation to explore filled her mind, but she resisted. The clock was ticking and they had to go to work.
Ryan held her hand while they drove to work. The morning at home with her had been easy. Jacob had been his normal chipper self at breakfast, eating his cereal and chatting Maiya’s ear off. Ryan marveled at how his kid had no issue with her being there with them. As if she’d always been there for breakfast. Maybe the reason Jacob had no issue with Maiya was because she made people want to be around her. His son may not have been this accepting of another woman.
She was the epitome of softness with hard edges in the perfect spots. Jacob seemed to see only her softness, which was amazing, while Ryan saw the softness and the hard edges. He wasn’t sure which he liked more, but he didn’t have to decide. The beauty was, he got to have all of her sides. At least he hoped to have them.
“What are you thinking about?”
He stroked the top of her hand with his thumb, glanced at her and then back to the road. “You.”
“Hmm.”
“I’m allowed.” He squeezed her hand.
“Of course you’re allowed. Is there a porno playing in your mind right now?”
“No, but now that you mentioned it, there probably will be all day.”
“Fabulous. Make sure you tell me all the dirty details later.” She leaned over the center console and kissed his cheek and then her soft breath feathered over his ear. “I get to be on top.”
Sucking in a breath, Ryan stroked his hand through her hair before gripping the strands between his fingers. “I’m holding you to that tonight.”
She ran her hand up his thigh to his groin and cupped him through his dress pants. “Meee-owww.”
“Maiya, if you get my dick hard right now, you’re going to be sucking it, so I can focus at work today.”
“Whew! Now, that is one hell of a visual.”
“I’m so spanking your ass for this tonight. You just wait.”
“Yay!” Smiling, she clapped her hands. “Promise?”
“You do realize it’s not really a punishment if you enjoy it?” He gripped her thigh. “I’ll have to make you beg, then.”
She moaned and narrowed her eyes at him. His cock twitched in his pants. Damn, would she ever not turn him on? Ryan didn’t think it was possible.
He’d successfully managed to get them to work, park and walk inside without taking her in the truck, the garage stairwell, or a wall along the way. Not easy though. When the elevator doors opened to their floor they stepped off, hand in hand, and damn near smacked into her boss, Tony.
Fuck. They were holding hands too. Letting go of him, Maiya gave Ryan an “oh shit” look.
He nodded at Tony and walked away. Glancing back before turning the corner, he saw Maiya heading in the other direction, talking with her boss. He hoped she wasn’t going to catch hell over them being involved. Some companies didn’t allow office romances. He wasn’t sure what their company policy was regarding the matter. There’d never been a reason to look something like that up. Turning down the aisle toward his cube, he ran into Jodi. Perfect.
“Good morning, Ryan.”
“Good morning, indeed. Just the person I need to see.”
Jodi shifted the folders she held in her arms. “Oh yeah? About?”
He looked around to be sure no one was close enough to hear and lowered his voice. “What’s the company’s policy on office dating?” Jodi’s eyes widened, and then she smiled. A big-ass smile too. He chuckled. “Okay, you can stop grinning at me like that.”
“So, it’s official?”
Reluctant to answer the question, Ryan blew out a breath and tilted his head to the side. Maiya hadn’t yet agreed to exclusively being his, which pretty much sucked, but beside the point now since her boss clearly saw them.
“Hmm. Follow me to my office.” Jodi stepped past him.
He dropped his laptop case in his cube and then made his way to Jodi’s office. On his way, he passed Rahul’s office and nodded when the guy looked up from his laptop screen.
Jodi and Rahul were Maiya’s closest friends in L.A. He should invite them both to dinner or something this weekend, assuming he could get her to stay for the weekend. He’d have to work on her about it tonight. He stepped into Jodi’s office.
“Close the door,” she said without looking up from the screen.
“You’re bossy.” He laughed.
“Hey, I got two kids, a husband and a full-time job. Being bossy comes with the territory. Sit.” She motioned to one of the chairs in front of her desk.
“Not going to argue that.”
“Believe it or not, I already looked this up a week or so ago. Watching out for my girl, you know.”
“Quite nice of you.” He took a seat and leaned forward. “So what does it say?”
“Basically, it’s common sense stuff. Like, if you worked for her or her for you, then it’d be a no-no, but that’s not the case, thank the Lord.”
Relief washed over him. Letting out a breath, he sat back. “So, we’re good?”
“I think so, but it also says something about discretion of management.”
“Meaning?”
“I think if your relationship compromises the company in any way, then management reserves the right to either move one of you to a different group or terminate one of you. Not sure which.” She frowned at the computer screen.
“That’s like two completely different ends of the spectrum.” Bending his head forward, he rubbed the back of his neck.
“Yes, but I think you’re okay for now. No one knows except us, right? And Rahul. Of course Rahul knows.” She tapped her fingertip to her lips.
“Who told Rahul?”
“I did.” She leaned back in her chair, regarding him. “Did something happen?”
“Does Maiya know you told Rahul?”
“Yes. We’re friends, Ryan. That’s what friends do. Now, did something happen?”
“Tony saw us stepping off the elevator. We were holding hands.” Leaning forward again, he rested his elbows on his knees. “He didn’t say anything, but Maiya walked off with him.”
“Tony is a really great man to work for.” Jodi pursed her lips. “I’m betting it’s going to be fine.” Slapping her hand down on her desk, she stood.
“You think?” He hated the sound of his own voice, a mixture of fear and doubt tainting each word.
“Hell yeah. Don’t worry. Come on, you can buy me a cup of coffee downstairs.” She smiled and opened the door. “We’ll invite Rahul too.”
Shaking his head, he followed her out. “Okay, great. Sure.”
Maiya sat in Tony’s office feeling a whole lot of nervous. Her palms were sweaty and the breakfast she ate threatened to make a reappearance. With her luck, if she puked, it’d land all over the top of his desk.
Tony glanced at her over the top of his laptop screen. “You look like you’re about to be sick.”
She forced a smile. “I’m fine, really.” Please don’t fire Ryan. He has a child to care for.
“Is it serious with him?”
“Define serious?” She crossed her legs.
“Come on, Maiya. I’m a reasonable guy. These things happen.” He leaned back in his chair. “Honestly, I’m asking more out of curiosity than anything else, though it’s none of my business.”
His statement shocked her and she sat up a little straighter. “I… I don’t know.” She fiddled with the cuff on her sleeve. “I don’t want him to get into trouble. I mean, I know better, Tony. These things can sometimes get messy. But, I won’t let that happen.” She stood, unable to sit sti
ll any longer, and walked to the window in his large office.
“Bah, I’m not concerned about that. I’m sure you’ll remain professional, Maiya.”
“I appreciate your trust in the matter.”
“If he worked for you, or vice versa, we might be having a different discussion. I have to admit, as selfish as I know it might sound, he may be the thing that finally gets you to move back to L.A.”
Turning, she paced the area next to his desk. “Can I speak openly?”
He linked his hands over his stomach. “Please do.”
“You asked if it was serious. Well, he wants it to be.”
“But?”
“But… Ugh, I can’t believe I am telling you this.” She pivoted and faced him. “Don’t take this wrong, but I think I need some fatherly advice.” She sank into the chair again, wringing her hands in her lap, quite overwhelmed with the whole situation.
Tony leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk. “Maiya, look at me.” When she did, he continued. “I’m honored, and to tell you the truth, I’ve always looked upon you like one of my daughters.”
“Well, I— Really?” She’d never expected to have him return those feelings. It made sense though. He’d always taken care of her at work. Encouraged and mentored her even before she worked directly for him. He’d been a stable figure in her career for years now. “That means a lot, Tony. Thanks.”
“So, speak freely; you’re in good company.” He settled back in his seat again.
She took a breath, letting herself relax a little and began again. “He wants it to be serious and to be truthful, I’m terrified.”
“Of what?”
“Not being good enough.” There. She’d said it. Maiya blew out a breath and wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. Damn, she was sweating.
“Not being…? Maiya, in all the years I’ve known you, that has got to be the dumbest thing I have ever heard you say.”
Shock blasted through her mind so fast, she couldn’t process. She squared her shoulders and her jaw dropped.
“Well, it is. Don’t look at me like that. You listen carefully to me.” He pointed his finger at her. “You are an intelligent, beautiful woman. You’re full of energy and have more to offer the world than half the people I’ve met in the last ten years. You are more than good enough, in fact, probably too good for him, and if Ryan Donnelly doesn’t treat you as such, then you better dump him right now.”
She laughed then. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so serious, Tony. Knock it off, you’re freaking me out.”
“Psshaw.” He waved his hand at her. “I mean it.”
“I appreciate your kind words. They mean a lot.” She relaxed further and crossed her legs. “I think Ryan is a good, kind man. The problem would be me, and yes, maybe my perception is a bit…off, in regards to this. Either way, I have a lot to think about.”
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s not to think too hard on something. Go with your gut and not your head, Maiya. You’d be surprised how right it tends to be.”
“So we have your blessing?”
“Of course.” He smiled. “Just don’t screw it up. If he’s ‘the one’, then go for it. Jump in with both feet and don’t look back.” He chuckled. “Then move your butt to L.A.”
Relief washed over her. “Thanks, Tony.” She stood. “And thanks for the advice; it’s appreciated.”
“Any time.”
She left his office. On her way to her own, she stopped by Jodi’s. “Lunch today?”
Jodi looked up from a pile of paperwork. “Hey, girrrl.” She grinned. “Yes, please.”
“Why do you look like the cat who ate the canary?”
“Do I?” Jodi raised both brows. “What time do you want to eat?”
Maiya checked her schedule on her phone. “How about twelve thirty?”
“That works. I’ll meet you out front.”
Maiya placed her hand on her hip. “You didn’t answer my question.”
“We’ll talk at lunch. Now shoo.” Jodi waved her hands at Maiya. “I’ve got a report to get out.”
“Suit yourself. I plan on eating. If my mouth is full, I won’t be speaking much.” Maiya snorted a laugh and walked off before Jodi had a chance to respond.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Ryan’s head pounded like a jackhammer going to town on a city street. His lunch break had been anything but filling. Instead of picking up a delicious meal, he’d picked up a stack of papers with the word “visitation” stamped on every one of them. Ryan rubbed the back of his neck. His attorney intended to handle it with a court-appointed mediator, and if that didn’t work, they’d be going to court sometime in the next ninety days.
Bernice and Robert Houston had tap danced all over his last nerve, and he’d about had enough of them. If it weren’t for the fact Jacob loved them, and the whole court-ordered visitation thing, he would’ve preferred no contact with them at all. Ryan was beyond ready to pack this whole mess up, with the exception of what special things he’d kept for Jacob in regards to his mother.
On his way back to the office, his father called, inviting him over for a family cookout. Ryan took the opportunity to let him know he’d be bringing a guest. The surprise in his dad’s voice was obvious, but of course, he said it was fine. One more mouth around the Donnelly table was never any big deal. Between him and his nine siblings, there was always someone over.
Now, he couldn’t wait to tell Maiya what the dinner plans were. Ryan was damn excited for her to meet his family, and for them to meet her. Whether they’d like her or not wasn’t even a question. Everyone loved her.
At first glance, she was almost overwhelming. But in his eyes, and others he’d noticed sneaking glances of her, she was gorgeous. People couldn’t help but want to get to know her, or hear what opinions she might have on any number of topics. The woman’s intelligence was amazing. Plus, she had a wicked sense of humor.
Once settled back at his cube, he waded through the deluge of emails regarding his project and then sent her an IM letting her know dinner would be a cookout at his parents’ house.
Maiya Rossini: You want me to meet your parents? Are you crazy, Ryan?
Ryan Donnelly: A little, but not in regards to this. Why wouldn’t I want you to meet my parents?
Maiya Rossini: Is it just them or will anyone else be there?
Ryan Donnelly: Probably some of my siblings that live close by and their families. Jimmy and Cyn will be there too. If they’re cooking out, Mom’s making a feast that could feed the entire neighborhood.
Maiya Rossini: Oh, Lord. Should we go home…er…I mean can we stop by your place and change first?
Ryan Donnelly: Sure. Hey, is this some sort of social anxiety thing you have I’m not aware of?
Maiya Rossini: LOL No. Just when it comes to your family, I think. I worry I’m too different for them. I’m not exactly the girl you bring home to Momma, if you know what I mean.
He stared at the words in the message window and shook his head. No way—no fucking way would he tolerate her thinking she wasn’t good enough for him, or his family. Ryan stormed straight to her office. The door was closed when he got there. Not that he cared. Ryan walked in and closed it behind him. To hell with knocking.
She looked up from her laptop, eyes wide with shock. “What are you doing?”
Saying nothing, he stalked around the side of her desk, gripped her by the arms, pulled her up from her chair and planted a hard kiss on her mouth. When he broke from her lips, she was breathing heavy and then reached back, seeking her chair to sit again.
“What was that for?” She pressed her fingers to her swollen lips.
Leaning forward, Ryan braced himself on the arms of her chair. “You are exactly the kind of woman I intend to bring home to ‘Momma’. And my momma�
�I don’t really call her that, by the way—is going to love you. So will my father, and my siblings.” He pressed another kiss to her lips.
When he pulled back, her hazel eyes had darkened. Lust or anger, he wasn’t sure. Not that it mattered. She needed to understand this now.
“I just meant I’m not your typical type, Ryan.” Maiya frowned, her brows peaking at the center.
“You are my type, Maiya. You’re who I want to be with. Why is it so damn hard for you to accept that?” His tone was harsher than he’d intended, but it was important she hear him.
“I’m sorry, okay?” She rubbed her forehead. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”
Straightening, Ryan ran his fingers through his hair and softened his tone. “You matter to me, baby. I care…deeply about you. I want my family to meet you.”
Eyes wide, she blew out a breath. “I don’t know what to say. I’m honored, a little shocked, but honored nonetheless.” She reached for his hand and held it. “What time are they expecting us?”
“That’s my girl.” He smiled. “Six-ish. If we can get out of here a little early we can go home and change first.”
“That’d be nice. I don’t think high heels and a skirt are the best attire for a cookout.” She glanced at her laptop screen. “I’ll get wrapped up by four.”
“Perfect.” He leaned forward and cupped her chin in his hand. “Don’t worry. They’ll love you.” He kissed the tip of her nose and exited as fast as he’d entered.
Once again, Maiya sat in the front seat of Ryan’s BMW, bubbling over with nervous energy, fidgeting in her purse and then with the radio. It hadn’t helped Ryan made her wear a short sleeve shirt. Her tats would be on display for all of them to see. The drive to his parents’ house felt endless but in reality only took about forty-five minutes with traffic.
They pulled up in front of a sprawling two-story historical colonial set back from the street and Maiya’s mouth dropped open. The house was stunning, and confirmed her original assumption. His parents had money—although they may’ve bought the house years ago when real estate wasn’t quite as overpriced as now.
Unworthy Heart: The Donnellys, Book 1 Page 27
