“That’s not true.”
Callie raised a brow.
“It’s not. Listen, Callie, I got over Ayden a long time ago, when he nearly kicked me out of his place the morning after we had sex. It made me wise up real quick.”
“Well, if that’s the case, why go back for more? Why put yourself in harm’s way? You know you’re not immune to his charms. And I suspect he knows. How else would he have lured you back into his web?”
“I’m not his prey.”
“Are you sure about that?” Callie inquired, sipping on her Frappuccino. “Because I suspect you have no idea what you’re in for. Five years ago, you opened Pandora’s box and found out what it was like to be with the man. Do you honestly think you can act as if those feelings never existed?”
“He’s offering me enough money to ensure I ignore them.”
“I still don’t understand, after the way he treated you.”
Maya leaned back in her chair and regarded her best friend. She hadn’t yet divulged her mother’s condition. “Mama is ill.”
“Excuse me?”
“Thomas shared with me that she has pancreatic cancer.”
“Omigod!” Callie jerked back in her seat. Then she immediately reached across the table and clutched Maya’s hand. “What’s the diagnosis?”
“They are hoping that, after chemo and radiation, she will go into remission, but the treatments are expensive. Thomas and Raven have been helping out, but with the baby, they are stretched thin.”
Callie nodded. “Now I understand why you accepted Ayden’s offer.”
“The influx of cash will help Mama. Without worrying about finances, she can focus on getting better.” Although she and her mother had never seen eye to eye, she was her mother. How could she not help out?
“Oh, Maya.” Callie’s eyes filled with tears. “You are so selfless. Does your mother have any idea of your plans?”
“I called her earlier and told her I was moving back to Austin,” Maya replied. “She was pleased that I would be closer, but I didn’t tell her about the money. She knows Raven and Thomas have been covering the out-of-pocket expenses, but I don’t want her to know that I’ll take up the slack going forward. “And promise me you won’t tell her.”
“Of course not. I would never betray your confidence. But where are you going to live? With your mother? I can’t imagine you staying with your sister.”
“That’s completely out of the question. Although I’m willing to get to know my niece and I accepted Raven’s apology, it’s going to be a long time, if ever, before we can get back to the sister relationship we once shared. And as for my mother, we’re like oil and water. We don’t mix. If I stayed with her, all she would do is criticize and compare me to Raven like she did when we were children. It is best if I find my own place, but I’ll visit Mom.” She’d contacted a property management company who’d forwarded some listings for sublets and short-term rentals until she could find a place she liked.
“All right. I just worry about you, and not only with where you lay your head. I’m talking about Ayden. You’re walking into the lion’s den with no protection for your heart.”
“My heart has nothing to do with the situation. What I felt for Ayden is in the past.”
“That’s easy to say when you’re not seeing the man day and night. I remember the hours you kept before.”
“It won’t be like that now. He promised. Plus, he didn’t want me five years ago, so nothing has really changed.”
“Maya...you were intimate with Ayden. Trust me, he wanted you.”
“For all of five seconds. Anyway, have a little faith in me, Callie. I can do this. I have to. Not for myself, but for Mama.”
Three
Two weeks later, Maya sat outside her mother’s house with the engine of her Honda running. She’d arrived in Austin the day before. Ayden had ensured her sign-on bonus check had arrived within days of accepting his offer, so she’d been able to secure her short-term rental for next six months. She’d put most of her belongings in storage until she was sure returning to Stewart Investments would work out. In the meantime, she’d kept the news of her return to Austin a secret from her family, but now it was time to face the music. Since her relationship with her sister was strained, she’d informed Raven via text of her plans a few days ago. Raven was happy she was coming back home if the emoji that accompanied her texts were anything to go by, but Maya hadn’t yet told her mother.
After turning off the ignition, Maya exited the car and climbed the porch steps. The neighborhood looked much the same as it had when she’d left some ten-odd years ago except now the homes appeared older and more worn. Her mother’s could use a coat of paint and the lawn needed mowing. Maya was just about to ring the doorbell when the door swung wide.
“Maya?” her mother said incredulously.
“Yes, it’s me. Can I come in?” Maya was startled by how thin her mother was. Although it had only been a little over two weeks since she’d last seen her, Sophia had lost another five pounds. Her normally dark hair lay limp on her shoulders and the simple print house shift she was wearing hung off her slender frame. Meanwhile her skin seemed sallow and her eyes had sunk even deeper into her face.
“Of course.” Sophia stood back and motioned her into the formal living room. “Would you like anything to drink? I think I have some sweet tea in the fridge.”
Maya shook her head. “Nothing for me.” She didn’t plan on staying long.
Her mother took a seat on the sofa and Maya did the same. “What are you doing here? I thought you went back to San Antonio.”
“I did, but I came back.”
“So you could start to mend fences with your sister?” her mother offered, folding one leg over the other.
One day, yes, but not now.” Although she’d accepted Raven’s marriage and her baby niece, Maya wasn’t ready to tackle more than that. She had Ayden to deal with.
“Oh, Maya. That’s water under the bridge now. You have to let it go and move on.”
“I have let it go, Mother,” Maya responded. “I came to the baptism.”
“Yes, you did. And that was a start.”
“Listen, Mama. I didn’t come here to talk about Raven. I came to let you know that I’m moving back home. I’ve gotten my old position back at Stewart Investments.”
“With that good-looking fella you used to work for?” Sophia touched her chest. “Now there was a sight for sore eyes if ever I saw one. That man is gorgeous. Why couldn’t you ever snag him?”
Of course her mother would think along those lines. But finding a man wasn’t a number-one priority for Maya. She was an independent woman who used her brains to get ahead. “Ayden is my boss, nothing more.” And there could never been anything ever again.
“That’s too bad. With his looks and all that money, you’d never have to worry a day in your life about how to pay the next bill.”
“That’s the thing, Mama. I make good money and I can more than help out with whatever it is that you need around the house.” Maya looked about the room and noted the peeling wallpaper and loose wood flooring.
Her mother rose to her feet and began pacing the room. “I don’t need your handouts, Maya Richardson. I’ve been doing just fine without you. Raven and Thomas have seen to that.”
“I’m sure they have. I just thought—” Her mother might want her help? It was clear Sophia didn’t want Maya to know about her cancer.
“That you could come in on your white horse and save the day?” Sophia interrupted. “Well, that’s not necessary. We’ve got it covered.”
Maya sighed. “Very well, then.” She would just have to tackle her mother’s financial woes a different way. She pulled out a slip of paper. “Here’s my new address and phone number if you need to reach me since it’s clear you’re doing just fine without me.”
<
br /> She rose to her feet to depart, but her mother touched her arm softly.
“I’m sorry, Maya. That came out all wrong. I’m glad you’re back in town and that you took the time to come see me,” she said. “I just don’t want to be anyone’s charity case, ya hear?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Maya nodded and allowed Sophia to walk her to the front door. “I’ll stop by again real soon.”
“I’d like that.”
Maya let out a deep breath once the door closed behind her. What had she expected, that her mother would welcome her with open arms? She and Sophia had never had that kind of mother-daughter relationship. Raven was her favorite child and that hadn’t changed. Thanks to her therapy, Maya had learned to accept it and to understand her mother loved her in her own way even though she had a funny way of showing it. But it didn’t matter. Maya would figure out a way to help with Sophia’s medical bills despite her stubbornness. If there was a will, there was a way.
* * *
The next morning, Maya wasn’t nervous as she walked through the revolving doors of Stewart Investments’ offices. She strutted toward the elevator bank feeling great. She was returning to her old stomping grounds and it felt like home.
She planned on spending the next week gathering as much information from Carolyn as possible. She was so busy running through a mental checklist that she didn’t notice Ayden until he was standing beside her.
“Good morning, Maya.”
Maya popped her head up and looked at him. “Good morning.” She glanced down at her watch. “You’re here a bit early, aren’t you?” It was a little after seven, and typically Ayden came in around eight. First, he hit the gym for a morning workout before having two cups of strong black coffee for breakfast. Sometimes with fruit and dry toast, other times with an egg-white omelet. She still knew his schedule like the back of her hand.
A chime echoed in the lobby and the elevator doors opened. “Times have changed,” Ayden said as they entered. “Since I didn’t have you, I’ve had to adjust.”
“And you will need to adjust again because I like having the morning to myself.”
Ayden chuckled. “And now so do I.”
Maya wondered if she would have time to mentally prepare for working with him again? Apparently not, because here she was being thrown into the deep end of the ocean without a life vest.
They were both silent on the ride to the fiftieth floor. When they reached the top, Maya exited the elevator first. Ayden fell into step beside her as they walked toward the executive offices.
“Not much has changed,” Ayden said, “except some of the decor.”
The interior offices that were once browns and beige had been replaced with an open concept done in whites and primary colors. The new atmosphere was bright and airy. “I like it.”
“I’m glad. I want you to love your working environment since you’ll be spending a great deal of time here.”
“You promised me that would change,” Maya responded.
“I did,” Ayden said, glancing down at her. “And I will hold up my end of the bargain.”
Despite what she’d told Callie, Maya doubted he would be able to help himself. Some days there would be long hours, but she wouldn’t let it consume her life as it once had.
When they made it to the area outside Ayden’s office, she placed her purse on what was once her desk and studied her surroundings. It felt surreal being back after all this time.
“Everything all right?” Ayden inquired from behind her.
Maya whirled around. “Yes, of course.”
“You can change anything you like.”
“Wow! I’m not even out the door and you’re ready to replace all semblance of me?” a beautiful blonde said as she walked toward them. She wore a chic knee-length black sheath and to-die-for designer pumps. She was nearly as tall as Ayden. “Hey, it’s not my fault you want to leave the best job in town to go off and play wife and mom,” Ayden said.
Maya could only assume the stunning Scandinavian beauty was none other than Carolyn, Ayden’s current assistant. She stepped forward and held out her hand. “Maya. Maya Richardson.”
Carolyn shook her hand. “Ah, Maya. I’ve heard a lot of great things about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“Congratulations on your pregnancy.” Maya tried not to let the envy show on her face that yet another woman was living the life she’d always wanted while she was destined to remain alone.
“It doesn’t mean I’m not here for both of you,” she said, looking at Maya. “I’m just a phone call away if you need me.”
“Hopefully, that won’t be necessary if you get me up to speed this week.”
“Let’s get started.” Carolyn made for her desk.
“I’ll leave you to it.” Ayden disappeared into his office and closed the door.
Carolyn chuckled to herself. “He’s not much of talker, is he?”
“Nope. Never has been and never will be.”
“I hear you.” Carolyn stashed her purse in her drawer and locked it before taking a seat at her desk. “When I first started working here, it took him months to learn my name. I guess he’d gone through so many assistants he couldn’t keep up. Eventually, I put my foot down and forced him to acknowledge me. We’ve gotten along marvelously ever since.”
“That’s great.”
“It wasn’t easy filling your shoes,” Carolyn continued as she turned on her laptop and punched in the appropriate password. “Ayden thought the world of you and made sure everyone knew it.”
“Did he really?” Maya was surprised.
Years ago, she’d learned there were only two avenues a girl could go. The pretty route or the smart route. Her mother had always told Maya her looks were unremarkable, so she’d become a bookworm and excelled in her studies. After college, she’d had options, but had been afraid to branch out. Needing work, she’d become a temporary admin and found she was skilled at multitasking for successful men. That was how she’d come to work for Ayden. Her reputation as the miracle worker had wowed him. It was good to know that her unwavering work ethic had garnered his respect.
Maya spent the duration of the morning going through the dozens of active client files to help her become familiar with all the players. It was well past noon when she looked up from the table in the small breakout conference room she’d relegated herself to and found Carolyn at the doorway.
“You hungry yet?” Carolyn asked. “Because I’m starved. Eating for two has me ravenous all the time.” She patted her small baby bump.
“You go ahead. I’m just finishing up and will grab a quick bite later.”
Finally she stopped long enough to grab a salad from the building’s café only to return to the mountain of paper. Hours later, Carolyn stopped by to tell her she was leaving for the day. Maya hadn’t realized it was so late, but she waved goodbye.
She was reading her last file when she felt Ayden’s presence. Heat washed over Maya at seeing him again. He’d abandoned his jacket and tie, and had rolled up his sleeves to reveal enormous biceps. Ayden came closer and Maya could swear she felt a light spark inside her when he looked at her so intently.
“Burning the midnight oil?”
“Excuse me?”
He tapped his watch. “It’s after six. I thought we agreed that you would have a life outside of this office.”
Maya pinched the bridge of her nose. “Well, I intend to. I just finished the last file.” She closed the folder and placed it on the table. “Guess I should get on home, or should I say to my short-term rental.” She wasn’t ready to sign a long-term lease just yet; the rental was affordable and allowed her the flexibility to move quickly if working with Ayden again didn’t pan out.
“How about dinner?” Ayden asked, jamming his hands into his trouser pockets. How was it he could look so amazingly good
with several days’ worth of stubble on his jaw?
“Not necessary. I can pick up some takeout on the way home.”
He studied her through hooded eyes. “I wasn’t trying anything, Maya. I just thought after a long first day, it might be nice to catch up. And it’s not like we haven’t shared a meal together before.”
He was right, of course. They’d worked late and eaten together on many occasions, though usually it had been takeout, not a formal dinner. But how bad could it be? “All right, I’d like that.”
“Let me grab my jacket and I’ll be right with you.” He was gone for several seconds, giving Maya enough time to regret accepting the invitation. Why was she doing this to herself? Was she so determined to prove that he had no power over her that she would agree to be alone with him? Maybe she was. If they were going to work together, Maya would have to be comfortable spending time in his company. Alone.
* * *
Dinner on the terrace at the quaint Italian restaurant was exactly that. Ayden didn’t make any untoward moves. Instead, he was nothing short of hospitable and caring, holding out her chair, making sure he selected her favorite wine and generally steering the conversation to lighter topics such as movies, books and his favorite sports team. Maya began to relax.
Ayden could be great company. She found herself laughing at his anecdotes and funny jokes. She recalled how he had a sense of humor, but it had taken time to manifest itself. Back in the day, he’d close his door for hours, shutting himself off from the world, only calling Maya on the intercom to do his bidding. In time, Ayden had learned to open up to her and share some of his past, his struggles and his hopes for Stewart Investments. It’s why she knew how important securing Kincaid’s business was to him. He was more approachable than he’d ever been, and Maya had to admit she liked this new version of Ayden. Perhaps she’d had something to do with him learning to be more open.
When the dessert menu came along, Maya patted her full stomach. “I don’t think so.”
At the CEO's Pleasure Page 4
