At the CEO's Pleasure

by Yahrah St. John

  “C’mon, don’t be a spoilsport. Their cannoli is the best.”

  “Sounds like you know from personal experience?”

  “I do.” Ayden turned to the waitress, who was still standing near their table. “We’ll have the cannoli and coffee.”

  “Sure thing, Mr. Stewart,” the waitress replied, and scurried away.

  “This was really nice, Ayden. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I told you things were going to be different this time.”

  “Yes, you did,” Maya replied, “but I wasn’t sure.”

  “I’ve learned from the past and generally don’t make the same mistakes over again.”

  Maya wondered if that meant becoming intimate with her. She would never know because the waitress returned with their dessert and coffee. Maya watched Ayden pour them each a cup and was surprised when he put three cubes of sugar and a splash of milk in hers. “Thanks.” When had he learned how she liked her coffee? Probably the same time he’d discovered she liked to run and kept a journal.

  “No problem.”

  Soon dessert was over and Ayden was walking Maya to her Honda. “Thank you for dinner.”

  “You’re welcome. It’s the least I could do since you’re working so hard.”

  “I worked late so I could get up to speed.”

  “Well, I want you to know I appreciate it. It’s good to have you back, Maya. I missed you.”

  He missed her.

  “I missed you, too.” Maya didn’t wait for his response, and wasted no time hopping into her car and speeding away. She needed distance.

  Once she had made it to her apartment, Maya tried not to think about Ayden. She had to focus on something else, anything else, so she called Raven. After her mother’s refusal of her help, Maya was going to have to find another approach.

  Raven answered on the second ring. “Maya, it’s so good to hear from you. Have you made it safely to Austin from San Antonio?”

  “I have,” Maya replied, “but this really isn’t a social call.”

  “Oh, all right. What’s going on?”

  Maya heard the disappointment in her sister’s voice, but she pressed on. The familial relationship they’d once shared had been shattered. “Thomas told me about Mama’s medical bills.”

  “Really? When did you speak with him?”

  “After the baptism, but that’s beside the point. I want to help out with the house bills and Mama doesn’t want me to. When I mentioned it, she told me you and Thomas had it under control.”

  “I wish that were true, but with a new baby, it’s gotten tight paying for her medications, plus the balance the insurance doesn’t cover. Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated.”

  “Well, I’m here now. Tell me what I can do.”

  Their call ended soon after, with Raven promising to email Maya with the details of what was outstanding and any upcoming payments. Maya had set aside a good portion of her $25,000 bonus for her mother’s care. Feeling accomplished, she retired to bed, but when she did, her mind wandered to Ayden’s words. He missed her. She told herself he missed the dependable, efficient assistant who could keep him on task. She knew her job and how to effectively implement the decisions he made. Ayden was no more interested in her than he’d been five years ago. At least now he valued her and liked her well enough to offer friendship. And that was sufficient, because quite frankly she had as much as she could handle on her plate. She was trying to reconnect with her mother while she still had the chance. And maybe she’d even try her hand at dating again. Maya was determined to take back her life, starting now.

  Four

  The next morning, Maya arrived at the office around the same time as she had the previous day. Neither Ayden nor Carolyn were in sight this time. Maya set about turning on the Keurig machine and making herself a cup of coffee. Although she’d slept through the night, she still felt tired. Probably because it wasn’t her own bed in San Antonio.

  Wouldn’t it be nice if she were sharing it with a certain CEO?

  Maya tried to shake the cobwebs from her brain. Why were thoughts of Ayden popping into her head? She’d stopped fantasizing about him years ago. Why was this happening again? Was her subconscious trying to tell her that she wasn’t as over him as she thought?

  She was heading back to her desk when Carolyn’s phone rang. She glanced at her watch. It was early for the phones to start ringing. Maya picked up the receiver. “Stewart Investments.”

  “Maya, it’s Carolyn.”

  “Carolyn? Is everything okay?” Her voice sounded weak, as if she’d been crying.

  “N-no, it’s not. I woke up this morning and I was spotting. My husband took me the hospital and we are waiting to see the doctor. Oh, Maya, I don’t want to lose this baby.”

  “And you won’t.” Maya tried to sound encouraging. “You’re a strong, healthy woman, Carolyn. You can do this.”

  “I hope so, but Ayden...”

  “I’ll take care of him, don’t you worry. You just take care of yourself and that baby.”

  “Thank you, I appreciate it. But you should know he has a big meeting coming up tonight with a high-profile client. I finished the presentation yesterday. It will just need to be printed out and bound.”

  “I’m on it. Don’t worry. I’ve got this. If you can, call me later and let me know you’re okay?”

  “I will. And Maya?”

  “Yes?”

  “Thank you.”

  The line went dead and Maya stared at the receiver in her hand. That was how Ayden found her as he approached. “Maya?” He dropped his briefcase and rushed toward her. “Is everything okay?”

  She nodded. “Yes, yes, I’m fine. It’s not me. It’s Carolyn. She’s in the hospital. Could be something wrong with the baby.”

  “Oh, Lord!”

  “I know, right?” Tears formed in the corners of Maya’s eyes at the thought that Carolyn could lose the baby. Although she’d only just met her, it was obvious how much she wanted to be a mother.

  Ayden crouched by the desk and reached for Maya’s hands. “We have to believe that she and the baby will be all right.”

  Maya nodded and slowly Ayden released her hands to stand up straight. “She told me about a dinner meeting you have tonight with the Kincaid’s. That’s great. I know how much you’ve wanted their business.”

  “Yes, Carolyn was working up a prospectus.”

  “I’ll have it ready for you.”

  “You mean, ready for us.”

  Maya stared back in confusion. “I don’t understand.”

  “Carolyn was accompanying me to this dinner tonight. Kincaid is big on family. Although I don’t have one to speak of, Carolyn was going to pinch-hit as my plus one. Can you do the same?”

  “I suppose.”

  His brow furrowed and he paused. “Will that be a problem?”

  Dinner again with Ayden, except this time she would be his plus one? The evening prior she’d been able to justify it as two people sharing a meal after working late, but this felt different. Maya had to remind herself that this was business. Like Carolyn, she was attending to help him pitch Stewart Investments to his dream client. “No, it won’t be a problem.”

  She hit the ground running the rest of day, working through all the emails, answering those that were urgent and forwarding those requiring Ayden’s input. She set up a spreadsheet for his active deals that she’d studied up on yesterday. And thank God she had.

  Later that day, Maya wanted to breathe a sigh of relief but fretted over what to wear. Having let her go an hour early to freshen up, Ayden planned on picking her up at 7:00 p.m. and she still hadn’t selected a dress. Most of her clothing was still in storage, so her options were severely limited. Maya settled on a one-shoulder body-con dress. Callie had convinced Maya that with her slender
figure she could pull it off. It wasn’t like she had a lot of opportunities to dress up. Her life in San Antonio had been rather boring up to this point. At least the dress would hug the few curves she had. After adding some chandelier earrings, a spritz of perfume, and some mascara, blush and lipstick, she was ready.

  Ayden was already in the lobby speaking with the security guard, which allowed Maya time to survey him. It was impossible to stop herself from staring at him like some love-struck teenager. He was powerfully built, and his suit fitted his broad frame like no other man she’d ever known. Maya felt breathless and her stomach was tied in knots. Ayden had the looks to go with his physique. Those stunning hazel-gray eyes, perpetual five-o’clock shadow and chiseled cheekbones caused her to suck in a deep calming breath.

  The truth was, she could have kept looking at him forever, but as if sensing he was being watched, Ayden glanced up and his eyes fastened on hers. He shook the man’s hand and walked toward her. Maya’s heart rate began galloping at an alarming speed. Her mouth suddenly felt as dry as the Sahara Desert, but she managed, “I’m ready.”

  Ayden trapped her with his eyes. Helplessly she gazed up into those murky depths, which had suddenly darkened from hazel to something more mysterious. Maya’s entire body burned from the look he was giving her. Then he blinked and it was gone, and Maya wondered if she’d imagined the lust she was almost certain was there.

  Ayden offered Maya his arm and she took it. “Let’s go.”

  They rode to the restaurant in companionable silence. Neither of them seemed too keen on talking until both their cell phones buzzed, indicating a text message. Maya pulled hers from her clutch. It was Carolyn. “She and the baby are okay,” Maya said, turning to Ayden.

  He glanced up from the road to reward her with a smile. “That’s wonderful news. I’m glad to hear it.”

  The phone buzzed again and Maya quickly read the message. “But she’s not returning to the office. The doctor has indicated her pregnancy is high risk and is putting her on bed rest.”

  “That’s a shame because it leaves you in quite the lurch.”

  “Not really,” Maya said. “I’m more than capable of stepping in, picking up the baton and running with it. I’m just glad I spent yesterday poring through those files.”

  “So am I, Maya. So am I.”

  When they made it to the restaurant, the hostess sat them at a table already occupied by Ayden’s prospective client. “Mr. Kincaid. Ryan,” Ayden said. He offered the elder Kincaid and his son handshakes. “Pleasure to see you both. And is this your lovely wife?”

  “Yes, it is.” The older man beamed with pride. “Sandy, I’d like you to meet Ayden Stewart...” The petite brunette rose from her seat and Ayden shook her hand.

  “Nice to meet you.”

  “And of course, you know my son. Ryan, Ayden is the man who’s going to make us millions.”

  “Mr. Stewart,” Ryan replied, “my father thinks very highly of you. I’m curious to hear what ideas you have for us.”

  “Of course, but please let me introduce Maya Richardson.” Ayden slid his hand to the small of her back and edged her over to the group.

  “Ms. Richardson.” Mr. Kincaid leaned over and clasped her hand. “You’re looking quite lovely this evening. Isn’t she, Ayden?”

  Ayden’s eyes glowed with fire when he looked at her, and Maya felt her belly clench in response. “She is.”

  “I agree with you, Father,” Ryan commented, and Maya’s heart started in her chest. There was naked interest in the younger Kincaid’s eyes as he searched her face. She wasn’t used to being the center of attention, especially from such a good-looking man with his tanned skin, shock of dark hair and stunning blue eyes.

  Ayden reached for her then, tugging her forward. A sharp streak of sensation coursed through Maya at his touch. She nearly stumbled into the chair he’d pulled out for her.

  Ryan reached for her to assist, but Ayden glanced up at him and said, “I’ve got her.”

  “Thank you.” Maya hoped her blush wasn’t showing at having both men so clearly interested in her well-being. Not that there was any competition. Her nerves had been shot the moment she’d seen Ayden in the lobby. She’d known it was going to be difficult working for Ayden again, but she hadn’t realized that she would be thrown into a situation so quickly, especially when she still harbored residual feelings for him.

  Before she could even gather herself, she felt the warm strength of Ayden’s hand as he patted her thigh, probably in an effort to ease the tension that was no doubt radiating off her. His touch was oddly comforting, even though it made her tingle and brought her entire body to life. A tight coil formed in her tummy and was quickly racing upward toward her breasts, making them feel fuller, heavier. Maya willed her wayward body to relax. She grabbed her water glass and drank generously, hoping the chilled water would cool off her hot flesh.

  “So how long have you two been seeing each other?” Mr. Kincaid inquired.

  “It’s not like that,” Ayden quickly responded. “Maya is my assistant. She often entertains clients with me.”

  Mr. Kincaid wasn’t fazed. “My wife was my secretary, too, and as you can see that didn’t stop us.”

  “So you’re single?” Ryan’s question lingered in the air.

  “Um, yes, I am.” Maya offered Ryan a small smile.

  “It’s good to know there’s hope for the rest of us mortals,” Ryan said.

  Was he trying to flirt with her? Because she’d never dated outside her race. She was woefully out of practice in the dating department. It was safer to change the topic. And she did. She discovered that the Kincaids had been married for thirty years and had a daughter, as well.

  “Family is very important to me,” Mr. Kincaid said. “Stewart Investments is one of the top investment firms in Texas, but it isn’t all about money. I want to find someone who values family above the almighty dollar. I used to be all-business in the past and it nearly cost me my wife.” He looked at Mrs. Kincaid. “That’s why it’s so important to work with people who are well-rounded and have work-life balance because, although I enjoy my money, I don’t want to be consumed by it, or by the quest to make more. Tell me about your family, Ayden? Are you related to Henry Stewart of Stewart Technologies?”

  Maya felt Ayden stiffen at her side, and everyone, including Ryan, seemed to be rapt waiting for his answer. She knew how much Ayden hated talking about his family, much less the father who’d never acknowledged him. It was a touchy subject and one she knew he didn’t want to discuss with strangers. The only reason she happened to learn of the connection was because when his mother passed away, an arrangement had arrived from Stewart Technologies.

  “He’s my father, but we’re estranged,” Ayden said finally, after several long, tense moments. “I was very close with my mother, but she died about five years ago, so I’m in short supply on family.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” Mr. Kincaid said.

  Ayden nodded, but Maya couldn’t let it go at that. “You won’t find another investment firm that is more dedicated, honest and forthcoming than Stewart Investments. Clients are more than just numbers or facts and figures on a spreadsheet, Mr. Kincaid. Ayden cares about you and your family’s future and wants what’s best to grow your portfolio.”

  Mr. Kincaid turned to Ayden. “You’ve got quite the advocate sitting next to you.”

  Ayden turned to look at Maya. “Don’t I know it.”

  * * *

  Ayden was stunned by Maya’s impassioned speech on his behalf. He’d never had someone have his back, except maybe Luke, and he was an ocean away. He’d always known that Maya was one in a million, but it was more than that. She was a truly exceptional person, and he doubted he’d truly realized just how exceptional up until this moment.

  “You have quite the assistant,” Mr. Kincaid added. Ayden caught his emphasi
s on the word assistant, because she certainly wasn’t acting like one.

  “Yes, I know.” When he’d arrived in the lobby of her apartment, he’d been unable to mask the unadulterated lust that surged through him at seeing her in the slinky red dress. He’d never even seen Maya in color. She usually wore black, navy and beige, but then again, he hadn’t seen her in five years. He was supposed to be keeping his distance and maintaining a professional decorum with Maya, but how was he supposed to when she looked sinfully sexy?

  The dress showed off her long legs and incredibly fit physique. Running had done her body good. She was tall, graceful and perfectly proportioned. She had long legs, a waist that he could easily span with his hands and two round orbs for breasts. She had an understated beauty and Ayden was having a hard time ignoring her, as evidenced by the tightening of his body. He didn’t need this now. Not when his energies had to be focused on securing Kincaid’s business. And that wasn’t the only problem: Ryan was making no attempt to hide his interest in Maya, and Ayden didn’t like it one bit. He reached for his wineglass and drank liberally.

  So he switched gears, charming the Kincaids well into the third course. Maya and Mrs. Kincaid were chatting quietly in the dining room about God knows what while he, Ryan and Mr. Kincaid had retired to the cigar room, so Kincaid could try one of the restaurant’s Cubans they were known for. Ayden didn’t care for cigars, so he opted for an aged cognac.

  “There’s nothing better than a fine cigar,” Mr. Kincaid said, puffing on his cigar.

  “I hear they are some of the best in town,” Ayden said, and sipped on his drink.

  “Speaking of the best...that assistant of yours,” Mr. Kincaid responded. “She’s a treasure, that girl.”

  “Yes, she is. And to be frank, I lost her some years back because I didn’t appreciate what I had. I don’t intend to make that mistake again.”

  “Is that right?” Ryan smirked. Ayden could see Ryan’s mind working on whether that gave him an edge with Maya. It didn’t. Maya was his. Well, not his, per se, but she was off-limits to the younger Kincaid.