“What do you want from me?”

“I want you back.”

He’d broken his “no office affair” policy once and lost his best assistant. Now rich businessman Ayden Stewart needs Maya Richardson back…at any price. Taking the job, Maya tells herself the years apart have cooled their chemistry. So why are they breaking rule number one again...and again? Ayden makes her want what she can never havereal love. Will it be different this time?

YAHRAH ST. JOHN is the author of twenty-nine books. When she’s not at home crafting one of her spicy romances featuring compelling heroes and feisty hero-ines with a dash of family drama, she is gourmet cook-ing or traveling the globe seeking out her next adventure. St. John is a member of Romance Writers of America. Visit www.yahrahstjohn.com for more info.

Also by Yahrah St. John

Cappuccino Kisses

Taming Her Tycoon

Miami After Hours

Taming Her Billionaire

His San Diego Sweetheart

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk

At the CEO’s Pleasure

Yahrah St. John

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-09202-9

AT THE CEO’S PLEASURE

© 2018 Yahrah Yisrael

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

By payment of the required fees, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right and licence to download and install this e-book on your personal computer, tablet computer, smart phone or other electronic reading device only (each a “Licensed Device”) and to access, display and read the text of this e-book on-screen on your Licensed Device. Except to the extent any of these acts shall be permitted pursuant to any mandatory provision of applicable law but no further, no part of this e-book or its text or images may be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated, converted or adapted for use on another file format, communicated to the public, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.

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www.millsandboon.co.uk

To my agent, Christine Witthohn,

for her hard work in helping me move

to the Desire line.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Epilogue

About the Publisher

One

Ayden Stewart stared out at the Austin city skyline from the fiftieth floor of Stewart Investments. It had taken him fifteen years since graduating from Harvard to build his company, but at thirty-six, he’d finally achieved his goal. And he’d done it all on his own. Without the help of his father, Henry Stewart, a rich man who’d never bothered to acknowledge his eldest son’s existence, not after his second wife had given him two heirs for his own company, Stewart Technologies. It was just as well. He’d long ago stopped looking for love and acceptance from his old man.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

“Come in.” His office door opened and his assistant, Carolyn Foster, walked in. The statuesque blonde wore pregnancy well; barely a baby bump could be seen in the smart attire she wore.

“Do you have a minute?”

“Of course,” Ayden responded, moving away from the window. “What can I do for you?”

“I have some not so pleasant news to deliver,” Carolyn said.

“Oh, yeah? Whatever it is, just give it to me straight, no chaser.”

“Very well...” She paused for several beats. “I won’t be coming back after my maternity leave in a few months.”

“Excuse me?” This couldn’t be happening to him again.

“I’m sorry, Ayden—really, I am—but my husband and I have been trying for some time to start a family. And, well, I just want to enjoy the time with our first child because I’m not sure when we might have another.”

Carolyn would make a fantastic mother because she was already putting her child first. It made Ayden think of the only person who’d ever cared one iota about him, who was gone, taken away too soon. His mother Lillian Stewart-Johnson, God rest her soul, had passed away several years ago from a heart attack. He suspected his mother’s illness had been caused by years of stress and abuse at the hands of his stepfather Jack Johnson. Jack was a habitual smoker and a mean drunk.

Ayden had focused hard on his studies, so he could get the hell out of the house. And he’d been lucky. In junior high, his teachers recognized his high IQ and had helped Ayden receive a scholarship to a prestigious boarding school in the East. From there, his grades helped him get into Harvard and he’d never looked back.

Growing up, Ayden had developed a thick skin. He’d had to in order to live in the Johnson household, and not just because of the bruises, but because of the lack of love or affection. He’d learned he didn’t need either. If he hadn’t met his roommate, Luke Williams, in boarding school in the ninth grade, who knows how long Ayden would have gone without any real feelings. Ayden’s goal had been to save his mama from working two jobs to support Jack’s pack-and-bottle-a-day habit, but it had been useless. By the time he’d finally started making enough money, his mother was gone and he was all alone in the world except for Luke, his closest friend. Why had his mother let men bully her all her life? First, Henry had intimidated her into a small settlement, cutting her out of her rightful shares in Stewart Technologies. Then, Jack spent the little money she had received. Why hadn’t she fought for the child support she was entitled to?

“I imagine there’s nothing I could do to change your mind?” Ayden inquired. He knew it was a long shot, but he couldn’t understand why anyone would throw away a good-paying job in order to stay home and change poopy diapers. Carolyn’s departure was going to leave him in quite a pickle. One he hadn’t been in since a certain uptight but beautiful assistant had left him five years ago.

“No, there isn’t,” Carolyn said, “but we can find a replacement. You always said you never thought you’d find someone as good as Maya and look what happened—you hired me.”

He would never forget the day, ten years ago, when Maya Richardson had walked through his door looking for a job. She’d been a godsend, helping Ayden grow Stewart Investments into the company it was today. Thinking of her brought a smile to Ayden’s face. How could it not? Not only was she the best assistant he’d ever had, Maya had fascinated him. Utterly and completely. Maya had hidden an exceptional figure beneath professional clothing and kept her hair in a tight bun. But Ayden had often wondered what it would be like to throw her over his desk and muss her up. Five years ago, he hadn’t gone quite that far, but he had crossed a boundary.

Maya had been devastated over her breakup with her boyfriend. She’d come to him for comfort, and, instead, Ayden had made love to her. Years of wondering what it would be like to be with Maya had erupted into a passionate encounter. Their one night together had been so explosive the next morning Ayden had needed to take a step back to regain his perspective. He’d had to put up his guard; otherwise, he would have hurt her badly. He thought he’d been doing the right thing, but Maya hadn’t thought so. In retrospect, Ayden wished he’d never given in to temptation. But he had, and he’d lost a damn good assistant. Maya had quit, and Ayden hadn’t seen or heard from her since.

Shaking his head, Ayden strode to his desk and picked up the phone, dialing the recruiter who’d helped him find Carolyn. He wasn’t looking forward to this process. It had taken a long time to find and train Carolyn. Before her, Ayden had dealt with several candidates walking into his office thinking they could ensnare him.

No, he had someone else in mind. A hardworking, dedicated professional who could read his mind without him saying a word and who knew how to handle a situation in his absence. Someone who knew about the big client he’d always wanted to capture but never could attain. She also had a penchant for numbers and research like no one he’d ever seen, not even Carolyn.

Ayden knew exactly who he wanted. He just needed to find out where she’d escaped to.

“Aren’t you tired yet?” Callie Lewis asked Maya Richardson after they’d jogged nearly five miles in the muggy San Antonio weather. They’d met up at 6:00 a.m. after Maya had stumbled out of bed, placed her shoulder-length black hair in a ponytail, and put on her favorite sports tank with built-in bra and running shorts.

“No. Not yet.” Maya hazarded a glance at Callie. Her friend was five foot two and nearly two hundred pounds, and had been following an intense exercise routine to lose weight. She’d already lost fifty pounds and Maya was trying to encourage her. They’d been best friends ever since Callie had defended Maya from bullies in the fifth grade, so Callie’s well-being was important to her.

“Well, I need to stop a sec,” Callie paused midstride. She limped over to a nearby bench and began a series of stretches.

“Okay, no problem.” Maya jogged in place while she stretched.

“What’s got you all riled up?” Callie asked. “You’ve been on edge for a couple of days.”

Maya stopped jogging and stood still. She’d been trying to outrun the past, which was impossible, but she was giving it the old college try. “I received an invitation from Raven and Thomas for Nysha’s baptism.”

“You received what?” Callie’s brown eyes grew large with amazement.

“You heard me.”

“I just can’t believe your sister and that sleazy husband of hers had the nerve to send it. Not after what they did to you.”

Maya shrugged. It had been five long years since she’d felt the sting of Raven’s betrayal with her boyfriend, Thomas. If anyone had told her that her baby sister would steal her man and marry him, she would have called them a liar. Maya and Raven had always been so close. When their father had left their mother, it had broken up their family, leaving her mom Sophia alone to support them. It hadn’t been easy especially because her mother favored Raven.

“How can you be silent about this?”

“Because... I’ve made my peace, Callie,” Maya replied. “I had to. They got married, for Christ’s sake. I didn’t have much choice.”

“You didn’t go to their wedding.”

“How could I? Back then it was all too fresh.”

“Including what happened between you and Ayden?”

Maya rolled her eyes. “Let’s not talk about him, okay?”

“Why not? If I recall what you said back then, it was the best sex you’d ever had in your life,” Callie said, making air quotes. “Yet after your night with him and his failure to acknowledge what happened, you quit your dream job.”

Maya sighed heavily. She wished she’d kept that secret to herself. Five years ago, for better or for worse, her life had changed. She’d accepted it and moved on.

She began running in place again. “C’mon, my muscles are starting to tense up. We have to finish our run.”

“You go on ahead,” Callie stated. “I’m going to sit this one out. I’ll call you later.”

“Sure thing.” Maya jogged off in the opposite direction. As she did, she thought back to that horrible night.

She’d been working late because Ayden needed a presentation for the following day. She’d picked up takeout to bring to her boyfriend, Thomas. Using the key he’d given her, she’d opened the door to his town house and found it dark. It was surprising, given his car was sitting in the driveway. After placing the bags on the kitchen counter, she’d heard voices.

Who was visiting Thomas? It was well after eight o’clock, so Maya had walked upstairs to investigate. She’d never forget the sight that greeted her: her baby sister, Raven, on top of Thomas as they writhed on the bed. Maya had screamed bloody murder. Raven had rushed off the bed to the bathroom while Thomas tried to cover himself with a sheet as he’d attempted to explain. What was there to discuss? She’d caught him banging her sister. Maya had rushed out of the room, damn near falling down the stairs and losing a great shoe in the process to make it to her car. Fumbling with the key, she’d eventually started it up and was pulling off when Raven came running out the door in Thomas’s shirt calling after her. The whole incident had been humiliating.

How long had their affair been going on?

How long had both of them been laughing behind her back?

Maya ran harder. Faster. But she couldn’t outrun the memories. They must have really thought she was a fool for believing his lies that she was the kind of girl he wanted to marry. Her mother was right. Raven was the beauty in the family.

That was the state she’d been in when she’d arrived on Ayden’s doorstep. Maya hadn’t known where else to go. Callie lived in San Antonio and Maya had just lost her sister to a man she thought she loved. Over the five years of their working relationship, she and Ayden had shared some personal stories, especially when he’d told her about his past; she’d hoped he could lend her an ear now when she needed someone to listen.

Ah, Ayden. He’d been her secret crush for years before she’d met Thomas. When she’d started working for him, Maya had thought the sun and moon hung on the green-eyed devil, but Ayden hadn’t seen her like that, like a woman. All he saw was a smart, efficient PA who did his bidding—which included making reservations for his dates with beautiful women, and sending them expensive flowers or trinkets as a parting gift when he was done with them. And yet, she’d chosen to go to Ayden, the man who didn’t believe in love and thought it was a hoax meant to sell greeting cards.

That night, he’d offered her comfort. A shoulder to cry on. Comfort in ways she’d never been able to forget. Initially, he’d been shocked by her disheveled presence on his doorstep, but as soon as he’d seen her puffy, red-rimmed eyes, Ayden had immediately taken her into his embrace and closed the door behind him. He’d sat her down on the couch and listened as she’d told him of Raven and Tom’s betrayal, of her failure. No one was ever going to love her, want her. She was a nothing. A nobody. A plain Jane that no man would ever be compelled to marry. Ayden had refused to hear of it. Had told her she was wrong. He’d stroked her hair and told her everything was going to be all right. With tears in her eyes, she’d glanced up at him, and then she’d done something desperate. She’d kissed him.

The surprising thing was he hadn’t pushed her away. Instead, he’d kissed her back. One thing had led to another and the next moment, she and Ayden were making love on his bear skin rug on the floor of his living room. To this day, Maya had never been able to fully understand what had happened. One minute, he’d been consoling her and telling her she was beautiful and worthy of love, and the next, she’d been wrapped in his arms having wild, passionate sex.

It had literally been the most exciting sexual encounter of her life. Maya had experienced true bliss and one hell of an orgasm, but as soon as it was over, Ayden had pulled away. What she’d thought was heaven on earth had soon turned into a nightmare. Ayden told her he hadn’t meant for it to happen. Maya had been crushed for the second time in one night. She’d dressed as fast as she could and had left to lick her wounds in private.

She’d relived that moment many nights since, wondering how their relationship had taken such a turn. Maya had always harbored feelings for Ayden in the past, but she’d never thought for a second that they were reciprocated. She’d eventually come to the conclusion that he’d made love to her out of pity because she’d been so pathetic. Knowing how he felt, Maya couldn’t face Ayden again and had tendered her resignation.

Looking back, Maya realized that she’d been more upset over Ayden’s rejection than Thomas’s. Sure, she’d been hurt by Thomas because she’d loved him, but it had been her sister stealing her man that hurt the most. She’d never forgiven Raven, and they hadn’t spoken in five years. It was Ayden who’d really broken her heart.

Once Maya had pushed herself to the limit with ten miles, she stopped running. It was time she faced the past with her sister so she could move forward with her life. And there was no better time than the present.

“Do you think she’ll come back?” Ayden asked his best friend on a transatlantic call later that evening. It was before 7:00 a.m. in London, but he knew Luke Williams would already be up. How did he know? Because they were alike—notorious workaholics and driven to succeed. Luke was a financial analyst making millions.

“After the way you treated her when she left?” Luke said. “I wouldn’t.”

Ayden frowned. “Was I really that bad?”

“Hmm, I don’t know, let me think,” Luke paused for dramatic effect. “You were a slave driver at the office, rarely giving the poor girl a day off. And at a moment of weakness, you shag her and then tell her to kick rocks. I dunno, I might have a problem with that.”

“Thanks a lot, Luke.”

“You did call me, you know,” Luke responded. “If you didn’t want me to keep it one hundred with you then you should have called another mate.”

“You’re my only mate.” Ayden replied. He didn’t have many friends. He’d never had the time to make any because he was too busy pushing himself to excel, to make something of himself despite Henry Stewart turning his back and leaving him and his mom with an abusive stepfather.

“Yeah, that’s true. No one else can tolerate you. Except maybe Maya, and you made a royal mess of that relationship.”

“I know I messed up, but I can fix it.”

Luke snorted. “By offering Maya her job back? Why on earth would she ever agree? What does she get out of it?”

“I’m prepared to offer her a generous salary.”

“And if she wants more?”

“What do you mean?”

“C’mon, man, don’t be an idiot. Maya left because you two slept together. If you offer her a job, she might be thinking there’s more on the table.”

Ayden had never thought Maya might want more. “I’m not prepared to give her anything else. You know how I feel about love, marriage, the whole white-picket-fence thing.”

“Yeah, yeah, sing to the choir. I’ve already heard this bit before,” Luke stated. “Poor you, your dad left your mom to marry a hot tart, leaving you and your mom with nothing.”

“That’s right. Love is for other poor dumb schmucks.”

“Like me, you mean,” Luke countered.

Darn. He’d stuck his foot in his mouth. Luke had just married a beautiful redhead named Helena and they were head over heels in love. But if anyone could make a go of marriage, it was Luke. “Present company excluded,” Ayden stated.

Luke chuckled. “You’ve never minced words before, Ayden, so don’t start now.”

“Helena is lovely,” Ayden replied. “And she’s madly in love with you. She can’t wait to have a mess of babies with you.”

“That’s right, my friend. I’ll have Helena knocked up before the year is out,” Luke said, laughing. “That way she can’t leave me for another man when she realizes she married a dumb schmuck like me.”

Ayden laughed. That’s what he loved about Luke. He could be self-deprecating and still be the life of the party. “So let’s return to my original point for this call.”

“What was that again?”

“Maya. And what it would take for her to agree to come back to me, I mean, the position of executive assistant at Stewart Investments.”

“You would have to find the right incentive that doesn’t include becoming a notch on your bedpost.”

“That’s not going to happen again,” Ayden said. “Bedding Maya was a one-time thing. Plus, I doubt she’s been carrying a torch for me. For Christ’s sake, it was only one night!”

“If you say so, my friend. I’ve given my advice, for what it’s worth. Good luck, and let me know how it turns out.”

“Will do.” Ayden ended the call and stared down at the folder in his lap. It held the address of where Maya was staying in Austin. He’d hired a private investigator to research her whereabouts. His timing was perfect because she was back in town for her niece’s baptism and staying at a downtown hotel.

Ayden had to admit he was shocked by what he’d read in the file. He recalled how devastated Maya had been the night she’d come to him after discovering her sister in bed with her boyfriend. If she was returning, it had to mean she’d forgiven them. Surely that meant good news for him? He could ask her to come back to Stewart Investments, and things would be different between them now. After all, it had been years since Ayden had seen her. Although he might have had the odd fantasy about her, on his part, any residual feelings from their night together five years ago were long gone. Ayden had been with many women since Maya. More beautiful. More stunning.

He and Maya had always enjoyed an excellent working relationship. He was certain they could get past this if she was willing to forgive him for his lack of sensitivity and give them another chance. He knew it was a long shot, but there was only one way to find out. He had to go to her, and he wasn’t leaving until her answer was yes.

From the bathroom of the Baptist church, Maya fretted as she smoothed down the dress she’d chosen to wear to Nysha’s baptism. Should she have come?

Throughout the years, Raven had tried to extend an olive branch, but Maya had rebuffed each and every effort. Why? Because Maya was jealous. Raven was living the life that should have been hers. If she was honest, Maya would have loved that life with Ayden, but he hadn’t wanted her five years ago. Or not in the way she’d hoped.

So why come back?

Because she couldn’t go on living this way, holding on to past hurts and hiding away from the world. It was time to move on with her life. She’d come to make peace with her sister.

She glanced at herself in the mirror. The sleeveless plum dress had a deep V showing a swell of cleavage, thanks to the push-up bra she’d spent a fortune on in the hopes it would give her a bosom. Her long black hair, her best feature, was coiffed and hung in big curls down her back. She’d even allowed her hair stylist, who doubled as a makeup artist, to do her face. After all these years, she had to look her best because, Lord knows, her mother would be in full diva mode. Raven, of course, wouldn’t have to try hard because she was naturally beautiful.

And now it was time to face the music. She couldn’t very well hang out in the church bathroom forever. Grabbing her clutch purse, she made for the door. Sophia Richardson was greeting guests at the church entrance. From where Maya stood, she noted her mother’s stylish salt-and-pepper updo and what looked like her Sunday-best suit, complete with pumps. But rather than looking the picture of a radiant grandma, her mother had lost weight and appeared a bit gaunt with sunken cheeks. Her normal caramel skin looked sallow.

Maya braced herself as she walked toward her. “Mother.”

“Maya?” On cue, Sophia looked her over from head to toe—from the designer sandals to the simple Marc Jacobs sheath to the designer handbag. Apparently she passed muster, because her mother said, “I’m happy you’ve finally chosen to put the past behind you and return to the fold.”

She held open her arms and Maya reluctantly walked into them. As expected, the embrace was brief. Maya suspected she’d received it because several guests had walked in and her mother wouldn’t dare make a scene.

“Raven and Thomas will be so happy to see you,” Sophia whispered in her ear. “Please go in.” She motioned Maya toward the pews.

Would they be happy to see her? Or would her presence be a reminder of their past transgressions? Maya forced herself to put one foot in front of the other and enter the hall. Raven and Thomas were at the end of the aisle talking with the pastor. Her sister looked as stunning as ever even though she’d just had the baby two months ago. She was wearing a cream suit and had her hair in a French roll. Raven was already back to her svelte size-six figure. Thomas wore a suit and striped tie and beamed by her side, holding the baby.

Maya walked toward them. When Raven turned around and saw Maya, Maya felt her heart constrict. It had hurt being estranged from her baby sister.

“Maya?” Raven said as she drew near.

Maya glanced at Thomas and gave him a nod, stepping toward Raven. “Yes, I’m here.”

Tears welled in her sister’s eyes. “Oh, thank God, our prayers were answered. I’ve asked God for forgiveness every day for what we—” she glanced at her husband “—did to you. And now, I’m blessed to have you back in my life, in our daughter’s life.”

“Don’t get carried away, Raven,” Maya responded. “All is not swept under the rug.”

“Of course not,” Raven said. “I owe you a long overdue apology.” She reached for Maya’s hands and grasped them in her own. “I’m so sorry for hurting you, Maya. Can you please find it in your heart to forgive me?”

Maya stared at her in stunned disbelief. She had never expected an apology. Least of all, from Raven, who’d always been self-centered. But then again she’d never given her the chance.

“We’re both sorry,” Thomas said from Raven’s side. “You deserved better than how we treated you. You deserved the truth. We should never have sneaked behind your back. It was wrong and I’m sorry.”

Maya swallowed and nodded. She was too overcome to speak. She didn’t know what she’d thought would happen during the visit, but clearly Raven and Thomas had matured enough to admit their mistakes.

“Would you like to meet your niece?” Raven asked, tears brimming in her eyes.

“Y-yes, I’d like that very much.”

Raven walked over to Thomas, took their daughter out of his arms and placed the sleeping baby in Maya’s. Her niece was the most beautiful little girl Maya had ever seen, with her smooth brown skin and shock of hair surrounded by a white headband with a bow. She was outfitted in the cutest white lace baptism dress. “She’s beautiful.” Maya grasped her niece’s little finger in her hand.

“Can you believe I’m a mom?” Raven asked in wonder.

“Actually, I can’t,” Maya said, glancing her way, “but you are.”

Raven gave a halfhearted smile. “You were always supposed to be the stay-at-home wife while I was supposed to be the career girl. It’s funny how the tide changes.”

“Yes, it’s funny.” Maya leaned over and returned Nysha into her sister’s arms. “She’s really beautiful. Congratulations to you both.”

Maya stepped away as fast as humanly possible. It didn’t hurt that guests were already headed toward them to greet the happy family. She needed some air. She couldn’t breathe; it felt like she was suffocating. Maya sidestepped several guests entering the church and rushed outside.

Leaning against the building, she took in large gulps of air and forced the rising tide of emotions overwhelming her to calm. Had she honestly thought it would be easy seeing Raven and Thomas with their daughter? Maya glanced at the door. It should have been her. She should be the one who was a wife and mother; it’s what she’d always wanted. Maya had always known she would make a good mom because she’d cared for Raven her entire life. Sophia Richardson had been too busy working two or, sometimes, three jobs to be there for them. Maya had been left to care for Raven, make her dinner, help with her homework and pick out her school clothes. So much so that Raven once had called her Mommy. Sophia had been livid and had yelled at Raven that she was her mommy.

Maternal instinct ran through Maya’s veins, while Raven had never cared for another human being beside herself until now. But it was clear to Maya that Raven loved her daughter and was happy. Maya didn’t begrudge her sister happiness, but did it have to come at her expense? Perhaps she’d made a mistake in attending? She could sneak off with no one being the wiser. She’d made an appearance. Surely that had to count for something?

Maya was just about to head down the church steps when her mother’s voice rang out. “Maya, dear, we’re about to begin.”

Darn. She’d missed her chance to use her get-out-of-jail-free card.

Inhaling, Maya spun around to face her mother and walked inside the church.

Hours later, Maya was looking for her handbag in one of the many bedrooms of Nysha’s godparents’ home. She was ready to leave. After the baptism ceremony, the entire group had adjourned here for a light meal. True to form, Sophia had gushed over their home, how beautiful it was and what great godparents they would make. It made Maya ill to see that nothing had changed; her mother was just as superficial as she’d been before.

Maya had done her part by showing up and making polite pleasantries. It was time for her to leave.

“Ah, there it is,” she said aloud when she discovered her purse.

“Do you have a minute?” a male voice said from behind her.

Maya didn’t need to turn around to know who it belonged to. They’d once been lovers. She whirled on her heel to face Thomas. If looks could kill, he would have been struck down on the spot. “What do you want?”

Thomas held up his hands in a defensive posture. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“You didn’t.”

“I was hoping I could speak to you for a few minutes.”

“I don’t wish to discuss the past,” Maya responded. Just being with her family had conjured enough of her old insecurities.

Thomas lowered his eyes. “Quite frankly, neither do I. It wasn’t my finest moment.”

“Then what is it that you want? I don’t have all day.”

Thomas glanced up and Maya hated to see the regret in his eyes. But she wasn’t prepared for his next words. “It’s about Sophia.”

Maya’s ears perked up. “What about my mother?”

“You may have noticed she’s lost some weight?”

“Yes, I did, but I figured maybe she was dieting for the big event,” Maya offered. It wasn’t completely out of the realm of possibility. Her mother believed in looking her best, especially when the spotlight was on her.

“She’s not dieting, Maya. Your mother is sick.”

“Sick?” Maya clutched her purse to her chest. “How sick?”

“She has pancreatic cancer.”

“Cancer?” The words felt like an anchor around her heart, but she managed to ask, “What stage?”

“Stage three. Sophia has been undergoing treatments the last month and, needless to say, it’s taken its toll.”

“Months? How long have you known about her condition?”

“Maya...”

“How long?” How long had her family had been keeping her in the dark? Why they hadn’t told her Sophia was dying?

“Two months.”

“And you didn’t think to inform me sooner? She’s my mother.”

“Whom you’ve been estranged from for five years,” Thomas retorted with a huff, “along with the rest of this family.”

“You’re not my family.”

“I may not be a blood relation, but I care about Sophia. Raven and I have been carrying the load because her treatments are expensive even with insurance, not to mention the laboratory visits, PET scans and medications. And besides, it’s been tearing Raven up seeing Sophia like this and not having anyone to talk to beside me. She needs you.”

“She’s always needed me,” Maya responded tightly, “and I’ve always been there, but what do I get out of it? The short end of the stick.”

“I—I thought you were going to let go of the past, Maya. You came today.”

Guilt surged through her. Her mother was sick and this wasn’t the time or place to take score on who’d harmed who. “Thank you for telling me.” She started toward the door.

“What are you going to do?” Thomas inquired.

Maya had no idea. Today had been hard enough as it was. She needed a few minutes to digest everything he’d told her and come up with a plan. “I don’t know, but I’ll be in touch.”

When Maya finally made it back to her hotel room, she was mentally and emotionally exhausted. Confronting the members of her family who’d hurt her and feigning to be the happy aunt had been hard enough. But finding out her mother had cancer was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Not only did she have a splitting headache, but her feet were aching from the new designer sandals she’d bought to ensure she measured up to her mother’s scrutiny. All she wanted to do was run a hot bath, take some ibuprofen and go to bed. In that exact order.

Maya had kicked off her shoes and was unzipping her dress when there was a knock on her door. She glanced down at her watch. It was seven o’clock. She was in no mood for company after the bomb Thomas dropped on her. And who knew she was in town anyway?

Padding to the door in her bare feet, Maya swung it open in frustration. The person on the other side was someone she never thought she’d see again, not after the one night they’d shared.

“Ayden?”

“Hello, Maya.”

Two

At six foot three, weighing about 210 pounds of solid muscle, Ayden looked as yummy as he ever had. Maya was dumbfounded to see the man she’d once adored standing in the flesh in front of her. How could she not be enthralled by those hazel eyes, his strong nose and the light stubble surrounding the best mouth and cleft chin in Texas? He was impeccably dressed in a dark suit with a purple-and-white-striped tie.

“Wh-what are you doing here?” She pulled back her shoulder blades to project that she wasn’t taken aback by seeing him after all this time, when she definitely was.

“I came to see you.” He rewarded her with one of his sexy smiles. “May I come in?”

“I don’t think so...” Maya responded, and began to close the door. What did you say to the man you’d once slept with, but hadn’t seen in five years?

“Maya, please.” Ayden stuck a foot in the door to prevent her from shutting it. “I wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t important.”

“All right, but only for a few minutes. It’s late and I’ve had a trying day.”

“Thank you.” Ayden brushed past Maya, and she caught a hint of his cologne that was so uniquely him. Her stomach clenched in knots like it always did whenever she was around him. And her nipples puckered to attention underneath her dress.

Maya closed the door and turned around to face him. “I repeat, what are you doing here?”

“Is that any way to greet an old friend?” Ayden teased.

Maya folded her arms across her chest because, with Ayden’s radar, he might see he’d aroused her, and she’d be mortified if he knew she was still attracted to him. “We were never friends, Ayden.”

“Weren’t we?” he asked, stepping toward her. “You knew all my secrets. I told you everything.”

“And you knew nothing about me.”

“That’s not true,” Ayden said. “I know your favorite color is green. I know Pretty Woman is your favorite movie because you’re a closet romantic. I know you write in a journal when you think no one is looking. I know you run when you need an outlet to ease tension.”

Maya chuckled inwardly. She was surprised he knew that much, but she supposed he would have had to pick up on something. She’d been his executive assistant for half a decade. “All right, you know a few things about me.”

Ayden raised a brow. “A few? I think I know a lot more than that.”

His implication was clear. He’d known her in the biblical sense and there was no getting around that. But why bring it up? It was over and done with. Finito. He’d made sure of that.

“Why are you here? Clearly, you sought me out. How else would you know I’m back in Austin?”

“I admit I had an investigator try to find you. They informed me you were back for your niece’s baptism,” Ayden replied. “How did that go? Have you ever been back since...”

He stopped. Have you ever been back since the night we slept together? That was the question he couldn’t bring himself to finish. At least he had the grace to stop before he embarrassed them both.

“Why would you have an investigator look for me? I don’t appreciate you treating me like one of your females,” Maya stated.

Ayden was notorious for having the women in his love life investigated to be sure they had no ulterior motives. But Maya, why her? It wasn’t like she was one of them. All she’d wanted out of today was to make peace with her family and move on with her life, but now that wasn’t possible. First, because of her mother’s illness and now Ayden’s surprise visit. He wanted something, and despite her anger at his invasion of her privacy she was curious to find out what it was.

“I’m sorry about that, but I didn’t know where you were or how to find you. When you left five years ago, you disappeared without a trace.”

“Yet, you didn’t come looking for me.”

“No, I didn’t, and I think we both know why. I’m here now and we can talk about that. But first, you mentioned having a bad day. I can’t imagine seeing your sister and your ex-boyfriend, now married with a child, was easy, especially when you thought you were headed down the aisle to matrimonial bliss with him yourself.”

Maya laughed bitterly to avoid the pain of hearing him say out loud what she’d already thought so many times today. “Apparently, he didn’t get the memo, so no, today wasn’t a pleasant experience.”

Ayden began removing the jacket he was wearing.

“What are you doing?” she asked with a frown. “I didn’t ask you to stay. I only agreed to talk for a few minutes.” He had no right to make himself comfortable in her hotel room. Not after the way he’d dismissed her so long ago.

Ayden paused. “I’m sorry yet again. I keep apologizing to you tonight.” He held up his jacket. “May I?”

“I suppose you can stay a few minutes longer.” Ayden draped the jacket across the sofa and sank down into its plushness.

He sat forward on the couch and rested his very large forearms on those powerfully muscled thighs of his. Jesus! Why couldn’t she think straight when she was around him? Sure, he’d always had this effect on her, but she would have thought his treatment of her five years ago would have cooled any physical response she might have to him now. Apparently, she’d been wrong.

“I’m sorry for what you went through with your sister. It’s truly a shame because you’re worth a thousand Ravens.”

Maya couldn’t resist a small smile forming on her lips. Ayden didn’t compliment people often. “You don’t have to say that.”

“You don’t think I mean it?”

She spun away and shrugged. It didn’t matter. None of it mattered. Ayden, Raven, Thomas—they were all in her rearview. She’d only come back to Austin to get closure and move on with her life. She’d done that. Her mother having cancer had certainly put a wrinkle in her plans to go back to San Antonio and her new life.

When she didn’t answer him, Ayden must have risen from the sofa, because Maya felt rather than saw him behind her. “What? What is it that you want from me?”

His large hands grasped her shoulders and guided her around to look at him. “Don’t hide from me, Maya. Aren’t you tired of it?”

Maya jerked out of his hands. “Don’t presume to think you know me, Ayden, just because you can spit out a few obvious facts about me.”

“All right. Then how about this. I want you back.”

Maya sucked in a deep breath and reminded herself that Ayden was a master at getting his way, especially with women. Over the years, she’d seen him bring the most intelligent and independent women to their knees and have them beg him to take them back. He never did. Instead, he’d have Maya send a farewell gift with his regards. His regards!

It must have crushed his ego when she’d chosen not to stay working for him after he bid her adieu after their night together. She wasn’t about to go backward even though her heart yearned for more. Still, she was curious and found herself asking, “Why do you want me back?”

“You’re the best assistant I ever had. You know how Stewart Investments is run. Hell, how I work. I can count on you to make decisions whether I’m there or not. I trust you implicitly. And remember the Kincaid Corporation deal that I’ve always wanted a crack at?”

She nodded.

“I have the opportunity to pitch Stewart Investments to them again. You remember how important it was for me to land that account. He’s one of my father’s largest suppliers. You remember how hard we worked on that first pitch only for him to go to a larger firm. Times have changed and Stewart Investments is in better shape than ever to compete with the big boys.”

Ayden didn’t want her back. He wanted his trusty workaholic assistant back under his grip. “I see.”

“You see what?”

“You want me back so I can be your shadow, following you around, being at your beck and call. Well, I’m not your pet, Ayden.”

“I never thought you were.” He sounded offended. “And I’ve never treated you like one. You were always a valuable employee.”

Maya shook her head. So he was just going to act like it never happened. That they’d never seen each other naked? That they’d hadn’t slept together on the bear skin rug in front of his fireplace? “You should go, Ayden.” She pushed at his rock-hard chest, which was darn near impenetrable, and walked to the door.

“Why?” He grasped her wrist. His eyes were fire when he said, “You haven’t even heard me out.”

“Why should I, Ayden, when you refuse to even acknowledge the elephant in the room? I left for a reason and you damn well know why.”

Ayden sighed heavily and slowly released her as if she’d struck him. He leaned backward against the door and his intense gaze rested on her. “I’d hoped we wouldn’t have to discuss it.”

Maya rolled her eyes upward, not wanting him to know how hurt she was by his words. Yet again, Ayden was bruising her already fragile ego. But try as she might, she couldn’t ignore the tears that trickled down her cheeks. She wiped at them with the back of her hands.

Ayden swore when he saw her tears. “Christ! I’m sorry, Maya. I didn’t mean to hurt you. Not again.”

“But yet you continue to do it.”

“Not on purpose,” Ayden said. “Never on purpose. I care for you, Maya. I always have. I suppose that’s why I allowed our relationship to become—” he paused for the right word “—complicated. And I take all the blame for what happened. You were destroyed when you came to me, but rather than comforting you, I took advantage of you, and for that I’m terribly sorry. I should never have let things go as far as they did.”

Maya glanced up at him through her tears. He was apologizing for making love to her? Was he mad? He was making the situation so much worse, because to her that night had been one of the most sensual encounters she’d ever experienced. But why should she be surprised? He’d only been with her out of pity. He could never find her, Maya Richardson, attractive like he did the many beautiful women he frequently bedded.

Much to her chagrin, Ayden kept going. “The next morning I was so mortified by my actions that I sought to sweep it under the rug like it never happened, which I know wasn’t fair to you. But I didn’t know what else to do, Maya. Clearly, I’d compromised our working relationship so much that you couldn’t come back to work for me. It’s why I gave you such a generous termination package. I was sorry for taking advantage of you. I’m still sorry, but I promise, should you choose to work for me again, I will never cross that line and take advantage of you again. I promise I will respect you and your right to have a life of your own without me taking up every minute of your free time.”

“Why are you saying all of this?”

“Because I need you, Maya. My assistant, Carolyn, is leaving in a couple of months to be a stay-at-home wife and mother, and I need you back.”

The desperation in Ayden’s tone stunned Maya. She watched him reach into the jacket pocket of his suit and pull out a thin envelope. He handed it to her. “Read it. I’m offering you an extremely generous salary and benefit package to return to Stewart Investments.”

Slowly Maya ripped open the envelope and pulled out the single sheet of paper. The offer letter was nothing short of impressive. The salary was more than generous, it was astronomical. And the benefits of increased 401(k), profit sharing and an abundance of time off was staggering. “Ayden...”

“Listen, I’ll make this worth your while. I’m willing to offer you a signing bonus of twenty-five thousand dollars if you’ll agree to come back right now.”

She looked in his direction and saw the worry that she would say no etched all over his face. And she should. She had every right to turn him down. He wasn’t good for her. And she’d made a good life in San Antonio. She should go back where it was safe, but when had she ever used her head when it came to this man? The bonus he was offering her was too great a sum to turn down, not when the funds could help her ailing mother. When he looked at her with those puppy-dog eyes, she was a goner.

“Please, don’t say no. Think it over.”

“I don’t need to think it over,” she answered impulsively. “My answer is no. I have a life in San Antonio, Ayden. I can’t just drop everything because you need me.” She had a home, a job she enjoyed and her best friend, Callie. Why would she uproot her life?

“You haven’t even thought about it,” Ayden said. “Isn’t there anything I can do to entice you? There has to be something.”

The thought continued to nag at her that if she accepted Ayden’s offer, she could help out with her mother’s cancer treatments. Even though they were estranged, Maya couldn’t imagine letting her mother suffer when she could have the potential means to help. What kind of person would she be if she did that? But could she go back to working for Ayden knowing her feelings for him weren’t truly resolved? “I don’t know.”

“Maya, we can make this work,” Ayden murmured. “With you by my side, we can not only win over Kincaid, but take Stewart Investments to new heights. And with that offer, you would get a share in the earnings. It’s a win-win. Please say yes.”

“All right, all right, I’ll come back.”

Ayden couldn’t believe the joy that surged through him at Maya’s response. Without thinking, he stepped closer. He called himself all kinds of foolish for torturing himself with her familiar sweet aroma, but he couldn’t resist. Ayden pulled her into his embrace, squeezing her tightly to him. He felt her breasts pebble against his chest and his groin tightened.

Maya stiffened and Ayden knew he’d done the wrong thing. She didn’t welcome his advances. The one night they’d shared had been her attempt to feel loved, coddled, but that was in the past. He mustn’t forget that. Still, being in her hotel room was doing funny things to his anatomy again; he pulled away. “I’m sorry. I was just so overjoyed. Won’t happen again.” He couldn’t touch her again. Otherwise, he might lose his head and start to remember what it was like to feel that soft skin of hers as she melted underneath him. He blinked rapidly.

“It’s all right,” Maya finally said, letting him off the hook. “I guess you were right. It’s time I finally stop hiding and return to the life I once loved.”

“Do you really mean that?” Ayden quirked a brow. He knew it wasn’t entirely true. The report he’d received had told him of Sophia Richardson’s health. He knew that the signing bonus was the reason Maya was coming back—she needed it for Sophia Richardson’s health costs. He would have given her the money even if she hadn’t agreed to come back. Maya was someone he cared about, and if it was in his power to help her mother, he would. He wouldn’t want her to experience the guilt he’d felt at not being able to help his mother during her illness. It was guilt he still carried to this day.

“Not the long nights,” she added with a smile, “but I did enjoy working with you. We were a good team.”

“And we will be again.” Once they got back into their work groove, the past would be left behind and they could make a new beginning. He offered Maya his hand. She glanced down at it and Ayden wondered if she was going to renege, but instead her soft fingers clasped his in a firm shake.

“It’s a deal.”

Ayden grinned. “You don’t know how much this means to me.”

“Oh, I can guess,” Maya laughed. “I suppose there’s lots of work piled up?”

Ayden grinned unabashedly. “No. Carolyn is still here for a few weeks, but I wasn’t relishing working with someone new. Plus I already had my mind made up that no one but you would do.”

Maya Richardson was one of a kind. And although Carolyn had done an acceptable job in her place, Maya was irreplaceable. He’d discovered that when he’d made the mistake of mixing business with pleasure. And speaking of that, it was late. He needed to get out of her room before he did something he couldn’t take back. He moved toward the door, but stopped midstep. “How much time do you need to get your affairs in order?”

“A couple of weeks to give notice at my current job. And when I get back to Austin, I’ll need some time with Carolyn to get up to speed before she leaves.”

He pointed his index finger at her. “I’m holding you to it.”

“I’ve never gone back on my word.”

“Very true.” She never had and never would, because Maya was a woman he could count on. “I’ll see you soon.” Ayden left swiftly and closed the door behind him, then leaned up against it.

Closing his eyes, he sucked in a deep breath. It had been dicey in there for a minute. He hadn’t realized just how much of a physical tug he’d feel being with Maya again. It had been five years, but the moment she’d opened the door to her hotel room, he’d been transported to that night at his apartment when she’d exploded in his arms and kissed him with a passion unlike anything he’d ever known. Maya had kissed him as if he were a man and not the boss she’d worked with for years. She had aroused him to the point that he’d acted rather than thought about his actions.

For a split second when he’d held her in his arms and their bodies collided, he’d felt compelled to act as he had back then, but in the nick of time he’d managed to do the right thing and move away. He’d just convinced Maya to come back to him and Ayden wasn’t about to mess it up because he couldn’t keep it in his trousers. He was already the worst kind of scoundrel, having played on feelings he suspected she might still harbor for him.

How did he know?

There had a moment when she thought she’d disguised her true emotions that he had caught a glimpse of something in her eyes. He wasn’t positive of how deep her feelings went after all these years, but at the very least, Maya still cared for him, and Ayden had used it to get what he wanted. Which was why he would ensure he kept their relationship platonic going forward—he refused to lose her a second time.

“Are you insane?” Callie stared at Maya in disbelief from across the table of the Starbucks where they’d met the following afternoon when she returned to San Antonio.

“No, I’m not.”

“Clearly, you must have lost your mind.” Callie reached across the short distance to place the back of her hand on Maya’s forehead. “Why else would you agree to go back and work for Ayden?”

“He made me an attractive offer.”

“This isn’t about money, Maya,” Callie responded hotly, “and you know it. You’re going because you’re still hung up on the man.”

“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.”

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.”

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