Chapter 2
Anais
“You sure you’ve got everything you need?” Lana, my best friend, teases from her spot on my bed, watching me pack.
We’re in our apartment, five minutes from Columbia University, and I’m stuffing the last of my things in a suitcase.
I’m spending the summer interning at Maxwell Diamonds in Manhattan, and I’ll be staying at my parents’ apartment in The West Village, commuting to the main offices on Maiden Lane.
My father insisted it would be easier than staying at our penthouse on The Upper East Side – and for once, I agree.
Maxwell Diamonds’ flagship store sits like a jewel on Fifth Avenue, five stories of glittering elegance costing more than most people earn in a year. They have office space above it, but most business happens in the financial district. That’s where I’ll be.
I knew Christian Maxwell wouldn’t say no when I asked him about an internship.
Honestly, it felt almost too easy. Sure, it sounds manipulative, but my intentions were pure.
A summer at a prestigious company like Maxwell Diamonds will look amazing on my resume.
Though my parents both offered me roles at their own companies, I have zero interest in telecommunications or PR.
Jewelry, though? That’s something I know. What woman wouldn’t want to be surrounded by such luxury?
Besides, there’s another perk.
I’ll get to see him every day for the next two months.
I haven’t laid eyes on Evan since the Maxwell holiday party.
And not by choice. Our lives just haven’t overlapped.
I’ve been focused on school, while he’s been…
well, to put it frankly, fucking every socialite, model, and actress in the city.
I stopped reading the gossip blasts when his name started triggering nausea.
The pictures. The captions. The constant stream of beautiful women on his arm.
Evan Maxwell is a manwhore, that much I know.
And it’s my duty, as… his friend… or whatever we are to each other, to show him that playing the city’s most eligible bachelor is bad for not only his image, but also the family business.
He needs to settle down, and if I have anything to say about it, he will settle down with me.
He’ll see things my way eventually, I just know it.
Interning for him in close proximity, will give me a chance to work on him, make him see just what he is missing.
I’ve changed since we last saw each other. Matured. I’m no longer the girl that will sit there with hearts in her eyes and let him disrespect me. And by the end of summer, I’m hoping to be more than a family friend, I intend on being his girlfriend.
“I’m almost done.” I say, turning to Lana.
“I need to collect some of my things from home. Then maybe a shopping trip is in order.” My brows furrow as I take in my clothes.
“I don’t think I own anything that screams corporate.
I want to look… professional. Like I belong.
” I hesitate, dropping my gaze to the carpet.
My voice is a whisper, when I admit, “I want Evan to take me seriously.” There’s a long pause, but I know she hears me.
When I finally find the courage to look at her, I feel embarrassed.
I know Lana would never judge me, but still, I brace myself.
I love my best friend, but she just doesn’t get it.
Some might find it pathetic, but I’ve been in love with Evan forever.
He is all I want. All I’ve ever wanted. Sure, I’ve dated, but no one ever stuck.
No other man ever felt right. With Evan, despite his…
little aversion toward me, I know it will feel right.
I also know what’s coming. The inevitable speech about how I deserve better.
But she surprises me.
Lana climbs off the bed, crossing the room and closing the distance between us.
Her expression is soft, but I don’t miss the flicker of concern in her eyes.
“You know I’ll support you, always. Just promise me, you won’t lose yourself trying to make Evan notice you.
Yeah, he’s hot.” I glare, and she chuckles, “But there are thousands of hot men in this city. Don’t waste your time on him if he’s going to be the same asshole he’s always been toward you. ”
I shake my head. “He hasn’t always been like that. It only started after I admitted my feelings.” I cringe at the reminder of that night. It was only months before his parents’ holiday party and the reason why he was so hostile toward me that night.
Lana chuckles, teasing. “Good times. You were so drunk that night. I swear Evan looked like a deer in headlights. I’ve always thought of him as confident, powerful, but he was speechless when you confessed your love.
Then you vomited all over his expensive shoes,” she cringes at the memory and so do I.
“And when he walked away without a word, you were so emotional. I had to drag you out of there before your parents or brother found you.”
I groan, as heat creeps up my neck. “Exactly why I need to show him I’ve changed. You know what I’ve been through these last six months.”
Lana takes my hands in hers. “I do,” she agrees. “And if Evan Maxwell is what you want, then go get him, Nais.”
I exhale slowly, the tension leaving my body as determination floods my veins.
“He’s not going to know what hit him,” I murmur, a smile tugging up one side of my lips.
Lana nods. “No. He won’t. I just hope this all works out in your favor.” She gives me a pointed look.
I nod, but deep down I know this has to work. There is no other way.
Wanting to change the subject, I shift the conversation to something else that’s been bothering me. “Do you ever get the feeling someone is watching you?” I ask casually, though saying it out loud makes me realize how stupid it sounds.
Lana’s brows furrow. “No... Why?”
“It’s probably nothing. I’ve just had this weird feeling lately.” I shrug nonchalantly even as a shiver works its way up my spine.
Lana’s face falls, a look of pity flickering in her eyes. Wrapping her arms around me she pulls me into a hug. “You’ve been through a lot,” she says softly. “Give yourself some grace.”
Squeezing my eyes shut, I lean into her, trying to forget the incident she is talking about. “You’re right. It’s probably nothing. Just me being paranoid.”
After settling into my parents’ West Village apartment, I head out to shop.
I have plenty of clothes, but nothing that fits the corporate image I’m aiming for. I need clean lines, sophistication, and confidence. A wardrobe that says, I belong in the Maxwell building.
At Neiman Marcus, I’m running my fingers over a soft, expensive, perfect, silk blouse when my phone rings.
Shoving my hand in my purse, I pull my phone out, smiling when I see ‘Mom’ flashing on the screen. I swipe, answering the call. “Hey, Mom.”
“Hey sweetheart, what are you up to?”
“Shopping.” My fingers keep trailing the fabric, imagining it paired with a sleek skirt.
She laughs. “Like mother, like daughter. I’m out, too. Want to meet your father and me for dinner? Gramercy Tavern at seven?”
“Sounds good.”
“Where are you? I’ll come meet you and Rolland can take us to the restaurant.”
“Neiman’s. I was about to head to Saks actually.” I glance at my Rolex. “Can we meet there in an hour?”
“Level four?” she asks, already knowing.
“Women’s clothing,” I confirm, smiling.
“Perfect. See you soon,” she says, before ending the call.
Sliding my phone into my bag, I grab the blouse in my size, and head to the cash register feeling more determined than ever.
Evan Maxwell has no idea what is coming for him.