Chapter 4
Anais
Istride into the Maxwell building wearing faux confidence like perfume.
Strong enough to fool a stranger, not quite enough to convince myself.
I head straight for the front desk, where two women greet me with polished smiles.
I’m here to collect my identification and the access card I’ll need for the duration of my internship.
The lobby is everything you’d expect from a billion-dollar company. Sleek, modern and buzzing with a quiet kind of power.
“Good morning and welcome to Maxwell Diamonds. My name is Clara. How can I assist you today?” The older of the two women greets me, her voice warm and professional.
Adjusting my purse on my shoulder, I return her smile.
“Good morning, Clara. I’m Anais Lauder. Uncle Christ…
” I catch myself just in time, clearing my throat.
I cannot refer to him as Uncle Christian in here.
“Mr. Maxwell asked me to collect my ID and access card from reception? I’m starting my internship today.
” I stare at them with wide eyes as if that will help me.
Clara’s smile widens, her demeanor putting me at ease.
“Of course, Ms. Lauder. Mr. Maxwell mentioned you’d be joining us today.
” After checking my ID, she taps at her keyboard, before rising, and holding up a small camera.
“Please look at the lens. I’ll take a quick picture, then print your pass.
You’ll need to wear it on a Maxwell branded lanyard.
It will allow you access to most areas of the building.
If it’s ever lost or stolen, please do let us know right away so we can cancel it. ”
“Of course,” I nod, offering a composed smile as I look into the camera. Within seconds, it clicks and it’s not long before Clara is handing me a plastic card, still warm from the printer. My name, photo, and job title are printed clearly across the credit card sized pass.
Assistant to Mr. Evan Maxwell…
My heart skips a beat.
What the fuck?
When I asked Christian about an internship, I expected to be near Evan, sure, but assisting him directly? That wasn’t in the plan. I just assumed, I’d be given an entry level role, filing or something equally as boring.
I swallow hard, nerves taking flight in my stomach and my heart pounding in my chest. This is more than I bargained for and exactly what I wanted. I’m just not sure whether I’m ready to work that closely with him.
“Everything alright, Ms. Lauder?” Clara asks, pulling me from my thoughts.
I force a smile, shifting on my feet, suddenly feeling more anxious than I thought possible.
“Yes,” I assure her. “Thank you for all your help.”
As I turn, I walk straight into a wall of muscle. By the way my body tenses, I don’t even have to look to see who it is.
“Jesus Christ, watch where you’re going, Anais.” The deep familiar voice washes over me. My heart pounds in my chest as arousal tightens my stomach. Jesus Christ. I both love and hate the effect Evan has on me.
I swallow, and when I finally look up, I regret it immediately.
Evan Maxwell stares down at me, his jaw clenched, those penetrating, icy blue eyes drilling holes straight through me.
I blink. My breath catches. Six months was long enough to forget just how devastatingly handsome he is.
My mind or the pictures didn’t do him justice. Not even a little bit.
Evan Maxwell is so hot you feel the burn every time he’s close.
As if he can hear my thoughts, something sparks in his gaze.
“Instead of staring at me, you might want to get yourself to the thirty-eighth floor before you’re officially late.”
That snaps me into action. But I remember, I’m not the same girl, I was six months ago. I square my shoulders and meet his glare with one of my own. “Nice to see you too, Evan.”
He lets out a humorless chuckle making me stiffen. And when he leans in, his hot breath hitting my ear, I nearly forget how to breathe.
“Let’s not pretend that you being here isn’t borderline stalking. I’m only tolerating this because my father left me no choice. Now get your ass upstairs. I’ll see you in my office in ten minutes.” He straightens and walks away without another word, tossing one more scathing look over his shoulder.
A small chuckle comes from behind me, and I spin, facing Clara, and the redhead beside her shooting daggers in my direction, and watching me with far too much interest.
“What?” I snap, a bit harsher than intended.
“You might want to get up there.” Clara replies with a knowing smile. “Mr. Maxwell values punctuality.”
Fuck my life.
Face burning, I nod and turn on my heel, heading for the elevators. No way am I giving Evan any excuse to humiliate me. Not today. Not ever.
The elevator doors slide open, and I hesitate for a brief moment. My heart thrums wildly in my chest, as I watch people rush inside, and I swallow down the fear. Now is not the time to have a meltdown. Taking a deep breath, I step into the metal cart, hitting the button for the thirty eighth floor.
As we ride up, people get off one by one, until only I and a man remain.
He smiles at me, his expression soft and welcoming as he extends a hand. “Hey, I’m Eli. Haven’t seen you around here before.”
I smile back shyly, taking his outstretched hand just as the elevator comes to a stop on my floor and the doors open. “Anais. I’m interning for Mr. Maxwell this summer.”
His eyebrows lift briefly before he schools his expression and clears his throat. “Well, welcome. I’m in the finance department. You need anything, don’t hesitate to come find me.”
We step out into a long corridor, but before I can reply, another set of doors slide open.
And there he is. Evan. His gaze flicks between us, his jaw tightening as he slides his phone into his suit jacket pocket.
“I do believe ten minutes have passed, Anais, which means you’re officially late.
” He looks to my new friend. “And Eli, I believe you have a meeting with the rest of your team.” It’s not a question but a statement.
The hostility radiating from Evan enough to choke all of us.
“Of course, Mr. Maxwell.” Eli turns to me ignoring the looks coming from his boss. “Nice meeting you, Anais. Don’t forget what I said.” He smiles wide, throwing me a wink. He nods at Evan and walks off without another word.
“My office now, Brat.” Evan growls, already sauntering down the hall.
I sigh and hesitate for a second. Was coming here a mistake?
Maybe.
I have no doubt it’s going to be a long summer, but I asked for this with one goal in mind and when my eyes drop to his ass in those navy suit pants, I am determined to achieve it.
So, with a deep breath, I straighten my spine, and follow him down the hallway, preparing myself for whatever he is going to throw my way.