Chapter Two
Maya
“Hey, guys.” I grin as I push inside my brother’s condo, carrying a chocolate cheesecake. It’s my contribution for tonight since Gray and Stella are making dinner. “I’m here! We can start the party.”
I kick off my shoes and notice that everyone is gathered in the kitchen, chatting while my brother and his gorgeous wife bustle about to finish dinner.
“Maya!” My sister-in-law’s best friend Olivia comes running over to wrap me up in a hug. “It’s so good to see you. I heard you moved to Seattle.”
“Guilty,” I reply with a grin and feel my stomach tighten at the sight of Olivia’s husband, none other than the hottest movie star on the planet, Vaughn Barrymore.
Olivia’s brother, Keaton, is also married to my sister, Sidney.
This whole family is a big, giant, tangled web of a family tree that I can’t figure out without a spreadsheet and a video tutorial.
“How’s the movie business?” I ask as Vaughn hugs me. I inhale his sexy, manly scent and feel the rock-hard muscles under his casual T-shirt. For fuck’s sake, he’s delicious. Not that I would ever do anything inappropriate. I’m just a living, breathing female and can’t help but notice.
There’s a reason Vaughn is the sexiest man alive, at least according to several news outlets.
“It’s busy,” Liv says with a shrug. She’s a costume designer for her father’s major production company. That’s how she met Vaughn. “Always busy. I guess that’s a good thing.”
“It’s a great thing,” I agree, circling the island to hug Gray and Stella. “Hi, guys.”
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Stella says, stowing the cheesecake in the fridge. “And not just because of dessert. How was your first week at work?”
“Wait,” Liv says, holding up a hand. “We’re jumping ahead. I have questions.”
I notice Gray and Vaughn share a look before they grin. They love their girls and can usually hardly get a word in edgewise.
“Okay, shoot,” I say, leaning on the counter and stealing a carrot from the salad bowl.
“Where are you living?”
“Downstairs, in Sid’s condo.” My sister came here last year to write music and get away from Nashville for a while. She rented a condo just downstairs from Gray and Stella and ended up buying it as an investment property. Lucky for me, it was empty, and I was able to rent it from her. “I’m leasing it for a while.”
“Handy,” Gray says with a smile. “I like having you close by.”
“I agree.” Stella grins. “You should pop up for breakfast and stuff.”
“You guys are naked too often for me to just pop by ,” I reply with a shake of the head. “I’ll text first.”
“Smart plan,” Liv says. “Okay, and where are you working? You found something fast.”
“I decided to throw my hat in the ring with a temp agency.” I steal another carrot, realizing I’m famished. “I just don’t know what I want to do long term. I know I’m thirty and should have some of that shit figured out by now, but with Mom being sick and—”
“Hey,” Vaughn says kindly. “You don’t have to explain yourself to us. You have plenty of time to figure it out.”
I smile at him. Not only is he hot and famous, but he’s also so kind .
“Thanks. Anyway, I got a call last week about a job as a legal secretary.”
That has my brother’s head coming up in surprise. “Really? Why didn’t you tell me? I’d have seen if there was an opening at my practice.”
“First of all, I didn’t specify law when I applied. And secondly, I don’t know that I want it to be permanent.” I shrug. “Also, my wardrobe is sorely lacking, you guys. I’ve been in Europe for six months, wearing the most casual of casual clothes—beat-up jeans, hoodies, and T-shirts. Not fancy. Plus, most of what I have is too big on me and makes me look… old. ”
“Shopping trip,” Stella exclaims, and Olivia nods in agreement. “We have to get you some pretty suits and things appropriate for a law office.”
“Heels,” Liv adds.
“I’m not good in heels,” I say with a wince. “I’m out of practice.”
“You can get back in practice,” Stella says. “And you need good underwear.”
“For work?” I frown, remembering how attracted I am to my new boss. I try not to squirm.
“Good underwear makes you feel confident,” Liv says.
“Wait.” Gray holds up a hand. “Who are you working for?”
“Derek Langley.”
“No.” Gray shakes his head and tosses his knife onto the cutting board. “Absolutely fucking not. ”
“Who’s Derek Langley?” Vaughn wants to know, immediately scowling.
“God save me from overprotective men,” I mutter.
“Langley’s an asshole,” Gray informs us all. “He’s notorious for being a bear to work for and can’t keep an assistant to save his life. He’s ruthless in court, and I can’t stand the son of a bitch.”
“I’m not bringing him home to meet the family,” I remind my brother. “I’m just working for him. And it’s only for thirty days. That’s all I signed on for since I’m new in town. I can deal with a rough-around-the-edges boss for a month.”
Truth be told, I don’t think Derek’s all that bad. Sure, he’s gruff, and I’ve never seen the man smile, but he’s also smart and fair. And so far, I don’t think he’s too demanding.
“Wait,” Liv says, holding up her hand as she watches me. “You like him.”
“He’s not that bad,” I admit, and my brother growls. I look at him. “Did you just growl ?”
“He’s not a good man.”
“He’s been nice to me. Short sometimes, sure, but look who I grew up with.” I point at my brother, making the others laugh.
“I don’t like it. Find something else,” Gray orders.
All of us stare at him for five seconds, and then I bust up laughing.
“I love you, Grayson Sterling, but I’m not quitting my job. If he turns into a flaming asshole, I will. But so far, there’s been nothing I can’t handle.”
“She’s a smart woman,” Liv reminds Gray. “Maybe she’ll soften him up.”
I don’t want to soften him up. I like it when he’s gruff with me. He’s never yelled or been mean. He’s just…as I said, rough around the edges.
And when I slipped up and told him I was his sub on that first day, wishing the floor would open and swallow me whole, the hot look he sent me told me that he didn’t necessarily mind.
And that had me…curious. Still does.
“I’m stating for the record that I don’t like it,” Gray announces, and I nod.
“Fine. Noted. Now, are we going to eat or what? I’m starving.” I look over and see Stella tapping on her phone. “Are you calling someone about my moody boss?” I ask.
“No,” she says with a laugh. “I’m texting Sidney. Does shopping tomorrow work for everyone?”
“Works for me,” I reply, and Liv nods. “I might need to have my hair done, too. It’s been a long time.”
I cringe thinking about it. The only thing I worried about in Europe was basic hygiene. My hair hasn’t been done, and I’ve neglected my nails and feet. I need a makeover.
“Spa day and shopping,” Liv says, clapping her hands.
“It’s their personal heaven.” Vaughn laughs, kissing his wife on the cheek.
* * * *
“My hair feels so much better,” I say as the four of us—Stella, Liv, Sidney, and I—sit down for lunch. “It’s amazing what some highlights and a cut can do for a girl.”
“You look better,” Sid agrees and laughs when I pin her with a how-dare-you glare. “You know what I mean. Fresh. Like you haven’t been backpacking through foreign countries.”
“I didn’t backpack through Europe,” I reply. “I’ll have you know that I stayed in hotels and took trains. But thanks.”
“After lunch, we’ll shop,” Stella says, pushing her blond locks over her shoulder as she peruses the menu. “I’m excited. I could use a few new things, too.”
These women always look so classy. Stylish. I’ve never had the gift of being able to choose pretty outfits and style them with accessories, so I’m happy to have help.
Lunch is fun and full of gossip and stories from Sidney about life on tour as a country music superstar.
I’m so damn proud of my sister.
“But I’m ready to be home for a while,” Sid says as we walk out of the restaurant, headed toward Nieman Marcus. “I missed our home here, and Keaton has some projects to work on in his garage.”
Keaton rebuilds old vehicles for oodles of money. He works with celebrities and wealthy customers, and his work is gorgeous.
“So, why does Gray think your boss is a jerk?” Liv asks me as we walk into the department store.
“I don’t think he’s a jerk, but I’ve only known him for a week.”
Sidney scowls at me. “Why would Gray think that, then?”
“I guess Derek has a reputation for being hard to work for.” I shrug and hold up a navy-blue dress, but Stella takes it out of my hands and puts it back on the rack.
“That’s for someone in their sixties,” she informs me, shaking her head.
“Thanks. Anyway, I admit Derek can be abrupt and short, but he doesn’t bother me. At least not so far.”
I glance over at Liv, who’s watching me.
“What?”
“I’m telling you, you like him,” she says, narrowing her eyes.
“Look—”
“He doesn’t just not bother you. You’re hot for him.”
“Is he attractive?” Sidney asks, reaching for her phone. “Hell, I’ll google him. What’s his name?”
“Derek Langley,” I reply and bite my lip. This is fun. And a little nerve-racking. “He’s British. So, he does have a sexy accent.”
“Oh,” Sid says, turning the phone so the others can see. “Yeah, he’s fucking attractive.”
“ Hot ,” Stella agrees. “Dang, Maya, you should go for it. Wait, is he married?”
“He doesn’t wear a ring.” I consider that, tapping my finger on my chin. “Of course, not everyone does. I don’t think he’s married.”
“I can’t find any evidence of a wife,” Sidney says, tapping on her phone some more. “Unless it’s recent.”
“He’s my boss ,” I reply, shaking my head. “Sure, there’s some chemistry there, but I work for him. I don’t think that’s ethical.”
I’ve caught him looking at my lips several times, and when we stand close together, he shoves his hands in his pockets as if he’s restraining himself to keep from touching me.
But maybe that’s all just in my head.
“You said yourself it’s only a thirty-day assignment,” Liv says, waving me off. “I say take those thirty days and have fun with them.”
“We’re going straight to the lingerie department,” Stella decides.
“You guys.” I laugh but don’t stop them from pulling me to the intimates section, where they choose lots of lacy, silky, beautiful things for me to try. “What if I’m being silly, and he wants no part in anything sexy with me?”
“Number one, he’d be stupid,” Sid says. “And number two, if he’s not interested, someone else will be.”
“You have a point. Okay, let’s do this.”
* * * *
Today was the best Saturday I’ve had in my life.
And also maybe the longest.
Certainly, the most expensive.
This morning, we started at nine with the spa, then went shopping after lunch. We closed the department stores down. We even spent several hours in the makeup and skincare section.
I’ve never spent this much money in my life, but I have to admit, it was totally worth it.
It’s past ten at night when I lug all my bags into the condo and drop them in the middle of the living room before padding into the kitchen to pour myself a glass of wine.
I’ve decided that tomorrow will be for organizing my closet with all my new finds, cleaning up around here, and maybe going for a hike if I can find my way to a hiking trail that isn’t too far away. I’ll have to do some research in the morning in between my chores.
For now, I carry my wine into the main suite and get ready for bed. I’m exhausted after my amazing day.
* * * *
I wish the weekend had been longer.
It’s not that I don’t want to go to work this morning, it’s just that I have this new, big wardrobe now and am nervous I won’t know how to put it all together. I don’t want to look stupid or like I’m trying to impress Derek. I should really just stick with what I’ve been wearing.
My doorbell rings, making me frown.
“Who’s here at six in the morning?” I mutter as I pad through the condo, wearing only my robe. I look through the peephole to see who’s on the other side and immediately open the door. “Stella? Is everything okay? Is something wrong with Gray?”
“We’re fine,” she assures me as she walks inside and closes the door. She’s clean-faced, her hair in a ponytail, and wearing yoga pants and a tank top. “I knew I had to come down here and coach you through putting your outfit together today, or you’d go back to your old clothes.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “How did you know that?”
She laughs and links her arm through mine, leading me to the bedroom. “Because I know you, sister-in-law of mine. And I know that fashion scares you. But it doesn’t have to, I promise. You bought some great dresses and suits. We’ll get you all figured out.”
“Are you going to come down here every day for this?”
“No.” She laughs and shakes her head. “But I might come on Sundays to get you situated for the week. Now, I think you should wear the green shift dress that’s gathered at the waist. It flatters your curves and is totally professional.”
I actually really like that dress, so I nod and take it off the bar. With Stella’s back turned to me, I shed the robe and glance in the mirror, still shocked at my matching pink bra and panties. They’re lacy and comfortable, which I didn’t know was possible.
After pulling the dress over my head, I say, “Okay, what’s next?”
Stella turns, black flats in hand, and grins. “You’re fucking hot in that, friend.”
I turn back to the mirror and take a deep breath. “It does fit me well. And it hides my belly, which is good.”
“You know,” Stella says, “I’ve always thought it was a disservice to womenkind to imply that we shouldn’t have a belly. I mean, most women have curves, and all women have rolls when we bend over. It just is what it is.”
“Still, it’s the one thing I’m the most self-conscious about, so I like that it’s hidden.”
“Plus, you have excellent boobs that pull the attention away from anything happening on your tummy.” She reaches out, something sparkling in her hand. “Okay, these earrings and this long necklace.”
I obediently don the jewelry, and Stella nods in approval.
“Now, hair and makeup.”
“Oh, the blowout is holding nicely,” I tell her as I follow her to the bathroom. “I don’t think I want to fuss with it too much.”
“I agree. I was going to recommend you just take the hair straightener we got and tuck the ends under. It’ll freshen it up.”
“Good idea.” I plug it in as Stella fiddles with my makeup brushes. “And not too much makeup.”
“You have beautiful skin, so you don’t need a full face,” she says. “Just some simple eye shadow, liner, and mascara.”
Relieved that she agrees because I’m actually able to do all those things, I get to work. When I’m finished, Stella smiles with approval.
“You’re gorgeous, babe. You absolutely belong in a law office.”
I look in the mirror and grin. “I belong anywhere . Thanks for the help.”
“I can come over tonight to help you plan the rest of the week if you want. Just until you get the hang of it.”
“I appreciate that. It’s handy having you just upstairs.”
“Right? So handy. Hey, before I forget, I was thinking. Of course, it’s totally fine if you’re not into your hot, British boss, but if you’re ready to get back on the horse, so to speak, I have a few ideas for people to set you up with.”
I immediately start to decline but then reconsider.
“I guess it wouldn’t hurt to date. ”
“Exactly. I’ll get right on that. Have a good day, babe.”
After Stella leaves to get ready for her day, I eat a small breakfast, smooth on some Chanel lipstick that I bought yesterday, and head out to work.
I admit, I always feel confident in whatever I’m wearing—it’s just who I am as a person—but wearing these new clothes gives me a boost that feels fantastic.
It’s just before eight when I take the elevator up to Derek’s office. I walk through the door and round the desk to set my bag down when I hear his hard voice behind me.
“Who the hell are you?”