Chapter Six
Maya
“Is he still being an asshat?” Stella asks as she passes me my coffee and takes hers from the barista. “He didn’t look like a jerk to me when I picked you up for lunch. He’s pretty sexy, and that accent is…wow.”
“He finally apologized,” I reply as I sit in a seat by the window and shimmy out of my jacket. “Despite that, I was so ready to get out of there for the weekend. I need some time away from him, you know?”
“Sure, sure, makes sense.”
“You still haven’t said anything to Gray, right?”
Stella smirks. “Hell, no. If I did, he’d show up there and kick Derek’s ass.”
“I don’t know, Derek is pretty built.” I grin and sip my iced latte. “It might be fun to watch. But no, I don’t want Gray to know what happened. He’d just go right into fierce-brother mode and cause a ruckus. It’s not necessary. I’m handling it.”
“Did you just say ruckus ?” Stella laughs and breaks off a piece of her cinnamon roll. “That’s hilarious, and he totally would do that. I love this new tradition of having Saturday coffee together, by the way.”
“Me, too.” I sigh happily and eye her. I’ve loved being close to my friends and the people I care about in Seattle yet knowing my parents aren’t too far away. “What’s new with you? How is the business going?”
Stella is an amazing interior decorator and recently opened her own design company, which has taken off really well. She’s been featured in big-time design magazines and television shows.
“I didn’t think it would take off so fast,” she admits. “I know small businesses take time to build, but we’ve done great. It doesn’t hurt that I have a family full of celebrities, and whenever someone gets a new house or decides to remodel, they call on me to help—and don’t mind having their new digs flashed all over the known world.”
“No, that definitely doesn’t hurt. Sidney’s obsessed with her new bed and bath, by the way. I have to get over there to check it out.”
“That was a dream to design,” Stella says with a sigh. “I learned a long time ago not to feel weird about my famous family giving me a leg up in life. I know I’m privileged, and I don’t take it for granted. But if they’re going to offer the help, I’ll absolutely take it.”
“As you should,” I reply immediately, totally agreeing with her. “They love you, and they’re proud of you. They want to show you off. If I get to a place where I can buy my own house, I’ll definitely hire you to help me. I’m as bad with home décor as I am with fashion.”
Stella laughs and pats my hand. “We all have our talents, friend, but you’re getting way better at the fashion stuff. That pink jumpsuit with the denim jacket is… chef’s kiss .”
I’m quiet for a moment as I sip my coffee, and then I admit, “You know, I’m not sure what my talent is. Sid sings and puts on amazing shows. I’m so proud of her. Gray’s a fabulous attorney, so damn smart and steady, you know?”
“Sure, they’re both awesome people.”
“I don’t have any of that. I’m not artistically talented. And I’m not uber intelligent like my brother. I don’t know what in the hell I want to do with my life.”
Stella taps her lips with her finger, watching me with contemplative blue eyes. “Was there something you wanted to do or be when you were a kid?”
I look at her as if to say, “ Come on ,” and she doubles down.
“I’m serious. What got you excited when you were a child? I liked to sew things and play with pretty fabric. Hell, Olivia and I both did. She became a costume designer, and I went into interior design. What did you like?”
“Nothing.”
Now, it’s her turn to look at me with the come-on face. I laugh.
“Okay, let’s see. I liked to play with dolls, and I loved having a play kitchen. I liked helping our housekeeper with the laundry.” I cringe. “God, that puts the women’s movement back about a hundred years.”
“Why?” Stella frowns and shakes her head. “You’re a caretaker. What’s wrong with that?”
“I don’t know many women who would admit they just want to be homemakers. Not since the 1950s, anyway, and certainly not if they want to sound modern and sophisticated.”
“Bullshit,” Stella disagrees. “I guess some might say it’s an old-fashioned stereotype, but you didn’t say that you want to be under someone’s thumb, subservient to them. You said you like to take care of a home. That’s damn hard work. So hard, in fact, that I don’t have time to do it right and have to hire help. I appreciate my housekeeper more than just about anyone. She works her ass off.”
“I guess I am a caretaker, innately,” I reply, thinking it over. “I like to help, and I like to make things easier for others. I think that’s why I enjoy working for Derek. I know I’m an asset to his office. But I have to admit, the work itself is so… dry. ”
Stella laughs. “Maybe it’s a good thing it’s short term, then.”
I sigh. I don’t want to work in a law office forever, I’ve learned that much, but I also don’t love the idea of not seeing Derek all the time anymore.
Even when he hurt my feelings, I was still so attracted to him that it was hard to breathe.
“I leapt at the chance to quit my job in Spokane and move in with Mom and Dad so I could help them.” I bite my lip because what I’m about to say is something I’ve never confided to anyone. “I wanted to take care of my mom.”
“I know you did.”
“At first, it was great. Well, not great because it’s hard seeing a parent struggle, but I was in my element. But as time wore on, it really started to wear on me. Emotionally and physically. By the time her medications were fixed, and I was able to move out, I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Stella, I went halfway around the world just so I could have some space and not worry about what anyone else needed. So, that tells me I’m not a caregiver and am just…lost.”
“No, it tells me you’re not an in-home nurse,” Stella retorts. “And that’s okay, Maya. I think having a family, kids, a home…all of that is very different from taking care of a sick family member. It’s perfectly fine to aspire to be a mom and wife one day. To take pride in your home. To help out at school and keep life running smoothly for everyone you love.”
That actually sounds amazing.
“I wish I could just decide to be a baker or something, then go to school and do it. Because if I want to be a homemaker, I kind of need the man and kids to go with it.”
“That will come with time,” she replies and reaches out to pat my shoulder.
“I’m not saying I don’t want to work,” I clarify. “I’m not lazy. I like to work, but I think if I’m lucky enough to meet the right guy and have kids someday, I’d really love to take care of them full time.”
“No one accused you of being lazy, babe. I totally get what you’re saying. Did you ever call Andrew back?”
“No. Honestly, maybe I’m not ready to date quite yet. I just got to Seattle.”
And I might be a little hung up on my grumpy-as-hell boss right now.
“No rush,” she says easily. “Hey, we’re having a cousins’ party at the compound in two weeks. Not next Friday, but the week after. Everyone’s so busy these days, we have to schedule them in advance. You have to go. It’ll be fun.”
“I’m in. Those parties are a riot. And I’ll need a drink by then. I’ll be at the end of my contract.”
Her brows lower in a frown. “That went fast. I can’t believe it’s been two weeks already.”
“I know. So, I’ll be unemployed and could probably use a shot or two.”
“We’ve got you covered,” she promises with a wink. “Okay, I have to meet Gray. He’s buying me a new car.”
“Ooh la la. Fancy.”
She laughs as we stand and clear away our cups. “He lost a bet.”
I raise an eyebrow, but she shakes her head.
“There are just some things you shouldn’t know about your big brother.”
“Fair enough.”
* * * *
I’ve decided to start wearing the heels I spent a fortune on. It was daunting at first, but I spent the past week wearing them around the house in the evenings, and I think I finally have the hang of it. I even wore them to the grocery store and didn’t have a limp by the time I got back home.
I consider that a win.
It’s been more than a week since Derek apologized to me. He’s been polite, cordial, and absolutely professional every single day. He doesn’t ask me anything personal, but I have caught him checking me out when he thinks I’m not looking.
It doesn’t bother me. I check him out all the time.
Because he’s hot as hell, and I can’t resist.
He still has moody days, and that’s to be expected because…that’s who he is as a human. I don’t know why his moods work that way, and it’s none of my business to ask. We made it clear that nothing beyond a cordial working relationship would happen.
It’s boring as hell and so sexually frustrating that I actually thought about calling Andrew just to see if there might be sparks there.
But when I picked up the phone, I just couldn’t do it. I don’t think I’ll be able to until I’m finished with this job for Derek and know it’s done for good.
Which is also frustrating.
But I’m nearing the end of my contract, so I’ll be washing my hands of Derek and the whole weird situation soon enough. It’s Wednesday. Friday is my last day. I’m both sad and relieved.
I’ve just slipped on the tall, black Louboutin heels when my phone rings. I frown when I see it’s the agency that placed me with Derek.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Maya, I’m glad I caught you. This is Britney.”
“Hi there, what’s up? Am I fired?”
To my relief, Britney laughs on the other end of the line. “No. Actually, I have a request. I hear you’re doing a great job for Mr. Langley, and he suggested that I ask you to stay on past the thirty days. I know you were hesitant because you’re so new to Seattle, and not sure if a law firm is the right fit for you, but I need to be honest here. I haven’t had the best luck with placements at this office, so if he’s requesting that you stay, I have to at least ask.”
I blow out a long, slow breath.
Part of me is elated that Derek wants me to stay. But the other part that’s ready to move on? That part is hesitant. Because being so close to him every day and keeping it all surface-level might just kill me.
“Please don’t tell me it’s been miserable for you.”
“No, not at all,” I hurry to assure her. “Can I take the day to think about it?”
“Of course. I’m sure I caught you by surprise. Take the day and get back to me. I know this week is your last there, so if you could let me know by this evening, that would be great.”
“Thanks, Britney. I’ll talk to you soon.”
I hang up, and without overthinking it to death, head to the office. Sure, we’ve managed to keep things strictly professional for the past couple of weeks, but the truth is, every time I’m within even a few feet of Derek, I want to strip him down and have my way with him.
Which, to be fair, is completely unprofessional.
But he’s just so good at the sexy time. Who knew someone so rough around the edges could be so amazing at sex?
Not me.
And I don’t mind his moods. I think they’re kind of funny, actually. And when he gets all stern and tough, it’s hot as hell to me.
Maybe I’m weird, but the grumpy attorney does it for me.
Walking into Derek’s office, I notice that he’s already there—as usual. All the lights are on, and today, there’s a steaming cup of coffee, made just the way I like it, on my desk. A little thrill runs through me as I stow my things, pick up the mug, and walk to the doorway that connects my space to his.
He’s reading something, his dark head bowed, and those amazing hands tapping the desk. God, it’s no wonder I’m so attracted to him. He looks like… that.
“The coffee fairy visited this morning, I see.”
His head comes up from whatever he’s reading, and his eyes sweep down my body, leaving goose bumps and heat in their wake. When they land on my shoes, they narrow.
“Thanks for the coffee.”
“Wasn’t me,” he says, shaking his head as he raises his gaze back to my face. “Coffee fairy, remember?”
“Right.” I laugh and take another sip, eyeing him. Derek Langley fills out a suit like no one else I’ve ever seen. Today’s is gray, paired with a blue shirt and a dark-blue tie. It makes me sigh inside.
His eyes warm as he watches me, and then he finally says, “That color is beautiful on you.”
That’s the first personal comment he’s made to me in two weeks. It shouldn’t fill me with so much satisfaction, but it does. I’d hoped the jewel-toned dress, that I now realize matches his blue tie, would catch his interest, even though I know I shouldn’t feel that way.
We made a deal.
And yet, I always have Derek in mind when I dress in the morning.
“Thank you.” I look down into the mug and frown.
“I’m allowed to compliment you,” he says gruffly.
“I know, and I appreciate it. I’m trying out some new shoes.” I turn to the side and lift my heel. “They’re pretty, but you need to have the balance of an acrobat to walk in them. Here’s hoping I don’t kill myself by lunchtime.”
Derek clears his throat. “They’re very nice.”
I blink at him and can’t help but smile. “ Nice ?”
His jaw clenches, and that only makes my smile widen. “I’m a polite professional behaving in such a manner. So, yes, they’re nice.”
I don’t have to take the extension on this contract. I can decline and maybe see if there’s anything here with this man because I can’t seem to get him out of my system, no matter how hard I’ve tried over the past few weeks. Catching my lip between my teeth, I step farther into the room.
“And if you weren’t being professional? What might you say then?”
“Maya.” He doesn’t look away from me, but I can see the yearning in his eyes. “You’re the one who set the fucking boundaries here. Don’t forget that.”
Now I feel like a shit. He’s right, I did. But damn it, I am so freaking attracted to him. He’s like a magnet, and I can’t stay away from him.
“It’s just a question.” I look down into my mug again and then back up at him. “I’m not trying to play games with you or send mixed signals.”
He seems to struggle with a decision and then says, in a hard, firm voice, “I’d tell you that those shoes make me hard and I’d like you to wear them and nothing else as I sling your legs over my shoulders and fuck you seven ways to Sunday.”
Overcome with lust, I swallow hard and lick my lips.
“Okay, then.”