At The Ceo's Pleasure. Yahrah John St.

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.”