Chapter 21
Adam's POV:
I stared at her.
She looked away, arms crossed, chin lifted in that stubborn way she used to do when we fought.
"Fine," she said. "Yes. I didn't answer your calls. But I think it's better if we keep our distance."
I let out a bitter laugh. "Keep our distance?"
"Yes."
My jaw tightened. This woman is fucking infuriating.
"It's just a phone call, Maya. You're overthinking it." I leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "Did you think I'd suddenly develop an interest in you?"
"I know my place," she said evenly. "I know someone like you wouldn't look twice at someone like me. But you're the one who's worried I'd get clingy, right? So I didn't call back. I was doing you a favor. What if I couldn't help myself? What if I started blowing up your phone every single day?"
I stared at her.
Is she… mocking me?
Her tone was sweet. Her words were poison.
"Maya—"
"What?" She tilted her head, all innocence. "Isn't that what you were worried about?"
"What's your Instagram?" I asked.
She blinked. "What?"
"Your Instagram. Give me your handle."
"Why?"
"I want to follow you."
She stared at me like I'd lost my mind. "Why would you want to follow me on Instagram?"
"Why not?"
"Mr. Sterling." Her voice turned cold. Professional. "If you need to contact me about work, you can message Julian directly or speak to your assistant. I'll get the message. There's no need for us to be in touch privately."
Privately.
The word hit harder than it should have.
I straightened. "What about you and Julian? You two are in touch privately, aren't you?"
Her eyes widened. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me."
"Can you stop dragging Julian into this?" She stepped closer, voice sharp. "He's my boss. That's it. Stop making it into something it's not."
I didn't answer. Just kept my eyes on hers.
She looked away first. "I'm not giving you my Instagram."
"I need it to let you know when your car's ready."
"You have my phone number."
"Sometimes DMs are more convenient."
"Then text me."
"Instagram's easier."
She let out a frustrated breath. "This is ridiculous."
"Then just give it to me and we're done."
She pulled out her phone, fingers moving quickly across the screen. "Fine. Here."
I pulled out mine. She showed me her handle—@maya.bennett.
I typed it in. Hit follow.
A second later, her phone buzzed. She accepted. Then immediately tried to walk past me.
"Wait." I caught her wrist.
She stopped. Looked down at my hand. "What now?"
"I'll pick you up tomorrow. Take you to get your car."
"That's not necessary." She tugged at her wrist. "Just tell me the address. I can go myself."
"I said I'll pick you up."
"Mr. Sterling." Her voice was tight. "Please let go."
I didn't.
She pulled harder. I held on.
Why am I doing this?
I didn't know.
All I knew was I wasn't ready for her to leave yet.
She yanked her arm again. "Adam—"
I pulled her toward me.
Her eyes went wide.
Before she could say anything else, I lowered my head and kissed her. She froze.
---
I meant it as a punishment.
But the second my mouth touched hers, everything changed.
Her lips were soft. Warm.
Fuck.
I couldn't stop.
My hand moved to the back of her neck, fingers threading through her hair. I tilted her head back and kissed her harder.
My other hand slid to her waist, pulling her closer.
She made a small sound—half gasp, half something else—and my brain short-circuited.
More.
I kissed her deeper. Slower. Then harder again.
I shifted, pressing her back against the counter. Her breath hitched.
God, I missed this.
I kissed the corner of her mouth. Her jaw. The spot just below her ear that used to make her melt.
She shivered.
She remembers.
I pulled back slightly, just enough to look at her.
Her eyes were still closed. Her lips were red. Her breathing was uneven.
Beautiful.
Then her eyes opened.
And reality came crashing back.
She shoved me hard. "What the hell are you doing?"
I stepped back, breathing hard.
Shit.
She stared at me, face flushed, eyes blazing. "You just said I wasn't your type!"
I opened my mouth. Nothing came out.
"I—" I started.
She didn't wait. Turned and bolted for the door.
"Maya—"
She was already gone.
---
I stood there, staring at the empty hallway.
What the fuck did I just do?
My lips still tingled. My heart was still racing.
I ran a hand through my damp hair and cursed under my breath.
Then I heard voices.
I walked to the door and looked out.
Maya had nearly collided with someone in the hallway.
My grandmother.
Oh, fuck.
---
"Oh my!" Grandma grabbed Maya's arm, beaming. "I don't think I've ever seen a girl coming out of Adam's place before!"
Maya's face went redder. "I'm not—this isn't—"
"Adam!" Grandma called, still holding Maya's arm. "When did you get a girlfriend? Why didn't you tell me?"
I stepped into the hallway. "Grandma. What are you doing here?"
She ignored me, turning back to Maya. "What's your name, dear?"
"I—I'm not his girlfriend," Maya stammered. "I'm just—Mr. Sterling is a business partner. I was dropping something off."
Grandma's eyes narrowed. "Business partner?"
"Yes."
"At 8:00 at night?"
"I—" Maya glanced at me, panicked.
I didn't help her.
Grandma smiled wider. "Come back inside, dear. Let's chat for a bit."
"I really can't," Maya said quickly. "I have to get home. My—I have someone waiting for me."
"Oh?" Grandma's eyebrows rose. "Who?"
"Just—thank you, but I really need to go." Maya pulled her arm free and hurried toward the elevator.
Grandma called after her. "Come visit again soon!"
The elevator doors closed.
Grandma turned to me, eyes sparkling with mischief.
Oh no.
---
"Come inside." She brushed past me into the penthouse. "We need to talk."
I followed her in.
She sat down on the couch, patting the seat next to her. "Sit."
I sat.
She studied me for a long moment. "So. Who's that girl? "
"Why was she running out of here looking so flustered?" Grandma's eyes glinted. "What did you do?"
"Nothing."
"Adam, don't lie to your grandmother."
I rubbed my face. "She was here to pick up some paperwork."
"Uh-huh." She didn't believe me for a second. "And you two are…?"
"Nothing. We're nothing."
"Nothing?" She leaned back, arms crossed. "So you're telling me there's no relationship between you two?"
"That's what I'm telling you."
She was quiet for a moment. Then she leaned forward. "How far have you two gone?"
I stared at her. "Grandma—"
"Answer me."
I let out a breath. "Far enough."
Her face lit up. "Far enough? What does that mean? Have you—"
"Everything that could happen has happened," I said flatly.
Her mouth fell open.
"Everything? And you're telling me you two have no relationship?"