Chapter 89
Maya's POV:
I twisted in my seat to glare at him. "What the hell was that back there?"
Adam's hands gripped the steering wheel, eyes fixed on the road ahead. "What was what?"
"The roses. The car. The whole goddamn spectacle."
"I told you." His mouth curved. "I'm pursuing you."
"Could you not?"
"No." He shifted gears smoothly. "Did you like the roses?"
"No."
"I'll bring something else tomorrow, then."
I pressed my fingers to my temples. This man was impossible. "Adam, you're—you're supposed to be low-key. Everyone says you're this mysterious Boston Brahmin who never makes a scene. This isn't your style. What if someone films you? Posts it online?"
He glanced at me, one eyebrow raised. "Styles can change."
"But—"
"I'm allowed to pursue my future wife, aren't I?"
Wife.
The word hit me like a physical blow. Heat flooded my face.
"I'm not—" I started.
"You will be." His smirk widened. "You're blushing."
---
He pulled up in front of a restaurant I'd only seen in Boston Magazine's "Most Exclusive Dining" features.
"Adam—"
"Lunch," he said simply, already out of the car and opening my door.
Inside, the dining room was hushed and elegant. Mid-afternoon meant only a handful of tables were occupied. A violinist materialized beside our table the moment we sat down, bow already poised over strings.
I wanted to crawl under the table.
Adam reached across the table and pulled my plate toward him, cutting my steak into small, precise pieces before sliding it back.
I stared at him.
"What?" He picked up his fork.
"Nothing." I focused on my food, chewing in silence.
---
"I'm picking you up after work," Adam announced as we approached Garrison Industries. "We're going to the estate for dinner. Amy's already there—my grandmother's bringing her."
I straightened in my seat. "I'm not going."
"Maya—"
"Take Amy. Have a nice family dinner. Bring her home later."
His jaw tightened. "You gave birth to my daughter. The entire family wants to meet you. My father specifically asked me to bring you tonight."
"As what?" I turned to face him. "What am I supposed to be? It's inappropriate."
His eyes locked on mine. "My girlfriend. My wife." His voice dropped. "Whatever identity you're willing to take, Maya. They're all yours."
My breath caught.
"But—" He squeezed my hand gently. "I'm not pushing you. Not tonight. The family knows about us. About Amy. Right now, you're just coming as her mother. To let everyone meet her." He paused. "And you saved my grandmother's life. Everyone wants to thank you in person."
I opened my mouth. Closed it.
"Please." His thumb traced circles on my palm. "Just this once. Amy's meeting the family for the first time. She should have you there."
Damn it. He knew exactly which button to push.
"And if you don't agree," he added, eyes glinting, "I'm going to get on my knees right here in front of your office and beg."
I raised an eyebrow. "Fine. Pull over. I want to see this."
His expression flickered.
Ten minutes later, the Aston Martin screeched to a stop in front of Garrison Industries.
I got out. Adam peeled away before I'd even closed the door properly.
I shook my head, fighting a smile. Can't take the heat, Sterling?
---
At six, I grabbed my bag and headed downstairs.
Adam's Aston Martin was already parked outside, engine purring. A small crowd had gathered.
I slid into the passenger seat without a word.
"Good day?" Adam asked as he pulled into traffic.
"Fine."
My phone buzzed.
NOTIFICATION: Direct Deposit - $24,500
That was... ten thousand more than last month.
And last month had been ten thousand more than the month before.
My salary has been climbing steadily for two months now.
Thomas Garrison.
Of course. He'd seen the photos online. Seen Adam picking me up at the office in his flashy car. And now he thought—what? That I had influence with Sterling Global? That cozying up to me would get Garrison Industries better contract terms?
I wanted to laugh.
Or scream.
Maybe both.
"What is it?" Adam glanced at me.
"Nothing." I locked my phone. "Pull over at that supermarket up ahead."
"We don't need to stop. The estate has—"
"I need to buy something."
His smiled. "Maya, Amy is your gift. The most precious one anyone could bring."
"Just pull over. Please."
He sighed but turned into the parking lot.
I hurried inside and grabbed a fruit basket—nothing fancy, but enough to show I hadn't arrived completely empty-handed.
---
The Beacon Hill estate
Adam parked in the circular driveway. Through the windows, I could see movement inside—people gathering.
My stomach knotted.
"I can't do this."
"Yes, you can." Adam's hand found mine again. "They're going to love you."
Before I could respond, the front door burst open and a young woman bounded down the steps.
"Oh my God, you're here!" She had chestnut curls and an enormous smile. She grabbed my arm before I'd even fully exited the car. "Hi! I'm Jenna Hartwell. Adam's cousin."
"Um—hi. Maya."
"I know." She beamed. "Come on, let's get you inside before Adam starts acting all weird and protective."
"Hey—" Adam's protest was cut off as Jenna pulled me toward the house.
A tall guy with sandy hair appeared in the doorway. "I'm Justin. Adam's other cousin. We met at my restaurant, remember?"
I nodded, overwhelmed by their enthusiasm.
"Great!" Justin took the fruit basket from my hands. "And look at this—so thoughtful! We're all family here, though. No need to be so formal."
He passed the basket to a staff member, then ushered me inside.
---
Mrs. Sterling sat in an armchair, beaming. A man stood beside her, holding Amy in his arms. My daughter looked tiny against his broad frame.
A woman stood near the window, expression carefully neutral.
Jenna pushed me gently toward Adam. He appeared at my side immediately, his hand settling on the small of my back.
"Grandma, you already know Maya," he said. "This is my father, Robert. And my aunt Margaret, and her husband Gregory."
I forced my voice to work. "Mrs. Sterling. Mr. Sterling. It's—it's nice to meet you."
Robert's face broke into a wide smile. "Please, sit. Make yourself comfortable. You're family now."
Adam guided me to the sofa. I perched on the edge, hyperaware of everyone's eyes on me.
"So, Maya." Robert's voice was gentle. Deliberately soft, like he was trying not to spook a nervous animal. "Tell us about your family. Do you have—"
Mrs. Sterling pinched his arm. Hard.
"Ow." Robert flinched. "What was—"
"Not now," Mrs. Sterling said quietly, her eyes on me.
Robert blinked, clearly confused. "I was just asking about her family—"
"Later," she said firmly. Then, to me, with a warm smile: "Don't mind us, dear. Have some tea."
Robert rubbed his arm, looking genuinely baffled. "I'm just trying to be welcoming..."
Despite the tension, I felt my lips twitch. The family dynamics were... unexpected.
"It's okay," I said quietly. "I have a mother and a brother. Back in Ohio."