Maid For You - A Cinderella Love Story

by Paisley Lang

  “You haven’t answered my earlier question, Dad.” Her eyes are fixed on me. “What is he doing here?”

  “I’m your lawyer, here to represent Carter McKenzie Communications. I specialize in company and copyright law, and Carter has hired my firm to take this on.”

  She glares at her father, an eyebrow raised, seeking confirmation. He nods in agreement.

  “Jax, why don’t you brief us both on your strategy for this suit? As you and Ava will be working closely together on this, I’d like you to bring her up to speed on everything.”

  Clearing my throat, I take a moment to internally regain my composure.

  “Sure.” I reach for my briefcase and remove the two sets of documents my secretary had prepared. Standing, I pass them each a folder. The displeasure on Ava’s face is clear with her pursed lips, but she doesn’t comment further.

  Next, I open my notes and take them through the defense strategy, focusing on the task at hand. I’m a damn good lawyer, and as distracting as she is, I get down to business and present the facts.

  Our eyes lock from time to time, hers clashing with mine and her brows furrowing before she looks away. She makes no attempt to hide her distaste for me. At the end, she fires questions at me that I easily answer and when she throws objections, I counteract each one. Carter watches the play between us, but he remains silent. Finally, we wind up the meeting, Carter seemingly pleased with my strategy.

  He pushes back his chair and shuffles the papers together.

  “Jax, Ava, I need to jump on a conference call in room three.” He glances at his watch and walks to the door. “I’ll catch up with you both later, but I’m back to back for the remainder of the morning.”

  Ava looks like she can’t wait to get away, eyes fixed on the door as he departs. “Sure, I need to catch up with you on business later.”

  He calls over his shoulder as he pulls open the door. “Yep. Come find me after lunch.”

  And then we’re alone together.

  “Ava, I-”

  She holds up her palm and stands so abruptly, she almost tips the chair over.

  “There’s no need for any explanations, Jax. I’m sure my father has every confidence in your firm.” She flattens her lips and bends down to retrieve her bag.

  Within a second, I’m next to her, blocking her in.

  I cross my arms and perch on the side of the table.

  Her eyes flick over my thighs and travel up my body to hit my eyes.

  “What are you doing?” Her voice is soft, and I have to fight the impulse to kiss the hate right out of her.

  “I’m not letting you go like this.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “We need to talk, Kitten.”

  She recoils as if I’ve physically hurt her. Her eyes are flashing and she leans closer, jabbing a finger into my chest. “You don’t get to call me that, Jax. Ever. Never call me that again.” She breathes heavily and looks away.

  “Since we’re going to be working together, Ava, we at least need to be civil with each other. I don’t have a problem with that.”

  She opens her mouth and quickly closes it again, and I can almost see the cogwheels turning in her head. She clenches her fists by her sides.

  “Civil. Seriously?” She laughs out loud, but it’s cold and there’s a whole lot of anger mixed in. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ve work to do.” She throws her bag over her shoulder and doesn’t give me a second glance.

  “Ava.” My voice is low as she reaches the door. “Do not walk away from me.”

  She pulls open the door handle. “Or what?” Smirking, she slams it shut behind her.

  I exhale loudly and sink into the seat.

  My cell vibrates in my pocket.

  “Logan. How’s it going?”

  “Not good, man. I’m struggling here. Didn’t expect to stay out so late.”

  I smirk into the phone. Even now, he can’t resist a good party. “I take it you had fun at the after party once I’d left?”

  “Totally, man. I don’t know why you took off so fast. You could’ve stayed and enjoyed the buffet of hot pussy on offer.”

  “Logan, may I remind you that I’m approaching thirty. Maybe I don’t want an all-you-can-eat buffet any longer.”

  He laughs at the other end. “Just hold on a sec.” His mouthpiece is muffled and I hear him speaking to someone in the background. “Hey, I’m back. Jesus, I tell you, you can’t get good staff nowadays.” His voice is strained.

  “What’s up? Secretary problems again?”

  Logan has gone through three secretaries in six months. It didn’t help that he ended up sleeping with two of them.

  He sighs on the other end. “Yeah, Ed thinks I can’t keep it in my pants, and he’s hired me a goddamn school matron.”

  I laugh out loud picturing her. “So basically, you’re complaining cause she’s not a looker? Jeez man, you need to grow up and settle down. Seriously.”

  “Says the infamous bachelor. Okay.”

  I check my watch. I have another client meeting in half an hour and need to get going. “What do you need, Logan?”

  “Snarky this morning, aren’t we. I’m actually calling about last night. You seemed pretty…affected, shall we say, after your encounter with Ava. By the way, fuck, man, she was hot back then, but she’s totally smoking now, right?”

  I close my eyes before I answer. “Yes.” Logan’s still my best friend and we’ve been through a lot over the years. He knows me better than anyone. “That’s not all. I’ve been hired by her father’s firm to represent them. And I have to work with Ava for the next week.”

  He lets out a low whistle. “I take it she’s hostile?”

  “As fuck.”

  He’s quiet on the other end and I almost think he’s dropped the call. “Can I be honest, man?”

  “Just say it, Logan.”

  “You’ve never been the same since she left. I know you still love her. Fight for her, Jax. Don’t let her go again.”

  I blow out a breath. “She hates me, Loge.”

  “You need to tell her, man.”

  “I will, I just need to find the right moment. But you’re damn right. I’m not letting her go again.”

  I can hear his other phone ringing in the background. “Damn, I need to take this, but don’t forget, Chrissie’s visiting next week and I promised we’d take her to dinner.”

  Shit, I’d totally forgotten. “Yeah, sure. Jeez, haven’t seen Chrissie in years. She must be all grown up now.”

  “Yep, my little cuz is graduating this summer. Anyway, she’s visiting for a few days with her friend. Tuesday. Keep it free. Gotta run.”

  He disconnects the line and I gather my stuff together.

  I’m already looking forward to seeing Ava again.

  Chapter 20

  Ava

  “How’d it go, you knock ‘em dead?”

  “Yeah, I think so. It’s not official yet, but an insider has got back to Lydia and pretty much confirmed that I’ve won the pitch.”

  I grin and fist-pump the air. “Lauren, that’s awesome. I knew you could do it.” I’m sitting at an outside deli and sipping on coffee. Still agitated from my earlier meeting, I thought some fresh air would calm me down. “So, fingers crossed you’ll get the news soon, right?”

  “Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking – hopefully by the end of today.” She lowers her voice. “And then I’m going into her office first thing with my letter of resignation.”

  “Perfect, Lauren. By tomorrow, we’ll be on our way to our new business.”

  “I know. Just need to get through today. Anyway, so, thanks for your text last night, but tell me straight, how did it go? You looked stunning by the way.”

  “Thanks, hon. Yes, it went perfect. I was so scared when I was called up, like all eyes were on me, but thankfully I didn’t mess up my lines.”

  “I bet they totally loved you. Any cute guys?”

  I can picture her wagging her eyebrows. Yes
, there’s only ever been one. “Um…so, I kind of bumped into Jax last night.”

  “What? What was he doing there? Oh my God, Ava. You didn’t mention that. Give me details, what happened, how-”

  “Lauren, stop. Seriously, that’s not all.”

  “There’s more?”

  “Yep. Remember that Fletcher campaign?”

  “Sure, the one which took off on social media? Clever marketing.”

  “Exactly. So, the street artist is suing us for using his work in the campaign. And to top it off, my father’s hired Prescott Associates to represent us.”

  “Woah, woah, back the hell up. Prescott as in Jax Prescott?”

  I sigh deeply into the phone. “The very same. And Carter’s got us working together on it.” I lean my elbow on the table and place my forehead in my palm. I’m tired and emotional from last night, and Jax is stirring up all kinds of buried feelings. “So looks like I’m going to be tied up here for at least a couple of weeks.”

  “Wow, that’s pretty huge.” She’s quiet for a moment. “Depending on how it goes tomorrow, I’m gonna take some time off. There are a couple of new clients I’m looking into for us, so how about I fly down for a few days?”

  “You’d do that? Oh, Lauren, that’d be amazing.”

  “I’ll call you tomorrow once I have everything in place.”

  “You’re a doll. Good luck and speak soon, hon.”

  I glance at my watch and as it’s after lunch, I head back to the agency.

  Waiting outside my father’s office, I pace the floor until I hear he’s off his call, then burst through the office.

  “Ava.” He glances up then back to his file. “Did you finish up with Jax?” He’s scribbling some notes, and I approach him and place two hands on his desk, leaning forward until he looks up.

  My voice is flat as I stare into his eyes. “Why the hell did you have to hire him? Jax, of all the lawyers in this town?”

  He sets down his pen. “I’m sorry, I don’t understand your problem with him.”

  “W-what?” I sputter, heat spreading across my face. “You know I worked for his family when I first came to Miami. How could you, Dad?” My eyes are flashing and I push off his table and cross my arms, resuming the pacing.

  “Ava. Calm down. Of course I’m aware that you worked for his family for a couple of months. As far as I know, his mother was the tyrant, not him?” He raises an eyebrow, waiting for an explanation that I’m not ready to give. When I don’t say anything, he continues.

  “You follow the news. Surely you know that Prescott Associates has recently been voted Law Firm of the Year?” I indicate I do with a slight nod of my head.

  “I also happen to know that award was due to the case Jax led, which resulted in a significant win for his client.” He exhales. “He’s a great lawyer, Ava. He’s young, but he’s hot property – and I know he’s the guy for our suit.” His voice is firm and he picks up his pen once again.

  “Fine. Whatever.” I throw my hands up in the air and take a seat.

  He shoots me a grin. “That’s more like it. Now, stop acting like a petulant child.”

  “I’m not.”

  “There you go. Case in point.”

  A small smile escapes from my lips. I can never stay mad at him.

  “Have you agreed on your next meeting so that you can brainstorm together?”

  I chew my lip and look away. Looks like I was stuck with Jax. A sudden shiver runs up my spine. “No, we didn’t get a chance to do that. But I’ll get on it.”

  “Good - I’m hoping it won’t require too much time out of your schedule.”

  “That’s fine. I can liaise with my team from here.”

  “Great. Now tell me, how are things coming along with Lauren? Has she quit yet? I need to know how much longer I get to keep you.”

  I fill him in on the latest developments and bring him up to speed. “So all being well, we should be green-lighted tomorrow. We’ve already scouted out some work spaces so things are in motion.”

  “Good. We’ll make the official announcement next week once she’s clear of her contract.”

  I nod. “I’m sorry I won’t be staying, Dad.”

  “Me too, kid. But both you and Lauren have got big ambitions, and the only way you’ll move forward is by being co-business owners. I’m behind you girls every step of the way.”

  “Thank you.” I can see he’s busy so I pick up my bag, ready to let him carry on with his afternoon. “I’ll be at the hotel if you need anything.”

  “Sure. I’ll send over any new documents once I liaise with Jax. I’m tied up tonight but we’ll grab dinner tomorrow. The boys are actually free for a change.”

  “Sure, sounds great. Sure you don’t need me for anything else today?”

  He waves his hand. “No, you carry on with your plans - you deserve a day off.” Winking at me, he picks up the phone, signaling the end of our conversation.

  “Bye, Dad.”

  I think about Jax during the short taxi drive back to my hotel. God, out of all the men in the world, why does he still have such a profound effect on me? I squeeze my legs together as a sudden rush of desire shoots through my body. He was even more handsome now. He looked hot in the grey suit he was wearing this morning, the light blue shirt setting off his piercing blue eyes, which seemed to burn into me throughout the meeting. I couldn’t help but notice the way his biceps strained against his shirt, stretching perfectly against his toned chest.

  I scan my phone, pulling up Facebook. His profile photo was taken at a beach somewhere with a bunch of friends all raising their beers in a toast. I couldn’t see his eyes, which were protected behind his sunglasses…but his body. Oh my. If he was toned and muscled at twenty-two, he had filled out into a man, all clean lines and defined abs, an alluring V trailing down into his board shorts. I suck in a breath and trace my finger along his chest.

  There are other pictures of him at social events, but everything is clean and above board. There aren’t any photos of a significant other. My eyes land on a head shot - he must have had it taken professionally. His eyes stare back at me and his full lips are curled into a small smile. Almost as if he’s taunting me. I shut down the app.

  No matter how attracted I still am to him, I’ve no intention of going down that road again. Once bitten, twice shy. And never again with Jax Prescott.

  In two weeks, I would be leaving and returning to my life in New York, and I probably wouldn’t see him again for another few years. I blow out a breath as we pull up to the front of the hotel.

  Why did my chest suddenly tighten at that thought?

  I spend a leisurely day at the hotel, taking advantage of the spa facilities. I even managed to get a last-minute appointment with one of the top salons in the area and decided on a whim for a little color change. A couple of hours later, I walk out with some dark blonde highlights. It looks great and I’ll probably keep it for a while before returning to my usual chocolate-toned hair. I like to have fun and experiment with color every now and then.

  The following morning, I’d just entered my room after a session at the gym when my cell rings. I flop onto the bed and swipe right.

  “Yo, ’sup.”

  “What’s ‘sup is that I’ve just quit. We’re really doing this, Ava.”

  I sit up and scream into the phone. “Oh my God, that’s fantastic. And the client?”

  “In the bag. Yours truly won the pitch. And they specifically asked for me. Lydia’s probably shitting a brick right now.”

  “Get your ass out here so we can celebrate.” I’m bouncing on the bed, thrilled for my best friend.

  “Booking my ticket now. See you tomorrow, I’ll send you the details, you better come get me.”

  “Lauren?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I’m so proud of you. We’re going to make some major moves together.”

  “Thanks. There’s a huge client I want to chase, but I’ll fill you in on it tomorrow. Gotta
run, I need to clear out my desk.”

  “Can’t wait. Love ya.”

  I spend the afternoon working with my team back home, firing out emails and before I know it, it’s almost dinner. I haven’t spoken to Carter all day, and I’m looking forward to catching up over dinner.

  I put on a strapless black jumpsuit and slide a few bangles onto my wrist. Slipping on my silver heels, I fluff out my hair and was just about grab my clutch when I hear a rapid knock on my door. While we haven’t made specific plans where to meet, I thought I’d call Carter from the lobby. I’m not expecting anyone, but I open the door with a smile. And freeze.

  “Jax, what are you doing here?”

  His eyes rake over me and he doesn’t say anything for what feels like an eternity. I notice he’s still dressed in his work attire and holding a document file.

  “What have you done to your hair?” He raises an eyebrow, and I self-consciously touch it, feeling flustered at his intense gaze.

  “I had it colored yesterday.”

  His hair is slightly tousled and I can just picture him running his hands through it. I dig my nails into my palm. We stand in silence, taking each other in, the air charged around us.

  I finally break the silence. “Are you here for a reason or just to critique my hair?”

  He blinks a few times and a slow smile spreads across his face. Arrogant and cocky. He reaches out and combs his fingers through the length of my hair. I suck in a breath.

  “You look beautiful.” His voice is strained and he completely ignores my question. “Carter sends his apologies, but he’s been called into a meeting.”

  He drops his hand and I feel my breath return. Just breathe, Ava.

  “What do you mean? I haven’t heard anything to the contrary.” I bite my lip, aware of how rude I sound.

  “Sorry to disappoint, Ava, but I just left his office.” He turns to walk away.

  I stand rooted to the spot.

  “So, are you coming or what?” He throws the words over his shoulder.

  “What? To where?”

  “To dinner.” He stops, turns around, and flashes me a grin. My heart begins to flutter in response. That goddamn panty-melting mouth of his. I had always loved his smile - his grin had brought sunshine to my life in my dark days. “I’m pretty starving myself and I figure you may want to keep me alive, since I’m your attorney and all...”