The girl is like a dog with a bone. And unfortunately for me – I’m the one she wants to chew on.
Last year at the Rothmans’ end of summer party, Anais got drunk and confessed she was in love with me. It wasn’t a surprise to me, but it did make me feel awkward.
“I love you, Evan Maxwell.”She slurred, her unique eyes and soft expression leaking with honesty. She meant every word. And I? I bolted.
I didn’t want Anais’s love, not then, not ever.
So I did what any sane person would do, when trying to run from unrequited love. I found the first willing woman andspent the night trying to erase those words from my head. Did it work? Not even a little bit.
“I meant exactly what I said,” I snap, pulling myself back to the present. “No. Anais can intern somewhere else.”
My father studies me, his expression unreadable. Christian Maxwell is a formidable man. I usually trust his judgement. But allowing Anais to intern? That is the definition of madness. Anais’s family is almost as wealthy as ours. She has never worked a day in her life, and likely never will, if she chooses not to.
So, what could she possibly get out of interning at Maxwell Diamonds?
After a long moment of silence, he sighs and scrubs a hand down his face. “It’s done, Evan. I already agreed to it with Charles. Anais needs an internship this summer and she didn’t want to work for her father. She is genuinely interested in jewelry.” He chuckles, shaking his head. “You know how much she loves the Maxwell brand. Your mother and I have gifted her pieces for years.” I glare, letting him know just how much I am against this. He sighs, his voice firm when he speaks. “It’s eight weeks. I’m sure you can handle her.”
“Doesn’t sound like I have a choice,” I mutter.
“You don’t,” he agrees. “She starts Monday. I trust you’ll make her feel welcome.” He throws me a pointed look. My jaw tightens, but I manage a curt nod. Eight weeks of Anais Lauder? I’d rather stick my balls in a car door. “Good,” he says, tapping the desk. “She’ll be working with your assistant.”
Ice spreads through my veins. Reaching up, I rub at my temples, trying to alleviate the headache that’s forming. I could accept her interning at Maxwell Diamonds when I thought she’d be in a different department, working under someone else, but working for me?
I don’t fucking think so.
“No,” I snap, shaking my head. “No way.”
Dad rises, buttoning his suit jacket. “Yes. Anais is working under you.” My body jolts with those words. I don’t want the brat anywhereunderme.
“You’ve got to be kidding,” I growl.
“Please treat her with respect, Evan. I know Anais can be…” he trails off searching for the right words. “A handful, but she’s matured these last couple of months. Give her a chance. She needs this. Your mother and I are her godparents; we’re doing what we can to support her.”
“Then let her work for you!” I bark, my blood heating with my irritation.
He shakes his head. “You know full well, I deal with highly classified information–”
“So do I!” I cut him off.
“Yes,” he concedes. “But you’re also starting work on the Maxwell Fiftieth Anniversary Collection. Get Anais involved. You never know, she might bring fresh ideas.”
I scoff, shaking my head. “She’s nineteen. What the hell is she going to contribute? Social media trends?” The sarcasm is evident.
He arches a brow. “What exactly is the problem here? Harrison is your best friend; you’ve known Anais her whole life. I don’t understand why you’re so averse to having her here. Unless…” he trails off, a small smirk tugging at his lips.
I know exactly what is going through his mind and I don’t like it one bit.
“Absolutely not,” I growl. “I’m not Theo. I don’t date women fresh out of high school. I’m not into jailbait, and I’m no cradle snatcher.” I drawl, unable to stop myself having a dig at Theo. That asshole, who sunk his claws into my baby sister and never let go. Now we’re fucking stuck with him.
Dad throws his head back, laughing. “Someday, you’ll need to get over it. Theo is part of this family, son, whether you like it or not. Despite all the shit he pulled, he makes your sister happy and that’s all I’ve ever wanted for all my children. Aria has Bishop, my grandson, and another on the way. And truthfully, it would make your mother and I very happy to seeyousettle down.”
I bark out a laugh. “Don’t get your hopes up, old man. I’m not in the market for a wife just yet.” And that’s the truth. After my last fucked up relationship with Valentina, the Italian supermodel, I’m not in any rush to tie myself down. “There’s a whole world of women waiting to experience this American God.” I add with a smirk, quoting the tabloid nickname for me and my friends
Dad shakes his head, a smile playing on his lips. “Just you wait, son. It’ll hit you when you least expect it.” His expression and tone turn serious. “Now about Anais, that’s settled. And don’t forget about the meeting at one, in conference room two.”
“Yeah, Dad. I know.” I resist an eye roll.
He smiles. “I’m proud of you, son. You’ve really stepped up in the last year. This company will be in good hands when you take over.”
