mask his…distaste. While he studies me, I study him right back. He has a powerful frame, but not like
he lives in the gym and eats entire cows daily. His muscles are big but refined, with broad shoulders
tapering to a narrow waist. Below that, hidden by his black athletic pants, is the outline of some not-
insignificant thighs.
As we scan each other, our eyes finally meet. He’s quick to wipe any judgment from his face, but
not quick enough. I can’t say I’m shocked. Of course, he’s judging me. In my admittedly limited
experience, men like him care a lot about their appearance. I do, too, despite what he may think. I did
two armpit sniff tests on my way here.
I’m good.
But even I can admit crawling around on the floor is not the best introduction to my new bosses. I
push to my feet and walk over to them, taking slow, deep breaths.
He smooths his features into a charming smile, and even though I know it’s practiced, it unsettles
me. I’m sure that smile gets him whatever he wants. I’m not used to something so powerful being
directed at me.
“Miss Miller, welcome to Chicago. I hope your flight was ok? You…ah, have a little hair, there,”
he says, gesturing to the side of his face. I swipe my hands down my cheeks, catching the black dog
hairs, then rub them off onto my leggings. He can’t hide the little twitch at the corner of his right eye at
the motion.
I stretch out my now hair-free hand. “I prefer Maya.” He clasps my hand, eyes widening when I
shake firmly. Was he expecting one of those limp hand clasps some women do? Not my style.
“Maya,” he says, drawing out the finala.“We’ll be working closely, so please call me Zach.”
He releases me and steps back. The other steps forward but doesn’t offer to shake. “You can call
me Jonas,” he says, dropping his hands in his pockets. There’s something about his manner that I find
soothing. I give him a smile, and Zach clears his throat. When I shift my gaze to him, he’s looking at
his brother with surprise. He catches me looking, and his features smooth out.
“Well, if you’ll follow me, I’ll take you up to your apartment.” He takes my two large suitcases
from the driver. “Marco will bring the rest of your things up.”
“That’s everything,” I say, pointing to my brand-new suitcases.
He can’t hide his surprise. “Excuse me? Is the rest of it being shipped later?”
“It’s in storage.”
