The Pink Rose: Secrets, Love and Betrayal

Alicia Roberts

Copyright 2012 by Alicia Roberts

Smashwords Edition
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This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. 
Adult Reading Material


***
The Pink Rose: Secrets, Love and Betrayal
***

Max Wilson is CEO and majority shareholder of Zetta Corp. Ever since he first noticed his shy accountant Amy Sanders, he's been trying to get her attention. So when she finally agrees to be his escort to an important gala, he knows exactly what he wants from her.
What he doesn't know is that Amy's cousin is Nicky Dunn, his business rival. Soon, it seems as though there's a mole inside the company, leaking important information to Nicky…

The Pink Rose is the first story in The Wilson's series. It's a sexy, contemporary romance.


Chapter One
"What do you mean, we should end this? You're supposed to be asking me to move in with you and make tabloid headlines, not asking to end this!"
Chloe's chilly voice ricocheted through his mind. He'd finally broken up with her over dinner last night. He wasn't going to be a coward and do it over the phone, and Chloe was classy enough not to create a scene in a popular restaurant. She stuck to hissed threats and would presumably leave him alone now. 
"Classy" - yes, that was one way to describe her, since she was from one of the oldest families in America and was elegant and well-educated. But she was also ruthless, clingy and ambitious. The spark between them had long since died out, she'd started demanding expensive "gifts" more frequently than before, and her not-so-subtle hints for moving the relationship forward had finally pushed Max to ask for a break. 
Sighing, Max ran one hand through his dark hair. 
It was late and he should get home. Instead, he was sitting in his leather and mahogany furnished corner office, staring at his laptop and pretending to work. Not that working would make much difference - Nicky Dunn, a ruthless competitor, had been nipping at his heels for a few weeks now, bidding up the prices of companies he wanted to buy, and nothing Max did seemed to make a difference.
Max wasn't thrilled about breaking things off with Chloe either. Just a few years ago, he'd been hopping from one girl to another, unable to stay with the same person for too long. But that got old faster than he'd predicted, and though he didn't believe in love, he'd wanted to be with someone he could trust and whose company he could enjoy, not someone who was just with him to get into the tabloids as the escort of a billionaire playboy or to get some pretty, expensive trinkets from him. But being with Chloe had changed his mind about longer term things - he'd better stick to short-term flings for now. 
And of course, his break-up timing had been perfect. Tomorrow night was the big charity gala, and as CEO and majority owner of the multi-conglomerate Zetta Corp he was expected to attend - but now he had nobody to take as his date. He knew a number of socialites, models and starlets who'd be happy to be seen on his arm, but he rejected the thought of taking any of them. 
"I'll deal with this tomorrow, along with the rest of my business mess," he muttered to himself, as he finally packed his things and headed towards the exit. The floor was empty, except for the one cubicle in the accounting department. 
He found himself walking towards it, and Amy lifted her head to give him a quick smile. His breath caught briefly, but he forced himself to walk up to her. Brown haired and dark-eyed, Amy dressed in demure outfits and seemed to spend most of her time trying to avoid eye contact with him. At least she couldn't run off suddenly this time.
"Burning the midnight oil?" He gave a rakish smile and made a mock disapproving noise. "Why aren't you home yet or out partying and having fun?"
Amy's smile was polite, and she mumbled something vague about work. 
Even though Amy had been here for almost a year now, he didn't know much about her. She'd been so good at fading into the background that he hadn't really noticed her until a few months ago, when their eyes met during a meeting and he hadn't been able to look away for what seemed like ages. 
The current that had flowed between them at that moment was unmistakable, and he wondered why she was so insistent on avoiding him. He'd never been so attracted to an employee - and despite the fact that she never tried to flirt with him or even seemed impressed by his jokes, he was tempted to get to know her better. 
But he was the CEO, and his HR department would have a fit if they found out he'd propositioned an employee. So of course he acted like a good boss around her, even when he was tempted to peek at her shapely behind if she ever dropped something on the floor.
As he watched her slim fingers fiddle with various papers, the idea popped into his mind.
"Why don't you come with me to the charity gala tomorrow night?"
Amy stopped working with her files and looked up at him. Her surprise was obvious, and before she could object, Max went on, "I'll be representing the Zetta Corp and I need an escort; it's nothing personal."
"Of course." And then after a pause, "But what about Chloe?"
Max winced. "That's over. We weren't right for each other." 
It was close to the truth, at least. Despite Chloe's beauty and elegance, there was something cold and dark inside her that frightened him. So he'd keep looking.
"And what about…" Amy let her voice trail off. She didn't need to name names.
Max smiled. "I'm not interested in pampering some socialite right now. I just need someone to stand by my side while we say a quick hello to some folks and we'll be done."
"I see." Amy nodded and Max felt a surge of satisfaction. Yes, he'd done a good job of making it sound like a business outing. Which was all it would be - he'd turn up dutifully and then leave as soon as he could. It would be a relief to go with someone who didn't need to constantly hog the limelight and stay out as long as possible. Surely HR couldn't frown upon this - Amy would be representing the Zetta Corp and it would be all about business.
But she still seemed to be hesitating. It wasn't in her job description, that much was true.
"I'll tell HR to give you the day off tomorrow, and have my assistant set up an appointment for you at the spa and stylist. This is for work, so it's all on the company's expense account. She'll give you a buzz tomorrow, and then I'll pick you up at six."
He watched as the last of her defenses melted away. He was right, what girl could resist a day off from work and being pampered and spoiled.
"I'll see you then," he said, turning around and walking away before she could protest or say something to change his mind. 
***
When Max left, Amy allowed herself to breathe again.
So, this was real. This was happening. Just breathe - in, out, and repeat.
Max had just asked her to go to an exclusive gala with him. Sure, it was just business, and it had nothing to do with her at all. As he'd explained, he needed an escort for a little while, someone who wouldn't bother him or get on his nerves while he fulfilled his official role of representing Zetta Corp.
She gulped, as she closed the files, switched off the PC and packed her bag. Since she had the day off tomorrow, she should probably work a bit more. But she'd already done more than her share, and she was distracted by the prospect of being with Max tomorrow night.
He was handsome, dark and alluring. She'd had a tiny crush on him from the first moment she saw him, but she'd made sure not to show it. He was her boss, after all, and he was with a different girl every other month. 
And of course, there was the not-so-tiny matter of her cousin Nicky, something she'd always hidden. She knew that as soon as her employers found out, she'd be fired. Avoiding Max seemed like a good way of protecting her secret. 
Nicky had offered her a job when she'd graduated, but she wanted to carve out her career path on her own, and that path had ironically led her to Zetta Corp. Amy was determined to do well at work and that her success would be dependant on her efforts and intelligence and would have nothing to do with depending on her family.  
Going to the charity gala as the CEO's escort would mean looking like she belonged, so when Adele Harris, Max's assistant called her the next morning with details of the spa and boutique she was to visit, she nodded and took down the details. Adele didn't mention that the head of HR wasn't too pleased with Max for asking Amy to the gala and that his brother Matt, who was head of Acquisitions, had sneered at his choice.
Her first appointment was at eleven, and she was surprised Max had gotten an appointment at the exclusive spa on such short notice. But then again, what had she expected - a cheap corner place offering quick pedicures? No, Max had pulled out all the stops, she learned, as the sleek brunette who offered her green tea infused with the essence of kafir leaves explained her treatments. In the following hours, she received waxes, pedicures and manicures, a body wrap, and finally a scalp massage and a full-body massage.
When she emerged from the spa's inner sanctum, her skin was glowing and she felt relaxed and happy. So this was what a good spa treatment felt like, Amy thought deciding to do it once a month. And then she laughed - no, she needed to save her cash and she knew how expensive all this was. As she admired her newly shaped and painted nails, the brunette who'd greeted her informed her that Matt had sent a limo to take her to the stylist.
She was slightly taken aback to hear that he'd sent her a limo, but a long, dark car was parked outside for her and the chauffeur opened the door and waited till she settled in. Amy wanted to ask what was going on, but figured that Max had rented the car for the whole day and probably had no use for it.  
When she arrived at the boutique, her stylist, Kara greeted her warmly, complimenting her figure and glowing skin. 
"Oh, I've just come from the spa," she said, trying to evade the compliment, and then blushed, wondering if she sounded spoilt and pretentious. 
But Kara didn't seem to disapprove and merely nodded, telling her that she'd look great in a number of dresses. "What's your favorite color, hon?"
"Pink," said Amy immediately, and then frowned. "But blue, green and grey are good too. Or maybe black would be more suitable?" 
She wanted to fit into the crowd, maybe black would make her disappear into the background. Pink was a frivolous, girly color that she rarely wore, preferring muted colors that helped her fade away.
But Kara picked out a floaty baby-pink gown, a backless number with a deep neckline. It skimmed her curves, tight around the top and then flaring out gently below the knees. After she tried it on, she gasped and protested - this was far too daring, far too bold. She'd prefer a little black dress, something demure and conservative. But Kara was relentless, and told Amy she looked comfortable in the dress.
"I guess that's something," Amy said, considering. It was true that she didn't feel awkward or uncomfortable in this dress, and maybe a more formal one would make her feel ill at ease. 
Once she agreed to it, strappy Louboutins that were surprising comfy and a cute purse appeared for her, and Kara introduced her to the makeup artist, Cynthia, who did her hair in artful waves and created a flawless, barely-there look with her makeup.
When it was over, Amy stood up and stared at herself in the mirror. She looked so different, all glowing skin, happy eyes and floaty pink. 
Kara and Cynthia exchanged glances and Cynthia said softly, "I hope you have a fun night; you look stunning."
Amy laughed, and hugged them both. "Live a little," said Kara, and gave her a quick wink, "But don't break too many hearts."
Amy smiled and shook her head, and got back into the limo. Tonight wasn't about fun and excitement, and definitely not about breaking hearts. It was just business, just a quick walk around a room with Max, while he said hello to his associates, and then it would be over. From Monday, her boring life would go on as usual. 

Chapter Two
From the moment she'd entered the limo, up until right now, Max hadn't been able to take his eyes off Amy. 
Swathed in some kind of pink gauzy fabric, she was a vision of beauty. Her eyes were sparkling, looking darker than usual, and her hair cascaded down in dark waves. And of course that dress - it was killing him. Tight in all the right places, and devoid of fabric in the right areas… her smooth, pale back was exposed and so were the rounded tops of her breasts, just a hint but enough to make him want to rip off her clothes right there in the limo. 
Of course, that wasn't happening, he told himself. He was the CEO, and Louise, the grey-haired head of HR, had given him a stern lecture about asking employees to non-work events. He'd protested that he was representing Zetta Corp, and Amy was doing the same so it was a work event, but his words had fallen on deaf ears, and he'd agreed to ask Amy to see her on Monday morning. 
Even his younger brother Matt had laughed at him. Boring, conservative Matt, who abhorred any kind of attention or flashiness, someone he'd expected to approve of Amy as his escort. But Matt had simply taunted him for not finding a more appropriate date, and then warned him against trying to charm Amy. "Don't say anything to upset her," he'd said, "We need our employees to stay happy." 
Max had smiled, secretly thinking of things he could do with Amy to make her very, very happy. 
He and Amy made small talk till the limo pulled up to the event, and the driver opened his door. He stepped out and held out his hand to Amy, and she accepted it gratefully. The cold autumn air hit him like a slap, even as Amy's hand felt warm against him.
As soon as she was out, the light bulbs started flashing, the paparazzi yelling questions too fast for them to answer.
"Who's the sexy new girl, Max? Where's Chloe? Are you two the new couple?"
He felt Amy turn to him, a dazed look on her face. "What's going on?"
"Photographers, they seem to think you'd look good in tomorrow's tabloids."
She shuddered. "Please, can't we get away?"
He raised an eyebrow as the light bulbs continued to flash. "Most of my girlfriends think this a perk of dating me."
As soon as he mentioned "girlfriends", plural, he regretted it. But then again, Amy surely knew of his reputation.
"Not me," she said.
He noticed she'd turned slightly pale and hurriedly walked her forwards. "That's enough, guys, I hear Lindsay Lohan's on her way."
The photographers were thrown into confusion, craning their necks in case they missed Lindsay, and let them slip by.
"Do you always go through this?" Amy seemed to be slightly shaken, and Max cocked his head slightly.
"I take it you're not a fan."
"I prefer my privacy."
Max made an understanding noise, and thought that his brother would've approved; she was the opposite of everyone who dated him for fame. 
"Time to mingle," he murmured, "The sooner we do this, the sooner we're out."
Amy nodded, and allowed him to lead her to the host of the event, a grey-haired, mustachioed gentleman. 
"Max," he boomed, a hint of a southern accent in his voice, "So good to see you. And thank you for that generous contribution."
"My pleasure Ian," he replied smoothly, "And thank you for hosting this gala to raise awareness."
Ian turned to Amy, and Max made the appropriate introductions. 
"Charmed, I'm sure," Ian said. "I'll leave you two to meet the others."
As he disappeared, Max noticed the other men eying Amy. His blood boiled - he knew exactly what they were thinking. She had that perfect 1950's Marilyn Monroe figure, and all the half-starved women looked like dry sticks beside her beauty and curves. 
He wanted to growl at the men staring at Amy, do something to make them go away, but instead there were people coming over to talk to them.
He satisfied himself by holding her arm gently and standing behind her as he greeted other guests and made introductions. Her feminine scent wafted up to him - pink, he thought, sweet like vanilla and rose. Her hair gleamed under the lights and he stood close behind her, her bare skin tantalizingly close to him. 
In a daze, he shook hands with other people and engaged in polite chit-chat. He wondered if Amy could feel him through the thin fabric of her gown. It was hard not to get excited, just standing there, smelling her delicate scent, having a great view down her cleavage, wondering what her breasts would taste like. He was going crazy slowly, desperate to possess her, to have her writhing under him. 
"Don't upset her," Matt had said, and as he remembered the warning, Max stepped back slightly. 
When he moved away, Amy looked up at him in surprise. "Are you going somewhere?"
Oh, so she had expected him to stand close to her. 
Max smiled in relief. "Just to get something to eat. Want anything?"
"A few nibbles would be great."
A smile lit up her face, and Max felt his pulse quicken. He could drown in those eyes, she looked so beautiful. 
"Don't go anywhere," he warned teasingly and headed to the buffet.
When he turned around, she was watching him, and half a dozen men were watching her. Scum, he thought angrily, as he watched one of them heading towards her.
He tried to move faster, to get back to her as soon as he could.  
***
Amy smiled as she watched Max hurrying away to get her something to eat. She'd almost forgotten that she'd skipped lunch amid all the primping and pampering, and the buffet must be good. 
So far, the evening had been lovely. It hadn't seemed like work at all.
Of course, Max had been completely aloof and businesslike, merely asking her how her day had been and checking that everything had been to her liking.
Everything had been perfect, she'd replied, and then he'd gone silent. Was it too much to hope for that he told her she looked nice? Amy never dressed like this at work, and she wondered if it was too much. But then, she'd noticed co-workers dress in ridiculously inappropriate outfits for the office Halloween party, from nurses to bunnies and everything in between. So surely her gown wasn't too bad.
But Max had said nothing, and had just looked at her silently. 
"You look nice in that tux," she'd said smiling, and she meant it. He looked handsome and dangerous in his clothes, and his eyes were gleaming dark. 
"Thanks," he'd said politely. "You look good too. Kara did a good job picking that pink stuff for you."
"Oh." Amy had blushed, not knowing what to say. Had it seemed like she was fishing for compliments? She wasn't, she was just being nice. And somehow he'd turned his compliment into what a good job Kara had done, not how she looked.
Well, what had she expected? That Max would take one look at her and fall madly in love? No, things didn't work that way with guys, she thought, and besides, she didn't want Max to be remotely interested in her. Not only would it make things difficult at work, it would probably lead to him finding out more about her and then not just dumping her, but firing her as well.
And she needed this job - she hadn't been here a year yet, and a gap would look terrible on her resume. She'd worked far too hard to throw things away by being careless. So she'd do her best at this gala and make her way till the end of the evening, after which she'd leave and never see Max outside of work again.
But then they'd stepped out of the limo, and there were bright flashes of light everywhere. It was a nightmare for her - she'd always been incredibly shy and thankfully Max had propelled her through and gotten her past it. His skin had felt hot against hers, he smelled spicy and exotic. 
She'd never been so close to him before, she thought, as he'd stood behind her and introduced her to politicians, actors and sports players. She tried her best to smile and act graceful, willing herself to ignore the fact that she was wearing the largest size dress in the room.
The women all flipped their hair and smiled up at Max, ignoring her completely, but she told herself she didn't care, she was having fun. The crystal chandeliers threw off warm light, the hall was alive with laughter and happiness. The women sparkled in their colorful dresses, the jewels around their necks glinting, and the men were powerful and charming.
Amy watched Max hurrying along the buffet and hoped he wouldn't be long. What would she do by herself? Thankfully someone came up to her at that moment, a tall, blond man offering her his hand.
"I'm Clark," he said smiling, his teeth white and even. "You look a little lost."
She laughed, his charm was disarming, and she mentioned that her date was getting her food.
"Your boyfriend?" he'd asked, "Or your fiancé?" 
"Neither," she smiled, "My boss. And what about you, who are you with?"
"My mother," he sighed. "It's nice to enjoy the company of someone my age for a bit. I think she's relieved too; it gives her a chance to flirt with Mathew over there."
He jerked his head towards a balding man, and Amy noticed an elegant lady chatting with him. 
She was about to say something when Max reappeared.
"Your food," he growled, handing her a plate with hors d'oeuvres laid out on it. "Got you a selection." And then he turned to face Clark. 
***
Max scowled when he saw Clark chatting up Amy. This wasn't happening, he thought to himself. Clark Fordham had no scruples and was a bigger player than himself. There was no reason for Amy to be talking to him, let alone laughing and smiling that dazzling smile of hers. What could he possibly be saying to her that was so fascinating?
As soon as he reached them, he thrust the plate into Amy's hands and turned to get rid of Clark. But Clark was oblivious to his silent threat and continued to make inane jokes, causing Amy to erupt in peals of laughter. Her face lit up when she laughed, and there seemed to be nothing he could do to get rid of the weasel. Finally, Max muttered something to Clark about meeting someone important.
"Who are we meeting?" Amy asked, as he grabbed her arm and dragged her away from Clark. "Clark seemed nice."
"He's an ass." Max didn't have time for subtleties and said darkly, "I want you stay away from him."
She looked at him thoughtfully and asked, "Why?"
Max looked down at her trusting face and felt a tiny bit sheepish. It would be too easy to tell her that he was a competitor, or liked to spread rumors, but she would just believe him. Clearly she wasn't used to scheming and planning ahead, unlike Chloe… Chloe. 
His face darkened as he caught sight of his ex. Amy had been such a vision in pink that she'd driven all thoughts of other women out of his mind, but now Chloe was standing there, all sleek and cold, and seemed to be heading their way.
Amy was still looking up at him, waiting for his answer. Her eyes were large and innocent, her cheeks flushed and her naivety apparent. Everyone else here was cold, dark and cynical, but… the image of a soft, pink rose appeared in his mind. Yes, that's what she was, soft, pink, sweet and nice-smelling. Would she taste just as nice?
He stroked her cheek gently with a thumb. Time seemed to have slowed down. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Chloe turning to someone and then continuing his way. But now all he was really aware of was Amy's upturned face, her lips full and pink.
She's like a magnet was Max's last thought, as he brought his lips down towards her. He pressed her against him, her breasts soft against his hard chest, her lips soft and yielding as his lips pressed down, hard and insistent. 
He felt her stiffen for a moment and a shiver of worry went through his spine. Was she about to draw back and slap him? But then she melted, and he plundered her mouth with a hungry urgency. Her tongue met his with the same feverishness he felt, and they battled for what seemed like ages, his hardness pressing against her soft body, his mouth demanding more, more.
Finally, he pulled away, drawing his lips away with reluctance, and putting a bit of space between their bodies, even as the arousal coursed through his veins, making him desperate to be alone with her. Amy's eyes were gleaming in the light, her face was flushed and her lips were slightly parted. Max thought with a groan how badly he wanted to kiss those lips again, but he turned and realized Chloe was standing in front of them.
"Chloe."
"Max."
"A pleasure to see you again."
"Likewise." Her cold voice dripped with honey, but he wasn't fooled for an instant. "This is Jean Pierre."
He shook hands with the famous designer, and allowed Chloe to turn on her heel and stalk off elegantly.
***
Within a few seconds, Amy's emotions churned from excitement and exhilaration to frustration and disappointment. 
So this was why Max had kissed her, she thought, trying her best not to glare at Chloe. She'd seen Chloe's pictures in tabloids, and she looked so much more beautiful in real life. Tall, slim, with stylish blonde hair and blue eyes, even her voice was low and regal.
Chloe's eyes had glanced through hers and Max didn't even bother to introduce her. Was he ashamed of her?
"So, this was all for Chloe's benefit," she breathed softly. Clearly Max was still interested in Chloe.
"Is that what you really think?"
She looked up into his eyes. They were dark and hungry, and there was no mistaking his intentions when he lowered his face and gently kissed her lower lip. His breath was heavy on her mouth and he tasted spicy and exciting.
She felt something stirring inside her, a deep-rooted desire, the uncoiling of what she'd felt since the first time she met him. He was dark and handsome and when he moved away after the brief kiss, she wanted to taste him again.
This is now, Amy thought, running her hand up his spine and into his thick hair. She closed her eyes and pressed his head down, arching up into his mouth again. 
Their lips crashed together and the desire ran deep between them. She savored his taste, his mouth, leaning into him and feeling his hot need, until they were forced to move apart again.
"I think we should get out of here."
His voice was husky and Amy let him hold her hand and guide her towards Ian. After a brief goodbye, they were both settled in his limo. 
"My apartment," he ordered and raised the barrier between them and the chauffeur. 
Amy had a split second to understand what that meant, before he pulled her close and brought his lips down on hers again. Their kiss was softer this time, slightly anticipatory. He was gentler, but it was obvious he was restraining himself.
When he pulled back, he placed a finger under Amy's chin and looked into her eyes.
"Amy, are you sure you want this?"
Her voice felt dry and she managed to whisper a hoarse, "Yes."
Yes, of course she wanted it. How could she not, when he had teased her and made promises with his body that a lot more was to come?
Max let go of her and ran a hand through his hair. "I want this too. But let me be clear: I don't believe in love. There's a limit to what I can offer someone, and I don't want to give you the wrong idea."
Amy was a bit surprised at the admission. Of course, she already knew Max's reputation; she knew he didn't care to settle down with one girl. She could live with that - she'd had short relationships that ended unexpectedly, and unfulfilling lovers. And Max was being upfront and honest about what he wanted, and she wanted Max… "I understand."
"People say I break hearts, but I'm always honest. I'm not promising you a 'relationship' and marriage and the works, just a fun time together - that's my deal."
"It's enough for me." Was it? She hesitated as soon as she said those words. She had no doubt it would be fun, and she appreciated that Max wasn't trying to seduce her by faking an interest he didn't feel, but what if he found out about her family background? And… "What happens when it ends?"
Max sank back into his seat. "We'll have a word with HR on Monday and I promise I'll help you get a job that pays better or as much as much we do, in a different company."
Amy nodded. She really wanted to be with Max and she appreciated his honesty. And she had no doubt he'd help her get a new, maybe better, job. If she left the office, it wouldn't matter who her cousin was. 
She allowed Max to pull out a bottle of Bollinger from the minibar and pour two glasses for themselves. She sipped silently.
Max trailed a finger up her bare arm slowly, leaving sparks where he'd just touched her. Amy turned to him with a smile and said, "It would have been nice if we weren't working together."
Max nodded. "Yes, but then we'd never have met. Are you having second thoughts?"
"A little," she admitted, taking a longer sip.
"Let me change your mind, then."
He took away her champagne flute and held her hands in his. They looked at each other quietly, their eyes silent with desire. Amy dropped her gaze to his lips and parted her own slightly. She breathed in and waited.
Max let go of her hands and moved closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and turning her head to face him. When he pressed down on her upturned lips all thoughts left her mind. His breath was hot and minty, his scent spicy and exotic. She felt the ripples flow through her body, and she leaned into him and felt the electricity passing between their bodies.
 
Chapter Three

Half an hour later they arrived at his penthouse apartment, and he helped her out of the limo and into the elevator. She leaned against him feeling hot, almost feverish.
The ride had seemed to pass in seconds, their kisses interrupted only by vague murmurs. She was vividly aware of his presence, his tall, muscular body right next to hers, close in a way she'd dreamed of, without ever really daring to hope it would be real.
The city seemed quiet; everyone was asleep. When they entered his dark apartment, the hazy glow of city lights was streaming in through the windows. She turned to see him in the dim glow, and before he could switch on the lights she had pressed herself against him.
They kissed again, her hands pushing off his tuxedo jacket, his hands running through her hair. Before she knew it he'd pushed her to the ground, mumbling hoarsely that he couldn't wait. There was a soft rug under her skin, in the hazy light she recognized it as being a deep-colored Persian, and he pressed her down against it.
There was a part of her that was impatient and a part of her that wanted this to last forever. Max's lips were hot on hers, and as he deepened their embrace, his hands were everywhere.
He tried to get her out of the dress, and managed to tear it in his impatience. Amy giggled, and helped him by finding and undoing the zipper.
She hadn't worn a bra under her dress, and the sight of her bare breasts made him groan under his breath. "You're so perfect," he murmured. His mouth came down, his lips encircling her nipple as he sucked gently, his tongue flicking out and making her moan and arch her back. "We need to do this right."
Without further warning, he lifted her up into his arms, her bare skin warm, her body soft and delicate in his arms. He carried her across the room, through a corridor and into the master bedroom. 
Soft light streamed in through the windows, and he laid her gently on the bed, knelt beside her and looked down at her naked beauty. She was flushed, soft and pale against his dark covers. 
Something deep down inside her tightened when Max held her breasts in both hands, and Amy groaned as he squeezed gently, caressing them and stroking upwards as he let go, her nipples hardening into sharp points. His mouth came down again, and she gasped as he took her breast into his mouth. 
It seemed like an eternity as he savored her body slowly. He used his tongue to play with one nipple, then the other, alternating between her breasts and making her writhe in agony. Amy moaned and wanted more, Max moved up, and their mouths merged, their kiss deeper than ever before. 
When Max moved away, he began to trail soft kisses down her neck, reaching her collarbone and kissing the hollow right below her neck and then moving his lips along her shoulders. When he began to trail small kisses down the center of her body, moving down between her breasts, Amy couldn't take it any more and arched up, leaning into Max's body and fumbling with his shirt buttons.
It was frustrating - Max's kisses were making her unable to concentrate and the buttons seemed so insanely complicated. Thankfully, he decided to move away and it took him a few seconds to slip out of his shirt and trousers. The bulge in his black boxers was unmistakable, and when he slipped those off, Amy drank in the sight of his gorgeous, swollen manhood. 
But before she could even reach out to stroke the engorged length, Max was down on top of her again, nibbling on her lower stomach, kissing her belly button and using his tongue to trace circles around it.
Amy groaned and pushed him off her. "No," she said, smiling when he lay back down, "I want to play, too."
He was gorgeous, naked and tan and muscular. She traced her fingers along his strong shoulders, kissing his hard chest and raking her fingers along his smooth abs. She wanted to enjoy him, she wanted to take it slow, but there was a part of her that was burning up in desire that wanted everything to happen immediately. Right. Now.
And it was that part of her which seemed to call out to Max - he growled and pushed her off him, sliding off her panties in one smooth motion and pushing her legs wide apart. 
She gasped and he said, "You’ll get your chance to play later."
He was kneeling between her thighs, holding her legs wide apart and Amy felt exposed, vulnerable and slightly shy; her entrance was hot, swollen and dripping wet. She was thankful for the darkness, but their eyes had adjusted to the moonlight, and they could see each other quite clearly. Max brought his lips down on her inner thigh, just above her right knee, and all thoughts fled from her mind.
The world was hazy, her senses fading, as Max began to trail his tongue up along her inner thigh, moving towards her swollen lower lips, but just before he got there he moved back down to her other leg and took his time moving his tongue up that thigh. But this time, when he reached the apex, he didn't stop.
He stroked his thumb up along her entrance, making her juices flow more rapidly and then she felt him bring his mouth down as he started to lap them up. His mouth was hungry, his tongue creating unexpected sensations, and she realized she was making strange moaning noises. As his tongue moved up and down she moaned and shivered and arched her back, the world was rapidly fading away, and when he brought his mouth up and used his tongue to spear her clit again and again, she let out her first low scream. 
A finger soon replaced his tongue, twirling and teasing her sensitive nub as Max moved his mouth slightly lower and she felt his tongue attack her and lick her and the world disappeared. She felt the tension inside her dissolve, felt herself shatter into a million tiny pieces and the waves of her orgasm began to roll through her. She let the sensations take her over, her body writhing and her voice making strange, loud noises.
When she came to, she was breathing heavily and she noticed that Max was watching her carefully. 
“I love making you scream,” he said hoarsely, his eyes glinting in the semi-darkness. “You look so beautiful.”
His fingers were stroking her slowly, up and down and she groaned thinking of the sensations inside her he was creating again, and how quickly she wanted it all again.
His fingers moved between her legs, teasing her, playing with her and making her groan. She spread her legs wider, encouraging him to slip one finger inside her, desperate in her desire. She was drenched, as he'd expected, and she clamped her walls down around him. "I need more," she moaned, "I want you."
He didn't need any more encouragement. He pulled out the finger and quickly found and put on protection. He lay above her and looked into her eyes as he slowly pushed into her. Her eyes widened as he spread her apart, her walls wet and hot and hungry, before he moved out and slowly moved further back in. She felt herself stretching and grasping him with her walls, he was thick and hard and filled her up completely. But before she could get too used to him he moved out again, and this time slammed into her hard. She gasped out loud, and Max began to thrust into her deeply, moving slowly again and rubbing against her, creating sensations that flooded along the length of her body. 
With every thrust the sensations spread further along inside her and she found herself arching her back and trying to suck him in with her inner muscles. Her obvious arousal made Max grab her hips and he began to slam into her harder, moving faster and faster and they both rocked with the motion, her breasts swaying and the headboard banging against the wall.
Things began to spiral out of control again, and once again Amy felt herself fading away. Everything around her was dark; everything disappeared except for the exquisite sensations. She called out Max's name, tried to warn him, but had no idea what she said… She felt Max's movements grow jerky and he groaned and she knew he had come. The sensations took over her completely now, and she felt the waves of her orgasm flow over her, everything inside her seeming to leave her body as she lost herself in the throes of the climax.
When she opened her eyes, Max had moved out of her and was holding her possessively. They kissed briefly, and she found the energy to go over to the bathroom. 
When she walked out, she was wearing a fluffy bathrobe she'd found. Max made a grumpy face at the lack of her nakedness, but she was too tired and merely grinned. She lay down and Max wrapped his arm around her. She wanted to say something about how wonderful it had been, but couldn't think of anything that wasn't clichéd. Max was breathing deeply, his arm strong and claiming his ownership. She felt her own breathing deepen, and before she could say anything, she fell asleep. 

Chapter Four

The sun was streaming in, and Amy felt groggy and grumpy when she opened her eyes. She'd never been a morning person; it normally took a strong cup of coffee or two before she felt like herself. And this morning was worse - there was a strong sense of disorientation before she finally remembered last night and figured out where she was.
Max. She groaned under her breath. What had she gotten into? Her boss, of all people - what had she been thinking? But then she remembered last night, the whirl of glamorous people, the intoxicating soft lights, champagne and Max's hungry lips. She couldn't help grinning as she remembered her loud orgasms, before wondering where Max was. The bed was empty - she stretched out an arm, feeling where Max had been. It was cold. He must've been up long ago, maybe he expected her to get dressed and leave immediately.
Amy tried to ignore the sinking feeling in her heart and fearing the worst, she started to get ready for the day. There was a toothbrush in the bathroom, and she hesitated for a second before deciding to use it. Where were her clothes? She groaned again as she remembered the ripped gown, and the fact that she only had a pair of panties. Great, she didn't even have anything to wear for her Walk of Shame home.
Tightening the belt of the bathrobe around herself, she wandered along the corridor and out into the sitting area. The apartment was designed in sleek, modern lines with large windows providing great views, but Max had chosen to furnish it with a mix of dark mahogany furniture, deep-colored Persian rugs and a few beautiful paintings. In the morning light, the place looked warm and inviting.  
She could smell something, was that eggs? Amy allowed her nose to lead the way, passing the formal sitting area and small library, and found herself in a large, open-plan kitchen. Marble bench tops and shiny steel appliances were drenched with sunlight, and Max was standing over the oven, guarding something in a fry pan.
When he turned and saw her, he grinned and said, "You look pretty confused."
Her scowl deepened. "I thought you'd left the apartment and wanted me out."
Max laughed. "What do you think I am, a monster? I was making you breakfast, was going to take it to you in bed. Is something wrong?"
A note of worry crept into his voice and Amy shook her head, feeling like a fool. "I need coffee."
It was too much to take in, but Max seemed to understand. He headed over to an expensive espresso machine and began to froth milk. "I assume you like cappuccinos?"
Amy nodded. At that moment she'd be happy to chew whole coffee beans, but she did in fact like cappuccinos. Max expertly pulled a shot and poured in the frothed milk, managing to make a pretty heart with the foam. When he handed her the mug, Amy stared at it in disbelief. 
"You never fail to surprise."
Max shrugged modestly. "I used to be a real coffee snob, some people think I still am. I did a few barista courses for fun."
"Right. Well, this tastes great."
As she sipped her coffee, Amy wondered if she should do something to help Max out in the kitchen. But he seemed to be pretty much at home. "Don't tell me you're a food snob too?"
Max turned to her and smiled mysteriously before going back to stirring his scrambled eggs. "I do like good food, but doing a bit of frying is the most I can do in the kitchen."
Amy's coffee was finished, and Max expertly made her another mug. "This is my last one for the day," she said, smiling as she realized immediately that it probably wasn't. 
Max was arranging food on plates. Spinach, hash browns, sausages, tomatoes and mushrooms.
"I take it I'm staying for breakfast?"
He raised an eyebrow. "I was hoping you were staying for the weekend. Maybe even the week ahead."
Amy felt her heart skip a beat. What had happened to "I don't do relationships?" She'd had a relationship with a guy who claimed he was looking for The One and desperate to settle down, only to learn that he was a true player - that had lasted for three days and going in she'd thought it would maybe last forever.
***
Max stared at the eggs, trying to decide if they were done. 
The weekend had gotten off to a great start, but since entering the kitchen Amy seemed prepared to run. Maybe his little warning speech in the limo had scared her off - it was true, he didn't believe in love and he didn't expect this thing with Amy to last. But now she was here, and he wanted her around.
The image of a rose just wouldn't leave his mind. Amy was so warm and trusting, so open and sensual. He liked being around her. Except for the few minutes before she'd had her coffee, she was carefree and happy. And now that she'd had coffee, he wanted her to stay around. 
There was sunlight, there was joy and there was Amy. He wanted to take care of her; he wanted her to be with him. Unless… it had to be said. The silent threat had worried him as soon as she'd hinted that she expected to leave.
Max stared at the eggs through narrow eyes, decided they were done and arranged them along with the rest of the food. He looked up at her again, steeling his voice. "I'd love for you to stay. Unless, of course, you're planning to sue me for seducing you."
Amy's mouth dropped and she sucked in her stomach as if she'd been punched. "You know I'd never do that."
Max regretted the question immediately and walked over to her side of the bench top and rubbed her arm. "It's just that - you know, people think, employees and…" 
He stared at her in confusion, unable to mouth the words. Finally he said, "Everyone wants something."
Amy's eyes were narrow and she carried the plates over to the tiny kitchen table before turning around to stare at him. "I just want you. Like you said, just a fun time together, that's our deal."
"So it's ok if we see HR on Monday and sign release forms to say we're in a relationship and that we relinquish all claims to legal recourse?"
Amy rolled her eyes. "Whatever. I don't mind signing papers, and I'd never plan to take you to court."
Max grinned, remembering a recent fake paternity suit. "You wouldn't believe some of the crazy stuff I've been taken to court over."
But Amy merely reached out and squeezed his arm. "I'm so sorry." There was genuine sympathy in her eyes and she refused to see the humor in it. 
Max was taken aback by her reaction and shook his head. "Nah, you get used to it. Everyone wants something, and when they don't get it easily they'll drag in lawyers if they have to."
He brought over cutlery and they settled down with their meal. 
"Mm, this is delicious."
Max grinned, pleased with her reaction, and trailed a finger down her neck. "I know what else is delicious…"
She laughed, and slapped his finger away. "I was taught to concentrate on your meal when you're eating."
It was easy to fall into a light banter, joking about their food and their plans for the weekend. Amy complained that Max had ruined her clothes, and she would have to take the subway in his bathrobe, at which point Max offered to take her shopping.
"Please don't buy me stuff," she said drily, and Max wondered if he'd offended her. "Why don't we stop by my apartment and I can pick up something to wear."
"Sure." He hurried to agree with her, afraid of scaring her off. "We can drive there after I put the dishes away." 
***
It felt strange to walk out of the apartment wearing a fluffy bathrobe and strappy stilettos. It was even stranger to step into Max's Porsche wearing that ensemble - "This is my weekend car," he'd said, as if that explained everything.
Amy resisted an urge to sigh with exasperation. "What about your chauffeur?"
"He gets weekends off, same as my housekeeper."
"Of course." She hoped she didn't sound too sarcastic.
"Hmm." He backed out and began driving towards her place. "She comes back on Sunday night to clean up my weekend mess, though."
"And you normally make a big mess?"
As soon as she asked, Amy regretted the question. But Max merely shrugged. "Most of my weekends are boring. Just a bit of de-stressing from work, seeing the family for lunch on Sunday afternoons and sometimes catching up on office paperwork."
She couldn't help chiding him for working on weekends, but he flipped the tables expertly. Yes, she admitted with a guilty laugh when he probed, she did work on weekends sometimes. 
When he parked near her apartment, the Porsche stood out among the other run-down cars on the street. Max looked around warily, and she could see the question in his eyes. 
"We'll just be a few minutes," she promised. "And while this place looks dodgy, it's really one of the safer areas in the neighborhood."
He followed her upstairs and took in the tiny place with a glance. It was meticulously organized, the door to her flatmate's room was open and he could see the clothes lying strewn on the floor. 
He followed Amy to her bedroom, and as he'd expected it was tiny but tidy. "Don't tell me, you became an accountant because you like things to be neat?"
Amy wrinkled her nose. "Am I that obvious?" 
She was shoving clothes into a duffel bag, and he watched as she turned away from him and pulled on underwear and jeans, wriggling them up under the robe. She let the robe drop and he had a view of her smooth back as she pulled on a bra and slipped into a plain black t-shirt.
A hairbrush and some makeup soon joined the rest of her clothes in the bag, before Amy pulled out some sunscreen and started applying it to her face. 
She glanced at Max's amused, watchful eyes. "You don't approve of my place?" 
Max raised one eyebrow. "Surely we pay enough for you to live in a nicer area?"
Amy blushed and paused for a minute before putting away the bottle of sunscreen and stroking on some mascara. She didn't admit this to many people, but she might as well tell Max. "I'm saving up."
"Planning to buy a small country?"
Amy giggled. "No, I'd love to have my own accounting firm some day!"
The excitement was palpable in her voice, and her eyes sparkled at the idea. Her own place somewhere, just a small firm, but reputed and with a firm client base. 
Max smiled and his voice was soft when he said, "I love that you're chasing your dream."
Amy nodded. "Yes, people laugh at accountants and say we're boring, but I really like the work. And I'd love to be my own boss, have my own business…"
She smiled at Max. "But of course, you already know what it's like to be excited about having your own company."
"Yeah." Max grabbed her bag and headed down the stairs, making a beeline for the Porsche and thankful it was intact. "My dad kept insisting I do whatever I want, I didn't have to go into the family business, but I wanted to. I love business, and managing Zetta was my dream for ages."
Amy nodded. "I heard your dad went into semi-retirement recently."
Her comment made Max smile wryly. "You'd think, huh? But he's always on top of what we're doing, and giving us advice - pretty good advice, though. I can't imagine him retiring for real."
"Where are we heading?" 
The car was winding through the streets slowly, and Amy realized this wasn't the way home.
"I though I'd take you to my favorite hot chocolate place."
He parked the car expertly, and led Amy into the quaintly designed chocolaterie. They ordered a fresh fruit pavlova to share, and he ordered the Peruvian hot chocolate while Amy opted for the hot chocolate with orange. When her drink arrived, it had a strong citrusy taste, and there were tiny bits of orange rind in the mug, like chocolate-ey liquid marmalade.
As they dug into their shared piece of pavlova, Amy asked Max about his siblings. She knew Matt, who worked as head of Acquisitions, but she was curious about the others.
***
It had been easy to fall into a relaxed conversation with Amy. And Max was impressed by her dedication to starting her business - so that was what the late hours and tiny, shared apartment were all about. 
She was such a refreshing change from the girls he was usually with - she didn't care about fashion, and she didn't spend hours fixing her hair and makeup before she stepped out. He'd watched enough girlfriends to know that the ritual before exiting the house was to slather all kinds of things onto your face, and Amy had only taken a few minutes. 
She wasn't pretentious, and she didn't seem to care that he'd taken her to a hole-in-the-wall cafe instead of a more fashionable place. His sisters would like her. And then he cursed himself silently for that thought - why did he care what his sisters would think? She wasn't about to meet them anyway, she'd be out of his life in a few days. 
As they lounged in the dark-themed room, Max told her about his siblings. They were crazy, independent and ambitious, and they'd all gone on to pursue various passions, from fashion design to currency trading and everything in between.
"And of course," he said, "There's Mark and Melissa, my cousins. They lived with us for a few years when we were little, after their parents died in a car crash. Are you ok?"
 Amy had gone a little pale, and she nodded and had a sip of water. "I'm fine," she said softly, "It's just that… well, when I was little I lived with my cousins for a few years too."
Max looked at her curiously, and she went on, "My mom died when I was a few months old, and my dad raised me by himself. But when I was fifteen he passed away from a heart attack."
"I'm so sorry."
She nodded. “The first few years were hard. But I moved in with my aunt and my cousins, and they were all so lovely to me, even though they had their own problems."
Max held her hand and wondered what to say. He wasn't good with words, but she obviously wasn't looking for sympathy. 
"I'm glad you told me," he said honestly, "I hardly know anything about you. I'm sorry I didn't ask sooner."
Amy laughed lightly. "Oh, it's not really something you bring up in everyday conversation. Let's talk about something else, how did you manage to discover this amazing chocolate place?"
Max smiled and told her how he'd found it, not surprised that she was trying to change the topic. 
After they'd paid the bill, he held her hand and suggested a short walk. He headed towards 5th Avenue, to a particular a jewelry store he knew women were fond of. She was happy to admire the trinkets in the window, but he could tell she was uncomfortable when he asked her to come inside with him.
"Are you buying something for one of your sisters?" 
Her smile was a bit strained, and she glanced around, obviously ill at ease. Max wondered if he shouldn't have brought her - maybe she didn't like shopping, or maybe she didn't like this particular store?
"Actually," he said, heading towards the counter, "I thought I'd get you a little something. How about that one?"
He nodded towards a thin diamond necklace, and the saleslady took it out of its glass case. 
"Max, can I talk with you outside for a minute?"
"Sure."
He followed her out, slightly amused. "What's going on?"
"I should ask you the same thing. Why are you trying to buy me stuff?"
"Umm, I thought women liked jewelry?"
"They might, but it's not appropriate for you to - "
"Hey, I enjoy being with you, most girls I know like shopping, so I thought I'd buy you a little gift."
She glared at him. "Save the gifts for women you cheat on and other big apologies."
Max was surprised by her reaction. "I've never cheated on someone - "
"That's not the point. I don't want you buying me stuff, it’s like you're trying to buy me."
"Oh." He went silent for a minute. "I wasn't trying to."
Amy sighed. "I'm sorry, I just don't like getting expensive gifts for no reason, I’ve always thought people give them with an ulterior motive. Maybe on a special occasion sometimes, but mostly with something else in mind. Like, if you're a jerk, you'd give them as apologies."
Max smiled. "I don't think I'm a jerk."
"Fine, let's go home then. I can think of things that are a lot more fun than buying silly jewelry."
Max grinned and cocked an eyebrow. He hoped she meant what he thought she meant. "Like what?"
It was Amy's turn to smile, and he followed her as she walked towards the car. "You'll get to find out later."
Max grinned, surprised but happy at her preferences. 
And when they got home, he wasn't disappointed either - she had been talking about getting back to bed with him. 
They explored each other's bodies with a burning fervor, as though they'd completely forgotten last night, and he felt himself drowning in her arms. Being with Amy was so different in every way, and he knew that the images of her would be burned into his memory forever.
***
As she stood under the shower, letting the warm water wash over her, Amy reflected on the past couple of hours. Max was in the den, setting up a movie and waiting for their lunch to arrive. 
It had been a great day, with some caveats. There had been an awkward moment in the cafe when she'd been tempted to tell Max that Nicky Dunn was her cousin. But if she'd said anything, he would obviously put things together and think she was a corporate spy. So she let the moment slide, and didn't mention that one of the cousins she lived with, growing up, was Nicky.
Not that it mattered anyway, she told herself. Her fling with Max would be over soon, and then it wouldn't matter who her cousin was.
And of course there was that annoying thing at the jewelry store. She didn't know whether to feel sorry for Max, for thinking that he had to buy every girl he slept with some jewelry, or flattered that he liked her enough to want to get her something.
By the time she stepped out of the shower and into the den, their Thai curries and rice had arrived, and Max had set up the movie, "One of my favorites," he promised her.
And she wasn't too surprised - he'd picked "Wall Street", and they chewed noisily through it.
Amy had seen the sequel, "Money Never Sleeps" and when the movie ended they both commented on the direction the movie had taken and the premise of the sequel. Everyone's attitude towards the "greed is good" mantra had changed since the GFC and Amy pointed out the movement towards ethical products.
"Yep," Max said, "That's one of the directions I want Zetta to move into. Like FT World, the Fair Trade products grocery store. I see that taking off soon. Unless Nicky buys it before I can." 
"Why don't you two stop jacking up prices on things you each want to buy?"
Max's scowl deepened. "She bought a winery I was interested in. So I got a gold mine in South Africa she'd scouted out and I got a great bargain - someone else had done the hard due diligence work." He shrugged. "That's just the way it is. I guess it's good to have a rival, keeps you on your toes."
"But you pay a couple million more than you should! Doesn't that make things more unprofitable for you?"
"Maybe. But what're you gonna do?"
"Why not some kind of truce, like you decide not to compete in certain areas?"
Max scoffed. "She doesn't seem that type, and I'm not going to beg her for peace."
Amy sighed. Obviously, the two had egos. She let Max change the topic to where they'd go for dinner, and soon they were out at a cute bistro, enjoying steak and roast veggies.
***
On the ride back home from the bistro, Max decided this was turning out to be one of the best weekends he'd enjoyed in a while. Amy wasn't just gorgeous and great in bed, she was easy to talk to. Since she didn't want anything from him, not even to appear in a tabloid next to him, he could be honest with her and tell her about his life. 
And on top of that, she was super-intelligent. She could discuss business with the same passion he did, and he liked that she was concerned about Nicky stealing business away from him. He'd even had fun discussing Wall Street, the GFC and the post-GFC financial climate with her. Of course, he'd accidentally let it slip that he meant to buy FT World, nobody was supposed to know about it yet, but surely it wouldn't make a difference that he'd told her.
When they got home, Max was happy that Amy was just as eager as him to get into bed. Their chemistry was undeniable and he couldn't get enough of her. Her touches and kisses inflamed something deep inside him that was greater than just physical desire. He wanted to consume her completely, he never seemed to get enough of her, and she forced him to lie down so she could straddle him. When she moved on top of him gracefully, gliding up and down with him inside her, her breasts bouncing with every movement, Max felt like the luckiest man alive.
The next morning, he woke up early, thrilled with the memory of the previous night, but sad that it was over. He lay in bed and couldn't help but cough loudly, hoping he would wake Amy - and he did. 
She smiled when she saw him next to her.
"You're awake," Max said, trying to sound surprised. "Do you want me to get you some coffee?"
Amy tilted her head sleepily as if she was trying to think about it, and Max quickly suggested, "Or maybe you could try waking up with a shower instead."
She raised an eyebrow, reading his mind, but she didn't insist on coffee. Soon after she went into the bathroom, he heard the sound of the shower and decided to go in and try to help her wake up.
The shower was on and Amy had her back to him, the water streaming down over her naked body, making her hair slick and wet. 
She turned around to look at him and gave him a knowing smile. The water streamed down her naked body, her breasts were round and full, just begging to be squeezed roughly between his hands, her nipples were already erect and sharpened into hard little points. His lips parted a little in anticipation. 
"Don't get any smart ideas," he growled, stripping off his clothes. "I'm just here to save water."
"Of course." She smiled, and her voice was teasing and beckoning.
Max joined her under the shower, and pulled her close for a deep kiss. The scent of her minty breath overpowered his senses, and he felt himself losing control faster than he'd expected. As their embrace deepened, his hands roamed her body, kneading her breasts hungrily for a while before travelling lower, between her legs. She moaned into his mouth as he found her sensitive nub and toyed with her and she raked her fingernails along his back, arching up against him.
He could feel her impatience as he moved away briefly before kissing her neck, and trailing tiny kisses downwards from her shoulders before dipping his head and taking one hard, tempting nipple into his mouth. She was stroking his engorged member slowly, one hand following the other, driving him crazy, until finally he let go of her breast and pushed her against a marble wall. 
Max lost track of all his other thoughts as he lifted her up, trying to be gentle, and she wrapped her legs around him. He entered her slowly, savoring the slow torture of waiting, even as he felt her muscles tighten around him. He moved slowly, in and out, until he could no longer tolerate the sweet agony and began to thrust harder, faster, desperate to reach the climax as Amy began to clench tightly and moan out loud. 
He felt a grunt escape him; the noises they were making echoed through the white bathroom and he felt Amy's arousal increase until she started to come loudly in his arms. No longer needing to hold back, he thrust into her hard as she moaned and screamed in ecstasy. He slammed into her hot, wet entrance roughly, desperate to reach the orgasm that finally took over him, and he enjoyed the sweet release, groaning as he came inside her.
They held each other for a few minutes, before slowly disentangling themselves and deciding to actually use the shower to clean up. 
Max left before Amy did, and headed straight to the kitchen to whip up some quick scrambled eggs. He felt satisfied but unhappy - the thought that he'd have to leave Amy soon began to consume his thoughts.
When she came out of the shower in the white robe, she looked happy and refreshed. But all he could think of was saying goodbye. Should he have not been with her this morning, would she think he was a jerk for using her one last time?
Their eyes met and the smile disappeared from her face, replaced with a slight, adorable frown. "What's wrong, Max?"
He removed the fry pan and arranged the eggs, chopping up chives for a garnish. "I'm sorry.”
He didn't want to look into her eyes, he knew the disappointment he'd see in there.
"This is goodbye, isn't it?"
"Yes."
The word escaped him before he knew what he was saying. But he looked at her, and he knew that goodbyes were not possible. Not yet, not when he was still so hungry for her body, and hungry for her company.
He gulped. "I don't want you to leave yet, but I have to go, it's Sunday lunch with my family and I've got to drive upstate."
She relaxed and helped him take the plates and cutlery to the tiny kitchen table. "Well, that's understandable."
"Really?" Previous girlfriends and companions had been mad when he'd deserted them on Sundays to get to his parents' house. But then he'd never really cared about them getting mad, he knew they'd stick around. He used them and they used him - it was an easy trade and one he was comfortable with. 
But Amy wasn't using him, wouldn't let him buy her anything, and didn't seem to want anything from him. He wasn't sure how she'd react, and however she did react, he wanted her to stay around him. It wasn't as easy as he'd expected, but he wasn't about to give up.
They settled in with their food, and Amy said, "So, what about Monday?"
"Right. We'll visit HR first thing…"
"Absolutely. And I don't want anyone at work knowing we've been together. And you'll be a good reference when I interview at other places?"
"Hang on. Why are you moving jobs already?"
"I thought this was over."
"Well, it's not."
They stared at each other for a moment, the surprise evident in Amy's eyes, and some other emotion that he couldn't read. 
He knew he sounded stubborn but he didn't care. "I don't want you leaving yet."
"Then what do you want? I thought this was just for a weekend."
He ran a hand through his hair. "So did I. But I’ve changed my mind, I like you. You're fun to be with, and I want you around for a little longer."
She toyed with her fork for a moment before looking at him again. "Ok. But I'm looking for a new job, I don't want things to get awkward at work."
"I understand."
"And let me understand this a bit better. What exactly do you think of relationships, girls?"
Max sighed. He should've known she'd ask. But she wasn't asking to push things forward, which was a change. 
"Well." He hesitated, unwilling to drive her away.
"Be honest. I just need to know - like you said, no illusions or unreal expectations."
He let out a sigh of relief. "Ok. Here's the thing - girls usually want something from me. Gifts, introductions to the right people, information so that they can give exclusive magazine interviews. So I don't do relationships, and I don't believe in stuff like love - "
"But what about Chloe?"
He rolled his eyes, remembering her cold ambition. "She was delusional. I liked her company for a while but then she… " He was about to say "got pushy", but it didn't sound right.
Anyway, Amy seemed to understand. "I get it," she said, "We'll be together a few more days, then we'll get bored of each other and move on."
Her voice was dry and she looked faintly amused. He wondered about her past relationships. She didn't seem like someone who did "fun flings", she looked like someone who wanted love, marriage, kids and the works. And he didn't do "the works".
"I'm glad you understand," he said slowly.
He needn't have worried. Amy smiled and nodded, and said, "Absolutely. I'll get packed once I've finished - "
"And I'll drop you home." Max didn't want her taking the subway, and though he knew she did that every evening, he felt strangely possessive and wanted to see her home safely. 
Chapter Five

Amy was thankful her housemate, Mandy, was still visiting her brother and his family in Washington DC. Mandy made the trip once every couple of weeks, and it was always nice for Amy to have the place to herself. She liked Mandy, but they weren't particularly close, and as she unpacked the duffel bag and put her things away carefully, she thought back to the weekend.
She'd enjoyed herself, but was shocked when Max had asked to continue seeing her for a while longer. She'd pressed him to explain exactly what he thought relationships were about - she didn't want to fall for an emotionally unavailable guy. And hearing it from his own lips had made it all real - there was no way he'd have any emotions for a girl he was just sleeping with. Not that she blamed him really, after all those girls he was usually with. 
It was funny how quickly she'd gotten physically addicted to him. She felt lonely at the thought of having to spend the next few nights alone, and was glad he wanted to extend this a bit. She'd spend the afternoon looking for job ads, of course and - 
Her fingers hit something hard and cubical in the bag and she pulled it out. It was a small jewelry box, with a piece of paper rolled around it. She unwrapped the paper and read it -
"Amy, these last two days count as a special occasion for me."
She shook her head in amusement and opened the box. It was a tiny butterfly pendant dotted with pink and clear stones hanging from a thin gold chain. She smiled, lifting it up and putting it on. It was just her style, subtle and pretty, and though it must have cost a lot, it couldn't be exorbitantly overpriced like those diamond necklaces he'd tried to buy her. Or was it?
She hesitated, looking at herself in the mirror and wondering if she should attempt to return it. But that would just make her seem like a crazy person. She'd have to keep it.
She smiled to herself and decided to call her best friend, Zora. Though her affair with Max was a secret, she just had to tell someone, and Zora was a great confidante. She was wonderful at keeping secrets and Amy trusted her with her life.
***
Unless they had an exceptional reason, nobody ever missed the Wilson family's Sunday lunch. Brunch might be the meal of choice for fashionable New Yorkers, but ever since they could remember, Max had turned up with the rest of his brothers and sisters for the meal at his parents' house.
It was a big contrast from the formal, hushed event he'd attended on Friday night. The house upstate was large, and there was beautiful silverware and crystal on the table, but Max considered his siblings to be the most uncouth bunch of humans to grace the face of the earth. Of course, he loved them to bits, but they did know how to get on his nerves.
Right now they were teasing Matt for being so boring and conservative. 
"I bet he gets drunk and marries a Vegas stripper," giggled Amelia.  
Matt scowled at her and told her to go dig her nose in the Japanese markets, hadn't they opened yet? Amelia, a currency trader, merely stuck her tongue out at him, while on the other side of the table his other sisters teased their cousin Melissa about being single so long.
"Surely there's at least one man in Manhattan who's good enough for you?" Violet was a fashion designer who couldn't help tormenting the quiet Mel. 
Of course Matt heard that and turned on her. "Don't tell us you're about to design your own wedding dress for once?"
Their mother Vanessa sighed, and began to ask Max about Chloe. She was tired of her children being single, she wanted grandkids before it got too late, but of course her pleas would just fall on deaf ears.
"Forget Chloe," boomed his father, Kevin, "Make sure that Nicky doesn't outwit you again. A woman like that might be dangerous."
Max nodded. He agreed, Nicky had a knack for sticking her nose in where it didn't belong, and buying up companies that should belong to Zetta Corp. It had become a rather bitter rivalry…
"And," his father added, "She's finding out what you're planning to buy too quickly. I think you've got a mole in the company somewhere."
"That's impossible," Max protested, "Only a few of the top employees have access to information about what I'm planning to buy and I trust them all."
"I'm just saying, be careful…"
But all that got dimmed out as their mother began to regale tales of her friend Christine's granddaughter; wasn't she lucky to have grandkids? Everyone groaned and tried to change the topic, and slowly they began to catch up on each others' lives.
Although they'd been brought up in the same household, none of the siblings expected life to hand them things on a silver platter. They all had different careers, different passions that they followed, and if none of them had found love yet, well, even Vanessa knew that it was just a matter of time.
It was always interesting to hear about each other’s lives, from Melissa's cafe to Violet's designs. Max claimed he didn't have much new to talk about and managed to avoid mentioning Amy.
It was only when they got into the car and were halfway back to Manhattan that Matt finally asked how the gala had gone. 
Max smiled wryly. "We're talking to HR tomorrow."
"We?"
"That's right."
Matt let it sink in slowly. "So you're signing …"
"Yep."
Matt sighed. "Why can't you hit on someone outside of work?"
Max grinned, remembering their last few hours together. Amy was sensual and exciting, she didn't seem to want anything from him. It was a carefree relationship, unlike anything he'd experienced recently. And he planned to have his fun.
They were silent for a few minutes. Matt knew better than to try to change his brother's mind, and finally they began to talk about company performances and new business opportunities.
***
"No way. No. Way."
Zora spent the first five minutes of their conversation alternatingly expressing disbelief, swearing like a sailor, and exhorting Amy to tell her everything without giving her enough time to say anything at all.
Finally Amy managed to get a word in. "It's really not a big deal."
"Not a big deal? Are you nuts?! You've really lost it this time, girl. I'm coming over, this is too big."
And within an hour, Zora'd appeared, filling the tiny apartment with her massive personality; her streaked blonde hair, pointy stilettos and gorgeous dress a striking contrast against the boring furniture.
"Tell me everything, how it happened, what's happening next, everything."
Zora was thin and glamorous, her perfect skin glowed, and she looked like she'd just walked off a Hollywood set. In reality, she was a tough, hardworking consultant at one of the most renowned firms in the city, and she'd almost definitely come straight from work. 
She found Amy's liquor cabinet and quickly made margheritas for both of them, waving aside Amy's protests and giving her a chance to talk about what happened. 
After hearing the details, Zora narrowed her eyes disapprovingly. "So you're saying he's good in bed but a jerk outside."
"No, that's not true at all," Amy countered, but Zora didn't seem convinced.
"So he's had a few dud girls, and you're going to let him walk all over you?"
"Of course not." Amy refused to let Zora ruin her good mood. "I'm just having fun."
"Right, like the last time you thought you were having fun till you discovered you were in love and wanted to settle down?"
Amy sipped the drink and tried to summon a boldness she didn't feel. "It won't happen this time." 
"Well, be careful, hon."
Zora had finished her drink and was already rifling through Amy's wardrobe, obviously trying not to make a mess but not succeeding. 
"You've got nothing to wear," she declared, as if she'd just made a major scientific breakthrough.
"What do you mean, I have heaps of - "
"Boring work clothes. What you need is seduction clothes." Zora raised an eyebrow and pouted seductively. "You're sleeping with the boss, you should look like it."
Amy blushed furiously. "Of co - "
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding. But you need some sexy blouses, and make sure you wear makeup. You don't want him to ditch you the moment he sees you at work again."
Amy looked at her thoughtfully. She did have a point, and she could look professional while still… she made up her mind.
"You're right. I'll get some new things."
"Now." 
"Now?"
Zora picked up Amy's bag and tossed it to her. "No point waiting, I know you'll just change your mind, and we're leaving immediately before the shops close."
"Plus, you have to get back to work." 
Amy couldn't help teasing, but Zora frowned. "I'll have you know I have a hot date tonight. You're not the only one with - "
"Oh really?" Amy couldn't believe it. "What's his name?"
"Connor. I found him online, and this is our second date after Friday night, so, yeah, shut up already."
But Amy couldn't shut up, and they joked and laughed as they headed to Zora's favorite stores and picked out some cute but work-appropriate clothes.  
Chapter Six

The meeting with HR was first thing Monday morning, just as Max had told her. What he hadn't told her was how grim the whole affair would be.
Louise, the head of HR, was a grey-haired, long-time Zetta Corp employee. And her eyes were stern and disapproving as she handed them each a contract to sign. 
Amy felt the judgment exuding from her. "Sleeping with the boss to get ahead" was the vibe Louise gave off, and Amy shuddered inside. She'd always liked Louise, who constantly encouraged women to apply for promotions and seek good career opportunities.
But yesterday, after their shopping trip, Zora had warned her to be careful. "HR only looks out for the company's interests, not the employees'. So if something does go wrong they'll never protect you."
Amy knew Zora was right, but Louise had always been so nice to her before, and she hadn't expected this chilly reception.
Max rifled through his papers, signing and initialing everything blindly. Louise had given him a chilly look when she'd said, "It's best not to get involved with employees," and she was one of the few people at work who weren't scared of Max. But obviously Max knew what he was signing, and Louise's coldness to him must have been an act.
Amy took her time reading through the contract carefully. Some of it was legal jargon, and she had to read it two or three times, but eventually she got it. 
"A clause saying you can't sue them won't be held up in court," Zora had told her, "And you can sue anytime if you've been mistreated. But make sure you're not signing away your firstborn, or something that they can uphold."
"I would never sue Max!" Amy had been sincere in her protestations, but she didn't trust lawyers any more than Zora did, so she took her time signing the contract.
"We're planning to keep this a secret," Max told Louise, and the grey-haired HR boss nodded in agreement.
"That's a good idea. The fewer people know about this, the better." She turned to Amy, who was still bent over the papers. "Have you told anyone?"
"No." Amy lied and shook her head quickly. Zora didn't count. And she'd told her cousin Nicky, because she'd called last night and badgered her till she'd admitted she was dating Max.
"Good, we're not letting this spread any further. Now if you're done with those papers … " 
Louise held out her hand for them, and Amy signed the last page with a flourish. There. Not that those papers mattered anyway.
When they left, they headed straight for Max's office.
"You took a while with that contract." He smiled as he settled down on the sofa.
Amy nodded. "I don't trust lawyers, I needed to make sure they didn't slip something strange in there. Like having to bring you lunch everyday or something."
They both laughed and Amy touched the tiny pendant she was wearing around her neck, wondering if he noticed that she wore a bit more makeup today than usual. The girl in the cubicle next to her had commented that she looked "fresh" today, and Amy hoped that was a good thing.
"We agreed on no gifts," she said softly.
"Wrong. You said gifts are ok on special occasions."
She sighed. "I meant like an anniversary or something."
Max knit his eyebrows and said, "Do you not like it or something?"
"No, no, I love it! It's perfect."
"Then what's wrong?"
Amy blushed. "You shouldn't be buying me stuff. I don't want you to think you can buy me."
"I know I can't. Though I have noticed that you'll do anything to wake up in the morning…"
She let him draw her close into his arms, and his lips met hers with a burning heat. But just then his intercom buzzed.
"Max, your brother Matt's here to see you?"
They pulled apart, and Amy stood up, straightening her skirt. 
Max looked at her regretfully, but he knew that work had to go on. "Send him in." 
Amy slipped out gracefully, leaving him to deal with his work.
***
The moment Matt walked in, Max knew something was wrong. His face was dark and he stared through Max.
"Well?"
Matt leaned back. "Nicky Dunn's done it again."
"Done what?"
"What do you think?"
Max walked over to the kettle he kept in his room and started to make himself some tea. "Well, our next target was FT World. So…"
"Yep, she's made a bid for it."
Max let out a curse. "How did she know?"
"You tell me. Did you tell anyone?"
He remembered telling Amy, but she wasn't really interested and didn't seem to have a good opinion of Nicky. Matt didn't need to know about his carelessness. "No."
"Ok, well, we need to do some damage control then…"
Matt shook his head and sighed out loud. In their business of buying up underperforming, undervalued companies and making them more efficient and profitable, a competitor finding out their research and potential targets made life so much more difficult. Nicky was bidding up prices and making once-lucrative targets become not-so-lucrative by reducing their profit margins. 
As they hashed out a plan of attack quickly, Max became convinced that his father was probably right about the mole, as he was with most things.
After Matt left and Max continued with the rest of his work, overseeing how things were going with their other companies, he wondered if there was some kind of bug in his office. Had he been watching too many spy movies? Maybe. But there was no one else he'd told about the FT World plan, and he was going to bring in someone to sweep the office for bugs…
***
Over the next few months, things went quite smoothly for Max. In fact, he was surprised at how easily things progressed.
He and Matt decided to feign disinterest in FT World. If Nicky thought they weren't interested, and if she'd heard about FT World through someone who knew about Zetta Corp's interest, she might get scared off if Max didn't make a move. And that was exactly what had happened - Max had lain low, and Nicky had lost interest. 
Now he'd wait for the right time and make the owner an offer. In fact, Nicky had helped him out in a way by making a bid for FT World - now the owners would think potential buyers were flaky and not so interested, and that they'd have to be willing to be flexible if they really wanted to sell.
Max had also had the office swept for bugs. Of course, nothing had turned up, and he got the feeling that some of the employees were having a giggle at his expense. But the sweep had seemed to work in a different way - they hadn't had any more problems with Nicky bidding up prices for companies they were interested in. Perhaps the mole had been scared off. 
The next purchase would be the Reviera luxury handbags company. Max knew that Zetta could do a better job marketing the bags and making more money overall. And he was extremely careful not to mention it to anyone. Except Amy - it had slipped out one night after their love-making when Amy had asked him what he was thinking about. He'd gotten flustered and just said the first thing that came to his mind.
Amy had made a funny face - so seeing her naked made him think of work? But she hadn't gotten mad like he thought she might. Instead, she just laughed it off as him being a workaholic.
Apart from the thoughts that popped up in his mind once in a while, things with Amy had been going well. Almost too well, he thought.
Their passion seemed to burn brighter the longer they stayed together, and he never ever seemed to have enough of her. He'd expected to get tired of her in a few days, and she'd switched to a new (and much better paying) job expecting the same, but their bodies reacted unpredictably. So every weekend they'd have two crazy days together, before he dropped her back at her apartment.
Now that they weren't working in the same office, they didn't bother to be super-secret about things. He took Amy to galas and parties with him - she shared his disinterest for those gatherings, and they'd rush past the paparazzi, say a few quick hello's and then get back home. Sometimes they'd meet up with Zora and her new boyfriend, and have fun just hanging out and relaxing.
In the end, there were only a few days in the week when Amy and Max didn't meet up and spend time together. Max wasn't only attracted by her beauty and how good they were together in bed, he loved spending time with her, telling her about how his day had been, his childhood, and his plans for the future. And he was surprised that he even enjoyed listening to her - and now he was worried.
Doubts began to creep into his mind, did he want to settle down after all? Things with Amy were so comfortable and fun - but surely he didn't want to get into a relationship with her? There were dozens of other women out there who would love to date him, and they were prettier than her and from old, established families. 
Had he been unwilling to settle down because he was waiting for a love that would knock him flat on his back? Was he in love with Amy? The last thought sent him into a state of panic. He didn't believe in love. But why was he so addicted to her? 
He knew what to do. Much as he hated his family's constant commentary on his love life and the fact that they’d been insatiably curious about Amy since he’d told them about her, they'd probably understand what was going on. 
***
"We really are going to your parents' house."
Amy tried not to sound too surprised. He'd told her where they were going beforehand - it's just that she hadn't believed him, figuring it was a joke. After all, he'd told her weeks ago that none of his girlfriends had ever met his parents - except for Chloe, who'd maneuvered to "run into" them. And her plan had backfired since neither of his parents had liked her.
And if they hadn't liked Chloe, why would they like her? Chloe had a lot of things going for her - her great looks and an amazing family background and elegance and… well, she wouldn't depress herself with that list, Amy decided.
The last few months had been amazing. Switching jobs meant that she was no longer "sleeping with the boss" and the weight of secrecy had been lifted off her shoulders. Both she and Max had fallen into a comfortable routine - weekends and frequent weeknights together.
The only thing that made her feel uneasy was the fact that she hadn't yet told Max that Nicky Dunn was her cousin. For the first few weeks, she thought they'd break up soon, so what was the point of saying anything? But now they'd been together for a while, and the longer she didn't tell him the worse she felt
She tried not to read too much into Max's taking her to the Sunday family lunch. She didn't want to think he was falling for her - but what else was she meant to think? They'd been together for longer than most of her brief "relationships" and far longer than she'd expected. Could it be that…
No, she pushed that thought from her mind. What was more worrying was that she was feeling herself falling in love with him. And that could never happen. She'd never meet Mr. Right if she kept falling for the wrong men. Her biological clock had started ticking, and maybe it was time for her to move on.
Max had warned her about his family - they were "rude", "nasty", "immature" and a whole lot of other unpleasant adjectives. Combined with the fact that they hadn't liked Chloe, it was hard for Amy not to be nervous as Max pulled up to the house.
The house looked large and imposing from the outside, but inside it was warm and cozy. And as soon as they stepped in, Max's family greeted them loudly and excitedly, they were all happy to meet her and eager to know more about her. It was impossible to be nervous around such a boisterous and good-natured group, even Max's parents were friendly and looked on at his siblings with indulgent pride.
Amy realized that she didn't have to try to impress anyone - they were down-to-earth, fun-loving people. So she laughed at their jokes, and when his siblings told her stories about a younger Max, she thought they were hilarious. Of course he frowned and grumbled and tried to get them to shut up, but Amy encouraged his sisters to tell her more, and soon she had enough embarrassing stories about his childhood to tease him for an eternity. 
Lunch was a delicious pot roast, and over the meal everyone traded stories of their week. Amy was impressed that everyone had their own careers and interests - nobody expected to get a trust fund and live off it. When Max's sister, Violet, asked her where she'd grown up, she found herself telling them all about her father's death, and the fact that she'd lived with her aunt for a while.
Of course, everyone sympathized immediately, and she bonded instantly with Mel, Max's cousin who had lived through something similar. 
After lunch, Max's parents called him aside to talk with him in the study - Amy assumed it was something about work - and she found herself chatting with Mel. Both their experiences growing up and moving on beyond their parents' deaths were different, yet alike on so many levels.
After Max emerged from the study, they got up to leave. Matt had driven there on his own and didn't need a lift back, so they said their goodbyes and left together.
"What did you talk about in the study?" Amy asked, once they were in the car. "Work stuff?"
Max shrugged. "Yeah, mostly."
It sounded like something private, and Amy didn't want to probe too much, so she dropped the subject, and they talked about other things instead. 
***
Amy picked at her food, wondering if now was the right time to tell Max about the fact that Nicky Dunn was her cousin. The bidding war between the two seemed to have cooled down a bit, and she'd had such a good time with his family. 
"Amy?"
She looked up. Max must've said something she missed, so she smiled at him and cocked her head.
"What do you think of this place?"
The cozy bistro was dark, and they were sitting in a private corner. "It's nice," she murmured. He always did pick the nicest places.
"Nicer than my place?"
Amy looked puzzled. "It's the complete opposite."
Max's place was sunny, open and airy. The question didn't seem to make much sense.
Max looked at her and began to mumble something.
Amy frowned. He'd never been awkward around her before, or had a hard time saying something. Was he trying to break up with her? It certainly was a small, private bistro.
"Max, is everything ok?"
"Um. Amy, you like my place, right?"
"Sure, I mean, it's nice."
"So, will you move in with me?"
Amy looked at him in shock. She put her fork aside, her meal untouched. And then the anger began to build up inside her.
"You don't seem to realize this," she said slowly, "But moving in isn't exactly something you do lightly."
"No, I do realize it. I want you to be near me."
She shook her head. "No, people move in together when they have a relationship, when they want to move things forward. You've always made it clear, our deal was a fun time together, and moving in was not a part of that."
Max looked at her, as if he expected her to say something more. When she didn't, he finally said, "Well. Maybe - it could be. Something more, you know."
Amy looked at him icily. "No, I don't know. I don't want to be another of your 'delusional' girlfriends. What do you mean?"
He shifted uncomfortably. "I can't say I love you. I don't know if I even believe in love. But I want to spend more time with you, we could have a fun time together, for longer. And it would be easier if we were living in the same place. That's all."
"Ok." 
She closed her eyes. What had she expected? "Could you take me home please? I don't feel so well."
"Of course."
He was solicitous and considerate as he paid the bill and helped her to the limo. But she didn't really feel sick - just a slight nausea. So Max wanted her to be with him for a little longer, living in his apartment, knowing he could get tired of her at any time, and that he didn't love her?
No, it wasn't happening. When she got to her place, she went upstairs and lay down, allowing the room to spin around her, her thoughts just as unstable.
She might as well admit it to herself - she was falling in love with Max. And he wasn't about to fall in love with her. 
The next morning she talked to her boss, and when work was over she came home and packed her bags. She sent Max a text: "I need 2 think, need a break. Going away for 2 weeks. Will call after I get back nxt Sunday."
It had been easy enough to book a place to stay, and that night she drove up to Vermont.
She needed to clear her thoughts.
***
When he saw Amy's text, Max wanted to smash his hand through his plasma TV.
He was angry, no he was incredibly angry. Why had she taken off? He tried to call her, but her cell phone was off.
He drove to her apartment the next morning to see her, but her housemate said she'd left last night. Where? She didn't know, but Amy had told her to give Max a box.
When he opened the box, he found all the little bits of jewelry he'd given Amy over the course of the last few months. Tiny pendants and bracelets and earrings, made with gold, diamonds, rubies and amethyst, things he'd pretended weren't real stones so that Amy would accept the gifts. He put the box in Amy's room and left - he wasn't about to take those things back. 
He swore under his breath - when his parents had called him aside after the Sunday lunch and told him not to lose Amy, this probably wasn't what they had in mind.
He was in a sour mood the entire week, and even had to go to an art opening alone. 
"Where's Amy?" asked the paparazzi, as he walked in, "Is it true you two broke up?" 
It was an intolerable few days and since Amy wasn't there to keep him company, he chose to work on Saturday. On Sunday he turned up to the family lunch alone, and the teasing began immediately.
"Have you scared her off already?” “So she realized what a big mistake she was making, right?"
He scowled at everyone and didn't have much to say. "She had to go away," he satisfied himself with saying. "I'll bring her over to lunch week after next."
He couldn't bear to think that it might be over, that he wouldn't bring her to the lunch again. It felt like someone had stabbed him deep inside, and he was determined not to let Amy get away. What if she met someone else on her holiday, what if she was with that other guy right now? The thought struck him hard and twisted inside him painfully like a knife. 
He worked late on Monday, trying to kill time till the day Amy got back.
When he walked out of the office, it was dark, and while he waited for his car to pull up, a familiar figure sashayed up to him.
"Max," she purred.
"Chloe." The bitterness was gone from his voice, he was tired and worried about Amy, and didn’t have the energy to be annoyed with Chloe. "What are you doing here?"
She shrugged. "I came to see my lawyer, but now my car's broken down. I wonder if you’d give me a lift? I live quite near you, after all."
She smiled and tossed her sleek hair over one shoulder. 
Max sighed as his car pulled up. "Chloe - "
"No, come on Max. I really don't want to get a taxi, you know I don't trust them."
He rolled his eyes and stepped into the car. "Try trusting them once. Or call someone."
She slid in before he could stop her. "Come on, Max, you know it's not safe for me to wait outside all alone so late." 
She smiled and reached out to touch his arm. "So, how've you been?"
Max couldn't help but flinch. "What do you want, Chloe?" 
She was as annoying as ever and he wondered how soon they'd arrive at her place.
If she was surprised when he drew back, she didn't show it. "I read that you and Amy broke up. I'm so sorry, of course it's not surprising given that she -"
He interrupted angrily before she could continue. "Don't believe everything you read. Amy and I are still together, and as a matter of fact, she's moving in with me."
Chloe stared at him in disbelief. 
"So, Mr. Commitment-Phobic is finally settling down." She spoke slowly and twirled her hair with a slim finger. "Well, just so you know, I'm always there for you. You'll get hurt by this girl; love hurts anyway, and she's not right for you. Trust me on that."
Max stared at her icily. Traffic was terrible and the car inched forward. There seemed to be no way of shutting her up, so he pulled out his cell phone and began to chat with Matt about their latest acquisition plans for a line of herbal cosmetics. He breathed a sigh of relief when he finally dropped her off, and hoped he'd never have to see her again. 
***
It had been a lovely two weeks for Amy. She'd stayed at a romantic bed and breakfast, and met quite a few charming couples who were there on "mini breaks" and "second honeymoons". She got a fair bit of advice that seemed to make sense, and now she felt at peace.
Yes, it had been good to get away, but it was better to be home, she thought, looking around the tiny apartment. She loved Max, she might as well admit it to herself, but she wouldn't try to rush anything - things could move slowly in a relationship, and though he didn't admit it, what he had with her was a relationship, albeit a slightly messed-up one. Taking her to meet his family and asking her to move in - you could call it whatever you liked, but that didn't change what it was.
She'd decided to give him time to understand his feelings. If he loved her, that would be great. If not, she'd know she'd given it her best shot. She wouldn't rush him or pressure him in any way…
She heard Mandy talking to someone on the phone and opening the front door. And then there was a knock on her bedroom door and she turned around in surprise as it opened slowly.
"Max," she squealed, and rushed to give him a hug. "It's great to see you again."
He looked a bit bashful, but happy at her reaction. "I was worried you'd met some Lothario on your holiday and forgotten about me."
Amy laughed happily. "Are you crazy? I spent all my time hanging out with ridiculously romantic couples, I was just about the only singleton. I - "
"Amy." His face was serious and he held her shoulders fimly and looked into her eyes. "Move in with me. You have to say yes, I can't let you go. I love you."
It was Amy's turn to look like she was in shock. Just when she'd thought things would get back to a normal, easy-going state, Max threw her this curve ball. She should be happy, but… "Are you sure?" She sounded doubtful. "I mean, you spent all this time telling me how you don't believe in love."
Max sighed melodramatically and made an absurd, martyred face. "I was really hoping you'd be happy to hear that, or maybe you even felt the same way. But yeah - I can't deny it, my chest hurts when you're not around, and the thought of you being with another guy makes me want to punch a hole in the wall. It's horrible but only you make me feel better. So I guess this is love. And now I need you."
Amy stared at him in disbelief for a few seconds and then finally said softly, "Yes. I'll move in with you."
"Great." He grinned broadly, relieved. "Now say you love me."
Amy laughed. "You're ridiculous, that's not how it works."
Max smiled and drew her close, kissing her deeply. She soon felt herself pushed onto the bed and as their embrace deepened she found herself pushing him away. 
"Wait." She spent a few moments catching her breath and then finally said, "I don't play games. Might as well tell you - I love you, Max. I think you're amazing and - "
His lips came down on hers again, destroying her ability to say anything more. But she pushed him away again. This was probably a good time to tell Max that Nicky was her cousin.
"Max, I think I should tell you something."
He traced her lips with one finger. 
"No. I think we shouldn't be talking so much…" He nuzzled into her neck, and she smiled as he began to trail his lips down slowly, forgetting whatever she had been about to say …
***
Two weeks passed by quickly, and Max was thrilled that Amy was settling into his place. It was lovely to see her every morning when he woke up, and he felt happy and content as they drifted off to sleep together each night. The only imperfection in his life was Nicky's purchase of the herbal cosmetics company from right under his nose, but he put that down to a fluke. 
Tonight he was actually hosting a party - important investors in his company, a few well-known entrepreneurs, a couple of society dames with great connections, and some of his friends. Normally he would hate having to attend parties like this, where networking and business opportunities were an underlying motivator, but tonight he would actually have fun.
Being with Amy made everything enjoyable - he was starting to see a future for them together, maybe even kids, but he was scared to admit that to her yet. Instead, he focused on enjoying the times they had together.
Caterers and a professional party planner took care of all the arrangements, and the only things he and Amy had to do were relax and welcome the guests. They were having fun mingling and having a few cocktails, when he spotted her out of the corner of his eye. 
Chloe. What was she doing here?
He frowned, and tried not to let this ruin his good mood. Stalking over to her, he glared into her beautiful cold eyes.
"Get out," he growled, refusing to take any chances of ruining his party.
"Oh come on Max," she purred, "I'm an invited guest, I'm here as Steven's plus one."
She smiled an infuriatingly smug smile, but Max knew better. "What do you want?"
She took a sip of her martini. "I just wanted to know if you were aware. You've got a mole leaking information to Nicky Dunn."
Max stared at her coldly, his heart sinking. He was getting a very bad feeling about where this was going. 
"What do you know?" 
Chloe smiled and took another elegant sip. "Don't you know Nicky is Amy's cousin? They grew up together."
His heart seemed to have stopped. The implication was crystal clear. But no - it couldn't be. "Just because they're cousins doesn't mean she's leaking information."
Time seemed to have slowed down. He watched as the guests mingled, they sipped their drinks and laughed and chatted in some kind of strange slow-motion way, oblivious to what was really going on. He noticed Amy out of the corner of his eye. She was standing with three powerful society ladies who seemed to have taken a fondness to her, and her eyes sparkled as she laughed at something. And then she noticed him standing with Chloe and began to excuse herself and make her way over. Everything was slow… he seemed to be standing in some kind of fog…
Chloe's steely voice brought him down to earth with a thud. "If she wasn't a mole, she would've told you Nicky was her cousin."
Max tried not to flinch, or to say anything until the fog in his mind cleared. He knew he must have gone a bit pale, and when Amy finally reached them she looked concerned.
"Are you ok?"
She peered at him and reached out to hold his arm. 
He drew back slowly, and looked at her. "Is this true?"
Amy glanced at Chloe and then back at him. "Is what true?" 
And then she turned to Chloe again, "Could we have some privacy please?"
"Of course." Chloe smiled, as if happy to oblige, and glided away.
"Max, what's going on?"
She looked concerned, but Max knew immediately that Chloe had been telling the truth. "Nicky Dunn is your cousin, isn't she?"
She looked puzzled. "Yes, but - "
Max raised an eyebrow, his eyes were cold and Amy went silent for a minute before saying softly, "I tried to tell you earlier, but I never found the right moment and I - "
"I would never be with you if I knew Nicky was your cousin."
She stared at him and said quietly, "Yes, that's what I thought."
"And apparently you've been feeding her information about what companies I plan to buy."
Her eyes widened in surprise, "What makes you say that?"
He was silent. So Chloe was right.
And then realization dawned on her face. "Chloe told you?" She swiveled her neck to try to see where Chloe was, but she'd disappeared. "She did, didn't she?"
He didn't deny it and a veil of anger slowly slid over her face. "And you believe her."
"Do you deny it?"
"Yes, of course I do! Why would I tell Nicky - "
"How do I know why?" Max's voice was furious, and he tried not to talk too loudly. "Maybe she's paying you, maybe you've got a twisted sense of family loyalty. We all know how badly you want to start your own business, maybe she's giving you seed capita - "
"That's enough." Her voice was low, and harsh like a whip. "We don't need to destroy this party, we can talk later."
"No, we can't. I can't have you around any more." 
Panic began to rise up in his chest. So that's why she'd gotten the job in his company to start off with. She didn’t really love him, she was just another girl who wanted to use him, and she’d done a better job than anyone else before."The longer you're here, the more you can tell Nicky."
She looked at him with wide eyes, her lips parted slightly. He noticed that her eyes were starting to look a bit watery, as if she was about to cry, and for a moment he had a vision of her bawling and screaming, ruining his reputation and spreading lies. But then he noticed she'd blinked back her tears.
"Fine," she said slowly, "I'll just leave."
"Good." Max was furious, the anger was giving him a headache, he wanted everything to be over. He couldn't think straight, he wanted all these people to leave, but they didn't. They would be here for a while. He couldn't let his feelings show, or everyone would wonder what was going on. He breathed steadily, trying to act normal, and turned around, leaving Amy on her own.
He walked over to a few friends and pretended to listen to what they were saying, but he had no idea what was going on. Chloe must have left. He noticed Amy putting on a happy face and speaking to people. He thought she'd be leaving? And then he noticed her walking out the door calmly. He gulped. She must've been saying goodbye to everyone. 
Victoria, the wife of one of his investors, came up to him and began saying something about how sorry she was that Amy had to leave the party because her friend had been hospitalized.
Max smiled and nodded politely. Amy's a good liar, he told himself. She'd been lying all this time. He wouldn't let her ruin his day; he had to get through this party. He'd forget what had happened, he decided, and make it through the next few hours. He mentally blocked out his conversation with Amy, and went through the motions of being a good host.  
***
Max came home on Monday might to find out that Amy had stopped by during the day, while he was at the office. 
She'd packed up all her belongings, and left her key on the kitchen table. 
It hit Max with a sudden force that there was now a big Amy-shaped hole in his life. His apartment felt empty, even though she'd only lived with him for two weeks. There were big gaps where her things used to be - the spot next to his toothbrush where hers used to stay, the box in his bathroom full of her hair appliances.
He tried not to think about that, or the fact that he felt hollow inside. He missed her. Whatever she had done, he had loved her, and he knew she'd been special.
Why had she betrayed him? He tried to focus on what she'd done, but it didn't really make sense. She'd left the company as soon as she could - if she was a spy, wouldn't she have stayed on? She'd done a good job of pretending she liked him, he decided, and refused to think about it any more.
He threw himself into work, but the next three weeks still passed at a snail's pace. There was so much to do, so many things to think of - but all his thoughts kept returning to Amy. The way she smelled, the way she smiled at him… 
Stop it, he told himself. She'd betrayed him in one of the worst possible ways. She knew how much the company meant to him and she'd done her best to bring him down.
He discovered that Nicky was planning to buy out an online coupons website and tried to investigate what potential it had. But the rivalry was beginning to feel half-hearted to him - if she wanted the site, she could have it. He didn't have to buy everything she did…
Chloe had called him the week after Amy left, but he didn't have the patience to talk to her. She'd barely managed to say that she was calling to check up on him, when he told her to leave him alone.
"I guess you need some time by yourself," she'd murmured, sounding sympathetic.
Max knew her sympathy wasn't genuine, and he resisted the urge to curse as he hung up. 
And then one evening when he was working late, the security guard downstairs gave him a buzz.
"There's a woman here to see you." 
Amy. His heart jumped at the thought of seeing her again. And then he frowned at himself - the thought of seeing her shouldn't make him happy and excited, and it might not even be her. What if it was Chloe?
"Who is it?" he asked, trying to keep the eagerness out of his voice.
"It's a lady, says she's Nicky Dunn and you'd like to see her?"
"Of course. Send her up."
He tried to get over his disappointment that the visitor wasn't Amy - he didn't want to see Amy anyway - and wondered what Nicky was doing here. 
He heard the sharp clack of her high heels as she walked towards his office, and he opened the door before she could knock.
"Nicky." He smiled politely and held out a hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you again. Please, come in. Can I get you something to drink, a cup of coffee maybe?"
"No, but thanks for the offer."
She smiled at him warmly. With dark hair and stern eyes, she was definitely not someone he wanted to mess with. But today she looked tired and as she settled down into the chair opposite him, she said with a sigh, "This will be a brief visit."
"Ok."
"Let's not beat around the bush. We've been doing some ridiculous stuff lately. Trying to take over the same companies is no use to either of us."
"I agree. It's not good business."
"Right. So why don't we come to a gentleman's agreement - or a gentlewoman's, in my case - not to mess with each other's intended targets?"
Max felt a weight lift off his shoulders. The past year had been no fun for him and Matt, losing takeover targets to Nicky and then trying to steal firms she had an eye on. But Amy had been right, he hadn't been about to make a fool of himself by offering the truce first - what if Nicky had turned him down? Besides, offering a truce would have made him look weak.
They spent a couple of minutes hashing out the details. The two of them had different ambitions, and wanted to focus on different industries, so it was easy to come to an understanding. Nicky had never been one for small-talk, and Max appreciated her brisk, no-nonsense attitude
They ironed out the details quickly, and when it was all finalized, Nicky glanced at her watch, announcing that this was one of the most efficient meetings she'd ever had. 
"Thanks for being so reasonable about everything," she said, as she grabbed her bag and stood up to leave. "By the way, I'm sorry things ended between you and Amy. I might've teased her about dating a loser, but she really liked you and I was hoping it would work out."
Max felt himself stiffen. The memory of what she'd done to him stung him as if for the first time, and he said woodenly, "Obviously. It wouldn't work out after she tried to bring down my company."
Nicky stopped and looked at him, surprised. "What're you talking about?"
"You know." He would be polite; he would not call her all the names he was thinking. "After she told you about the deals I was going to do."
"Oh that." Nicky's confusion cleared. "That wasn't Amy."
His heart stopped beating for a split second. "I'm sorry, I thought you said 'that wasn't Amy'."
"I did, Amy never told me anything about your work. I got two anonymous tips, both from a woman I'd never talked to before. One was about six weeks ago, and the first one was a few months ago."
It wasn't Amy? Doubt began to flood his mind and he wondered if he could trust Nicky. He had to - they'd just come to a verbal agreement. "Who was this woman?"
Nicky shrugged. "Don't know, didn’t bother to find out. Said she was calling from a payphone and wanted to stay secret. I asked her if she wanted anything, like cash or something, but she said that seeing you hurt was her biggest reward. I figured she was a disgruntled employee."
"I see."
Max walked Nicky to the elevator, and went back to his office slowly, the gears in his brain churning as fast as they could.
Amy. She hadn't tried to ruin him. He figured he could trust Nicky, so she must be telling the truth. His emotions rose up to the surface, he wanted to run to Amy immediately and fix things. 
But he knew that wouldn't work - he'd better have a good apology ready and an excellent reason for her to come back, if he wanted her to forgive him and take him back. He knew he wouldn't be able to survive without her again, and he was going to do his best not to let her ever leave him again. He started thinking of things he could do to make that happen… 
He came to a decision quickly, and made a few hasty phone calls before leaving work and getting into his car. As the car wound its way towards Amy's apartment, he wondered who could have made those calls to Nicky.
They hadn't fired anyone in recent years, his employees got great pay and benefits and they loved working here. It wouldn't be an employee. Six weeks ago…
He tried to think back to six weeks ago, what had he done then? He'd been away from Amy, while she went on that darn "holiday" of hers. No, that wasn't relevant. Max tried to stop thinking about Amy and focus on the business meetings he'd had around that time, but he failed miserably and all he could think about was Amy. 
That was the first time they'd been apart, and he remembered how terrible he'd felt then - but it had turned out to be nothing like how bad he'd felt during the last few weeks. He remembered Chloe sitting in the limo next to him on a night like this, thinking that just because Amy was on holiday it meant he was single again, and he'd talked into his phone, hoping that Amy would come back to him and trying to ignore Chloe.
Chloe. He knew instantly it was her - she'd been next to him quite a few times when he'd talked business on the phone. And it was just like her, too. 
But then he was at Amy's apartment, rushing up to meet her, and all he could think about was winning her back. She'd sounded polite and skeptical on the phone, but he was eager to see her again.
When she opened the door, he grabbed her in a bear hug before she could protest. Her hair smelled gorgeous, like roses in the rain, and he pulled away to look at her. God, she was beautiful - even though she was mad at him, he loved her with a fire he knew was true.
She stepped away from him coldly, and he followed her inside.
Might as well get down to it. "I'm sorry Amy, I -"
She spun around and interrupted before he could go any further. "I'd expect you to be sorry. What happened, Chloe told you I didn't share your company secrets?"
Her voice was cold and sarcastic, her eyes were gleaming with an anger he'd never seen before, and Max ran a hand nervously through his hair. "No, Nicky came by…"
"Great. So it was Nicky then, she's the one you trust now."
He looked at her in surprise. "Amy, look - "
"No, you look. You trust everyone in the world but me. What happens when Chloe calls you tomorrow and tells you that I set your office on fire?"
He sighed. "I'm sorry. You have to forgive me. I've never done this before. I should've trusted my gut, I knew you were perfect and couldn't hurt me, but I was stupid. You'll have to believe me, I've always trusted you, I just didn't trust myself."
Amy started to say something and then stopped, looking at him quietly, and the anger in her eyes seemed to have been replaced with skepticism. 
Max took her silence to be a good sign. "You do believe me, right? I was scared of being in love, I was scared of our future and I wasn’t thinking straight."
Amy sat down on the sofa next to him. "I guess I do. I just…"
She sighed, and the anger in her seemed to deflate, just as quickly as it had flared up. Max grabbed hold of her hand, squeezing it between both of his. "I've missed you, sweetheart, and it's ridiculous to stay mad at each other. I shouldn’t have been scared of being in love. We're meant to be together, you know that."
"Do you?"
He was taken aback. "Of course. What makes you think otherwise? I mean, other than the fact that I've been a complete jerk to you?"
Amy laughed. It was hard to stay mad at him, and he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingertips gently, one by one. "So you'll forgive me?"
She pulled her hand away. "You're not the only one who broke up, you know - I've had a really hard time trying to get over you and I don't think I can take this kind of thing again."
"I promise, it'll never happen again. Please, just move back in with me and things can go back to being good."
She smiled and tilted her head. "Ok," she said. "Just so you know, I never want to see you even standing next to Chloe ever again."
"Please. You know I can’t stand that woman. But I promise, I'll do a better job of running away from her."
He placed the palm of his hand against her face, before taking a deep breath and going on. "Now that that’s clear, I’m going to try to make sure you never leave me again. And I’m hoping you’ll accept some proper jewelry from me, for once."
He pulled out a small, square box from his pocket and opened it. “Amy Sanders, will you marry me?"
The ring glinted in the box, the diamonds flawless in their purity, their setting perfect. Amy looked at the ring in disbelief and then looked back at Max’s face. "Are you serious, is this a joke?"
But she knew from the look on his face that it wasn't. She looked down at the ring again. The stones glittered in their intricate gold setting, winking up at her from inside the box.
"Are you serious?"
"You've said that before." Max's voice was gentle. "You're meant to say 'yes'."
Amy gulped. 
"Yes," she whispered, “I will.”