Page 40 of Kai
Her heart twisted at his words, and she reached out impulsively, her hand resting lightly over his. "Matthew, you deserve someone who can give you everything you deserve—someone who can adore you without hesitation. And I'm just... not that person right now."
He turned his hand over beneath hers, giving her fingers a reassuring squeeze. "I appreciate your honesty, Maxie. You're one of a kind, and I wouldn't want you any other way—even if it means hearing something I didn't want to hear."
"Why are you being so understanding? Why aren't you raging at how much of a bitch I am?" She moved her hand from under his and picked up the cup. Putting it back down without taking a sip, she clasped her hands together.
"Are you?" He asked kindly, eyes steady on her face. "I don't believe so."
His steadiness tore at her and caused her breath to hitch. This was what she had wanted, she mused angrily, an uncomplicated relationship with a man who was normal and not in the spotlight.
"He's from my past." She pressed her lips together, her thoughts scattered. "We were eighteen and madly in love—at least, I was. He's Japanese American and his family would never have approved of the relationship. His father died suddenly, and he was called to stand as the man in the family. It meant taking over the company, one with substantial holdings."
"That must have been tough on a boy of eighteen." He murmured, smiling slightly at her surprised look. "I can hate the guy and still understand what he must have faced. Losing a parent, the mainstay in the family and then thrust into aleadership role." He shrugged. "I lost my dad when I was sixteen. Motor vehicle accident. He was also a lawyer, and it was as if the rug had been swept out from under us."
"I'm so sorry."
He nodded. "We managed to move forward, but the loss took its toll." He took her hand in his. "You don't owe me an explanation my dear. I think I knew from the beginning that your heart was occupied. And besides," he grinned ruefully. "You were way out of my league."
"Please don't say that."
"It's fact." He patted her hand. "I hope we can still be friends."
"I would like that very much."
He smiled at her. "I hope it works out for you."
"I'm having a hard time convincing myself that it will." She sighed.
"My dear, you're the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and any man with enough sense would realize that as well."
Matthew stood, a warm but melancholy expression on his face. "I should probably let you get back to your evening," he said, his voice steady. "But, Maxie, if you ever need a friend—or just someone to remind you how amazing you are—you know where to find me."
She nodded, unable to trust her voice, and watched as he walked out of the store, his shoulders squared but his steps slower than usual. As the door swung shut behind him, Maxie felt the weight of her decision settle over her. She had done the right thing, but why did it feel so painfully bittersweet?
Picking up her now lukewarm tea, she sipped, her gaze wandering around the store. She still had some details to see to and would be staying until late. She had thought of some designs and had been scribbling away furiously for most of the morning. The bolts of fabrics, shimmering emerald, dense gold, ruby red, sparkling orange, lots of colors, some with lace trimmingsaround the necklines, others with jewels hidden behind folds. She would get to work on them tonight after everyone had left for the day. She was going to have to put her personal problems aside and concentrate on work.
Chapter 13
She worked until she felt like dropping. The exhaustion settled over her like a wet blanket, reminding her that she had been at it for the past three hours. But somehow, doing what she does best had managed to block out the troubled thoughts and what the future held for her.
Picking up her heavy tote, she left the office and closed the door behind her. Tomorrow was Sunday and the store would be closed, unless she wanted to come in and finish up some paperwork. But the idea was already depressing her. She still had some holiday shopping to finish up. Her parents were still traveling around the globe and had decided at the last minute to extend their trip until after Christmas.
"I hope you don't mind darling, but we have a hankering to spend the holiday in Paris. We met some old friends, and they invited us to their home."
Like a dutiful daughter, she had told them to go for it of course. She needed them at this time, but that could wait.
Stopping in front of the display section, she rearranged some of the colored costume jewelry, fixing them to her specification.
She had just turned to the door to let herself out when she saw him framed there behind the glass, a set determined look on his face. Her heart did a slow and sensual dive, and she felt her knees turning to water.
For a minute, she just stood there staring at him and had no idea what to do next.
An arrogant arching of his thick brows as he jerked his head towards the door, had her reacting to unlock it.
"I'm just heading out," she told him stiffly, trying not to notice how the moss green sweater molded his chest and shoulders snugly. His hair was windswept, and the cashmere jacket was open all the way down.
"Perfect. We can either take this to your place or mine."
"I'm not going anywhere with you."
