Maid For You - A Cinderella Love Story (19 page)

“Oh. Yes…okay, send her up.”

I replace the receiver and smooth out my hair. My heart is racing and I realize I’m gripping the door handle so hard, my knuckles are turning white.

There’s a short and sharp knock, and I suck in a deep breath and pull open the door.

And then I’m face to face with the woman who tried to ruin me six years ago.

Someone who I never thought I’d see again for the rest of my life – and even that would be too soon.

We take each other in, and I note she almost looks the same. Perfect blonde bob, linen pantsuit, and a five-thousand-dollar handbag suspended from the inside of the upturned arm. I don’t detect any lines on her face, and I know it’s the result of some highly skilled surgical work.

I cross my arms as her eyes rake in my appearance, and I’m conscious that unlike her perfectly made-up face, I don’t have a scrap of makeup on.

“Ava. May I come in for a moment?”

I pull the door open wider and twist on my heel as she follows my lead.

“Take a seat. I was just finishing up breakfast. Can I offer you a coffee?”

She glances around the apartment and perches on the edge of the sofa, her legs perfectly crossed at the ankle as she considers my question.

“Coffee would be great. I’ve just flown in.”

I raise an eyebrow but don’t comment as I fix her a cup. When I place it in front of her, she nods with a smile. “Thank you, I appreciate it.”

“How can I help you, Veronica?” I’ll be damned if she sits in my apartment and thinks I’ll address her as
Mrs. Prescott
. I take the seat opposite her and eye her movements. From her demeanor, I’m relieved that nothing bad appears to have happened to Jax, and I exhale loudly in relief. My stomach begins to settle, having feared the worst a few minutes earlier.

She takes a sip of her coffee and then replaces it on the table. “Heavenly. Thank you.” Her eyes fix on mine but unlike six years ago, I no longer feel intimidated by her. I stare right back.

“Ava, I’ll get to the point. I’ve come here today because I can no longer live with myself. I owe you an apology, which is long overdue.”

I suck in a breath and don’t know what to say, so I just continue to look at her.

She folds her hands together and glances out the window. “What I did to you and to Jax all those years ago is inexcusable.” She cuts her eyes to me and I see them soften. “Are you familiar with the term helicopter parenting?”

I shrug. I’d heard of it. “Kinda. Why?”

Her shoulders lift up and down as she blows out a big breath. “When we picked up Jax from the foster home, he was so small from being severely malnourished. So incredibly timid. Michael and I fell in love with him and slowly and surely, we brought him out of his shell.” She chews on her bottom lip, lost in her memories. “You see, after Alicia was born, I had some internal complications and was told I’d never be able to carry another child. Of course we were distraught and I felt like I’d somehow let Michael down by not providing him with an heir. After many conversations, we decided to adopt. Of course, everyone wants a baby, so we were way down on the list. When we came to know of Jax, we weren’t that convinced…but meeting him, he stole our hearts. Those big blue eyes of his were just filled with so much sadness that our hearts melted and we adopted him immediately. Of course, he was given the best of everything growing up, but I also see now that I stifled him. I hovered over him far too much, dictating and making decisions for every part of his life. I became one of these helicopter parents.” She gives me a small smile and takes another sip of her coffee. “So, Jax ultimately rebelled.”

I nod. “I see…”

“Which leads me to the point of my explanation. When Jax met you six years ago, it was obvious how taken he was with you, but I tried to do everything in my power to dissuade his interest. I thought he deserved better. Forgive me. I realize what a snob I come across as. I didn’t know the extent of your feelings for each other until I made that unforgivable decision to fire you.”

I knit my brows together and look away. “I was everything – stupid, naive, a little in love with your son, but
never
a thief.” I cut my eyes to her. “My mother raised me with standards.”

She winces and looks to her feet. “I know, and the truth is, of all the bad things I’ve done over the years, that was the worst. And I’ve had to live with the pain I caused you both for the past six years.”

I sit up straight, anger pooling in the pit of my stomach. “
You’ve
had to live with it? Oh, I’m so sorry to have inconvenienced you!” I realize my voice is raised but I don’t care. She needs to hear it. “If it wasn’t for my father accepting me – and God knows, it could have gone the other way, who knows what could have happened to me? I was left with no one, Veronica.” I glare at her. “
No one
. And you threw me out like last night’s scraps. Even when your boyfriend, Christian, tried to
rape me
, you still believed the worst in me.” I sink back into my seat, furious and only realizing I’m crying when I feel my face wet with tears.

“I’m sorry for how I treated you over that scumbag. He was a huge mistake.” She looks away. “I never even liked him. But Michael and I strayed apart, and I was so lonely. Jax couldn’t stand me, Alicia was in New York…” she trails off. “I’ve no excuse for Christian, except to say how very sorry I am.”

We sit in silence momentarily while I take in everything she’s said.

“I’ve overstayed my welcome. I’ll never be able to make up the damage I did to you and Jax, but know something, Ava. I’m sorry. Truly, deeply sorry from the bottom of my heart. I hope someday, you’ll find it in yourself to forgive me. And as for Jax – I know how much he loves you.” She twirls her ring around her finger. “He may not be mine by blood, but he’s my son. And I know how much pain he’s been through since the fundraiser. Please, think about everything I’ve said. Don’t hold my sins against him.”

She picks up her bag and stands up. “And now, I must go. Thank you for your hospitality.”

I stand and follow her to the door. She turns and gives me one last look and all of a sudden, I see a broken woman standing behind that perfect façade.

“Goodbye, Veronica.”

She opens her mouth to say something but instead gives me a sad smile. “I hope to see you again, Ava.”

And then she walks away and punches the button to the elevator.

I shut the door and lean up against it. That was surreal.

It’s only ten in the morning, but I already feel like I need a stiff drink.

“
D
ad
, so good to see you.” I throw my arms around his neck and hold on for what feels like forever. My eyes fill with tears and I end up sobbing into his chest.

“Shush, baby girl. I’ve got you.” He strokes my hair until I calm down and then follows me into the apartment.

“I’m sorry I haven’t had a chance to get out here any earlier.”

I sniff and use the sleeve of my top to dry my eyes. I’m a total mess. Have been since Veronica’s visit yesterday. I just can’t seem to clear my head, and I’ve had a restless night tossing and turning, her words playing over and over in my head. Dark shadows are beneath my eyes and my hair is pulled back in a low ponytail.

“It’s fine. I’ve been crazy busy anyway.”

I’ve prepared us lunch and as we eat our chicken Caesar salad, I fill him in on her visit.

He’s quiet as he listens and finishes his meal. I wait for him to speak and pick at my leaves.

“Why are you doing this, Ava?”

“Pardon? Doing what?”

He sighs and refills his glass of white wine. I decline a top off.

“Why are you so fixed on causing you and Jax so much pain? I honestly don’t know what’s going on in that head of yours, but honestly, you’re acting like a stubborn ass.”

My jaw hangs open. “What are you talking about?”

“Ava, I know your history with Jax. Gaby filled me in on everything when you went to Columbia. I
know.
You should also know, and probably unknown to Gaby, that Jax approached me five years ago. He wanted to get in touch with you, but Gaby and I felt that you both needed to find your own path. If it was meant to be, it would happen for you two.”

I blink rapidly and grip the edge of the table.
What the fuck was going on?

He takes another sip of his wine. “What I didn’t expect was for the two of you to keep your love for each other alive. Even though, I might add, you both acted otherwise.”

My throat is dry and my voice is half strangled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Nonsense, Ava. Neither of you have ever had a serious relationship. I’ve kept tabs on Jax over the years, and I see he’s a good person. I never thought I’d feel comfortable saying that about another man since you came into my life, but I’ve watched him grow. He’s honorable and decent.”

A light dawns on me and I meet his gaze. “You never really required me to stay on the Fletcher case, did you?”

The corners of his mouth twitch. “I may have had an ulterior motive.”

“I don’t believe you.” I shake my head and press my back against the chair. “Carter James – matchmaker. Ever think about setting up a dating site?”

“Actually now that you mention it, I’m looking into an app-”

“Dad. Stop already.”

He chuckles lightly, but then all traces of humor vanish and his face grows serious.

“I didn’t know your mother for long, Ava. But she brought up one hell of a girl. I know, wherever she is, she’s immensely proud of how you’ve turned out. But, and I regret to say this, she was also very wrong.”

I cross my arms and my forehead wrinkles. “What about?”

“Love. And I suspect that she put all her feeling against me into you. Into trusting men. I’m truly sorry I made her feel that way – for that, I take full responsibility.” He casts his eyes down and rubs his forehead. “But she also had no right to put such strong and deep-seated beliefs into your life. Not all men are bad, Ava. There are plenty of good ones out there, and you need to open your heart to let someone in.”

I scoff and focus on the kitchen counter. “Yeah? And look where that got me six years ago.”

“You were both kids. With Veronica’s scheming, you never had a chance in the first place. But I’m telling you, Jax Prescott loves you. He declared it in front of five hundred patrons two weeks ago. And later, it came out all over the press. If that isn’t true love, I don’t know what the hell is.”

I squeeze my eyes shut. My throat tightens up and a sob escapes me. “I don’t know what to do, Dad.” My voice cracks. “I’m so scared to get hurt again. I couldn’t live through that a second time. I’ve tried so hard over the years to protect my heart, to never feel so rejected like I did then…”

“Do you love him, Ava?”

The question hits me like a dam breaking free. I’ve suppressed my feelings for so long but now it fights its way out and I’m swept along in the wave of emotions, crashing through to my very soul. “Yes,” I cry, grinning through my tears. “I never stopped.”

“Then open your heart, sweetheart. Go get your man and give each other a real chance this time. You both deserve happiness.” His eyes are shining and then he wraps me into his arms as I cry out six years of pain.

Six years of loving and missing Jax Prescott.

J
ax

“
W
hat
?” I snap into the phone, not bothering to see who it is.

“Mr. Prescott, would you consider doing a piece on Ava Cortes? How she started out?”

“Who the fuck is this?”

“We’re calling from-”

“Don’t ever fucking call my number again.” I hang up and throw the phone on the kitchen counter. Hanging my head in my hands, I release a breath. I’m sick of these asshole reporters, the ones who won’t give up on trying to find some dirt on
her.

T
he doorbell goes
and I swear under my breath. I just want to be left the fuck alone for One. Freaking. Day.

Drawing my brows together, I open the door, my mouth ready to give someone a mouthful. But I stop short.

“Hey Stud.”

My mouth dries up at the sight of Ava. I should be mad, but instead, I feel my cock begin to stir as I rake my eyes up and down the length of her. She’s wearing a short white dress with wedges, and her long hair is flowing down her back in their usual waves. Her face portrays a myriad of emotions - anxiety, anticipation, hope…and something else. I finally find my voice.

“Ava. What are you doing here?”

Her face falls slightly, but she fixes me with a smile. “I figured we had some unfinished business.”

I suck in a breath. “I told you I love you…and you
ran
.”

Her eyes fill with tears. “I’m sorry, Jax. I’m so sorry…” Tears stream down her face. “I love you too. I know I’ve screwed up. So badly. And that’s what I’ve come to tell-”

She doesn’t get to finish her sentence because I pull her hard against me and plant my lips on hers. Her entire body melts into me and she winds her hands into my hair, pulling against me.

I abruptly push her away and she looks shocked at the sudden break, her fingers flying to her swollen lips.

“Tell me again. I wanna hear you say it.”

She blinks and then repeats the words I’ve longed to hear. “Jaxon Michael Prescott, I love you.”

“Goddammit, Ava. Get inside now.”

I grab her hand, and she squeals as I slam the door behind her.

Without asking, I yank at the hem of her dress and pull it over her head, the urgency to touch her bare skin against mine palpable. Tossing it to the floor, she lets out a whimper as my mouth crashes back to hers.

I want every single inch of her and then more. I swoop her up into my arms and without breaking the kiss, I walk to the bedroom and deposit her on the middle of the bed.

“Jesus, Kitten…I’ve no restraint left.” I squeeze my eyes shut as my cock pulses against my jeans. “I need to feel you. I want to be inside you so badly right now. Talk later.”

“Me too, baby. I want you like I’ve never wanted anything more in my life. Strip. Now.”

She makes quick work of discarding her bra and underwear, and I can’t help the guttural groan that releases from my lips.

“You’re so fucking perfect…I’ll never get enough of you.”

Desperation pulses between us and clothes tossed onto the floor, I crawl up the bed. Our legs shuffle against each other, hands grabbing at every inch of exposed skin.

I slip a finger between her legs to find her wet and wanting and then push her knees apart. Pulling open the bedside table, I grab a condom, sheath myself, and thrust into her fully. She cries out, her nails raking down my back, and I still while she acclimatizes to the sensation.

“Oh Christ, Ava…” I clench my jaw and abs, and I’m sure my eyes are just as wild as hers, raw with need. “You feel like velvet wrapped around me.”

“Move, Jax, please.”

I don’t need any further encouragement and I move in and pull out, slamming back into her. She whimpers with pleasure. I continue the punishing pace until we find a rhythm together. Running my hand down her side, I bring her hand over her head and link our hands together. Capturing her mouth, I kiss her with all the love and emotion she invokes in me - something fierce, passionate, and possessive. Moving down her body, I capture her nipple in my mouth and coax out another moan. Nothing else can be heard apart from the sounds of our slick flesh hitting against each other and our cries of ecstasy.

I can fill the surge building up in me and I know I’m gonna lose control any minute now. I can tell she’s close from the way she’s beginning to clench around me, and I give her one final thrust before she explodes around my cock. She cries out, and it pushes me over the edge. I roar out my orgasm and empty myself into her, my entire body buzzing and alive from our connection.

Nothing else exists in this moment except for her.

“I love you, Ava. Don’t ever leave me again.”

She smiles at me and her eyes are filled with tenderness. “I love you, Stud. I’m sorry I’ve been so afraid to let myself fall in love…just know that I’ve never stopped loving you.”

I push her hair out of her face, wanting to frame this memory forever. I’m still inside her and there’s nothing separating us now. And I know that nothing will ever separate us again so long as I’m alive.

“I know you’re scared and you’re taking a big leap of faith, but I’ll never let you down, Kitten. You’re it for me.” I kiss the tip of her nose. “Get used to it…cause I ain’t ever going away. You’re made for me.”

“I like the sound of that.” She kisses me passionately and I’m already hardening up inside her again.

I pull out of her and laugh as she pouts.

“Don’t think you’re getting off scot free, Miss Cortes…you’ve got a lot of making up to do.”

She grins and worries her bottom lip. “That’s good, cause I plan on being naked for the rest of the day.”

I suck in a breath. “Fuck. If I had it my way, you’d never wear clothes.”

She laughs and I swallow it with another kiss. Which deepens and then gets passionate until we’re panting for each other once again.

Yeah, I’m a damn lucky motherfucker. I have the woman of my dreams in my arms.

She completes me.

I couldn’t wish for a happier life.