Maid For You - A Cinderella Love Story (2 page)

I quickly dab my eyes. The last thing I want is to sound ungrateful or to belittle her job.

“Of course not. I’m sorry, I mean no offense.”

“It’s fine, child, I know you had dreams for other things. Your mother and I had a conversation about that.” She sighs and walks back, clearing away the food. “Anyway, they also have a son, Jaxon, or Jax, as he’s known, who’ll soon be finishing law school. He’s due home in a couple of days for the summer. And then there’s Alicia, his older sister, but she lives in New York so we don’t see her very often.”

We sit in companionable silence for a few minutes while I finish my lunch, watching while she busies herself with other tasks.

“That was delicious,” I repeat. I stand and take the plate to the sink. “Do you think I could take a quick shower?” Feeling hot and sticky, I want to change into something lighter.

“Sure, let me show you your room. The bathroom is next door.”

“Great.” I locate my suitcase and wait for Gaby to lead the way.

May as well get used to the idea of being a maid.

The faster the better, as this was now my future.

As I shower, my thoughts return to my handsome rescuer at the airport…my body temperature immediately shoots up a notch or two, recalling the feeling of being held in his arms, his hard chest against mine. More than anything, the piercing way he looked at me, his beautiful eyes capturing mine and holding me hostage, voiding any other thoughts except of
being
in that moment together.

I wonder if he’d ever think about me again.

J
ax

W
ell
, that was a successful few days in Cabo. Nothing like chilling by the pool during the day with wild nights spent in the company of good friends and tequila.

Thank fuck college was over for the summer. I’m actually looking forward to relaxing at home for a few weeks, without the daily grind and pressure from my professors. Sick of my classes, the only thing I really care about is my awesome social life. It’s repeatedly hammered into me like a freaking mantra that I’m arrogant and cocky. Or that, sure, I got through the exams, but of course, I could have performed so much better had I “
applied”
myself. I mentally replay the latest conversation with my professor, who didn’t hesitate to tell me that I was
that
close to flunking.
Except I wasn’t
. The bastard likes to threaten me to keep me on my toes. I often wonder if he’s on my father’s payroll, there to spy on me and to make my life hell in class.

Whatever, asshole. You won’t have to see my pretty face for some time.

Pulling into the drive, I halt my Bentley convertible in front of the garage. Slamming the door shut, I reach over and pull out my bag from the back seat - the remainder of my luggage can wait until later.

I’d decided to hang at a friend’s house to kill some time before choosing to arrive home now, in the hope that my mother would still be out - either lunching or at one of the many yoga classes she attends. Not really in the mood to face her or her constant interrogation of my life, I drop my keys onto the console table and head towards the kitchen.

“Hey, Gaby. How’s my favorite girl?”

With her back to me, Gaby almost drops the plate she’s holding. She spins around to face me, a mixture of anger and pleasure at seeing my grinning face.

“
Mon Dio
, you scared the life out of me, Jax! I wasn’t expecting you back for another day or two.” She clutches her chest, but her frown loosens into a broad smile. I step towards her and pick her up off the floor, sweeping her into a hug.

She starts laughing and bats my shoulder. “Put me down this instant.”

Lowering her, I catch the look of fondness on her face.
Yeah, she was happy to have me home.

Stepping around her to open the fridge, I ponder the contents. “I thought I’d come home early. Cabo was fun, but I need to detox. Plus, I was kinda homesick for your Mexican specials.” I looked over my shoulder and flash her a grin. “Besides, maybe I’ve got a bottle of Gran Patron in my bag for a certain someone…” I stop talking and wait for the squeal.

“Jax, you didn’t.” Her hand flies to her mouth. “That’s over two hundred dollars a bottle.”

Selecting a bottle of fresh juice, I close the fridge and lean up against the door, taking a long swig as she watches me.

“Yup.” I pop the
p.
“And you’re worth it.” I look at the contents of my half-drained bottle. “This is awesome. Homemade?”

“
Si
. It’s pineapple and mango.” She goes back to stacking the plates, her lips curled into a huge smile. “I remembered how much you liked it the last time so I made more in anticipation of your arrival.”

“Awww, Gaby, you really are the best. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” She turns her back to me and resumes her work. “Now, what’s your plan for the summer?”

I shrug my shoulders noncommittally, even though she can’t see. “I’ll just take it as it happens, although I’m sure my father has plans for me to join him at the firm.”

“And how was school this year?” Taking a seat at the counter, I watch Gaby go about her work expertly.

My jaw tightens at the question. “Fine.” I drain my juice, glancing out at the inviting water of the lake. Maybe a quick dip would be in the cards.

“You have a year left, Jax. Make it count. There’s no question about your ability, yet I can’t understand why you are throwing your life away…and for what?
Parties? Girls?
” She shakes her head and begins to really go at that poor onion she’s chopping.

Girls. Except there’s just the one I can’t get out of my head for the past two hours. The sexy, dark-haired beauty I’d met a couple of hours ago.

Of all people, I don’t mind Gaby bitching at me. She’s like a second mom to me, having practically raised me in this very kitchen when my parents were too busy to bother with the inconvenience of their children.

“I’ll get my shit together, Gaby.” I hop off the stool, landing a kiss on her cheek. “I’ll work harder next semester. But, right now, I just want to chill in my room for a bit, maybe take a swim later.” I begin to back out of the kitchen.

“Oh, how’s Olivia?”

I must have grimaced at the name, and Gaby raises a questioning eyebrow. I exhale loudly.

“She’s…good…”

“Doesn’t look just
good
to me from that face you’re pulling. Problems already?”

I glance out the back. “She’s just getting way too much, too soon. We’ve only been loosely dating a few weeks and she’s already trying to schedule our summer dates, lunches, dinners with the olds…” My lips press together tightly.

“Jax, you’re going to have to settle down with someone one day, you know. You can’t be a permanent Romeo. Besides, your parents run in the same social circles. It’s a match made in heaven, right?”

She’s teasing from the glint in her eye, and I laugh out aloud. “Not for me. I ain’t looking to settle. You want to see what commitment looks like? Look at my parents. You and I both know what goes on behind the scenes.”

Her lips purse together at my comment. Too loyal to my parents, Gaby won’t speak badly of them to anyone.

“Speaking of parents, I’m not sure if they’ve told you, but my niece, Ava, is going to be staying with us. She’ll be working here part-time.”

I glance up at her. Yeah, I vaguely remember something my mother had mentioned.

“Wait. I’m so sorry, Gaby. Your sister passed away, right?” Frowning and feeling like a total ass for not acknowledging it the minute I saw her, I walk back over to her and wrap her up in my arms. “I’m sorry I didn’t mention it. It must have been such a shock for you.”

I see the pain flash across her features. They must have been close. She nods slightly and pats my chest, pulling away.

“It was a big shock. So, Ava will be my charge from now on, until she’s able to figure out what she wants to do. Your parents are very kind to let her stay and offer her employment.” She goes back to her vegetables, a solemn look on her face.

I
’m walking back
to my room when my phone beeps with an incoming message. Swiping right, I groan at the selfie of Olivia in a barely-there bikini, with just three words captioned:

“
M
iss you already
.”

D
eciding
how to reply that I need some space, I stop short just in time before bumping into the oncoming person in front of me.

An apology begins to form on my mouth, but instead, I find my tongue locked. My jaw even drops open as I look into a familiar pair of beautiful and confused hazel eyes. The very same ones that have been tormenting me for the past two hours. What
.
The. Hell?

“It’s you.”

Her pretty mouth falls open and she blinks furiously.

Trying to recover from the shock, I drop my famous panty-melting smile as her face turns a deep shade of red. I can almost see her thoughts flying in every direction, trying to hit a realistic target that would explain this insane situation.

I hold out my hand. “I guess I better introduce myself properly this time. I’m Jax.”

“Jax?” She widens her beautiful eyes, processing the information. “Hi, I’m Ava.”

As if in shock, she grips my hand, her palm small and soft against my skin. I can’t believe she’s standing in front of me, like an angel dropped from heaven. The entire way home from the airport, I tuned out Olivia’s incessant chatter, regretting every moment of not being impulsive enough to ask out the sexy girl inside the terminal. In fact, I almost did, but something about her seemed so vulnerable that I just ended up freezing in my tracks.

But she’s here now.

Every perfect curve of her.

She releases her hand from my grip and examines her sandals, giving me a chance to discreetly check her out again.

She tucks some strands of her long and damp dark hair behind her ear. Lightly tanned, though not as much as Gaby, with her light brown eyes and long dark hair, she’s simply…stunning. I’ve never seen anyone so
exotic
…or
beautiful
before. She looks up and catches my eye, adjusting her step, which brings her a little closer. I catch her scent - fresh and clean, and I guess she’d just stepped out of the shower. Wearing a plain white t-shirt and denim shorts, they accentuate her long and slender legs, and my mind wanders immediately into a different direction. I’d already felt her full breasts from when she was pressed up against me in the terminal, but I can only dream of what she’d look like naked with her perfect curves in all the right places. Under me.

I have to clench my hands to stop myself from reaching out to run them down the side of her body, where I can make out the dip in her waist.

The stirrings begin in my shorts and I mentally try to think neutral thoughts.

“Good to meet you. I wasn’t due back for a couple more days - surprised the hell out your aunt.”

She smiles and nods, her full pink lips stretching across that kissable mouth of hers.

“Look, we don’t know each other or anything, but I just want to say that I’m real sorry to hear about your mom…” I break off as she gently grazes her bottom lip. Blinking a few times, she looks me straight in the eye.

“Thank you. It’s been tough, but I’m grateful for Gaby…and, of course, for the generosity of your family for taking me in. I promise I won’t be a burden.”

I hold up my hands in mock surrender. “Not at all, you’re very welcome here. If there’s anything I can do for you, just ask.”

She nods. “Thank you again for saving me at the airport.” She looks at her hands. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to see if I can help my aunt with anything.”

“Sure, no problem.” She sidesteps past me, and I inhale her clean scent like a breath of fresh air. I call after her.

“And the offer is there - let me know if you need anything.”

She turns around mid-stride, sending more shockwaves straight to my cock.

“I will.” Her voice is soft.

She looks freaking hot and her face is still flushed. The privileged lifestyle we lead has me accustomed to socializing with many beautiful and pedigree-background girls. Yet there’s something so much more unique about the girl in front of me.

I shake my head in disbelief, a smile playing on my mouth as I make my way to my room. What a crazy coincidence meeting her like that. Collapsing onto my bed, I run a hand through my hair.

Maybe coming back home wasn’t going to be as crappy as I anticipated.

A
va

O
h my God
.
I let out the trembling breath I’m holding as I walk past Jax. My palm’s still on fire from where he had clasped my hand. Jesus, I’d never met anyone so utterly gorgeous.

I
cannot
believe that my hero from earlier is Jax Prescott.

What kind of crazy trick was the universe playing on me?

My legs feel weak and I slow my footsteps to lean up against the wall. Squeezing my eyes shut, I suck in several deep breaths to calm myself down. His face immediately flashes before me. The guy I was fantasizing about in the shower just a few minutes ago is not only the son of my employers, but he’s from one of the richest families in the U.S.

Being taller than average for my family at five-foot-seven, he made me feel petite standing next to him as he towered over me. And those…
beautiful,
piercing blue eyes. I’ve never seen anything like them.
Ever
. Granted, that was rare in Mexico anyway, but I’ve seen plenty of tourists in our area. His eyes appeared to be looking straight into my soul.

My rapid heartbeat begins to settle and I run my hands down my top, smoothing myself out. Pushing off the wall and absently twisting my damp hair around my fingers, I find my way back to the kitchen.

“Hi, Gaby.”

She looks up.

“Sit. You had a good shower? Feel better?”

“Yes, much.” I pull out the stool I was sitting on earlier, adjusting my baggy t-shirt and shorts. What if Jax walked in again? I look like such a frump.

I mentally chide myself. No use having silly thoughts about my appearance.

“Can I do anything to help?”

She shakes her head, dismissing me with her hand. “No, nothing. Just feel free to relax for the remainder of the day and over the weekend. You don’t officially start work until Monday. By the way, Jax is back home.” Her face splits into a small grin.

“Yes, I just ran into him.” My face begins to heat once again and I examine my nails, but not before catching a strange look on Gaby’s face.

She clears her throat. “Ava…I don’t wish to sound like your mother or anything, but just be careful, okay?”

I look up. “Sure, but…I don’t understand?”

She sighs deeply. “Jax’s a fine young man - I love him like my own.” She begins to knead some dough. “In fact, for the past fifteen years, he’s pretty much grown up in here underfoot.”

My lips tug at her obvious fondness for him.

“But, he comes from a different world than you. Us. Please…know your place here.”

The color drains from my face. She thinks that something would happen between us? Even though she barely knows me? I fidget in my seat, feeling slightly upset that she already thinks so little of me.

“Aunt Gaby, please…you have nothing to worry about. I’ve no intention of wrecking any relationship in this house. You shouldn’t have any concerns about me. Besides…it’s the last thing on my mind.”

Before she can respond, we hear the sound of high-heeled footsteps clashing against the tiled floor, heading our way. Sitting up straight in my stool, a beautiful, older-looking lady comes into view. She stands there in her cream silk shift and heels, her silver-blonde hair shaped into a sleek bob with her perfectly manicured hand resting on her hip. I hazard a guess that we’re in the company of Veronica Prescott. Sliding off my seat, I look to Gaby for introductions. She wipes her hands on her apron and steps forward.

“Veronica, this is my niece, Ava.”

I swallow as her eyes sweep over me. Finally, her lips curl into a small smile. Unlike her son, she radiates an air of superiority. Almost reticent, she offers her hand. I step forward, my mouth stretching into a big smile.

“Hello, dear. Welcome to the Prescott residence.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Prescott. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

She releases my hand, her shoulders slightly lifting then dropping once again. “You’re welcome, dear. I am sorry to hear about the unfortunate circumstances concerning your mother.”

“Thank you.” I look over to Gaby, shooting her a smile. “I’m very grateful to Gaby for arranging all my paperwork.”

“Of course, but we couldn’t have done it without the kind help of Mr. Prescott.”

Veronica observes the exchange between us. “Very well, I shall leave you both to it. I’ve still got a couple of phone calls to attend to regarding our summer ball.” She begins her retreat without so much as a second glance at me. Gaby calls out to her departing back.

“Oh, Veronica? Jax is home - he’s around here somewhere.”

At that, Veronica stops and turns back to us, one eyebrow raised. “Wonderful.”

“Can I get you anything to eat?”

She shakes her head, and I notice her perfect blonde hair stays in place. “No thanks. Just some iced tea on the patio, if I may.”

I watch her elegant form walking away as she casually throws her words behind, her heels echoing in her wake.

“Ava, perhaps you can bring it out.”

I
help
Gaby gather the silverware together, giving her my full attention as she guides me with the correct etiquette. Then, carefully balancing the tray, I make my way to the direction of the patio.

Stepping outside into the heat, I am overwhelmed by the beauty surrounding the property. The garden is meticulously maintained and the smell of jasmine immediately pervades my nostrils. Spying Veronica’s blonde hair near a covered seated area, I grip the tray harder and notice her companion. Jax is laughing about something she’s telling him and for a moment, before he sees me, I get a chance to drink him in from afar.

Veronica moves closer and is showing him something on her phone. Knitting his eyebrows together at the message, he looks intently at the screen and then starts laughing once again.

I like the sound of that very much.

It’s full - deep and rich, sending goose bumps across my arms. Then, as if feeling my stare on him, he looks up and our eyes lock. Replacing the phone back on the table, he sits back, licks his lips, and extends his smile to me.

“Hey, Ava.”

I smile and nod my greeting, all the while feeling Veronica’s cool eyes on me, assessing me as I carefully place the tray on the table. She watches my movements without words as I serve her, and I silently say a prayer of thanks to Gaby for her thorough instructions. It’s my first task and I don’t want any cause for complaints. Besides, I have a feeling I need to prove my worth to Veronica.

Thankfully, Gaby had the foresight to place two glasses on the tray.

“Jax, would you like some iced tea?” Even though I’m nervous, I’m glad my voice holds steady.

“I’ll definitely take anything you’ve got.”

I freeze, his tone teasing, and I feel the heat stain my cheek. Veronica shoots him a dirty look and I almost stumble with the second glass.

“I’m kidding. I’ll get that.” He reaches out and I halt midway, unsure whether or not to proceed.

“No, darling. Ava is happy to serve us, aren’t you, dear?”

A light frown appears on Jax’s brow, but I grab his glass and fill it for him before he can protest any further.

I don’t make eye contact with him and step back. “Would you like anything else, Mrs. Prescott?”

She takes a delicate sip. “No, that’s all for now.” She gives me a quick nod, my signal to disappear.

I can sense Jax’s eyes on my back as I walk away, almost running for the safety of the kitchen once I’m out of sight. My lips are slightly pursed. Why’s he trying to hit on me in front of his mother? That’s the last thing I need, although a small part of me can’t deny I’m flattered.

“Everything go okay?” Gaby looks up from the timer she’s fiddling with.

“Um yes, I think so. I just…”

“What?”

“It’s nothing. I’m just not convinced Mrs. Prescott likes me. Are you sure she’s fine with me being here?”

Gaby doesn’t speak as she finishes setting the timer. “It’s not that exactly…perhaps more that Mr. Prescott was…a little more forthcoming with accommodating our situation.”

I looked down at my flat tan sandals.

“I understand…it’s complicated. But I won’t let you down, Gaby. I’ll do my absolute best to be a great maid.”

She gives me a quick hug, pacifying my fears. “Don’t worry. She’ll come around once she sees how good you are.”

We spend the remainder of the afternoon together, with me asking all kinds of questions about life in the Prescott residence.

T
he next few
days go by in a blur as I get to know my way around the house and learn of my tasks under Gaby’s supervision. There are a number of staff members in the house, but as everyone’s busy with their own section, their presence is hardly felt.

I
t’s
Saturday morning and I’ve just completed my first week. I’m tired. I ache and find muscles in places I didn’t know existed. Gaby mentioned the Prescotts are away for the weekend and likewise, Gaby is visiting a friend and would be back Sunday evening. I’m looking forward to a little downtime on my own. I turn over in bed and glance at the clock. It’s after midday. Guess I must have needed the sleep. Taking my time, I take a long shower and then sit in the kitchen, eating toast and contemplating how I’ll spend the weekend. I’m not comfortable relaxing around the house, so I spend most of the day in my bedroom, catching up on my reading.

Around five o’clock, I hear the distinct sound of thumping music, which seems to be coming from the back of the house. I presume it’s Jax. I haven’t seen him all week, but then again, I’ve been busy and too exhausted in the evenings to sit around with Gaby. I try and ignore the noise, but the music volume increases until it’s literally giving me a headache. I decide to go find him and ask if he wouldn’t mind turning it down a little.

As I make my way to the kitchen, I’m surprised to see that the back of the house is filled with college kids. They’re standing around laughing and drinking, and someone in the corner appears to be making punch.

I peer out the back and my eyes widen as I see that the pool is filled with girls who are mostly topless. A girl screeches as a guy comes up at the other end of the pool with her bikini bottoms in his mouth. His friends cheer him on and pat his back in laughter.

It’s like I’ve walked onto the set of a college orgy.

I push my way outside in search of Jax.

“Have you seen Jax?” The guy is staring at me like I’m his breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so I figure I may as well ask him while I have his attention.

“Nope, I haven’t.” He looks at me over his can of beer. “But if you’re looking for a good time, you’re slightly overdressed, sweetheart.”

Ugh. I don’t bother to respond and scan the crowd of half-naked bodies. He’s definitely not out here.

I trudge my way back into the house and head for his bedroom, assuming he’s there. My guess is confirmed when I see his room’s door is ajar, blaring music coming from within. I’m slightly nervous as I push open his door and my jaw drops open. He’s standing with his back to me, and he’s got company in the form of a blonde. His face is between her breasts. He’s also butt naked. I want to run, but I can’t tear my eyes away from his muscled back and perfect ass. He looks like an Adonis standing there like that. The girl chooses that moment to open her eyes, and she fixates on me.

“Baby, are we having a threesome?”

I gasp. She thinks I’m here to join them. Heat floods my face and I’m about to walk away when Jax turns his head over his shoulder. A slow smile spreads across his face.

“I’m definitely open to a threesome, baby.”

I shake my head, at a loss for words as anger builds up inside. As if I’d ever want to partake. I turn and stomp away. A few seconds later, I hear his voice.

“Ava. Wait up.”

I suck in a deep breath and hope he’s had the decency to put some clothes on.

“Yes?” I count to five then turn to face him. He seems to have found his boxers. His bare chest is just as distracting, but I refuse to give him the satisfaction of looking.

“You sure about that? I know we could have a good time together…” He’s leaning up against the wall and even though he looks devastatingly sexy, I’m pissed that he’s just propositioned me.

“Do I look like I want to be part of that?” I throw my hands into the air. “I don’t think so. You obviously think that you’re some kind of…” I look around me, trying to find the right word.

He’s smirking at my discomfort, and I know my face is on fire. “Some kind of
what
?”

I spit the words out as if it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. “You think you’re some kind of…
stud
…”

“Oh, I’m a
stud
?” He cups his jaw and runs a hand over his stubble. “In that case, you’re a sexy little kitten. Look at you all worked up, hissing away like that. Bet I could make you
purr
, Kitten.”

“Ugh. Whatever.” I spin around and head back to my room. Even though he can’t hear, I slam the door. I don’t know why, but he gets under my skin. It doesn’t help that all I can now think about is his perfect body.

Around eight, unable to take the noise any longer, I slip out of my room and head out for a walk.

E
arly Sunday morning
, I leave the house and find my way into town. I spend the entire day out so that I don’t have to face that cocky jerk again.

“
S
o
, I know we haven’t really talked about it, but why’d you move to Miami?”

It’s Monday and we’re outside on the veranda during Gaby’s lunch hour. Shielded from the sun under the overhead umbrella, I sit back in my cushioned chair and sip on my fresh orange juice.

Her face darkens momentarily.

“All I can say is that your mom and I were young and stupid, mija. We thought meeting some American boys would be our passport out of Tijuana.”

I hadn’t heard this before - my mamá refused to discuss Gaby’s story with me, but I knew there was more to it. I hold my breath, not wishing to interrupt.