Maria shifted in her seat, gaze lowered. The glare from Daniel and the obvious—though only to her—gaze from Miles unsettled her.
Miles looked effortlessly hot as usual in a casual cotton shirt that dipped open, exposing just enough skin beneath his collarbone.
Even through the loose sleeves, the strength of his arm showed.
Was the dress too much?
She adjusted the fabric across her chest, wishing it covered the top of her breasts, but that wasn't the design.
She wasn't supposed to feel uncomfortable; Daniel had bought the dress.
Odd, considering how much he hated anything above the knee or with cleavage.
"How beautiful…" Mrs Genova's voice floated in alongside clicking heels.
Maria lifted her head out of courtesy and caught Miles' staring at her chest before he met her eyes. Her heart lurched. She quickly looked away.
Mrs Genova entered with three women. One, close to her age, had black and silver hair styled impeccably, draped in expensive blue silk—a contrast to Mrs Genova's sequin red dress.
The other two women looked around Maria's age, slimmer, beautifully groomed, and effortlessly sophisticated.
One had her brown hair in a messy bun, beautiful red dress, and polished makeup—too polished for an airy dinner.
The other wore a simple blue dress, less effort, dark hair loose and wavy.
They radiated wealth without trying. The Hays.
As they reached the table, the one in the red dress squealed and hugged Miles from behind. Maria saw him roll his eyes.
"It's been a while, my love. I've missed you," she said, kissing his cheek.
"What did I say about calling love, Jennifer?" Miles asked, gently tugging her hand away.
"Oh, come off it, darling," Mrs Genova chimed, seating with the others. "Jennifer simply misses you."
The lady in green sat beside Daniel, who looked at her with open admiration not minding Maria's presence.
A sharp scent of Jasmine immediately distracted her as Jennifer took the seat between Maria and Miles.
Her green eyes swept Maria with the same quiet condescension Mrs Genova always carried.
"And who is this?" Jennifer asked.
Maria glanced at Daniel, unsure whether to introduce herself.
Daniel met her eyes, disappointment flickering first before he forced a smile.
"She's my…girlfriend, Maria."
Jennifer scoffed but the lady in the green dress spoke softly. "She's beautiful."
Maria's cheeks warmed as she offered a smile. "Thank you."
"I'd say you're the most beautiful woman in the room tonight, Dahlia," Daniel said, eyes glinting with affection as he returned his gaze to the woman beside him.
Before the awkwardness and hurt of Daniel's comment could sink further, Mr Genova entered in a blue two piece, more formal than what he had on earlier.
"Looking good as always, Gerald." Mrs Hays greeted as Mr Genova sat.
Chefs rolled in with a food stroller filled with delicious looking meals, the air carrying their fragrance.
"Thank you, Gina," he replied, as Mrs Genova nudged him as if saying I told you so.
"Miles, darling," Mrs Genova began as chefs served the main course. "Jennifer's in town for a while. I'm sure you both have plenty to catch up on."
Maria stared at her untouched appetizer.
She was starving—she hadn't eaten all evening thanks to dress shopping with Daniel.
"I can see she's doing just fine, mom," Miles replied. His composed low voice did things to Maria's insides. Still she needed to eat before her stomach would growl and that would be embarrassing.
"I'm sure we'll catch up just fine this weekend," Jennifer added. Maria noticed Jennifer's jeweled fingers reach for Miles' hand, which he quickly withdrew.
Maria wondered why. Jennifer had a trim, beautiful figure—perfect for someone like Miles—yet he didn't seem interested.
Her gaze dropped to her cutlery, unsure if she should start eating.
The scent of the main dish made her internally drool.
The sound of cutlery scraping came from beside her—Miles had begun eating.
She met his eyes, grateful, and he held her gaze as if saying go ahead.
Maria began eating too and soon the rest of the table followed.
"I was so impressed by your recent interview on TV, Dahlia," Daniel said as he fiddled with his snack. "Your brilliance is rare."
Maria tightened her grip on the utensils. The disrespect—calling her his girlfriend while praising another woman's accomplishments—stung. He'd never acknowledge her contributions at work.
"Thank you," Dahlia replied warmly.
At least Dahlia's slight unease showed she had some dignity in her unlike Daniel.
"Jennifer just completed her masters in journalism," Mrs Hays added proudly. "I have such brilliant daughters. Anyone would be lucky to have them as wives."
"My sons might be playing around," Mrs Genova said. "But I'm sure they're worthy candidates."
Maria absorbed the jab and without caring this time downed her wine in one go.
She had already finished her snack.
The table split—Daniel speaking to Dahlia in hushed tones.
Mr Genova and Mrs Genova chatting with Mrs Hays about trips and vacations.
Jennifer, trying desperately to converse with an uninterested Miles.
Maria focused on her food, mentally noting how soon she could leave. Hurt brewed in her chest as she choked down the food with the tears she held back.
It was obvious Daniel had invited her here to humiliate her.
"Isn't that enough?" Jennifer's voice cut through her thoughts.
Maria turned to her, trying her best to be polite. "Pardon me?"
Jennifer stared, smug. "The food. A girl like you should know her limits."
"There's just the right amount of calories on everyone's plate, Jennifer." Miles cut in smoothly.
Jennifer laughed nervously, "Yeah, just right for us. But she could easily pass for fat."
"And you think you have no health issues?" Miles replied. "You've had a snack sitting in front of you untouched for an hour now."
Maria nearly dropped her jaw.
Jennifer pushed the chair back and stood, forcing a smile.
"I need to use the restroom," she said tightly as Mrs Genova beckoned a maid to escort her.
Maria's gaze shifted to Daniel. The Sommelier beside him already held a nearly empty wine bottle. Dahlia looked uncomfortable as Daniel whispered into her ears, clearly tipsy from all that wine.
"Daniel," Miles called firmly. "Get a grip of yourself."
Daniel smiled lazily at Maria. "I'm alright big brotherrr." His words were slurring.
"Maria," Dahlia called gently. "I think you guys should head home. I tried to warn him about the wine."
"Oh no," Daniel groaned, covering part of his face. "Don't make me go home with her. I don't want to."
Maria hoped the ground would swallow her at the look of pity and confusion on Dahlia's face. She didn't want to imagine Miles' thoughts.
"Sweetheart," Mrs Genova leaned forward. "You can stay here for the night. I understand why you wouldn't want bad energy around you."
That was the last straw for Maria. Maria gently set down her cutlery. She couldn't wait for dessert or else she could risk an outburst.
"I'll be taking my leave now," she said with a forced smile.
Mrs Genova scoffed as Maria dabbed her lips with a napkin and grabbed her purse.
"I'll drop you off," Miles said calmly. "Courtesy of Daniel's rudeness."
Daniel was still smiling, this time directly at Maria as if pleased by her discomfort.
If he despised her so much, why not end things?
"I'm sure a driver can…" Mrs Genova began.
"Go ahead, Miles." Mr Genova interrupted, ignoring his wife's glare.
Maria stood up and headed for the exit. She didn't care who drove her.
She opened her ride app—at least she would cry on the way home.
**
Miles messaged the chauffeur to drive the Porsche to the front of the dining house.
"It was a great meal mum," he said, rising.
Irritation burned through him at Daniel's behavior.
His mother stayed silent, still angry at his father.
Miles didn't care as he walked out of the room, catching Jennifer's returning gaze before closing the door behind him.
Cold night air met him immediately he stepped out into the lobby. It could rain soon.
He spotted Maria ahead, clutching her purse with one arm and rubbing her shoulders with the other.
Her dress clearly offered no warmth.
"Maria," he said. She flinched, turning.
"I'm alright, sir," she murmured, avoiding his eyes.
Her arms folded beneath her breasts, pressing them higher.
"I can get a cab," she insisted. "I'll head home on my own."
The Porsche rolled up. The chauffeur stepped out, handing Miles the key and opening the passenger's door.
"Get in the car, Maria," Miles said. She met his eyes hesitantly before sliding in.
Miles followed, buckling his seatbelt as the chauffeur closed the door gently after Maria got in and did the same.
Despite the car's fragrance, her vanilla scent dominated his nostrils.
Miles pulled out of the estate.
Silence stretched—hers from hurt, his from uncertainty.
"Where's home?" he asked.
"Ginger city estate," she said softly. Miles typed it into his GPS and turned on slow music.
"T-Thank you," she whispered.
To him, her tone sounded more like temptation than gratitude.
He tightened his grip on the sterling, reminding himself to get a grip especially now that he was alone in the same space with her.
"What's your favorite flavor?" he asked—trying to lift her mood.
"Huh?" She asked, confused.
"Pudding flavor?" he repeated as he sped through a drift.
She hesitated before replying. "I like Chai spice."
Miles chuckled. "Cozy choice."
"You've had it too?" she asked, a flicker of excitement in her voice.
"Of course I have. I taste flavors for work too."
A pause.
"What's your favorite, sir?"
His gaze flickered to the GPS, then to her thighs—pressed close together, dress riding higher.
He forced his attention back to the road.
"I'm a Baileys' fan. And drop the sir. Miles is fine outside the office."
"Yes s—Miles."
The sky cracked and drops of rain came first—a steady drizzle turning heavier.
Miles drove into her estate, rows of similar duplexes lining both sides.
"Eighth block on the left," she said.
He packed as the rain worsened.
"You can wait till it calms," he said, turning on the heater.
"Thank you…Miles," She said, still hesitant.
Miles turned to the window, avoiding looking at her. Proximity tested his restraint.
Music filled the silence between them.
The rain gradually softened.
"I think I can manage now," Maria said.
Miles nodded. "That's good, Maria. See you at work tomorrow."
"Si—Miles," she said, a soft clink following. "I need help with the seatbelt."
Miles swallowed.
"I'm sorry, sir. I'm not used to this type." she said.
He inhaled and faced her. The equalizer reflected across her face. Her dress had ridden higher, thighs more visible.
He leaned, body over hers, her scent closer.
She stiffened as Miles deliberately ran his hand along the buckle slowly, curious at her reaction.
He turned and met her eyes. Confusion and questions stirring in them.
Her lips—soft, full, impossibly tempting.
"Mr Miles," she breathed.
He swallowed again, unsure how much self-control he had—but it shattered the instant Maria bit her lower lip nervously.
"Please, sir…" she whispered before his lips took hers—soft, trembling, further igniting him as her lips parted beneath his.
She struggled to catch her breath as he kissed her—nothing like boss and subordinates nor future in-laws, but like lovers who had missed each other.