Going Down Fast (Billionaire Bad Boys 2)

He swallowed a groan and adjusted his cock, knowing he was torturing himself for no good reason. He walked to the big TV room and sat down, flicking on the big screen and letting the news flood the room. He was trying to immerse himself in anything but the woman under his roof when he looked down at the table in front of the sofa. Maxie had left her laptop open, a notepad beside it.

He’d be lying if he said he didn’t read what was on the paper. A list of civil law firms and research notes. Apparently she wasn’t relying on the resumes she already had out. He admired her tenacity.

He glanced at the paper. And wouldn’t you know, he’d worked with one of them when he and his partners were starting out, needing legal advice. Which meant he could help her get a foot in the door. He had no doubt she’d hold her own in an interview and if she obtained the position. But he also knew how difficult it was to stand out on paper alone, especially since she had no direct experience in civil law.

He could help her along. Just enough to let her step in and shine. He couldn’t bear to see her get shot down before she had a chance to even prove herself.

One phone call. A favor called in. The rest would be up to her.

* * *

A few days later, Maxie returned to Lucas’ apartment after a quick trip to the grocery store for ingredients to bake cookies. She remembered chocolate chip were Lucas’ favorite, and she had time on her hands since the boutique had cut her hours because business was slow and she was the last hired. So what else did an unemployed woman do but make cookies?

She entered the lobby and ran into one of the older neighbors in the building who had always been lovely to her. “Hi, Mrs. Fielding, how are you and your husband doing?” Maxie asked.

“I’m fine but Mr. Fielding’s acid reflux has been acting up,” the white-haired woman said.

“I’m sorry to hear that. I hope you’re cooking him bland food?”

Mrs. Fielding smiled. “But of course. And how are you holding up?”

Maxie forced a smile. “I’m okay.” It wasn’t a secret that she’d moved from her apartment to her brother-in-law’s, and Maxie had had to admit to financial difficulties when people asked why. And neighbors being neighbors, they did ask.

“I think it was very kind of your brother-in-law to help you out during your time of need.”

“I agree,” Maxie murmured. “I’m baking him cookies,” she said, somewhat inanely, as she was uncomfortable with the conversation.

“You’re a sweet girl. And at least you weren’t living there when the place was broken into.”

Maxie blinked, startled. “I’m sorry … what?”

“Oh! The note was under all our doors this afternoon. I guess you haven’t seen yours yet. Apparently your old apartment was broken into. Mr. Potts found the place ransacked,” she said of the head of maintenance for the building.

Maxie shivered. “Well, that’s scary.”

She nodded. “Keep your door locked. That’s what we’re doing. You can’t be too careful these days.”

For a building with a lock on the door, it was rare for someone to be able to walk in uninvited. Unless they followed another tenant inside. “Well, thanks for the heads-up. You be careful,” she told the older woman.

“Thank you, dear. Talk to you soon.”

“Bye,” Maxie murmured. She headed up to Lucas’ apartment as Mrs. Fielding strode out the door.

Maxie walked into the apartment and picked up the flyer slid beneath the door. She shook her head and left the notice for Lucas to see.

Then she settled in to bake. She’d just finished putting the tins in the oven and cleaning up the kitchen when her cell phone rang.

A number she didn’t recognize popped up on the screen. “Hello?”

“Is this Maxie Sullivan?” a female voice asked.

“Yes?” She noticed a piece of cookie dough on her finger and quietly licked off the deliciousness.

“This is Andrea McDonnell from Power and Associates.”

Maxie’s stomach flipped in excitement. ?

??Hi.”