"What do you think you would have been if you weren't an hotelier?" She kisses my chin. "A male model? An exotic dancer?"
I pinch her side. "Jesus, no."
"What then?" She tilts my chin up with her hand now so we're staring into each other's eyes. "If your grandfather hadn't handed you the keys to the Bishop Hotel Empire where would you be working today?"
I've never given it any thought. I knew the path my life had to take when I was a child. It's why I went to college to study business. "I don't know."
Sadness settles over her expression. "Are you happy? Do you like what you do?"
"I love it," I answer quickly. "I'm good at it and it led me straight to you."
She nuzzles her head next to mine as she blows out a soft sigh. "You're one of my favorite people, Julian Bishop."
"You're one of mine, Maya."
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Maya
"Maya?"I hear a man's voice to my left, but when I turn in that direction, I'm greeted with a throng of people all waiting to cross Fifth Avenue.
I shake off the interruption as a mirage and continue walking and typing on my phone even though I know it's hazardous to my health.
"Maya, wait." The voice is louder and closer this time, so I pocket my phone, saving the draft of the note I was working on to remind myself of everything I have to do today, including the most important task.
Irene and Tom Clarkson want another look at the penthouse when they come to town next week so as soon as I'm done with my morning showing at the Warton place, I'm going to give them a call to schedule that.
I turn when I hear the man call my name again. "Jason? Is that you?"
Technically, it's Dr. Jason Hunt.
We dated more than a year ago. It was fun, he was interesting until we both realized that the only thing we had in common was sex.
Fascinating discussions were never part of our dynamic. We'd eat take-out at my place, head to my bed and he'd be out the door within minutes after finishing.
"You look incredible." He pulls me into a tight embrace. "It's been months since I've seen you."
"How are you?" I step back and look at his face. He's handsome. I always thought that. His face isn't sculpted like Julian's, but he's definitely attractive.
"Good. I'm good." He shoves his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. "I've been meaning to call you."
I smile. I know where this is headed. We hooked up twice after the end of our relationship. It was within weeks of our breakup and it only prolonged the inevitable. The next time he hit me up for a quickie, I shut him down. I haven't heard a word since.
"About?" I raise a brow.
"I'm on the market for a new place."
I squeeze my eyes shut. "I don't handle rentals anymore, Jason."
"You're a full-fledged broker now."
I look at him again. "You know that?"
"I take a peek at your profile on the Carvel website from time-to-time," he admits. "I like your hair like that."
It's the same as it was when we were sleeping together. It's just longer now. I, on the other hand, am wiser.
"Thank you. So you're looking to buy?"
