Page 5 of My Playboy Neighbor

When Dom finally pulled back, they were both breathing hard.His eyes were smoldering with need, and Maya knew she must look just as wrecked.

"That," he said, his thumb tracing her swollen bottom lip, "was me saying hello properly."

Maya tried to speak, but her voice came out as barely a whisper."Hello to you too."

Dom's smile was pure sin."I'll see you later, Maya.Enjoy your meeting with Colleen."

He stepped back, giving her space to think, to remember that she was a professional with meeting with a client today, and not just a woman who'd been thoroughly kissed by the most dangerous man she'd ever met.

Maya watched him disappear into his suite, her legs shaking and her lips still tingling from his kiss.She stood there for a full minute, trying to collect herself, before finally fumbling with her keycard to get into her room.

She had fifteen minutes to shower, change, and make herself presentable for her meeting with Colleen.Fifteen minutes to pretend that she hadn’t just kissed a super model. Dom really lived up to his player reputation.She couldn’t believe he just turned her world upside down with a single kiss.

***

TWENTY MINUTES LATER, Maya stood outside Colleen Bryant's office, trying to convince herself that she looked professional and not like someone who'd been fantasizing about her playboy neighbor for the entire elevator ride down.

The outer office was a study in luxury—cream leather furniture, abstract art, and a reception desk that looked like it belonged in a modern art museum.Behind it sat a young woman with the kind of bone structure that suggested modeling was probably her side hustle.

"I’m Maya Sunderly," Maya said.“I have a three o’clock appointment.”

The receptionist looked up with a smile."Hi, I’m Emma.She’s finishing up on a call.She’ll be right with you.Would you like something to drink?"

"Water would be great."Maya still tasted Dom's kiss, felt his arms around her.She needed to get a grip and fast.

Emma handed her a crystal glass filled with water that probably came from some exclusive French spring."Do you like your room?"

“Oh yes,” Maya gushed.“Thank you so much for the chocolates and fruit basket. It really hit the spot.”

“You’re welcome.Please feel free to order room service or visit any of our restaurants on the property. Your room and board are covered during your assignment here.”

Maya could definitely get used to this.

Before Maya finished her water, Emma’s intercom buzzed and she heard a throaty, “Send her in.”

Emma gestured Maya to follow her. She opened an ornate door and stepped aside.

Maya had seen photos of Colleen in industry magazines, but pictures didn't capture the sheer presence of the woman.She was tall—easily five-nine in the stilettos that brought her eye-to-eye with most men—with platinum blonde hair that fell in perfect waves to her shoulders.Her dress was emerald green silk and low cut.

"I've been looking forward to meeting you."Colleen said, extending a perfectly manicured hand.Her voice was pure honey over steel—sweet on the surface but with an underlying authority that made it clear exactly who was in charge.When Maya shook her hand, Colleen's grip was firm enough to convey strength without being aggressive.

"Thank you for the opportunity to shoot at Couture."

Colleen's office was twice the size of Maya's apartment back home in New York City.The furniture was a mix of modern and classic—a glass desk, leather chairs that looked like they belonged in a gentleman's club, and artwork that managed to be both beautiful and slightly unsettling.

"I've been following your work for some time."She gestured toward a plush share."Please sit down.I’m sure you’re eager to hear the details of the private assignment that you were selected for."

Truthfully, Colleen could tell her that Maya would be taking pictures of the bathrooms and she’d be thrilled. With what Colleen was paying and the opportunity to stay here, Maya had jumped at the chance to work at Couture. This was the hottest resort in the fashion community. It was a vacation and relaxation hub for models, designers and photographers.Colleen could have had anyone she wanted for this secret project. She had chosen Maya.

"Can I offer you anything?Coffee?Diet Coke?"

"I’m good, thanks."

“I’ll get straight to the point then.Your work is exceptional, Maya.You have an eye for capturing authentic emotion, real intimacy.That's rare in this industry."

"Thank you."

Colleen moved to the windows."I assume you've heard about Dominic Valenti's recent difficulties in Milan?"

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