Page 18 of Worth the Risk
“Anyway, I had help from Tito Ricky. And a lot of coffee.” She pulls out another document. “I also found something interesting about the Anderson Project.”
“What kind of interesting?”
Before she can answer, an older woman walks by with a tray of golden-brown bread rolls. Without asking, she places two beside Maya’s coffee and gives me a curious once-over before smiling.
“Salamat po, Tita Josie,” Maya calls after her, then pushes one of the rolls toward me. Our fingers brush as I accept it, and neither of us pulls away immediately.
“You should try it,” she says, voice slightly breathless. “She makes the best pan de sal in the city.”
I take a bite, and the warm sweetness grounds me. “It’s incredible.”
“The kind where your luxury condos are planned two blocks from the new Metro expansion,” Maya continues, sliding a city planning document across the table. “Transit-oriented development gets significant tax incentives and expedited permitting. But only if the project includes community amenities.”
I study the Metro timeline while processing this information and trying not to think about how Maya’s fingers felt against mine.
“The delays that spooked investors could actually increase the development’s long-term value,” I say.
“Exactly.” Maya leans forward, excitement animating her features. “While other developers are backing away, Pierce Enterprises could position itself as forward-thinking. When theMetro opens, you’ll have the only major development ready to capitalize.”
The passion in her voice is magnetic. Everything about Maya Navarro is magnetic, which is becoming a serious problem for my professional judgment.
“And community amenities like Highland would be exactly what transit riders need,” she continues.
I chew slowly, considering the implications while watching the way sunlight from Highland’s windows catches the gold flecks in her dark eyes. “So you’re suggesting we incorporate Highland into the Anderson Project as the community amenity component?”
“It would give Pierce Enterprises the tax benefits and expedited permits you need while ensuring Highland survives. Not just survives—thrives with proper funding and infrastructure improvements.”
I stare at the documents, realizing Maya has handed me a development strategy that could save Highland while increasing Pierce Enterprises’ profit margins. In two weeks, she’s accomplished what my development team missed entirely.
“This is impressive,” I admit.
Maya’s smile is tentative. “So you think it could work?”
“I think it’s worth exploring.” I take another bite of pan de sal, using the moment to consider the political implications. “The numbers would need to work, and there would be questions about control, about Highland’s independence.”
And there would definitely be questions from Harrison, who’s been increasingly suspicious about the time I’m spendinghere. But sitting in Highland’s warm morning light, listening to children’s laughter from other rooms, the thought of demolishing this place feels wrong in ways I didn’t expect.
“What are you thinking?” Maya asks.
“I’m thinking it’s a brilliant plan.” I meet her eyes. “I’m also thinking this collaboration is getting complicated.”
Her cheeks flush pink. “Complicated how?”
Before I can answer—before I can make the mistake of being completely honest—my phone buzzes.
“I need to ask you something,” I say instead, setting the phone aside. “And I need you to answer honestly.”
Her expression grows wary. “Okay.”
“Do you trust me?”
Maya studies my face for a long moment. “I want to,” she says finally. “But trust isn’t something I give easily, especially to someone whose company wants to demolish my father’s legacy.”
“What would it take?”
“Time. And proof that you mean what you say about finding solutions for everyone.”
“How do I prove that?”
