Page 1 of I’d Be Honored

ONE

HAYLEY MADDOX LOVED BEING ON TOP. That was why she woke up every day before sunrise, why her suit had been steamed the night before, and why she now stepped into the private elevator of Central Park Tower with the total certainty that this Monday morning was already hers for the taking.

Her pulse hammered, not from the five-mile run she’d finished before dawn, but from the crisp contract tucked inside her designer bag. In less than an hour, she’d hand over the keys to a twenty-six-million-dollar condo, securing a commission that would make other New York City agents whisper her name like a myth.

As the elevator doors slid open to the eighty-second floor, it was the silence that hit Hayley first. The expensive kind of silence that only came from triple-paned glass and neighbors who owned islands.

Hayley stepped into the penthouse, taking in the view of the city’s sprawling expanse beneath her. Her empire. Her red-bottomed heels clicked in a sharp, steady cadence across the hardwood, echoing throughout the vast emptiness. She carefully set her black Birkin bag down on the quartzite countertop, admiring the stark contrast between the two. She released a slow breath.

The deal had been executed perfectly. Everything was flawless. The Maddox Group didn’t tolerate anything less, and neither did Amy Thompson.

Behind Hayley, the latch clicked.

Right on schedule, she noted.

Hayley didn’t have to turn around to recognize the calculated rhythm of those heels. Or the undercurrents of that scent—bergamot and clean linen with something sharper underneath.

“Ms. Maddox,” Amy purred, her voice low. Coy. Anticipatory.

Hayley faced her, squaring her shoulders. In front of her, Amy Thompson stood framed by the morning light, all ice-blue eyes and tailored Italian silk.

She must have a trial today.

Hayley would be willing to bet the woman could win over a jury with a single raised brow.

“Congratulations.” Hayley kept her voice smooth and professional, but a grin pulled at her lips as she leaned her hip against the cool countertop. “It’s officially all yours.”

A slow smile tugged at the corner of Amy’s mouth as her eyes scanned Hayley’s bare, toned arms.

Hayley had intentionally shed her suit jacket before her client arrived, leaving her standing in only her silk chiffon camisole.

“Oh, you know I couldn’t care less about this place,” Amy scoffed, waving one hand as she dismissed the panoramic view of Central Park and the city spread out below. “I’m here to be all yours.”

Hayley straightened and sauntered toward Amy, who stood transfixed by the swaying of her hips. As Amy reached for her, Hayley caught her wrists and deftly pinned them to Amy’s sides. She ghosted her lips across Amy’s as if to remind her what she couldn’t have.

Holding Amy’s gaze, Hayley steadily pressed her backward until the stone peninsula dug into her spine.

Amy’s shoulders slumped in submission.

Hayley fisted Amy’s long dark hair and roughly tugged her head back, exposing her neck. She traced her tongue along the open expanse of skin and gently dug her teeth in near Amy’s racing pulse. Hayley knew exactly how much pressure she could use without leaving a mark that might lead to complications later.

“I want you inside of me,” Amy gasped, pleading.

Hayley’s lips hovered beside her ear. “Did I ask?”

A shiver erupted through Amy as she clenched her jaw.

“Turn around,” Hayley instructed, releasing her grip.

Amy complied, her palms now flat atop the polished quartzite and her breath growing desperate.

Hayley skimmed her hands down Amy’s pristine double-breasted blazer and kept going until she found the hem of her skirt. She dragged the silk up around Amy’s waist and used the tips of her heels to nudge her client’s feet wider apart.

Hayley appreciated the delicate black lace thong for a moment before sliding it to the side and gliding her fingers through the wetness pooling beneath.

Amy let out a soft moan, and Hayley smirked. It was almost too easy.

Hayley pressed her own chest into Amy’s back, her left hand reaching under the loose fabric and cupping a swollen breast. She could feel Amy’s heartbeat racing against her palm, Amy’s chest rising and falling with uneven breaths.