Alexei, Her Russian Billionaire

They reached the courthouse and Maya turned to him. Her cheeks were red from the brisk wind but her eyes were sparkling.

“How are you feeling?”

Alexei was worn out. His shirt was stuck to his back and he was boiling. Maybe he needed a few more sessions on the treadmill. But he gave Maya a smile.

“I’m good.” He lied.

Maya’s expression said she didn’t believe him.

“We can stop for a bit if you want.” She offered. “I’ve walked New York before but it’ll be new for you.”

Alexei wanted to say he had been walking around St Petersburg before he could drive but that was ten years ago. He had been so used to driving around that he forgot about the days when he walked three miles to and from work.

Maya pointed to a hot dog stand nearby.

“Let’s stop here. We can get drinks and sit down.”

Alexei tried not to look relieved. He automatically reached for his wallet but Maya was already bringing her purse out, paying for two sodas and handing one to him before he could object. Her expression said she wasn’t going to let him pay for something when she could pay for it herself.

This was also new for Alexei. Mostly women expected him to pay. Rarely did he come across one who was independent.

They sat on a bench facing the courthouse and popped their cans. Alexei took a big gulp before he sat back and crossed his legs. His feet were thanking him for the rest but he was more focused on Maya, who sipped at her drink.

“Tell me about you.”

Maya blinked at him.

“What do you want to know?”

“How did you get started? My knowledge on American accents isn’t great but you don’t sound like you’re from the city.”

Maya laughed. She really did have a nice laugh.

“Ten years here and I still can’t get rid of the accent.”

“It’s a nice one.”

“And it’s very nice of you to lie.”

Alexei chuckled.

“Where are you from?”

“Little Rock, Arkansas.” Maya smirked. “You’ll be Googling that when you get home.”

“Possibly.”

Alexei didn’t want to admit that he had no clue where Little Rock was. He had heard of Arkansas but nothing more. He made a mental note to check. Maya sat back, her can held in her lap.

“I wanted to be a model but I’m too short. However I developed a love for photography and decided to strike out on my own once I graduated high school. Everyone wanted me to go to university and study engineering just like my parents but I wanted to do photography.” Maya shrugged. “Jenny is a New Yorker and her parents had given her an apartment but she needed a roommate to cover the rent. She chose me on Craigslist and I moved in. We both work in the same industry as photographer and makeup artist so we managed to cover the rent well. I’ve never looked back but my family is still not speaking to me.”

A sad note came into her voice and Alexei guessed this was still painful for Maya. He could understand with his family not talking to him but for different reasons.

And both reasons seemed incredibly petty.

“Have you tried talking to them?”

“Yes. At Thanksgiving.” Maya sighed. “But they’re still angry.”

“Even after all this time?”

“Even then. I’m meant to be an engineer like my family. The fact I chose to follow a dream instead of a career that could offer more stung. But photography pays well, I’ve got lots of friends, and I enjoy it.” Maya grimaced. “Can’t say the same about engineering.”

Alexei knew there was something he liked about Maya beyond her looks; she knew what she wanted and she wasn’t afraid to go after it. Much like him. That was a quality he admired in a woman.

“You should always follow your heart’s desires.” He said. “That’s what I did but I did so after I did Business Management at university. I had no idea what I wanted to do.”

Maya arched an eyebrow at him.

“So what made you choose art?”

“I don’t know. I guess I saw the money was good and owning things was more profitable than the creative side. Between my friend Ivan and myself we set up our own business. Ten years on it is thriving.”

“I saw.” Maya sipped her can. “You own a couple of modeling agencies as well. I remembered when I got home that I’ve shot a few times for your American agency. They’re nice people.”

“I’m glad.” Alexei felt the pride swell up at that. “My head agent mentioned you when I asked about you. Said you were a talent and very professional. She asked if I could ask you to work with us again when you’re free.”

Maya grinned. And Alexei’s heart momentarily stopped. God, she was lovely.

“I might just do that. She can drop me a line. My website details haven’t changed. I can put a date down when she’s got a campaign.”

“All right.”

Alexei didn’t want to go. He was enjoying himself too much even with the sore feet. But he knew Maya had work to do and he couldn’t keep her away; that wasn’t fair to anyone. Reluctantly he glanced at his watch.

“It’s getting to midday. Didn’t you say you had to be in Westchester?”

“Yes.” Maya sighed. She finished her can and crushed it, dropping it into the trash can beside her as she stood. “I’d better get going.”

Alexei jumped up.

“I can drive you there.” He offered but Maya shook her head as she zipped up her coat.

“No, it’s fine. My stuff’s in the car. I just need to drive.”

Alexei didn’t want this to end. He wanted to see her again. Maya was the first woman in a long time he had felt like he needed her around. That meant taking a big step in terms of relationships and trust but he wanted to see where it would go.

“What time do you finish?”

“No idea.” Maya frowned. “Why?”