Everything He Wants: Claimed by The Billionaire by Jade Maxwell Page A

six foot three, he was nearly a foot taller than she. His hand was warm, large and seemed to envelop hers.
         "Roderick Channing. I normally leave personnel matters up to my assistant, Ms. Emerson. But since this involves my mother, I felt it best to speak with you directly. "
         "Shall we?" He had said, extending his hand and after a brief hesitation, she followed him, as they wound through the foyer past his beautiful antique furniture, priceless oil paintings, high vaunted ceilings and Waterford crystal chandeliers.
         She'd been in expensive homes before but this home was unlike anything she had seen before. Surely it must rival the mansion of Bill Yates, the iconic billionaire who was rumored to reside nearby.
         As they sat in his study, Roderick explained to her that his mother, Sarah, had a congenital heart condition. That she wasn't as mobile as she used to be and was now using a cane, much to the independent seniors' chagrin. She would need to be monitored regularly, although she might be resistant.
         "My mother hates to be restricted in any way. She's always been an independent woman. It pains her to even have to use a cane.”
         Laila had recorded the information and requested to speak with his mother's regular physician as well.
         "I'll need to follow up with her primary care physician, as soon as possible."
         "My assistant, Ms. Emerson, will see to it."
         Being confident in Laila's credentials and capabilities, Roderick had reviewed the very generous terms of the assignment with Laila.
         “The position pays $20,000 per month plus any relocation fees. I trust that you will find this satisfactory? "
         "It's very generous," Laila conceded.
         "Well, I want only the best for Mother and you've come highly recommended, Ms. McKay." He smiled warmly and Laila tried not to find herself drowning in his eyes, green with flecks of grey that were so intense, completely captivating. Stay focused , she warned herself.
         "Laila, she corrected him. Call me Laila." She hoped he didn't notice that she had been staring or at least would pretend not to notice. She wasn't used to someone having such an unnerving effect on her, stirring up such an incredible myriad of emotions.
         “Before I make my decision, I would like to meet your mother, if possible."
         "Of course. Please, follow me."
         As he stood, Laila couldn't help but notice his well toned physique and ass. Whatever cologne he was wearing suited him. It smelled spicy, masculine, intoxicating. At that moment she probably would have followed him into battle, if he'd asked her to.
          They returned to the foyer then continued to his great room, where Laila waited briefly before Sarah Channing appeared. Once she met her proposed client, it sealed the deal. With long silver hair wrapped in a chignon, high cheekbones and smooth unlined skin the color of amaretto, Sarah Channing was undeniably lovely and looked a decade younger than her sixty five years. She also possessed a wonderful sense of humor and an affable demeanor that immediately made Laila feel at ease. So Laila said yes, without equivocation.
        She was to report the following week for duty after she returned to her condominium near San Diego. This would enable her to make arrangements for the assignment of indefinite term. Laila assumed that the assignment would be interesting. She could have never imagined just how much.

Chapter 2
         As she settled into her new assignment, Laila found that it wasn’t the elder Channing who presented the greatest challenge. Every time that Laila saw Roderick Channing, the attraction had been utterly palpable. Her heart seemed to quicken, her mouth suddenly dry. Yet her innermost parts felt moist. Did Roderick Channing feel the sudden infusion of heat, too ? She wondered. But she dismissed such a notion. He was her boss, after all.