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Elegance! Was, as the name suggested, a store in the middle of the busy uptown area and catered to the indulgent rich. Wealthy women who did not glance at price tags, ones who wanted exclusivity. Maxie had done her research thoroughly and built her clientele over the years.

Now five years later, the boutique was doing exceptionally well—so much so in fact that she was toying with the idea of opening another store.

This time with affordable outfits for the upper working-class women.

Her designs were exceptional, and she had branched out into cosmetic jewelry over the last six months.

Not just beads and glass—but semi-precious stones clamped together to make the unusual and daring.

She had three people working for her—one of whom was a former buyer for a very popular department store.

Marge had brought her expertise with her and was committed and loyal.

Maxie had poured almost every cent of her inheritance into the opening of the store, leaving her parents horrified and giving dire warnings about the possibility of her failing.

She had listened to them patiently as they laid out reasons why she should reconsider and had gently told them that if she failed, she would have at least tried.

Now, they popped in every now and then to see how the place was doing. And were proud when she was written up in several fashion magazines.

She was damn proud of her accomplishment and the store was her lifeline. When things had fallen apart over the years, she had dug deep and came up with her best designs.

She would like to think that she was fulfilled. Yes, she didn't have a man, but who needs one anyway? she mused. She had her fill of romance to last her a lifetime. If one comes along then so be it. But she was certainly not going to go looking for it.

In her small and functional office, she propped her hands on her hips and looked around at the boxes the delivery person had dragged in.

The summer was at an end, and they had started to rearrange the displays.

She had always disliked when she walked into a store or peered into the window to see the lifeless faces of mannequins with clothes draped all over their shapeless bodies.

When she decided to open her store, she vowed it would be different.

And it was. Instead of mannequins, there were paintings, a table with delicately cushioned chairs.

Her designs set up on a canvas. Sprigs of freshly cut flowers in various clear-cut vases.

A welcoming atmosphere that appealed to the eye.

One could not help but be fascinated and wander in even out of curiosity.

Maxie bent down to open one of the boxes, her fingers deftly cutting through the tape as anticipation flickered in her chest. Inside lay neatly packed garments, each reflecting her vision for the upcoming fall collection: rich burgundies, deep greens, and earthy tones that seemed to whisper sophistication and comfort.

One particular dress caught her attention—a flowing wrap dress with intricate embroidery along the hem.

She held it up, letting the fabric catch the soft light filtering through her office window.

This was exactly what she had envisioned: a balance of elegance and wearability that would appeal to the clients she hoped to attract with her new venture.

But there was no time to linger. She made a note to call Marge later to discuss the launch strategy for the fall line.

Maxie had ideas about pairing the outfits with her expanding jewelry collection—a bold necklace here, a delicate bracelet there.

It was all about creating an experience, about making her customers feel not just fashionable but uniquely themselves.

With a satisfied nod, she moved on to the next box, the gears in her mind already turning.

Perhaps this new store wouldn't just be about clothes or jewelry.

Perhaps it could be a space where women could come to feel empowered.

Maxie smiled to herself as she imagined it: a place where stories were shared, connections formed, and individuality celebrated. But for now, there was work to be done.

She was elbow deep inside another box when she looked up and saw Debra standing just inside the doorway, an awed expression on her plain face. Stifling a sigh at the interruption, she rose and put away the box.

"Problems?"

The woman shook her head, dark brown eyes sparkling. "We have a celebrity in the store."

"It would not be the first time." Forcing herself to be patient, she crossed the room. "Is anyone seeing to the client?"

"Marge took over when I started towards her." There was a pout on her lips as she trailed beside Maxie. "As if I don't know how to handle an important client."

Maxie touched her arm briefly to stop her. "All our clients are important. Please bear that in mind."

"Of course. But—"

"Marie Sato." The recognition was instant and before she could recover, she saw him. He was standing just inside the doorway, a phone glued to his ear, a frown touching his brow.

"Wait! Isn't that—"

"Kai Tanaka."

Marjorie's eyes went wide. "He's even more gorgeous than his photos," she whispered.

Turning to the woman, Maxie took the time to compose herself and had to get rid of the urge to just rush back to her office and slam the door shut. What are the damn odds? she thought dazedly.

"Are you alright?"

"Yes. I need you to start taking the pocketbooks from the top shelves and put them inside the glass case. We're going to need the space."

Even though she looked disappointed, Marjorie nodded. With one last lingering look at the man standing by the door, she left.

Squaring her shoulders, Maxie went forward to greet the actress who was sighing over a navy-blue dress with red, green, and purple flowers cleverly stitched into the bodice.

Giving the petite woman an assessing look and calling on all of her professionalism, Maxie took over while Marge went to deal with two more customers.

"I think it would look great on you," she told the woman sincerely, hating the fall of straight black hair and creamy complexion.

There was no doubt she was beautiful. Her almond-shaped dark eyes dominated her exotic face and her makeup was flawless.

One delicate hand with blush red nails, drifted over the fabric reverently.

"I agree with you." She looked towards the man who was still talking on his phone.

"If only he would finish the call." There was a note of exasperation in her soft husky voice. "Darling."

Keeping her back turned, Maxie felt her muscles tensing and knew instinctively that he was coming towards them. She waited until the last minute to turn around and was glad she had the advantage. His steps faltered, eyes narrowing as he stared at her.

"Maxie?"

"Kai. How are you?" She hoped her voice was neutral and her expression did not reveal how much her insides were trembling.

"What—" He looked around for a minute as if noticing where he was for the first time. "This is your place."

"Yes."

The woman who had been admiring the dress sensed instinctively that something was happening, something she was not a part of. Moving forward, she linked her hand through his arm and snuggled.

"You two know each other."

"Yes," Maxie murmured hastily before he could respond. "We went to high school together."

She did not miss the tightness of his lips as she downplayed what they had shared. Turning to Marie, she offered a friendly, professional smile.

"If you would like to try the dress on—"

"I'm not certain I'm still interested." The light of excitement had been replaced by speculation as she studied Maxie. Apparently what she saw did not please her at all. Turning to the man she was clinging to, she declared that she wanted to leave. "We have the reservation—"

"Wait for me in the car."

"Darling—"

The look he sliced her with had the desired effect. Giving Maxie a hateful look, she flounced away.

"Maxie—"

"It's nice to see you again." Glancing at her watch, she pressed her lips together. "I really have to run."

"I need to talk to you."

"About what?" She pinned the smile in place, aware that people were giving them curious looks.

Or it might be the fact that Kai Tanaka, looking dangerously handsome in all black was standing inside her store.

His hair was different, superbly cut with not a strand out of place.

In the ten years, he had grown even taller, his body whipcord lean.

His eyes were the same intense black that seemed to look right through her.

"We have nothing to say to each other. Now, if you don't mind—"

She forced herself to stay there while his hand curled around her elbow to stop her from leaving.

"Kai, let go." Her voice was low but firm, though her heart raced as his grip tightened ever so slightly. His presence seemed to suck the air out of the room, and she hated the way her body betrayed her, remembering too much.

As if realizing they were attracting attention, he released her and stepped back. "I need to see you."

"We have nothing to say to each other."

Without waiting for his response, she turned on her heels and walked back to her office.

Shutting the door, she leaned against it, fighting the nerves and trying to steady her shaking limbs.

Pressing a hand on her chest, she breathed in and out slowly.

Her flesh burned where he had touched her, and she could still smell his spicy cologne.

She had been on her way to the bank and had decided to deal with the delivery first. Closing her eyes, she wished fervently that she had stuck to her original plan.

"We're supposed to be having lunch," Marie protested when he simply came around to help her out.

"I have a meeting that I must attend." He hated explaining himself and it showed. "The reservation's already made. Now, I really have to go."