She Mistakenly Parked in His Reserved Spot. Not Knowing He Was a Billionaire Who’d Fall For Her Soon
An Unexpected Encounter
Maya Reynolds slammed her car door shut, gripping her tote bag as she rushed across the parking garage. She was already ten minutes late for her job interview. The last thing she needed was to waste time circling for a spot.
The only available space was marked reserved, but she had no choice. She parked her beat-up sedan, took a deep breath, and sprinted toward the elevator. What she didn’t know was that the spot belonged to Vince Callaway.
He was a man who never tolerated inconvenience. He was used to control. In just a few minutes, he was about to be very, very irritated. Vince Callaway strode into the underground parking garage.
His sharp gaze immediately locked onto the old, dented car sitting in his reserved space. He exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Unbelievable,” he muttered.
This was his building, his empire, and his rules. Someone had decided those rules applied to everyone except them. His driver, Marcus, stood beside him looking equally unimpressed.
“Want me to have it towed?”
Vince didn’t answer immediately. He was in a foul mood already. His morning meeting had been a disaster, and now this. He strode toward the car, noting the worn-out tires and the scratches on the door.
Whoever owned this mess on wheels had left in a hurry.
“No,” he finally said. “I want to know who thought this was a good idea.”
Maya sat stiffly in the small office, her palms damp with anxiety.
“I’m sorry, Miss Reynolds, but we’ve already filled the position.”
The hiring manager had barely looked at her before delivering the rejection. It didn’t matter that she had the qualifications. It didn’t matter that she had rushed here, parked illegally, and prayed for an opportunity.
She had nothing to show for it. Deflated, she trudged back to the parking garage, reaching for her keys. She realized a man was standing beside her car. He had his arms crossed, looking like he was ready to start a war.
Her stomach dropped. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and wearing a dark, impossibly expensive suit. It probably cost more than her entire year’s rent. His blue eyes were sharp, assessing her like she was some kind of calculated risk.
“Is this your car?”
His voice was deep and smooth, but laced with irritation. Maya swallowed.
“Um, yes.”
Vince let out a slow breath as if trying to control his annoyance.
“You parked in my spot.”
It took her a second to process what he’d said.
“Oh! Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t… I mean, I was late for an interview and there were no other spots and—”
He held up a hand, cutting her off.
“I don’t care about your excuses.”
Maya bristled.
“I just apologized.”
Vince’s brow arched slightly, as if surprised by her tone.
“You don’t own the whole parking garage,” she added.
Then she realized that, actually, he very well might. He didn’t respond right away. Instead, he studied her. He studied her scuffed shoes, her cheap blazer, and the way she clutched her bag like it was her last lifeline.
“You were here for a job interview,” he said.
It was more of a statement than a question. Maya nodded.
“Not that it matters. I didn’t get it.”
Vince didn’t know why that bothered him. He didn’t know why he was still standing here wasting time on a stranger who had caused him a minor inconvenience.
There was something about her—something unapologetic, unpolished, and completely unaffected by his presence. He should have walked away. Instead, he did the opposite.
“What’s your background?” he asked.
Maya blinked.
“Excuse me?”
He gestured vaguely.
“What were you applying for?”
She hesitated.
“Marketing assistant.”
Vince tilted his head.
“And they turned you down?”
Maya let out a dry laugh.
“Apparently, I wasn’t what they were looking for.”
He didn’t know why he said what he said next. Maybe it was impulse, or maybe curiosity. Maybe it was the way she’d stood her ground against him when most people wouldn’t dare.
“I own this building,” he said, “and the company that rejected you.”
Maya’s jaw nearly dropped.
“Oh.”
“Come to my office tomorrow,” Vince continued. “9:00 a.m. sharp.”
Maya frowned.
“Why?”
“You wanted a marketing job.”
His lips twitched, not quite a smile, but close.
“Let’s see if you’re actually worth hiring.”
