Five Star Desire

Members of upper-level management slowly filled the room. Addison turned her attention to the meeting agenda.

Reluctantly, her thoughts traveled back to Kellen. When his gaze landed on her, he seemed to be trying to look inside her soul, which is what prompted Addison to break eye contact with him and leave so abruptly. It was really ridiculous, the kind of tension his very presence wrought inside her. She was extremely aware of Kellen’s maleness, when she needed to look at him as just another employee.

She didn’t know why, but she had a feeling her life was about to change dramatically. Addison just wasn’t sure if it would change for the good or the bad.

Chapter 2

Barbara walked outside to the patio where Kellen sat staring out at the picturesque landscape of the backyard and Olympic-size pool.

Feeling his mother’s presence, he glanced up but said nothing.

“How was your first day at ADDG? You got in so late last night, I didn’t get a chance to talk to you.”

“Spent most of the day in orientation,” Kellen responded drily. “I was able to get my office set up. I unpacked all of my books and magazines. I guess you could say that it was a good first day.”

She sat in the empty lounge chair beside him. “Honey, I know you’re disappointed about the management position, but your father made the right decision.”

He gave her a sidelong look. “Somehow I figured you would agree with him.”

She seemed taken aback by his response. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Exactly what I just said,” Kellen responded. He was careful not to sound disrespectful. “Mom, you rarely disagree with Dad over anything. So this doesn’t surprise me that you’d side with him on this, too. Allies must present a united front, after all.”

“Son, I’m not siding with anyone,” Barbara stated. “In case you have forgotten, I’ve been in business for a while. If the decision had been mine to make—I would’ve made the same one.”

“I’ve done everything I could to earn your trust.” Kellen sighed in resignation. “What else do I need to do?”

“Nothing,” she responded.

Barbara’s warm brown eyes bored into his as she folded her hands in her lap—hands that were now adorned with a new wedding set. “This is not about trust, Kellen. This is a business decision and not a personal one. The fact that you haven’t realized this confirms that you are not ready for such a position.”

Kellen’s mouth tightened in response. He glanced over at the ring on his mother’s finger and said, “Blaze and I helped Dad pick that ring for you. I knew how much you loved emerald-cut diamonds.”

She smiled. “I figured as much. Malcolm would’ve just picked something more extravagant.”

“The one he had in mind was nice, but I told him that you wouldn’t like it.”

She reached over and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. “Son, keep an open mind. Learn the ropes and—”

“And maybe one day my chance will come,” Kellen finished for her. He rose to his feet. “Got it.”

“Don’t you dare walk away from me, young man.”

He turned to face his mother. “I’m not trying to be disrespectful, but I just don’t have anything else to say.”

Barbara merely raised an elegant eyebrow. “Fine,” she responded firmly. “Then we don’t need to discuss this anymore. It is what it is and you will have to adjust. Kellen, I know that you will because you are your father’s son.”

He glared at her, and she stared him down.

* * *

Addison met her best friend, Tia Browning, for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory in Beverly Hills. She had called her a week ago to tell her about the new position.

Dressed in a fashionable red-and-black pantsuit, Tia stood outside the restaurant waiting for her to cross the street. She switched her red leather tote from her left shoulder to her right.

“Hey, lady,” Addison greeted her with a smile.

They embraced.

“Congratulations on your promotion to director,” Tia said. “Girl, I’m so happy for you.”

Addison broke into a grin. “Thank you. I have to confess that I didn’t really think I’d get the job.”

“Dinner’s on me tonight,” Tia stated. “I just got a huge bonus from work so we’re celebrating.”

“A bonus. Congratulations to you.”

They were seated a few minutes later.

“I’m really excited about this new role,” Addison stated as she picked up her menu. “The only thing I’m a little nervous about is that a member of the Alexander family is working under me.”

“Really?” Tia pushed her menu to the side and leaned forward. “Which one?”

“Kellen,” she responded. “He’s the youngest son.”

A waitress who identified herself as Paula greeted them warmly as she pulled out a pen and paper to take their drink selections.

When she walked away, Tia continued their conversation. “I read somewhere that he was away at college on the East Coast.”

Addison picked up her menu. “He graduated last June and now he wants to join the family business.”

“Are you going to be able to concentrate with such a gorgeous man like that around? Girl, I have to tell you—that is one good-looking family.”

She chuckled. “He’s going to be my employee, Tia. Besides, I’m five years older than him.”

Paula reappeared with drinks for them. After setting them down on the table, she pulled out a pen and pad to write down their orders.

She disappeared around a corner and into a nearby wait station.

Tia took a sip of her wine. “I don’t know if I could do it.”

Addison laughed. “Regardless of how handsome he is, I’m not at all interested in mixing my love life with my business. You know that only leads to trouble.”

“There are quite a few workplace romances that work out.”

“I don’t know of any.”

“Yeah, you say that now...”