Five Star Desire

“Your job will entail developing structural renderings starting from conceptual to detailed design stage using 3D AutoCAD and Personal Development Management System.”

He patted the backpack on his right shoulder. “I can’t wait to get started.”

Their eyes met and held.

She released a soft sigh, although he couldn’t tell if the sigh was of relief or apprehension. “I’m certainly glad to hear that,” Addison replied as she headed back toward the door. “I have to get to a meeting, but I’ll check on you later.”

Her steps were brisk and abrupt, almost as if she couldn’t wait to get away from him. Kellen reminded himself that no matter how beautiful she was, Addison Evans was a mystery he definitely didn’t need to explore.

* * *

Kellen carried with him an energy that seemed to pulse in the air around him, an energy that seductively drew her to him. Addison escaped into a conference room. But it was the way he stood, his head cocked to one side, an air of confidence about him which drew her like a moth to a flame. Maybe it was because she’d isolated herself for the past six months that Kellen touched a chord inside her.

She checked her watch.

Her meeting wasn’t scheduled to start for another ten minutes, but she needed time to regain her senses.

Addison cast her gaze outside the window, where a light breeze stirred the trees. She always loved the spring season, before the summer heat tightened its grip on Los Angeles.

As she heard the door open and then close, her thoughts snapped back to work.

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...”

“I’m serious. I don’t want to deal with any drama in the office if things don’t work out. It’s not professional, either.”

“I don’t know, girlfriend. Kellen Alexander looks exactly like your type.”

“He may look like my type, but I’m not letting him get anywhere near me outside of work. I intend to focus on my job.”

“Tell me that after you’ve worked with him for about three months,” Tia said with a grin.

“There’s a fine line between romance and sexual harassment,” Addison stated.

“I doubt that Kellen is going to consider suing you.”

She took a sip of her iced tea. “I’m not taking any chances.”

“Like I said,” Tia uttered, placing her napkin across her lap as their food arrived. “Three months from now, we’ll see if you feel the same way.”

“I was once told that I’d never be CEO of a major corporation because I didn’t go for the jugular,” Addison stated. “At the time, I took that to mean I wasn’t tough enough, that I didn’t have what it took to play the power games at any cost. Well, he was right at the time. Other things were equally important to me and I did not want to spend my life—every waking moment—thinking about business and the power games I would have to play to make it in the big leagues. Then my mother died and everything changed for me. Tia, I’m not about to let Kellen Alexander destroy all the hard work it took to get where I am.”

* * *

Kellen was still upset over the job situation, and for the moment, he did not want to be anywhere near his parents. However, it was unavoidable because he was living in their house. This morning, he purposely stayed in his room until he knew they were gone. He knew that his parents religiously went on an early-morning stroll daily.

He was surprised to see Zaire seated at the breakfast table when he entered the kitchen. Kellen had no idea that his sister was there. He didn’t have dinner at home last night and had stayed out until he was sure his parents had retired for the evening.

“Good morning,” she said brightly.

“What’s so good about it?” he grumbled as he dropped down in the seat across from her. “What are you doing here, anyway? Don’t you have a house of your own? I know your husband is back in town. I talked to him last night.”

“What’s wrong with you?” Zaire asked, wearing a frown on her face. “I know you’re not a morning person, but you’re usually not so snappy. As for why I’m here—Mom and I are going shopping for the nursery.”

“I’m sorry,” Kellen responded. “I didn’t mean to snap at you like that. I’m just in a bad mood.” He and Zaire had shared an apartment while they were in grad school. She graduated a couple of years before him and decided to start a business of her own. She and Dreyden were the only two of his siblings that opted not to work in the family business.

“Clearly.” Zaire poured a glass of orange juice and then took a sip. “Why don’t you tell me what’s going on with you?”

“You know how badly I wanted the Special Projects Director position. Well, Dad gave it to someone else.”

She wiped her mouth on the edge of her napkin. “I told you that might happen, Kellen.”

“I really didn’t think Dad would do that to me.”

Zaire passed him the pitcher of orange juice. “You really shouldn’t take this so personally.”

“I can’t help it,” he responded as he poured the orange liquid into a glass. “This just shows me that Dad doesn’t think I can handle a position like that. Sorry, but I’m insulted.”

She reached for a slice of bacon and placed it on her plate. “Have you talked to Dad about your feelings?”

Kellen shook his head. “No. There’s no point, Zaire. He’s already made up his mind.”

She gave him a sympathetic look. “I’m sorry.”

He shrugged in nonchalance, then busied himself fixing a plate of food.

Zaire stated, “I’m glad you’re here because I’d like to talk to you about Dreyden.” She wiped her mouth with a napkin again. “I think there’s something going on with our brother.”

“I feel the same way,” Kellen responded. “I’m worried about him.”

“He’s losing so much weight, and he doesn’t seem to eat as much as he normally does. That’s totally not like Dreyden. That man loves to eat.”

“Did you say anything to him?”

Zaire nodded. “He just brushed me off by saying that he’s fine.”

“He did the same to me,” Kellen stated.

“I’m going to talk to Mama.” She finished off her bacon. “Maybe she can find out what’s wrong with him.”

“She may already know but just doesn’t want to betray Dreyden’s confidence.”

“You’re right, but I’m still going to say something to her.” Zaire took a sip of her juice. “How do you like the job so far?”

“It’s okay. I’ve just been doing some shadowing,” Kellen responded. He sampled the scrambled eggs.

“You don’t sound excited at all.”

“I’m not,” he replied truthfully. “You wouldn’t be excited either if you had to watch others doing what you want to do.”

“Kellen, I better not hear you complaining of having too much work or feeling overwhelmed in a few months, because I’m going to remind you of this conversation.”

“I won’t, Zaire. I have a job and I’m grateful, but I would like to at least do what I’ve been hired to do.”

“You need to learn patience.”

“I am,” he countered. “That’s why I took the job.”

“Kellen, I have to be honest with you. Your attitude really sucks,” Zaire stated. “I certainly hope you’re not going into the office like this.”

He considered her words. “You’re right. I’m going about this the wrong way.”

“It’s okay to be disappointed, but you can’t let those feelings take over.”

Kellen nodded in agreement. “I hear what you’re saying.”

“So what are you getting Harold and Amy for a wedding gift?” she asked.

He shrugged in nonchalance. “I don’t know. I haven’t even looked at the registry. I’ll probably just give them a gift card. What are you getting them?” Kellen finished off his toast.

“I am struggling with that, actually. The man is rich and has everything. I don’t have a clue what to get them.”

“Maybe we should ask Livi for some suggestions. I’m sure she’s come across some trinkets during her last buying trip.”

“Kellen, that’s a great idea. I’ll give her a call this morning.”

He finished off his breakfast, and then pushed away from the table. “I guess I’d better head to work.”

“Try and have a good day.”

“I’ll give it a shot.” Kellen broke into a grin. “You have a good one, too.”

Ten minutes later, he was in the car and driving into Los Angeles. He had a couple of technical training classes on his agenda for today. Kellen didn’t mind the training sequence; he enjoyed it. However, it was his appetite, making him hungry to get started on a project.

Might as well get this out of my mind, he thought. Addison was not going to allow him to work on anything until after he completed his training sequence.

She’d announced that she would not be in the office today until after lunch because she had a couple of off-site meetings. Kellen felt a thread of disappointment. He appreciated beauty and she was one stunning woman.

Addison was all business, though. Normally, he knew within minutes if he’d made a connection with a woman. Kellen could tell when a woman was attracted to him, but with his boss—he couldn’t get a good read on her.

Not that he was looking to have a relationship with her. Kellen didn’t really want to deal with problems on the job that a liaison could bring.

Chapter 3

By the time Saturday arrived, Kellen was more than ready to enjoy the weekend after a week of training classes and observing his coworkers as they worked on various projects.

Harold and Amy’s wedding would be a great distraction.

A few years ago his family had been an embarrassment to their DePaul relatives, but they had finally managed to come together. Kellen was grateful. His father had often told them that they were stronger as a family. He agreed.

As a team, Malcolm and Harold were a force to be reckoned with. Harold had great ideas and vision for the future. It was Harold’s idea to expand the Alexander-DePaul brand into other countries.

He gazed at the two-story, Cape Cod-style venue overlooking the ocean with an architect’s eye. Harold and Amy had chosen the Swan Manor in Manhattan Beach for their wedding. It was the perfect choice for them, Kellen decided after overhearing his mother say the couple favored beautiful gardens and the beach.

He followed the stream of guests to the back of the house where cocktails were being served by a waitstaff dressed in black pants and bow ties with crisp, white shirts, amid bougainvillea, koi ponds and lush greenery. Kellen glimpsed the Pacific Ocean in the backdrop of the garden.

“This is very nice,” Kellen heard Zaire remark. She and her husband arrived within seconds of him and Dreyden.

“Leave it to Harold to invite any and everyone on L.A.’s social register.” He took a sip of his wine.

Dreyden chuckled. “Looks like he invited all of Hollywood, as well.”

Kellen agreed. “The big jewels are definitely out of the safe today, and there is more couture out here than on the entire third floor of Neiman Marcus.”

When time drew near for the ceremony to start, Kellen and his family made their way inside one of the elegant banquet rooms that was filled with light from French windows.

His mother dazzled in a royal purple Oscar de la Renta gown. Sage mingled nearby in a black-and-white Ralph Rucci haute couture gown from Paris while Zaire wore a turquoise-colored gown designed by Vera Wang with Cartier turquoise-and-diamond jewels.

Livi was the matron of honor. She walked up, looking lovely in a champagne gown with a train. “Has Blaze arrived?”

“I haven’t seen him,” Kellen responded.

“He should be here by now.”

“Did you try to call him?”

She nodded. “It’s going to voice mail.”

He could see that she was worried, so Kellen told her, “You go back and tend to the bride, Livi. I’ll hunt down your husband.”

Her lips turned upward. “Thanks.”

Blaze arrived ten minutes later. “I heard there’s supposed to be around seven hundred people at the wedding.”

“Your wife was looking for you,” Kellen stated. “You should call her.”

He looked concerned. “Was she upset?”

Kellen laughed. “No...just worried.”

“I left my phone at home,” Blaze explained.

Kellen pulled out his phone. “Call Livi and let her know that you’re here. She’s dealing with enough, I would imagine, as the matron of honor.”

Blaze agreed.

“Hey, baby, I’m here. I left my phone at the house by accident.”

Kellen walked away to give Blaze some privacy as he talked to his wife. Mostly all of his siblings had found love, and he was happy for them. At this point in his life, he was not looking for a serious relationship. He wanted to focus on his career.

Inside the lavish mansion, Kellen noted that three large banquet rooms were converted into three distinct and equally chic rooms: one resembled a Parisian backdrop for the ceremony, another served as a luxury lounge and the third was the massive grand ballroom where the reception would be held. Golden lovebirds were situated among thousands of votive candles throughout.

Kellen sat down beside Dreyden, pulling at his bow tie. “I can’t wait to get out of this tuxedo.”

“I know what you mean.”

Guests were seated while being entertained by a harpist.

Kellen and Dreyden were joined by the rest of their family and DePaul relatives, taking up the first five rows on the groom’s side.

Near boredom, he released a soft sigh when the processional began.

Twelve bridesmaids. Kellen hoped whoever he married didn’t want a high-society wedding. He preferred something short and simple. He never understood why people wanted to spend so much money on a ceremony that lasted thirty to forty-five minutes at most.

Once the bride made a dramatic entrance, the ceremony didn’t take long, much to Kellen’s relief.

In the ballroom, after the pastor gave the blessing, more than a hundred perfectly choreographed attendants served dinner. After the bride and groom finished eating, they navigated around the room, pausing at each table to greet their guests.

When they reached Kellen and Dreyden, both men stood up.

“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. DePaul,” Kellen stated as he gave Amy a hug.

“Thank you,” they said in unison.

Dreyden embraced her and said, “Keep this man in line.”

“Don’t worry, she does,” Harold responded with a big grin. “I’m glad you all could be here to share this day with us.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it.”

Dreyden nodded in agreement.

The happy couple moved on to Zaire and Tyrese, who were seated at the same table along with Sage and Ryan.

“They really look good together,” Kellen said in a low voice. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Harold so happy.”

“She’s good for him,” Dreyden responded.

Harold’s sister, Meredith, walked over with her husband. “Hello, cousins.” Kellen hadn’t had a chance to speak with her until now because she was also a bridesmaid in the wedding.

He broke into a smile. “Marriage looks good on you both. I’m sorry I couldn’t be here for your wedding.”

“You were in the middle of your exams. We understood,” Meredith told him. “Thank you for the beautiful gift you sent.”

They talked a few minutes more before joining his siblings at the table. Dreyden and Kellen walked over to the bar to get something to drink.

“You know the pressure is about to increase for you to find a wife,” Kellen told his brother.

Dreyden laughed. “What about you? You’re single.”

“I’m just starting out in my career, though. You have your own business and your own place. Sorry, but the focus is going to be on you, bro.”

“I’m not seeing anyone seriously, so it might be a while.”

Kellen laughed. “Mom’s going to be so disappointed.”

His brother chuckled.

The band, La Chapelle Rhénane Orchestra from Paris, kept the dance floor packed all night long.

Kellen finished the last of his champagne. “You know...I don’t think I’ve ever seen Harold dance.”

Dreyden glanced over at his brother and said, “It’s his wedding day. He’s having a good time.”

“So what’s going on with your love life?” he asked Dreyden. “I can’t believe you haven’t met anyone special.”

“I’ve been so inundated with work that I haven’t had time to build a relationship. However, there is this girl that I think is special. She’s a workaholic just like I am. Only she’s in Hong Kong. Her job transferred her there eight months ago.”

“Bro, you need some downtime.”

“I know. I am going to take some time off in a couple of months. I’m thinking about going to Hong Kong.”

“I think you should, especially if she’s special to you,” Kellen advised.

“If I do that, I’m not sure I’ll have a restful vacation.”

He laughed. “I guess you’re right about that.”

“What about you?” Dreyden inquired. “Have you left anyone special behind in Atlanta?”

Kellen shook his head. “I’m not looking to get serious with anybody. I want to get my career on track first.”

He accepted a second glass of champagne from a passing waiter. “There is a sea of gorgeous women here,” he said. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen so many in one place like this.”

Dreyden agreed.

They stopped to chat with a couple of friends who were in attendance. Kellen smiled at the daughter of the couple he was conversing with. She smiled back and gave a little wave, but it was Dreyden who seemed to have captured her attention.

When they walked away, he said, “She was pretty. I saw the way she kept looking at you.”

Dreyden chuckled. “Maybe I should ask her to dance.”

“I think you should,” Kellen encouraged. “Go on...have fun.”

He watched his brother make his way back over to the young woman. They made their way to the dance floor.

“What’s this?” Blaze asked as he joined Kellen at his table. “I guess Dreyden’s feeling much better. He’s out there dancing.”

“He needs to have some fun. The man does nothing but work.”

“What about you? When was the last time you had a date?”

“It’s been a while,” Kellen responded. “I didn’t want to be tied to anyone since I was moving out here right after graduation.”

“So you’re ready to break some hearts in Los Angeles.”

He grinned. “I’m definitely not going to get mine broken.”