disagreed, but did not vocalize his thoughts. “So what are some of the new projects your teams are working on?”
“ADDG took the lead on an exciting project in Denver,” Addison stated. “We are designing a new ski resort. The building is going to be a replacement for the preexisting Hummingbird Lodge. In just under a year of design time, we are on target to bring the plans through the necessary variance and permitting phases and to completion.”
“Sounds like an exciting project,” Kellen admitted.
“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
