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
