Kimberly grabbed Robyn’s arm as she rushed past. “I thought I would come lend a hand. What can I do?”
“I have it under control.”
Kimberly glanced around at the upheaval surrounding her and raised an eyebrow.
“Kim, the event isn’t until 1:00 p.m. and it’s only...” she said, glancing down at her watch. “Nine. We have plenty of time to arrange the tables and the decor according to the vision I created in the presentation.”
“You can never have too much help,” Kimberly replied. “And remember how important this presentation is for us.”
“I’m well aware.”
Kimberly sensed Robyn’s annoyance with her constant questioning. At times it was hard to separate their friendship from work, but she wouldn’t be doing her job if she didn’t stay on top of her staff. “Where’s Gabby?”
“In the kitchen with the pastry chef,” Robyn answered as she rifled through a box. “They’re putting the finishing touches on the miniature dessert display.”
“Excellent, so what can I do?” Even though she was general manager, Kimberly wasn’t above getting her hands dirty if things needed to get done. To her, that was the sign of a good manager.
“Well, if you must do something,” Robyn said with an exasperated sigh, “why don’t you get started with the display of gift boxes I’ve created for the registration desk outside.”
“No problem.” Kim walked into the hall to the large table they had set up outside. There was an array of gift boxes and various giveaways. She took off her jacket, draped it over the back of one of the chairs and dug in.
She was knee-deep in stuffing the gift boxes with chocolates and one-of-a-kind charm bracelets from their on-site jeweler that she didn’t see Jack approach until he was standing right in front of her. Her pulse suddenly leaped with excitement. There was no denying the spark of attraction toward him. She was trying her best to ignore it, but it was hard not to be excited when the man was obviously interested in her. She hadn’t had the time or inclination for male company in a long time. So if she was honest with herself, it was nice to be wanted.
Jack was dressed casually in white linen trousers and a matching shirt, which highlighted his coffee-colored skin.
“What are you doing here?” she blurted out. Shouldn’t he be relaxing by the pool at this early hour? Why was he at the Plaza?
“Good morning to you, too.”
“I’m sorry.” She’d completely forgotten her manners. “Good morning. But the question is still on the table.”
“Is the ballroom off-limits?” Jack inquired. “Because I thought guests were welcome throughout the hotel grounds.”
Well, he’d just put her in her place. “I’m sorry.” How was she apologizing again in the span of a few seconds? “You’re right, of course. It’s just that we— I mean I don’t see guests in the ballroom foyer unless they’re part of the event.”
“And do you have an event coming up?”
She nodded. “This area will be closed off for a private event this afternoon.”
“Sounds exciting. Who’s it for? Or can’t you tell?”
Kimberly glanced around. It couldn’t hurt to share her excitement with Jack. It wasn’t as if he was involved in any way with the Dunham Foundation. “We have a presentation with a representative from the Dunham Foundation.”
“You do?” He glanced down the hall in each direction. “Are they here now?”
“Oh, no.” Kimberly shook her head. “Do you think I would be this calm right now with all there is to do?” She inclined her head to the mess of gift boxes and miscellaneous items on the table.
He appeared to breathe a sigh of relief before he said, “I guess not. Do you need any help?”
Before she could say no, Jack was already coming behind the table to sit next to her. “So what are we doing here?” he asked as he surveyed the assortment of items.
“We’re putting candy and jewelry in each gift box. Then we’re wrapping it up in a bow, like this.” She demonstrated one box to him. “But you really don’t have to do this.”
“I know I don’t have to, but I want to, so just accept that you have my company until it’s over.”
He didn’t know what he was asking of her or how hard it would be to sit beside him and act as if she was unaffected. He smelled woodsy and earthy and she just could breathe him in all day long. Instead she continued packing the goody boxes.
“Are you familiar with the Dunham Foundation?” she asked, trying to get her mind off him and on to other neutral topics.
He turned to her sharply. “Why do you ask?”
“Oh, it just sounded like you were familiar with them.”
“I’ve heard of them.” He reached for a box and began stuffing.
“So you’re from the Los Angeles area?” Kim inquired.
“Roundabout.”
He sure wasn’t offering much information about himself. Was that what was attractive about him, the air of mystery surrounding him? “You’ve been at the Belleza for some time, but if you live nearby, why the long stay?”
He stopped stuffing boxes long enough to glance her way and smile. “Have I worn out my welcome?”
“Of course not. I love paying customers.”
“And is that all I am to you, Kimberly? A paying customer? You don’t strike me as someone afraid of taking chances. Please tell me you have the courage to admit there’s something between us?”
“Between us?” she asked with a slight edge to her voice.
He stared at her long and hard and her mouth became dry. He was calling her out, forcing her to confront what was happening between them like she’d done to Gabby. He wasn’t backing down and she was finding it harder and harder to resist him. Yes, he was a guest and although they had a strict policy of no fraternization, she couldn’t fight it anymore.
“I can’t deny there’s something between us,” she finally admitted aloud to herself and to him.
“Progress.”
He gave her a sideways glance as he returned to his task and closed the box.
She laughed and watched in surprise as he managed to tie a decent bow.
“What are we going to do about it?” He slid the finished product toward her on the table.
Should I go for it?
Her mind told her to stay away from him and play by the rules, but her body, her heart, told her to go for it and she did. “On Friday night we’re having our monthly tasting menu. You should come to the dinner. My best friend Gabrielle goes all out. It’s the highlight of her month, except perhaps today’s event because she really wants to impress the Dunhams.”
“I’ve no doubt you all will,” Jack said. “Because I’m sure you succeed at everything you do.”
“I certainly try.”
* * *
Jaxon watched Kimberly from the ballroom doorway as she moved around the room. He could see she was champing at the bit to take charge, but she’d told him outside that her friend Robyn was the event coordinator for the hotel and in charge of pulling all the trades together from the kitchen to the event staff.
Eventually she came back to him at the door. “Robyn has everything under control here,” she said. “So I think I’ll go to the kitchen and check in on Gabrielle and then head to the main lobby so I’m prepared when Hayley Dunham comes.”
Jaxon swallowed. His little sister was coming to the Belleza? Great. He had to get out of Dodge quick. He didn’t need Hayley to find his hiding place. Even though he knew she would keep his secret, he wanted his privacy.
“Well, I’ll head out, then,” Jaxon said. “I’ll see you this weekend?”
“It’s a date.”
They shared a smile. “Good luck.” As he walked away, Jaxon was happy that he’d made inroads with Kimbe
rly. Although that hadn’t been his intention when he’d come to the Belleza, he’d been unable to deny the physical connection between them. Perhaps if he just scratched the itch, it would go away. Taking Kimberly Parker to bed and unleashing the tigress he was sure was hiding beneath that perfect exterior would be fun. Unfortunately, an affair was all he could offer. He just hoped that would be enough.
* * *
Hayley Dunham was as put together as Kimberly imagined she would be. She was tall and leggy in a designer sheath and killer peep-toe alligator pumps, and perfectly coiffed in a layered bob. She arrived on time and full of vivacity. She toured the grounds with Kimberly on the golf cart, pausing at times to take in the ambience of the Belleza.
“The property is really quite spectacular,” Hayley commented as Kimberly stopped the cart in front of the Plaza. “We’ve heard great things about the Belleza for years, but my mother had been reluctant to make a change. The flood at the Beverly Wilshire forced her to rethink the gala and think modern and exciting.”
“The Belleza is all those things and more,” Kimberly said as they exited the golf cart and walked through the Plaza. “We can offer your guests accommodations if they desire while the gala is held here. I know some will be traveling a couple of hours and may not want to drink and drive.” She motioned upward to the Plaza. “Our Grand Ballroom can easily fit five hundred guests.”
When they arrived at the ballroom, Kimberly paused in front of the double doors. “Rather than just show you the space or some presentation boards, we decided to show you the event.”
“Let’s have a look,” Hayley said.
As she opened the door and walked in with her prospective client, Kimberly was ecstatic. Robyn hadn’t disappointed. She’d created the romantic yet classically chic event she’d presented during the staff meeting. Waves of silk hung from the ceiling as did crystal chandeliers. Each table was cloaked with champagne linen and housed the finest china and crystal champagne flutes Robyn could find.
“Oh, my God!”
Kimberly beamed from ear to ear as she watched Hayley’s reaction when she walked into the room.
“You did all of this for me?” Hayley asked, turning to her.
Robyn came forward to meet them. “We wanted to show you that here at the Belleza, nothing is impossible.” She offered her hand. “I’m Robyn Henderson, event planner here at the Belleza.”
Hayley’s eyes were wide with excitement as she looked around at the table, dance floor and bars that had been set up for the event. “Did you do all this?” she asked, shaking Robyn’s hand.
Robyn’s face broke into a wide, open smile. “I wish I could take all the credit, but it took an army.”
“But it was Robyn’s vision,” Kimberly stated. “One which I fully support. Wait until you sample the tasting menu our executive chef, Gabrielle Royce, has prepared for you.” Kimberly motioned Hayley toward the dance floor, where a center table had been set up like the others. It would be where they would dine for lunch.
By the end of the four-course tasting lunch, Hayley Dunham was oohing and aahing over the chef and Kimberly knew they’d sealed the deal.
“Can I meet the chef who created this delicious meal?” Hayley wiped both sides of her mouth with a napkin.
“Absolutely,” Kimberly said. “She’s coming this way.”
Hayley rose from her seat as Gabrielle came forward on the dance floor.
She’d removed her chef hat, but was proudly wearing her chef’s coat, trousers and plain black mules. “I’m Gabrielle, the executive chef here at the Belleza.”
“Your food is amazing,” Hayley gushed, offering her hand. “I enjoyed every bite of it. I can’t say this officially until I speak with the board, but take my word for it. I can’t see having the Dunham Foundation gala anywhere else.”
“Thank you.” Gabrielle pumped her hand. “Thank you. It was a labor of love and you can be assured that my staff and I will work diligently to ensure a successful event.”
“If the Belleza can go through all this for a presentation, I’ve no doubt you will.”
Afterward Kimberly drove Hayley back to the lobby on the golf cart and waited with her as the valet brought around her car.
“You’ll be hearing from me...” Hayley’s voice trailed off as she glanced in the direction of the lobby.
“Is everything okay?” Kimberly inquired, looking in the same direction.
“Oh, yes, everything is fine. I just thought I saw someone I knew.” Hayley blinked several times before turning to Kimberly. “You’ll be hearing from me by next week. Thank you again. You and the Belleza team know how to impress.”
After Hayley had gone, Kimberly couldn’t resist stomping her feet in glee. They’d done it! They’d gotten the Dunham gala and now there was no stopping them.
Just then, she noticed Jack standing in the shadows by the lobby. Had he been watching their interaction this entire time? Why didn’t he come over? She would have introduced him to Hayley Dunham. It was just one of the mysteries about Jack that intrigued her and cautioned her to be careful with her heart. After all, how much did she really know about him?
Chapter 6
Kimberly was overthinking it and second-guessing the evening. Should she have invited Jack to the Belleza monthly tasting menu dinner? She tried to tell herself that he was just another guest, but she knew it wasn’t true. Robyn and Gabby may think he was another of the crème de la crème of the Belleza’s guests that were already on the list for evening, but he wasn’t. He was her date. Reluctantly he’d agreed to meet her at The Pearl because she’d told him she wanted to keep their relationship private and if they came together it would raise too many eyebrows.
Since tonight was an unofficial date with Jack, Kimberly was struggling with what to wear for the evening. She’d nixed several dresses, which were now sitting in a heap on her bed. She was in a strapless bra and panties debating between a knee-length jacquard sheath and a one-shoulder white maxi dress with a side slit when she heard a knock on the door. Robyn and Gabrielle entered her condo. They both looked elegant yet sophisticated. Robyn was wearing a bright blue pleated jersey dress and wore her hair up with several tendrils down each side of her face. Gabrielle, meanwhile, had let her unruly curls free, which went perfectly with her halter jumpsuit, trio of gold necklaces and stilettos.
“You’re not dressed,” Gabrielle commented.
“I can’t decide.”
“It’s not like you to be indecisive,” Robyn said intuitively. “What gives?”
“Nothing,” Kimberly responded but her voice sounded high even to her.
“Perhaps she’s nervous because Jack Scott is coming to the tasting dinner.” Robyn’s mouth curved into a smile.
“Is he?” Gabrielle turned to glare at Kimberly.
“Yes, but it’s not what you think,” Kimberly answered in a rush of words.
“What are we thinking?” Gabrielle inquired.
“I invited him because he’s one of our high-profile guests. That’s all, nothing more.”
“You must think we just fell off the turnip truck,” Robyn said, “because I’m not buying that for a minute.”
“Believe it!” Kimberly said. “Now help me pick out a dress.” She held up the two options.
“If you want to have the classy-general-manager image, I would go with the sheath,” Robyn stated.
“I’m going on record as stating that I am not on board with this,” Gabrielle said. “But if you want to make Jack’s eyes go back in his head and have his mouth hanging open, I would go with the one-shoulder maxi dress with the side slit to the thigh.”
Kimberly chose the one-shoulder maxi dress. It was sexy and the slit wasn’t indecent. She wore her hair bone-straight with simple gold hoops, but she added a splash with her makeup: a smoky eye, masc
ara and a glossy lip.
“Looking hot!” Robyn said when she’d zipped Kimberly up and she’d twirled around to look at herself in the pedestal mirror.
“We have to go,” Gabrielle said. “I need to check in on the kitchen and make sure the chef is on point.”
“I can’t believe you’re going to let go of the kitchen tonight.”
“I have to enjoy life, too, plus if I can’t trust them with what I’ve taught them, then I’m not much of an executive chef, am I?”
“You have a point,” Kimberly said.
Ten minutes later, the three of them walked through the doors of The Pearl.
“Good evening,” Charlene greeted them with a smile and bright red lipstick to go with her pale skin and blond hair.
“Hello, Charlene,” Kimberly responded.
“Follow me.” Charlene walked them to the wine room where the tasting menu was served each month, but before she could get there, the poor girl stumbled in her heels and nearly fell into a nearby table.
“I’m so sorry,” Charlene said as she got to her feet.
“Are you okay?” Robyn inquired, offering her a hand.
“Yes, these are new shoes and I’m still getting used to wearing them.”
“Perhaps you shouldn’t wear them,” Gabrielle said under her breath.
Kimberly glanced over at Gabrielle, who shook her head in annoyance.
When Kimberly walked through the wine room’s glass doors and saw Jack standing there in a tailored suit, she turned to her friends. “It’s a date,” she whispered.
Jack was devastatingly handsome and her insides jangled with excitement. Plus, he looked as if he’d just gotten a haircut because his hair was cropped shorter than it had been earlier.
“I knew it!” Robyn snapped her fingers.
* * *
Jaxon’s eyes roamed over Kimberly, starting with the shoes. She’d chosen to wear strappy sandals rather than her usual low pumps. Then there were the legs that were on display for all to see. The one-shoulder dress she wore wasn’t vulgar. It wasn’t low-cut or see-through, but it showed him enough expanse of leg that he didn’t know how he would sit next to her tonight and not touch her.
Heat Wave of Desire Page 5