He laughed. “Actually, Bailey and Brianna gave me some decorating tips.”
“When I get my own place, I will definitely have them come over to help me.”
Kyle and Nelson left the apartment and made their way to a nearby restaurant.
“This place is a favorite of mine,” Kyle announced when they were seated in one of the booths.
“I’ve heard that the food here is really good,” Nelson responded as he picked up the menu. “A couple of friends recommended it when I was here last month for that audition.”
“Have you heard anything back yet?” Kyle asked.
“Not since the second callback,” Nelson said. “I have another audition in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, I need to find a job.”
“Why don’t you work for me?” Kyle suggested. “My assistant left for another position and I could use someone to take her place. The schedule is pretty flexible, except during Fashion Week, obviously.”
Nelson broke into a grin. “Kyle, I really appreciate all you’re doing for me. Man, this is great.”
“I have to warn you that it’s not all glitz and glamour, Nelson.”
“I know,” he replied. “I’ve seen enough of what goes on. I think it’s why Mother never wanted any of us to get involved in the fashion industry.”
“Then she’s probably not going to be pleased that you’re my assistant,” Kyle said.
Nelson shrugged. “She no longer has any say about the choices I make for my life. Right now my mother needs to try to fix this mess she’s created with the family. Family should always stick together.”
Kyle couldn’t agree more.
His cell phone rang, cutting into their conversation.
“Your phone’s been blowing up for the past fifteen minutes,” Nelson commented as they ate. “That honey must really want to talk to you.”
Kyle broke into a grin. “It’s this girl I used to date. She’s in town for Fashion Week and she wants to get together.” He picked up his glass of water and took a long sip.
Nelson leaned back in his chair. “Let me guess...she’s a model, right?”
“Actually, she’s a painter,” Kyle said. “I stopped dating models a year ago.”
His cousin laughed. “You were always a ladies’ man.”
“Hey, I can’t help that the women love me.” Kyle wiped his mouth on the edge of his napkin.
“Still humble, I see,” Nelson said with a chuckle.
Kyle leaned back in his chair. “You’re just mad because Lena Swan picked me that summer you spent with us before we went off to college.”
Grinning, Nelson shook his head. “I’m glad she chose you, Kyle. She was a strange female.” He stuck a forkful of salmon into his mouth.
“I have to agree,” Kyle said. “I didn’t know what to do when she showed up one weekend with a wedding dress and rings.”
Nelson howled with laughter. “That’s what you get for lying to that girl, telling her that you were in love with her.”
Kyle gave a slight shrug. “Lena cured me of declaring my love to anyone unless I really mean it.”
Kyle had been through a number of relationships, but his brief romance with Lena had almost caused him physical harm—she had pulled a knife on him when he had broken up with her. His parents had finally been able to calm her down enough to take the knife. Lena’s parents were called to come get her and were warned to keep her away from Kyle or the police would be contacted. Lena wisely kept her distance.
“I actually ran into Lena last year during Christmas,” he told Nelson. “She proudly displayed her wedding ring and pregnant belly. She looked happy.”
“Lucky for you,” Nelson said. “Hey, whatever happened to that ballet dancer you were dating?”
“She joined Dance Theatre of Harlem and ended up falling in love with one of the dancers. She married him less than three months after we broke up.” Kyle picked up a French fry and stuck it into his mouth.
“Ouch, that must have hurt.”
Kyle shrugged in nonchalance. “It hurt my pride most of all. I cared a great deal for her, but I wasn’t ready to be tied down. That was the problem with all of the women in my life—they all wanted to get married and have babies. I’m too much of a free spirit for that. It would stifle my creativity.”
“You just haven’t met the right woman yet,” Nelson stated.
“I have to stay focused. RHD is going to be mine one day and I fully intend to take the company to the next level. In order to do that, I have to devote my life to it.”
“So you plan to remain a bachelor for the rest of your life?”
“I don’t know what the future holds, but right now my focus is on RHD. You know that when it’s a family-owned business, people would rather believe that I was just handed my position. They don’t want to consider how hard I’ve worked, but I don’t care,” Kyle said. “The naysayers in this industry only motivate me to work that much harder.”
Even as Kyle declared his devotion to his work, he couldn’t stop himself from thinking of the one woman who hadn’t tried to force or manipulate him into a serious relationship.
Zoe Sinclair.
They had developed feelings toward each other shortly after she came to RHD as an intern, although Kyle never let those emotions bloom into anything more. From the first moment he’d set eyes on her, Kyle knew he had to do his best to put Zoe out of his mind. Deep down, there were times when he really missed working with her, but Kyle wholeheartedly believed it was for the best that she had chosen to leave RHD.
Because if she hadn’t, there was no telling what might have happened between them.
And Zoe Sinclair was most definitely a distraction that Kyle did not need.
Chapter 2
Zoe settled onto the plush sofa in the living room and reached for the remote, desperate for something to distract her from the image of Kyle Hamilton in his signature black turtleneck and black jeans that had been at the forefront of her mind all day.
“Why can’t I get you out of my head?” she whispered.
She counted every moment she had spent away from Kyle a blessing in disguise, but lately he seemed to consume her thoughts. It was probably because of all the media hype for Fashion Week. Plus, she was exhausted from all the long hours she was working, and her defenses were down. Her thoughts kept going in circles whenever it came to Kyle. Zoe needed to bottle up her feelings for him. She needed to be in control.
Zoe had left RHD five years ago and had not had any real contact with Kyle in almost a year outside of professional events. She and Kyle had not been on the best of terms when she’d left to work for Guava International. Although she would never admit it out loud, Zoe had loved her time with the Hamiltons. However, toward the end, she had decided it was best to leave and vowed to never look back.
It still irked her that Kyle had actually seemed relieved at the news of her leaving RHD. In fact, it downright angered Zoe. She had hoped he would plead with her to stay with the company, but he had said nothing. It was apparent that he didn’t care if he ever saw her again.
She tried to shake the thought out of her mind, refusing to allow such memories to dampen her mood. Things were going well for her professionally. Several of her designs were being featured in Guava’s show. She had worked hard to get to this point in her career.
If only I had someone special to share it with.
Zoe stopped surfing channels when she found the Fashion Channel. The host was interviewing a young designer whose first show was financed by a well-known liquor company. New designers were often dependent on sponsors when it came to runway events, but design houses like RHD and Guava could afford to finance their own shows.
Zoe was lucky to have a company like Guava behind her. Yes, she was very lucky. However, there
were times when she wondered how things would have turned out if she had stayed at RHD.
A soft sigh escaped her lips. There was no way she could have stayed. Things were too intense between Kyle and her, and she did not like the woman she had become during that period in her life. Pining over a man who had rejected her—she had no choice but to seek employment elsewhere. She and Kyle had grown pretty close while working together, but after they’d shared a kiss, things had changed abruptly between them.
Now, looking back, she realized that leaving Kyle and RHD was probably the best decision she had ever made. It was hard working with the one man she desired but would never have. She had definitely made the right decision.
So why do I feel so sad?
* * *
“We are meeting with Cameron Childs and his event planner this afternoon,” Kyle announced while going through his calendar. He and Nelson were in his office synchronizing their scheduled appointments. “After that, we will come back here. My dad wants to meet with everyone regarding the show.”
Nelson made notes on his iPhone as Kyle talked. “I met Cameron last year in Philly. He was attending a charity function hosted by Aunt Jeanette.”
“He’s cohosting the RHD party,” Kyle announced. “We need to go by Lincoln Center so I can check out our backdrops. The tents are already up, so we need to make sure the set is completed correctly.”
Nelson finished his notes. “I am going to check on the shipment of colognes that just came in. They’re going into the gift bags, right?”
Kyle nodded. “You can give the cologne to the receptionist. She’s going to put the bags together.”
As Nelson left the office, Kyle picked up the telephone. “Mom, it’s me.”
“How are things going?” Lila inquired. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“We’ve got everything under control. I’m calling to see if you’d like to have lunch with your son tomorrow.”
“Honey, I’d love to have lunch with you.”
He smiled. “Great. I’ll call you later with the details after my meeting with Cameron.”
“Oh, please tell him that I said hello,” Lila requested.
“I will,” Kyle promised. “Love you, Mom.”
“I love you, too.”
He ended the call and Nelson strolled back into his office. “Ready to leave?”
Kyle nodded and they headed out.
“Marissa sent me a picture of the baby,” Nelson said, looking at his phone.
Marissa was the youngest child of Jacob and Jeanette Hamilton, and one of Kyle’s favorite cousins. “Yeah, I got one, too. I can’t believe she’s married and a mother. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, though. Marissa always wanted to be a wife. Remember? It’s all she used to talk about when she was little.”
Nelson laughed. “Her dolls were always getting married. I think they had more wedding dresses than anything else. My mother even designed a couple for her.”
“What about you? Have you thought about settling down?”
“Not really,” Nelson said. “Right now I want to see if I can make it as an actor. I know my dad would have liked it if I had studied law, and my mother would have been happy if I’d become a designer. But I have no interest in doing either.”
“You made the right decision to follow your heart, cousin.”
“I believe I did.”
They walked outside to a waiting town car. Nelson and Kyle got inside.
“Did you tell Aunt Vanessa that you’re my assistant?”
“I did,” Nelson said. “She’s fine with it. I think my mom is hoping that I’ll end up working in this industry full-time.”
“It might not be a bad idea—at least until you can support yourself with acting.”
“I’ll give it some thought.” Nelson stared out of the window at a billboard advertising Fashion Week. “It looks like the whole city is poised to become fashion’s playground for the week.”
“Yeah,” Kyle said.
“My mom loves this hive of activity,” Nelson said. “She thrives on events like this—fashion buyers, editors, paparazzi. This is her thing.”
The car pulled into the driveway of the Childs Hotel and they got out.
They were met in the lobby by Roberta Dallard, the hotel event planner, who escorted them up to the restaurant.
Cameron Childs was already seated at a table near the front. He stood up as they neared the table. “Good afternoon, gentlemen.”
He shook Kyle’s hand first and then Nelson’s. “I saw your mother last week,” Cameron told him. “She’s a very talented lady.”
Nelson nodded in agreement. “Yes, she is.”
They waited until Roberta took her seat before sitting down.
“I’ll be seeing Harper in a couple of weeks.”
“Is he coming to New York?” Nelson asked.
“I’m actually traveling to Philadelphia,” Cameron said. “I have some business meetings lined up.”
“I was wondering if my brother had planned to come to the city without letting me know.”
“He wouldn’t do that,” Kyle interjected as he scanned the menu. “Harper never comes to New York without seeing the family.”
“Roberta, can you give us an update on the preparations?” Cameron took a long sip of iced tea.
“Sure,” she responded with a smile. “The tablecloths are here. I inspected each and every one personally. They are exactly as you ordered.”
Kyle noted that Cameron appeared somewhat distracted, which was strange for the man who was a company sponsor and deeply involved with RHD’s future. He silently wondered at the cause.
“Sounds like everything is on schedule,” Kyle said after Roberta had finished and a waiter had taken their order. “My mom can relax now.”
Cameron broke into a smile. “Lila’s called me twice this week already.”
“I’m not surprised,” Kyle said. “She’s a perfectionist—especially when it comes to stuff like this.”
“Don’t let him fool you,” Nelson interjected. “Kyle is also a perfectionist.”
Kyle couldn’t deny it. “Roberta, please make sure that the florist delivers the centerpieces no earlier than an hour before the party. I don’t want them sitting out any longer than that.”
She nodded. “I’ll give them a friendly reminder the day before the event.”
He stole a glance at Cameron, who clearly wasn’t listening to the conversation.
The waiter returned with their meals.
Kyle blessed his food before diving into his salad.
“I will email you the finalized menu,” Roberta said. “Should I email a copy to your mother, as well?”
He nodded. “You can actually just send it to her. Lila Hamilton knows exactly what she wants when it comes to that.”
When they’d finished eating, Roberta excused herself by saying, “I have a meeting in fifteen minutes, so I need to leave you all. Kyle, call me if you need to change anything.”
“I don’t think we’ll have any changes,” he said. “Thanks for your help, Roberta.”
She smiled. “It was my pleasure.”
After they shook hands with Cameron and Roberta and said their goodbyes, Nelson turned to Kyle. “Do you have that effect on all women?” he asked as they made their way to the elevator. “I don’t think Roberta even realized that I was in the room.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You didn’t even notice the way Roberta was looking at you.” Nelson shook his head. “Or the way that she said the word pleasure.”
Kyle gave a short laugh. “Coz, I think you’re imagining things. Believe it or not, there are some women in the world who aren’t interested in me.”
He could thi
nk of one woman in particular.
“Yeah,” Nelson retorted with a chuckle. “The ones who haven’t met you yet.”
Kyle still remembered the day Zoe had walked into RHD, excited about her role as an intern during her college years. His first impression of Zoe was that she seemed to have a chip on her shoulder. Her attitude didn’t scare him, however. It was more of a turn-on. Had she been older, he might have considered pursuing her.
I wonder how things would have turned out if I hadn’t been quite so noble.
The elevator doors slid open.
Kyle was shocked to see Zoe standing there. She wore tan slacks and a crisp white shirt that would have looked severe if not for the amethyst-and-silver choker and matching earrings she wore with it. She smelled divine and Kyle tried to disguise his deep inhalation as a regular breath.
Did I just dream her into reality?
They stood staring at each other for a moment.
Well, he stared while Zoe glared at him.
Almost reluctantly, she stepped to the side to allow Kyle and Nelson entrance.
He cleared his throat. “Hello, Zoe. It’s good to see you. It’s been a while.”
“It’s nice to see you as well, Kyle.”
She was polite, but the look in her eyes was remote. Things had been chilly between them since Zoe had left RHD five years ago. She had obviously been avoiding him since then, although he did not fully understand why.
“I see the years haven’t removed that chip on your shoulder.”
“Or made you any less arrogant,” she retorted.
Nelson was watching them both. After a moment, he offered Zoe his hand. “I’m Nelson Hamilton. Kyle is my very rude cousin.”
Shaking his hand, she awarded him a warm smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Kyle suddenly felt an emptiness. There was a time when he’d felt that Zoe’s smiles were reserved only for him. He stole a peek at her. She had turned her warmth up a notch and was beaming as she talked with Nelson. She did not spare him a glance.
Styles of Seduction Page 2