Zoe stole a glance at Kyle. He didn’t seem to notice her arrival, as he was engaged in conversation with a department-store buyer.
Roberta, however, spotted him and quickly made her way over to where he was standing.
He appeared mildly surprised to see her.
But Zoe was even more surprised when Kyle abruptly left Roberta standing alone, watching him closely as he walked in her direction.
“You don’t have to spend the evening with me,” Zoe told him.
“The only reason I’m here is you.”
She glanced over at Roberta and said, “Someone looks upset.”
“I can’t do anything about that,” he said with a shrug, checking his watch. “I have to leave, but I hope we can get together soon. We still need to have that talk, Zoe.”
“I know,” she said. “It’ll have to be when the time is right.”
“I’ll see you at RHD’s party, right?”
Zoe nodded. “I’ll be there.”
“We’ll find some time to talk then,” he told her.
“But—”
Kyle placed a finger on her lips. “I won’t take no for an answer.”
She resisted the urge to watch him leave.
“This is a great party,” Liora said when she walked up to Zoe. “I’ve gained a good five pounds already.”
“That just means more time in the gym,” Zoe said with a grin. “I’ll be right there beside you. I’ve been munching all evening.”
“It seems to me that a certain bachelor couldn’t keep his eyes off you, Zoe.”
“I don’t know about all that,” she said.
“I do,” Liora teased with a smile.
“I see a few buyers I haven’t greeted yet. Enjoy the rest of the party,” Zoe said, trying to avoid talking to Liora about Kyle.
Liora let her off the hook. “A couple of friends of mine and I are going to the Bianchi party. I’ll probably be leaving in about ten minutes or so.”
“Grab a goody bag for me,” Zoe said. “Last year they gave out charm bracelets designed just for the event.”
Alone, she chewed her bottom lip as she wondered what she would say to Kyle. Could she speak from her heart? Zoe wasn’t sure.
* * *
“Can you believe that?” Sasha uttered in disgust to her coworker as she watched her nemesis floating around the room as if she were a VIP. They were seated at a table six rows from the front, which galled her to no end. “The media’s treating Zoe like she’s a star. Why should anybody care about her? She certainly didn’t do any of this by herself.”
“She’s been getting a lot of attention from Kyle Hamilton,” her coworker said.
Sasha followed the woman’s gaze, and then saw Roberta Dallard standing nearby. “Looks like Roberta isn’t too happy about that. I don’t blame her at all. I wouldn’t want my man anywhere near Zoe. She is definitely not to be trusted.”
“Roberta looks like she’s about ready to jump all over Zoe.”
Sasha broke into a grin. “Now, that would be real entertainment.”
“What are you two talking about?” Jerry asked, taking a seat beside Sasha.
Sasha wondered just how much of the conversation he had overheard. “Just some girl talk.”
“I think I chose the wrong moment to come sit down. Maybe I should leave.”
Sasha laughed. “Jerry, don’t you dare. I haven’t seen you all night.”
“I’ve been running around catering to our VIPs. Now that Kyle’s gone, Zoe can focus on work.”
Sasha nodded as her eyes scanned the room. “Where’s Roberta? Did she leave?”
Jerry glanced around. “I hope not. She wanted to talk to me about our show. Maybe she just went to the ladies’ room.”
“I don’t know,” Sasha murmured. “She looked pretty upset over something.”
“Well, hopefully she’s still here,” he said. “But if not, I’ll just give her a call in the morning.”
Sasha exchanged a knowing glance with her coworker. She knew that Zoe had feelings for Kyle and she wanted to see her with a broken heart. Someone needed to take Zoe down a peg or two.
* * *
“Kyle, what’s going on between you and Zoe?”
Kyle turned around to face Roberta, a gathering tension spreading across his shoulders. “I’m sorry, but I’m in a hurry. Why don’t I give you a call sometime tomorrow?”
He couldn’t believe that she’d been standing outside the men’s room waiting on him.
Kyle hoped that she wouldn’t make a scene. He could feel the burn of eyes on them, could sense the attention their exchange had garnered in the hallway. He hoped they could keep this a civil conversation.
“I deserve an answer.” Her voice took on a sharper edge than he’d ever heard from her. “I was under the impression that you and I were trying to—”
Kyle cut her off. “Roberta, I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. I like you and I enjoy our friendship.” He met her eyes, sincere in his words.
“Are you seeing Zoe?” The emotion in her voice spilled over into her eyes.
“No, I’m not.”
“But you want to.” The words snapped past her lips as a biting accusation. “You are attracted to her. I can see it whenever you look at her.”
He did not respond. Roberta gave a sad shake of her head. “I’m disappointed in you, Kyle. You just don’t know a good thing when you see it.”
“Did it ever occur to you that maybe I don’t deserve a woman like you?” Kyle didn’t want to say anything to offend Roberta. After all, they had to work together and he didn’t want to ruin that relationship.
She smiled. “Of course. I thought I’d give you a chance anyway.”
“I hope that we can still be friends, Roberta.”
She folded her arms across her chest. “I’ll have to think about it.”
He watched her as she sashayed back into the ballroom, relieved to have extricated himself from a complicated situation, and then headed toward a waiting elevator.
He called his mother as soon as he stepped into the elevator. “I’m on my way up,” he told her.
Nelson rushed in behind him. “Hey, I thought you were gone already.”
“I saw you talking to one of the Guava models and I figured you’d want to hang around for a while.”
“Naw...all she wanted to talk about was herself.”
Kyle laughed.
“How did things go between you and Zoe?” Nelson inquired.
He shrugged. “I’m not really sure. I’ve been honest with Zoe, but she doesn’t seem to believe me.” Kyle released a short sigh. “The thing is that I really care about her.”
“I knew you did.”
Kyle smiled. “I didn’t realize just how much until recently. Only, now Zoe isn’t giving me the time of day. I can’t even get her to talk about it.”
“Maybe she just needs some space. There’s a lot going on this week.”
“I know this week is crazy,” he said. “But I don’t want to put this discussion off.”
“Is Zoe still coming to the party?” Nelson asked as they walked off the elevator.
“I think so,” Kyle replied. “I hope she does. I just wish I hadn’t told her to bring Jerry.”
“He’s quite the character,” Nelson said. “My mother says that he is not to be trusted.”
Kyle laughed. “He’s a lot of talk, but when it comes down to it, he’s harmless.”
Kyle found his parents standing inside the Georgian Ballroom near the dance floor. They appeared to be deep in conversation with Cameron.
Kyle glanced at the tables set up with tropical floral centerpieces, the faux palm trees scattered around the room and the large aquar
ium of tropical fish that doubled as a podium. Another great RHD party, he thought. Just as he was about to greet his parents, he sensed Zoe’s presence behind him. He turned around in time to see her walk through the doors with Jerry.
Once again he regretted his decision to invite her boss.
Kyle walked over to them. “Welcome to our tropical paradise.”
“It’s lovely in here,” Zoe murmured. “I feel like I’ve been transported to the Caribbean.”
Jerry looked as though he’d sucked on something sour.
“Would either of you like something to drink?”
“Why don’t I get it?” Zoe said, obviously trying to give Kyle and Jerry a moment to talk.
Zoe politely excused herself, and Jerry turned to Kyle.
“You and Zoe seem to have gotten pretty close,” Jerry stated. “I have to ask, is there something going on between you and my lead designer?”
“Maybe you should ask Zoe,” Kyle said smoothly. “Not that it is any of your business.”
“I won’t let you hurt her.”
“Jerry, are you concerned about Zoe, or concerned about losing Zoe?”
“I’m not at all worried. RHD had its chance. Zoe has no interest in leaving Guava.”
Kyle smiled. “Perhaps if you keep telling yourself that, you will eventually believe it.”
In a low voice, Jerry muttered, “I’m not going to sit around and let you steal her from my company.”
“You mean the way you stole her from me?”
“Hey, don’t get mad at me for your own mistakes, Kyle. Zoe didn’t need a whole lot of convincing to jump ship and come to Guava. In fact, I got the impression that she couldn’t sign on fast enough.” Jerry gave him a sidelong glance. “What did you do to her?”
“Inviting you here was a mistake, but the damage has already been done. Nevertheless, I’m warning you, Jerry. Stay as far away from me as possible.”
As Jerry stalked away, his words rang in Kyle’s head. What did you do to her?
Kyle hated that he had done anything to Zoe to hurt her, to drive her away from RHD. He’d find a way to make it up to her. But first, they had to talk.
Kyle’s gaze traveled the room, searching for one woman in particular.
He found her sitting with his mother at a table. His lips turned upward as he watched them talking and laughing.
She glanced up and met his gaze, granting him a tiny smile that he felt clear into his soul before she looked away.
It was time. He needed to get her alone and have that conversation before he lost any more of himself to beautiful Zoe Sinclair.
* * *
Zoe eased up beside her boss, taking him by the arm. “There are a couple of photographers heading in this direction, Jerry. You look like you’ve eaten sour candy, so you might want to change your facial expression.”
“I actually tried making peace with Kyle, but it’s not going to work, Zoe. I can’t stand the man.”
“I’m sure he feels the same way about you,” Zoe said drily.
“I’m just saying—”
“I know what you’re trying to say,” she interjected. “Look, I came to the RHD party to network and have a good time. I suggest you do the same.”
“Sometimes I think you forget who the supervisor in this relationship is,” he said.
“Jerry, I am well aware that you’re my boss, but the way you let Kyle get under your skin really frustrates me. He is not the enemy,” she said.
He quickly pasted on a smile and posed with Zoe when a photographer stopped a few feet in front of them.
When the man walked away to snap pictures of one of the models, he turned to her and said, “Are you so sure about that, Zoe? I think he’s trying to get you to go back to RHD.”
“Oh, stop it, Jerry.” She glanced toward the entrance and said, “Carmen Perez with Women’s Wear Daily just arrived. Let’s go say hello.”
As Jerry let her lead him over to the editor, Zoe’s mind was spinning. Was that what was going on with Kyle? Was this whole attraction thing a ruse just to lure her away from Guava?
Suddenly Zoe didn’t know what to believe.
Chapter 10
“I want you to know that I’m really glad you came to RHD’s party,” Kyle said when he finally found Zoe standing near the entrance to the ballroom. “Are you ready for that chat now?”
“I should go over and say hello to the rest of your family while they are alone,” Zoe told him. “I haven’t spoken to your sisters yet.”
Kyle nodded, aware that Zoe was avoiding their conversation.
“I’ll walk you over,” Kyle said as he took her arm to turn her around. Just the feel of her skin sent his pulse racing. He had to get her alone, and soon.
Zoe and Bailey embraced when they reached his family’s table.
“It’s so good to see you,” Bailey said. “We never did have our girls’ night out.”
“Let’s get through Fashion Week and then we can schedule some girl time.”
“You promise?” Bailey questioned.
Zoe nodded as Nelson arrived.
“Hello, Nelson,” she greeted. “How was your audition?”
“I think it went well, but we’ll see.” He looked her up and down. “I have to say that I don’t know why you’re not gracing the runway.”
She laughed. “I’ve never had any desire to be a model. I’ve always wanted to be a designer. I’ve been designing clothes since I was old enough to sew.”
“Kyle, do you mind if I dance with this beautiful woman?”
“I think you should ask Zoe,” Kyle said with a chuckle. “This woman has her own mind.”
“I would love to dance with you, Nelson.”
As Kyle watched them on the dance floor, he realized that he was glad to see her enjoying herself. All he wanted was for her to be happy.
Because if Zoe was happy, maybe that would help tear down the wall she had built up around her heart.
And maybe then she’d let him in.
* * *
“I hope you didn’t ask me to dance so that you could plead your cousin’s case.”
Nelson laughed. “No, I’ve decided it’s far safer for me to just watch from the sidelines, but for the record—my money’s on you, little lady.”
She broke into a smile. “I knew from the moment we met that I’d like you.”
“Same here.” Nelson paused before saying, “I want you to know that Kyle is a good guy, Zoe.”
“I thought you weren’t going to plead his case.”
“I’m not. I’m just stating the obvious.”
She moved her body to the rhythm of the music as she thought about what Nelson had said. Was Kyle truly a good guy at heart? She found she wanted to believe that more than anything.
“You two looked pretty cozy out there,” Kyle said after Nelson escorted her back to him.
She grinned. “You’re not jealous, are you?”
“Would you like to take a walk with me?” he asked.
“Sure.”
“I’ve been trying to get you alone for the past half hour,” Kyle confessed when they stepped out onto the rooftop garden.
Zoe looked up, meeting his gaze. “Why have you been trying to get me alone? Do you have something pressing to discuss?”
He gave a short chuckle. “Why are we doing this?”
She gave him an innocent look. “Doing what?”
“Playing this game. Zoe, I can’t stop thinking about you. There’s something between us and I know that you feel it, too.”
“I won’t deny that we’re attracted to each other, but it doesn’t mean that we should give in to that attraction.”
“It’s much more than attraction, a
nd you know it.”
“Actually, I don’t,” she countered. “What I do know is that you are not the type of man who wants to settle down or be tied to one woman. It’s just not your style.”
“A man can change.”
“This is true, but it doesn’t mean that you have, Kyle.”
“Excuse me?”
“All I’m saying is that you may feel a certain way for the moment, but in the long run...you might change your mind.”
“Zoe, I’m not saying that we have to rush into anything.”
“Let’s just leave things the way they are,” Zoe suggested. “We made love in the heat of the moment. It doesn’t tie us to each other.”
“We can’t just dismiss what happened that day in the supply room,” Kyle said. “Zoe, I want more than sex. I want to give us a chance. I know that you want that, too. I can see it in your eyes.”
With that, Kyle pulled her into his arms, kissing her passionately.
Her body reacted instantly. Despite everything, Zoe felt the swell of desire rising inside.
“What would a man have to do to change your mind?” he asked, his voice low and sensual.
For a charged moment, Zoe couldn’t breathe as she stared into his dark and seductive eyes.
“I don’t know,” she whispered. Her gaze shifted to his mouth and Zoe knew she was doomed. She forced her attention away from his lips.
“Why do you keep fighting the inevitable?”
Zoe swallowed hard. “I’m simply using my head, Kyle. I refuse to be led by my heart.” She bit her bottom lip when she realized that she’d said too much.
Kyle suddenly scooped her up in his arms and kissed her passionately again. It took every ounce of strength Zoe had to pull away from him. “I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have anything to apologize for,” he assured her. “Don’t be afraid of what we feel for each other.”
“How am I supposed to risk everything on someone who has made it clear that he intends to be a bachelor for life?”
“Do you really believe that?” he asked. “Please give us the chance we deserve, Zoe.”
He kissed her again. Her breathing was becoming ragged as her blood pumped through her veins like liquid fire. His kisses were electric, and her body still hungered to connect with his, but she was determined not to have a repeat of what had happened in the supply room, and some dark corner of her mind urged caution. A kiss was one thing, but Zoe was not ready for anything else. She needed to keep her desire for Kyle under control.
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