Five Star Attraction

by Jacquelin Thomas

  “I’m just saying.”

  “Then stop it,” Ari snapped out of frustration. “I am here to focus on the job. You know, it would help tremendously if you and I were on the same page.”

  Blaze broke into a grin. “Whatever you say, big brotha.”

  Ari hated being so transparent. He hoped that Blaze would keep his mouth shut while Ari tried to sort out his feelings. Since meeting Natasha, he had been torn by conflicting emotions. Ari was glad his parents were finally making the move to California on Saturday. Once his father arrived, Natasha would be spending most of her time with Malcolm.

  They needed some distance between them. Ari tried to rationalize that his feelings were because it had been three years since he’d been with a woman. The last year of April’s life was spent battling the cancer. She had been so sick; Ari didn’t pressure her for sex. Although they couldn’t make love, the intimacy between them continued.

  He was a man and he loved sex, but what Ari desired most went much deeper than lust. He wanted a heart connection. He had had that with April. Surely, no man could find that kind of love twice in a lifetime.

  Natasha definitely had skills when it came to playing basketball. So did her sister, who was in town to play. He sat with Natalie’s fiancé and Joshua.

  “My mommy’s very good at basketball,” the little boy told Ari. “She’s a point guard.”

  “I see,” he responded.

  “She has skills. My auntie Natalie does, too.”

  Again, Ari agreed.

  He studied the little boy, noting the faint circles beneath his eyes, the shaved head and how frail he looked. Natasha had never mentioned that her son was sick. He never once heard her complain about anything, he thought with a renewed respect for her.

  After the game, they all went to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

  “Mr. Ari, do you have any children?” Joshua asked.

  “I’m afraid I don’t,” he replied. “Not yet, anyway.”

  “I would like a brother or sister,” he announced, soliciting laughter from his aunt and her fiancé.

  “Mr. Ari, can I tell you a secret?” Joshua asked in a whisper.

  “Sure.” He leaned down, putting his ear close to the boy’s mouth.

  “I have leukemia, but Mommy says we are going to beat it. I don’t like the treatments. They make me really sick.”

  Stunned, Ari glanced over at Natasha, who was watching them.

  He turned his attention back to Joshua and said, “I think you are a very brave boy and your mother’s right. You will beat this.”

  Natasha had never once mentioned that her son was battling leukemia. There was no reason why she should’ve confided in him. He admired her strength and courage.

  Later that evening, she called him at home.

  “I’m sorry you had to find out about Joshua that way,” Natasha told him. “I hadn’t planned to tell you until I had gotten to know you better. It’s just not something you blurt out.”

  “I understand,” he said.

  “The other reason is because I don’t like giving voice to it. My son is going to be healed from this disease. I have to believe it, and by saying that he has it…well, I would rather say that he is cancer free.”

  “I know what you mean,” Ari told her. “April had breast cancer, but by the time we found out, she was stage four. There wasn’t anything that could be done.”

  “You didn’t give up on her, did you?” Natasha asked in a small voice.

  “No, I didn’t. She didn’t give up, either. We fought until the very end.”

  He could tell Natasha was crying.

  “Honey, your son is going to grow up to be big and strong,” he said, wanting to reassure her. “They have made some wonderful strides in medicine.”

  “I know,” Natasha murmured. “I have to be so strong for Joshua and for my parents. Sometimes, I just need to cry. It’s not that I’m doubting his healing. I’m not.”

  “Natasha, I am here if you ever need me,” Ari promised. “Call me anytime, day or night. You do not have to go through this alone.”

  “Thank you,” she murmured softly.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  “Not really,” Natasha confessed. “I feel really alone. My sister and her fiancé are here, but…”

  His feelings for her were intensifying, and the thought of her hurting bothered Ari. “Would you like some company?”

  “Yes.”

  “Give me your address and I’ll be on my way.”

  Ten minutes later, Ari was in his car and driving away from the hotel.

  Natasha opened the door to let Ari inside.

  They stood staring at one another with longing. There was no denying that they shared an intense physical awareness of each other.

  Without warning, Ari pulled her into his arms, kissing her. He held her snugly in his arms.

  A brief shiver rippled through Natasha. She buried her face against the corded muscles of his chest. She had no desire to back out of his embrace.

  “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  He gazed down at her with tenderness. “I will be here for as long as you need me.”

  Parting her lips, she raised herself to meet his kiss. His lips pressed against hers then gently covered her mouth. The kiss sent the pit of Natasha’s stomach into a wild swirl.

  Ari showered her with kisses around her lips and along her jaw. As he roused her passion, his own grew stronger.

  This time, it was Natasha who slowly pulled away. She took him by the hand and led him over to the sofa.

  “I don’t know why I became so needy,” she said as she sat down beside him. “I’m not usually like this, Ari.”

  “You’re not a robot, sweetheart,” he whispered, stroking her hair. “At some point, you will break down emotionally. I know this from experience.”

  Natasha settled back, enjoying the feel of his arms around her. “My sister is getting married in a couple of months and my brother has a very happy marriage—it just reminds me of how much I’m lacking when it comes to love. I get lonely sometimes.”

  “So do I,” Ari confessed. “I use work to take my mind off of just how lonely I feel.”

  His closeness was so male, so bracing.

  He stroked her cheek. “What are you thinking about?”

  “You want the truth?” she asked.

  Ari nodded.

  “I was thinking about how long it’s been since I’ve been this close to a man. How long it’s been since I’ve kissed a man or made love.” She raised her eyes to meet his. “It’s been a while.”

  “Same here,” Ari murmured.

  “I’m not trying to seduce you,” Natasha interjected quickly. “Ari, I’m sure you are aware that I’m attracted to you. I know that you’re dealing with a lot right now, and so am I. I meant what I said about us being friends.”

  He seemed to relax a little.

  “Sweetheart, I’m attracted to you, too. But I have to be honest. It almost feels as if I’m cheating on April.”

  “You haven’t made peace with her death,” Natasha said.

  “I guess I haven’t,” Ari responded. “It wouldn’t be fair to drag you into my mess right now. Natasha, if you could be patient with me—I’d like to see where this goes.”

  His words surprised her. “What exactly are you saying to me?”

  “I just want to take whatever this is between us one day at a time.”

  Smiling, Natasha nodded in agreement. “I feel the same way. If and when we do make love, I don’t want a ghost in the room.”

  Her words were met with silence.

  Ari checked his watch and rose to his feet. “It’s getting late.”

  She stood up. “Thank you for coming, Ari.”

  “I want you to know that I heard what you said and I respect that. If our relationship takes off in that direction, I want to give myself to you completely and without guilt.” He brushed a gentle kiss across her forehead. “Good night, swee
theart.”

  Ari quietly made his way to the door and eased it open. “Oh, you do have skills on the court. We’ll have to play one weekend. Won’t be much of a game on your end, I’m just saying.”

  “Talk is cheap,” she whispered.

  He was gone, but even in remembrance Natasha felt the intimacy of his kisses.

  She went to her bedroom and got ready for bed.

  The soft knock on her door startled her.

  Natalie stuck her head inside and asked, “What’s up with you and Ari?” She walked in and sat down on her sister’s bed. “I saw you two out there kissing up a storm.”

  “I don’t know yet,” she responded with a smile. “He isn’t over his deceased wife. He still wears his wedding ring.”

  “That may be true, but sis, he seems to care a great deal for you,” Natalie stated. “And watching him with Joshua…I think it was love at first sight for those two.”

  “Ari loves children.”

  “Well, I like him, sis. I don’t see any reason why you two can’t be together.” Natalie stretched and yawned. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Natasha knew of one reason why she and Ari could never be truly happy. Harold DePaul.

  Sage also had the same question the next day while they were having lunch.

  “Natasha, you can tell me to mind my own business, but I have to ask—are you interested in Ari?”

  “W-why would you ask me something like that?”

  “I’ve seen the way you two look at each other when you think no one is watching. There’s something you should know about my brother,” Sage was saying. “Ari has only been involved with one woman his entire life. When she died, I was worried that we would lose him, too. I’ve never seen so much grief.”

  “He loves her with his entire being.”

  “Body and soul,” Sage murmured. “But now that he’s met you, I think he’s ready to move on with his life, but you may have to be the one to take the relationship to the next level.”

  “I’m not sure what you mean.”

  “You have to be honest and up-front with Ari about your feelings for him, because my dear brother may not have a clue.”

  Natasha shook her head. “I don’t think I can do that, Sage. Ari and I have decided to build our friendship.” She thought back to her conversation last night with Ari. “He has to find closure with his wife’s death. Until then, we won’t have any type of future.”

  “He told me about Joshua,” Sage blurted. “Please don’t get mad at him.”

  “I’m not. It wasn’t a secret or anything. I just don’t go around announcing that my son has leukemia.”

  Sage checked her iPhone. “Ari just sent me a text. He wants us to meet him and Blaze at the hotel in Pacific Palisades.”

  They finished their lunch and then headed out to the car.

  “There are no residences at this hotel, right?” Sage inquired.

  “Right,” Natasha replied. “It’s a very nice hotel, but it caters to more of the spa crowd. It’s not quite as grand as the one in Beverly Hills, but it’s still five-star quality.”

  Natasha hadn’t seen Ari at all since last night. She and Sage had been together most of the morning at the Beverly Hills property going over appraisal reports.

  “Have you decided which unit you’re going to move into?” Natasha asked once they settled inside the limo.

  “I think the one across from Ari’s. It’s the smallest unit we have, but it’s perfect for me. Two bedrooms are really all I need for now.”

  An image of Ari and Joshua together formed in Natasha’s mind, placing a smile on her face. Since meeting Ari, Joshua couldn’t stop talking about the man.

  Chapter 16

  Ari and Blaze took the elevator to the executive suite.

  Tastefully painted walls with warm walnut wood trim, accompanied by a spectacular view of a lush botanical garden greeted them.

  Ari eyed the appetizing presentation of delicacies for them to enjoy during their meeting.

  “I don’t know which one I like better,” Blaze said. “This one or the one in Beverly Hills.”

  “They are both beautiful and well-appointed,” Ari responded. His eyes traveled the room and landed on the sunken full-service bar with seating for eight.

  Blaze picked up what looked like a remote control. “Oh, look at this,” he murmured. “It’s for the drapes.” He put it down and ventured over to the fifty-inch plasma TV and home-theater system with surround sound.

  “As you can see, all of our suites have been designed to feel more like an opulent residence than a temporary getaway,” Tom White, the general manager, said as they toured the penthouse suite.

  He took them to see the presidential suite.

  “How big is this suite?” Blaze asked.

  “It’s four thousand square feet. In this suite, our guests can enjoy a private solarium, indoor garden and fountain. There are two master bedrooms with steam showers, whirlpool tubs and a conference room. If they require rooms for personal staff, there are three one-thousand-square foot entourage suites available on this same floor.

  “This was Mr. DePaul’s personal suite,” Tom announced when they walked to the end of the hall. “It now belongs to your family.”

  Ari noted the room was similar to the presidential suite.

  “Is it four thousand square feet, as well?” Blaze inquired.

  “Yes, it is. Should you require any additional rooms, please let us know and we will accommodate all of you.”

  The amenities matched those in the presidential suite.

  On Ari’s left was a formal dining room for twelve behind floor-to-ceiling glass doors. He strode over to the office and peeked inside.

  “Gramps really knew how to live, didn’t he?” Blaze commented. “I wonder what Mom and Dad are going to think when they see everything they own.”

  “It’s overwhelming,” Ari stated.

  “Have you considered what I said?” Blaze asked.

  Ari gave a stiff nod. “Nothing’s changed. If I even think about another woman, I am filled with guilt. It’s like I’m cheating on April.”

  “But you’re not.”

  “I know that in my head, but try telling that to my heart.”

  “If you don’t make a move quick, you may end up losing Natasha for good,” Blaze advised. “She’s a gorgeous woman. She’s not going to sit around and wait for you forever.”

  Ari didn’t respond.

  He had feelings for Natasha, but he didn’t know what to do about them. Ari was still very much in love with April, even though she was gone. He wasn’t sure another woman could ever take her place—there just wasn’t enough room in his heart. There was also Joshua to consider. Ari had faith that the little boy would beat leukemia, but the thought of dealing with cancer a second time…he had a lot to consider.

  As soon as they arrived to the hotel, Ari pulled Natasha off to the side and said, “I’d like to visit the properties in Northern California over the next couple of weeks. Do you have anything pressing on your schedule?”

  “No, I can go with you, but I’ll need to fly home in the evenings to be with Joshua. I don’t like spending my nights away from home.”

  “We can discuss this further, but not right now. We were just about to tour the spa and salon,” Ari announced. “You two are just in time.”

  Tom held the door open for them. “Our guests can select from therapeutic facial and body treatments, massage therapies and enjoy our state-of-the art fitness facility.”

  Sage broke into a smile. “You know, I’m feeling like I need some rejuvenation.”

  “Not this trip,” Ari said. “You’re supposed to be working.”

  “Why don’t you get a massage, Ari?” Sage suggested. “Maybe it’ll help lighten you up some.”

  Blaze and Natasha stifled their chuckles.

  Ari sent them a hard glare, which silenced them.

  After the tour, Ari and Natasha sat down at a table in the caf�
�. “By the way, I was thinking that Sage and Blaze should travel with us.”

  Natasha nodded in approval. “Is it okay with you if I fly home in the evenings? If not, then I won’t be able to go with you all.”

  “Why don’t you consider bringing Joshua with us?” Ari suggested. “You can bring along your babysitter, nanny or whoever you have watching him.”

  Natasha was clearly touched by his consideration. “Ari, I think that would actually be wonderful. Are you sure that you don’t mind?”

  “Not at all.”

  They were joined by Blaze and Sage.

  “I’m glad I have all of you here,” Natasha said. “Ari has made it clear what he thinks about a formal gala to introduce your family to Beverly Hills.”

  Sage and Blaze exchanged looks.

  “What?” Natasha glanced from one to the other.

  “We aren’t really the gala type of family, Natasha,” Sage said after a moment. “The only time we really get dressed up like that is when we’re attending a charity fundraiser or a wedding.”

  Natasha gazed at Ari. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

  “I tried to tell you,” he responded.

  “What about you, Blaze? What are your thoughts on this?”

  “I agree with Sage,” he replied. “I think a barbecue is more our style.”

  She shook her head. “Ari said the same thing. You guys are definitely related. But as I explained to your brother, a large formal affair is more suited to Beverly Hills.”

  “But it’s not us,” Sage countered. “If we’re introducing our family to everyone, then don’t you think they should get a real sense of who we truly are? An expensive gala in designer gowns, gourmet foods and tuxedos do not reflect the Alexander family.”

  Blaze nodded in agreement.

  Natasha sighed in resignation. “Okay, I give up.”

  “Mom and Dad have the final say, but I’m pretty sure they will prefer a barbecue.”

  “Ari, are you busy tonight?” Natasha blurted before she lost her nerve. They had just returned to the hotel in Beverly Hills.

  “No, what’s up?”