Jacquelin Thomas - Five Star Seduction

“Please,” the woman pleaded on the other end of the line. “Please don’t hang up on me. Ty, I know that you loved me and I want you to know that I never lied about loving you. I meant every word. I—”

He cut her off by interjecting, “No, I’m not doing this with you. Do me a favor and never call me ever again.”

“It’s been five years, Ty. There is something you really need to know. You don’t know what I had to go through to find you.”

“You needn’t have bothered,” he replied. “I thought I was clear. I never want to see you again.” His face felt tight with strain. “Just leave me alone.”

“It’s not that simple, Ty.”

“You ruined my life with your lies and manipulations. What’s done is done. I would say that’s pretty cut-and-dried.”

Tyrese hung up.

Although he hated to admit it, even to himself, the call had unnerved Tyrese. He wanted no reminders from the past. Instead, Tyrese wanted to focus on the present and the future.

His mind centered on Zaire. She represented the future of his company.

Tyrese took a deep breath and exhaled, adjusting his mood.

He admired Zaire and her enthusiasm. She had entered the spotlight after publishing her thesis highlighting the unique approaches M.G. took with brand marketing. One of Zaire’s professors had attended college with Pilar and had sent her a copy of the paper.

Tyrese was surprised initially that Zaire had decided not to follow in her father’s footsteps. It was fortuitous for his company that she had come to him with her proposal.

Even now, he could feel the warmth of one of her infectious smiles. He was extremely attracted to Zaire. Tyrese cautioned himself to be careful around her. The last thing he wanted was to have to face a sexual harassment charge.

Chapter 3

“How are you enjoying your new career?” Sage asked as she and Zaire sat down to eat lunch a couple days later.

“I love it,” Zaire said. “There’s a lot to learn, but everyone has been so great. This is such a great opportunity to partner with someone like Tyrese Moore straight out of grad school.”

“I’m kind of surprised at that,” Sage said. “Not that you’re not qualified. We are now a part of that world that you’re catering to, so you do have firsthand knowledge.”

“I think that’s why I’m perfect for it, although we weren’t raised with silver spoons in our mouths. But I think it takes a person familiar with privileged lifestyles to lead a program like this.”

Sage nodded in agreement. She took a sip of her water before asking, “So, what do you think of Tyrese Moore? Ryan says that he’s nice but keeps to himself mostly.”

Zaire broke into a grin. “He’s so handsome, Sage. I have to remind myself all the time that he’s my partner. He’s been in New York for the past couple of days for meetings with prospective clients. I have to tell you—I’m glad he’s gone. I need some time to gather myself.”

“Yes, you do,” she murmured. “Especially since you work with this man. But at least he’s not your boss. That would definitely be frowned upon.”

Zaire’s expression stilled and grew serious. “You and Ryan fell in love when you thought he was just some guy you’d found on the streets. That was a workplace romance. Look at Livi and Blaze. Same thing.”

“Our relationships were different, Zaire,” Sage said. “You and Tyrese will have to work closely together.”

“I don’t see a problem with that,” Zaire commented.

“Zaire, I’m just saying that you have to be careful. That’s all. Tyrese has his other employees to consider, as well. The last thing you want is to be the subject of workplace gossip.”

“I don’t care what other people think,” she uttered. “But I get what you are saying.”

“Keep your relationship out of the office,” Sage advised.

“I hear you.”

Zaire finished up her meal.

As they walked out of the restaurant, Sage said, “I hope I didn’t upset you.”

“You didn’t,” Zaire assured her. “You gave me something to think about.”

“I’ll support you no matter what you decide.” Sage checked her watch. “I need to get going, sis. I have a prenatal appointment, and Ryan’s meeting me at the doctor’s office.”

Zaire placed a hand to her sister’s round belly. “Take care of my little niece or nephew.”

They embraced.

“I’ll see you this weekend,” Sage said.

“Family cookout,” Zaire responded with a smile.

“I really want you to be happy, sis.”

“I know that.”

After Sage got into her car and drove away, Zaire also left.

Her sister was right. She was going to have to keep her developing feelings for Tyrese under control. Zaire did not want to be the subject of workplace rumors.

* * *

Tyrese was glad to be heading back to Los Angeles. He always enjoyed his visits to the Big Apple, but he preferred the less frenzied pace of the West Coast population.

“We will be taking off in five minutes,” the flight attendant announced.

“Thank you,” he responded, and then returned his attention to the documents in his hand.

The company plane, a Boeing 767, looked ordinary on the outside, but Tyrese had had its interior outfitted with chestnut and decorated in a rich burgundy and gold. The small conference table on board bore the company logo in the middle. The plane had been redesigned to carry twenty-four passengers.

Tyrese stretched and yawned in his seat. He settled back against the soft leather and closed his eyes.

Images of Zaire floated behind the lids. Tyrese had called to check on her, but they’d only had time for a quick conversation because she’d had to get to a meeting.

His mouth curved into an unconscious smile.

He felt movement as the plane glided down the runway.

Tyrese was looking forward to seeing Zaire. He gave himself a quick reminder that he could not allow himself to get involved with her. She was his partner. She could never be more than that to him.

The last time he’d gotten involved with someone within the company, it had cost him his job and almost his business reputation. Tyrese’s mouth took on an unpleasant twist.

That experience had provided the motivation for going into business for himself. When no one would hire him, Tyrese had relocated to Los Angeles and started his company, which had proven to be very successful in what he termed boutique marketing. He was labeled a visionary, a man of the future.

The old adage was right as far as he was concerned. Success was the best revenge.

* * *

Zaire walked out of the Zumba class wearing a smile. She patted her damp face with the back of her hand.

“You’re the only person I know who leaves a workout with a smile on your face,” Livi said, shaking her head in disbelief. She dabbed at her neck and chest with her terry-cloth towel.

“I always feel good after a workout,” she responded. “Don’t you?”

“I’m exhausted and sore.”

Zaire glanced over at Livi. “Let’s stretch some more. It’ll help.”

Livi smiled blandly. “Sure.”

They headed over to a corner that was vacant.

“We have a gym at M.G.,” Zaire said. “I’ve been thinking about exercising there at least two days a week when I’m working late.”

Livi gave her a puzzled look. “M.G.?”

Zaire reached out, stretching her muscles. “Yes, that’s what everyone calls the company.”

She straightened to relieve the ache in her shoulders.

“What are your plans for this evening?” Livi asked as they headed to their cars a few minutes later. “Blaze and I are having dinner at the Chart House. You’re more than welcome to join us.”

“Thanks, but I think I’ll just head home. Daddy’s in San Francisco, so I’ll order some takeout for me and Mama. We can make it a girls’ night.”