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Five Star Seduction
Jacquelin Thomas
She knows how to seduce a man in style!Fresh out of grad school, Zaire Alexander dreams of someday becoming a major force in her family-owned chain of Beverly Hills hotels. But the heiress and self-motivated go-getter has another goal for her immediate future: seduce Tyrese Bemingham. Too bad the sexy powerhouse attorney seems just as determined to resist her.As lead counsel for the prestigious Alexander-DePaul luxury empire, Tyrese has a lot riding on this gig. But he keeps running into the exotic, strong-willed beauty, who makes it clear she’s interested–and available. In the etiquette of romance, dating the boss’s daughter is a definite don’t.And Tyrese has had enough heartbreak for two lifetimes. So why is he finding it so hard to say no, especially after Zaire’s life is threatened? All he knows is he can’t lose her…even if it means risking everything that matters most. The Alexanders of Beverly Hills
She knows how to seduce a man in style!
Fresh out of grad school, Zaire Alexander dreams of someday becoming a major force in her family-owned chain of Beverly Hills hotels. But the heiress and self-motivated go-getter has another goal for her immediate future: seduce Tyrese Bemingham. Too bad the sexy powerhouse attorney seems just as determined to resist her.
As lead counsel for the prestigious Alexander-DePaul luxury empire, Tyrese has a lot riding on this gig. But he keeps running into the exotic, strong-willed beauty, who makes it clear she’s interested—and available. In the etiquette of romance, dating the boss’s daughter is a definite don’t. And Tyrese has had enough heartbreak for two lifetimes. So why is he finding it so hard to say no, especially after Zaire’s life is threatened? All he knows is he can’t lose her…even if it means risking everything that matters most.
“I meant to tell you that I really like what you’ve done in here.”
Zaire wiped her mouth on the edge of her napkin. “I suppose you can tell that I love color.”
He chuckled. “It tells me that you’re not afraid to take chances.”
She boldly met his gaze. “No, I’m not. Life is all about taking risks. We just have to be mindful of the ones we take. Regardless, we should learn lessons from the good and bad.”
“I like that,” he responded.
Tyrese was so close she could feel the heat from his body. His closeness was overwhelming.
Their eyes met and held. His eyes never strayed from her face, kissing her with his eyes. Zaire found the prolonged anticipation of the inevitable almost unbearable.
In one forward motion, she was in his arms. Tyrese kissed her hungrily.
The caress of his lips on her mouth set her body aflame. Zaire wound her arms inside his jacket and around his back. Her body tingled from the contact.
She gave herself freely to the passion of his kiss.
Abruptly, Tyrese pulled away, leaving her mouth burning with fire.
“I’m sorry,” he uttered. “I never should have done that.”
JACQUELIN THOMAS
is a bestselling author. She has penned more than 45 titles and writing is still her passion. She is currently at work on the next installment of the Alexander family series.
Five Star Seduction
Jacquelin Thomas
www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)
Dear Reader,
What do you do when you instinctively know that you have met Mr. Right, but he is not ready to admit that you’re the only woman for him? Zaire Alexander is on a quest to find the answer to this very question in Five Star Seduction. Sparks ignite between Zaire and her new business partner, Tyrese Moore, from the moment they meet. Tyrese struggles to keep his feelings for Zaire under wraps, but soon discovers that love will always find a way of bringing two hearts together.
Five Star Seduction is the fourth book in the Alexanders of Beverly Hills series. I hope you have enjoyed getting acquainted with this wonderful family. It has been fun writing about their journey to love everlasting. What I’ve learned with each and every book in this series is this: when two people truly love one another, that love is worth fighting for. Wouldn’t you agree?
Best regards,
Jacquelin
Contents
Chapter 1 (#u5c963c9c-08c7-513e-a2ca-621717157a8c)
Chapter 2 (#u0555d92c-1d89-5f57-b305-0d81fd82e45c)
Chapter 3 (#u4dc09719-28c4-56a1-9cd7-ce273834c624)
Chapter 4 (#u68e33be9-6a27-5daf-a854-40ae0dddd3c9)
Chapter 5 (#u94a87884-d58b-5112-b2ec-49b4be94ecc2)
Chapter 6 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 7 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 8 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 9 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 10 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 11 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 12 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 13 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 14 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 15 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 16 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 17 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 18 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 19 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 20 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 21 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 22 (#litres_trial_promo)
Chapter 1
The Alexander-DePaul Estate was considered the most coveted ocean-view home in Pacific Palisades. Zaire Alexander certainly agreed with the statement. She loved coming home to breathtaking, unobstructed ocean views from Catalina to Malibu in this commanding Mediterranean-style home.
Even now as she sat in the sunroom surrounded by her mother, sister and sisters-in-law, Zaire yearned to lounge by the pool admiring the picturesque surroundings.
“Livi, this is gorgeous,” Zaire exclaimed, holding up a leather tote. “I really love it.” She smiled at her sister-in-law. Livi and Blaze were still newlyweds, having only been married for three weeks.
“I know that red is your signature color,” Livi responded. “So when I saw it, I thought it was perfect for you.”
Zaire grinned and nodded. “It’s so me. I can carry files, my iPad and laptop—just about everything I’ll need for work.”
She set the tote down on the sofa beside her and picked up another gift.
“That’s from me, sis,” Sage announced, rubbing the small mound of her stomach. “I don’t think I included your card. I’ve been so forgetful lately.”
“It must be the pregnancy,” Zaire said, regarding her sister with amusement. “You have never been one to forget anything, especially if I borrowed your clothes or shoes.”
They all laughed.
She opened the red-and-gold gift bag. “Wow, this is nice. A desk clock, a paperweight, mug...this is great. I can take this stuff off my list. Thanks, Sage.”
“This last one is from Mama,” Zaire announced as she ripped through the wrapping. “Ladies, thanks so much for this celebration. It’s like a new career shower. Can you believe it? I’m actually starting my own company.” She stole a peek out of the window to check on her brothers and her father, but they were nowhere to be found. Zaire returned her attention back to the women in her family.
Natasha chuckled. “We’re so excited for you, Zaire. We just wanted to make sure that you do it in style, especially with your first big meeting with Tyrese Moore.”
Her oldest brother, Ari, was Natasha’s husband, and they were also expecting a new baby in a few months. They already had a son, Joshua.
“Mama...” Zaire murmured as she held up a smaller box that was within the larger one. “Does this mean...?” Her voice died as she opened it. “Keys...car keys.”
Screaming, Zaire jumped up and bolted toward the front door.
Her mother and the others followed, laughing.
A gleaming, vermilion-red BMW 640i coupe sat parked in the driveway of her parents’ home with a huge black bow on it.
Zaire squealed with delight as tears filled her eyes. This was her dream car. She had not really expected her parents to buy it for her. “I can’t believe it.... I just don’t know what to say.”
“I’ve never seen you at a loss for words, sis.”
She glanced over at her oldest brother, Ari. “I didn’t see you standing there.”
He laughed. “I’m not surprised. I’m sure all you saw was red.”
Zaire had been so focused on seeing her new car that she did not take notice that her father and brothers were all outside. They had been out on the patio playing basketball and enjoying a sunny August afternoon while the women gathered in the living room to celebrate Zaire’s new business venture.
Filled with happiness, Zaire hugged her mother, and then ran over to her father and hugged him, too. “Thanks so much. I love you both.”
Blaze walked down to where Zaire stood with their parents. “I have this for you. I thought you might want to put this somewhere in your office.”
“Blaze, you just lost your man card,” Kellen, the youngest of the Alexander siblings, yelled out. “You need to stop with all of the sensitivity stuff. Only the women were getting gifts.”
“Leave him alone,” Sage told her brother. “I saw the present you gave Zaire last night when you thought no one was looking.”
Amusement flickered in Kellen’s eyes as he met Zaire’s gaze. At twenty-six years old, she was a year older than Kellen. They’d shared an apartment in Atlanta while attending the same grad school. Although she was close to the rest of her family, she and Kellen shared a special relationship because they were so close in age.
Zaire eyed the beautifully framed photograph of their family and smiled. “Thanks, Blaze. This is definitely going on my desk.”
“I have a gift for you, as well,” Drayden announced. “I’m proud of you, sis.”
She quietly noted that while she had inherited her mother’s smooth chocolate complexion, she had her father’s gray eyes, as did all of her siblings. Zaire and her family were very close, and they enjoyed friendly, smiling banter in a relaxed manner such as this.
For Zaire, this was what it meant to be a family.
Later that evening, after everyone had gone home, she sat in the family room with her parents and Kellen watching a movie on television.
“What time are you leaving in the morning?” she asked her brother.
“Around six,” he responded.
“I bet you’re glad to have the apartment all to yourself.”
“Actually, I’m hardly ever there. Working on this thesis has been keeping me busy.”
“I don’t miss that at all.”
Kellen shifted on the sofa. “I just keep reminding myself that I’m almost done with grad school.”
“Stay focused,” she advised.
“I am.” He gave her a sidelong glance. “Now, what do you know about this Tyrese Moore?”
“Just that he started his own company five years ago as a boutique marketing firm, which has been very successful. I know that he’s also involved in several different charities.”
“Good luck on tomorrow,” Kellen told her.
“Thanks.”
Kellen pointed at their parents, who were both sound asleep.
Barbara lay with her head against Malcolm’s chest.
Seeing them like that brought a smile to Zaire’s lips. She was looking forward to the day when she met her soul mate.
* * *
Zaire chose a trendy black pantsuit to wear for her meeting with Tyrese Moore, the owner and CEO of the Moore Group. She strolled through the doors of 640 South, where the company was housed. The five-story building located on San Vincente Boulevard was considered Westside’s premiere business location.
Her eyes traveled upward, admiring the dramatic two-story atrium. The select museum-quality art pieces throughout the building beckoned artists and art lovers from all over. It was apparent that Tyrese Moore was a man who appreciated art and the finer things in life.
