She was far too aware of Kellen as a sexy man, when she needed to look at him objectively like an employee. Still, it was hard to stay objective when he focused those gorgeous gray eyes on her, when the clean male scent of him eddied in the air around her and his energy filled every corner of the room.
She had to find a way to block out her intense awareness of this man.
* * *
Kellen had not expected to be struck down by Addison’s beauty. The image formed in his mind was of a “plain Jane” type. Instead, her features were classic. Addison had high cheekbones that emphasized the slenderness of her face and her straight, perfect nose. She had a generous mouth, which he found incredibly sexy and her lips inviting.
She looked of average height; her curvaceous figure covered in a navy pencil skirt and jacket. Not a hair was out of place. Kellen admired the healthy glow of her butternut complexion.
While in her office, he glimpsed the many awards and accolades Addison had received throughout her career. Combined with the conservative navy suit she wore, he got the message. This woman was smart, dedicated and professional.
She had thrown him completely off guard. Kellen mentally shook himself and forced himself to pay attention to the human resources rep who explained the benefits of being an Alexander-DePaul employee.
Later, a walk through the open workstations revealed collaboration in action, which excited Kellen. He couldn’t wait to get started on his first project. He intended to impress Addison with his skill. Kellen noted there were groups of associates gathered in one area or another throughout. Although he had group projects during his college years, he preferred to work solo when it came to a project.
“ADDG employees participate in a wide variety of activities—from fun to philanthropic—the annual golf tournaments, charity fundraisers and local office parties, just to name a few,” the HR rep stated.
Afterward, Kellen joined the rest of the associates in a large area he assumed was the break room. For just a moment Kellen gazed at Addison, observing her as she interacted with her staff. She was a natural beauty, a woman comfortable in her own skin. Normally, when he glimpsed into the eyes of the women he came into contact with, he saw a hint of vulnerability in the depths of their eyes, but not in Addison’s gaze. She obviously didn’t need anybody to rescue her and besides, that wasn’t his role here. Kellen knew without a doubt that she could stand her ground and hold her own against just about anybody.
“So what do you think?” she asked when she joined him by a table laden with food.
“I notice that everyone seems to work in teams. Collaboration seems to be the theme throughout.”
“Collaboration means teamwork, and our integrative approach to project design is apparent in our staff relationships. Working with a variety of different professionals who share a common goal allows us to enjoy what we do and celebrate the satisfaction that comes from a job well-done.”
“I tend to work better alone.”
She looked up at him, meeting his gaze straight on. “You may feel this way now, but after you’ve worked on a few projects, I think you’ll feel different.”
Kellen disagreed, but did not vocalize his thoughts. “So what are some of the new projects your teams are working on?”
“ADDG took the lead on an exciting project in Denver,” Addison stated. “We are designing a new ski resort. The building is going to be a replacement for the preexisting Hummingbird Lodge. In just under a year of design time, we are on target to bring the plans through the necessary variance and permitting phases and to completion.”
“Sounds like an exciting project,” Kellen admitted.
“Your job will entail developing structural renderings starting from conceptual to detailed design stage using 3D AutoCAD and Personal Development Management System.”
He patted the backpack on his right shoulder. “I can’t wait to get started.”
Their eyes met and held.
She released a soft sigh, although he couldn’t tell if the sigh was of relief or apprehension. “I’m certainly glad to hear that,” Addison replied as she headed back toward the door. “I have to get to a meeting, but I’ll check on you later.”
Her steps were brisk and abrupt, almost as if she couldn’t wait to get away from him. Kellen reminded himself that no matter how beautiful she was, Addison Evans was a mystery he definitely didn’t need to explore.
* * *
Kellen carried with him an energy that seemed to pulse in the air around him, an energy that seductively drew her to him. Addison escaped into a conference room. But it was the way he stood, his head cocked to one side, an air of confidence about him which drew her like a moth to a flame. Maybe it was because she’d isolated herself for the past six months that Kellen touched a chord inside her.
She checked her watch.
Her meeting wasn’t scheduled to start for another ten minutes, but she needed time to regain her senses.
Addison cast her gaze outside the window, where a light breeze stirred the trees. She always loved the spring season, before the summer heat tightened its grip on Los Angeles.
As she heard the door open and then close, her thoughts snapped back to work.
Members of upper-level management slowly filled the room. Addison turned her attention to the meeting agenda.
Reluctantly, her thoughts traveled back to Kellen. When his gaze landed on her, he seemed to be trying to look inside her soul, which is what prompted Addison to break eye contact with him and leave so abruptly. It was really ridiculous, the kind of tension his very presence wrought inside her. She was extremely aware of Kellen’s maleness, when she needed to look at him as just another employee.
She didn’t know why, but she had a feeling her life was about to change dramatically. Addison just wasn’t sure if it would change for the good or the bad.
Chapter 2
Barbara walked outside to the patio where Kellen sat staring out at the picturesque landscape of the backyard and Olympic-size pool.
Feeling his mother’s presence, he glanced up but said nothing.
“How was your first day at ADDG? You got in so late last night, I didn’t get a chance to talk to you.”
“Spent most of the day in orientation,” Kellen responded drily. “I was able to get my office set up. I unpacked all of my books and magazines. I guess you could say that it was a good first day.”
She sat in the empty lounge chair beside him. “Honey, I know you’re disappointed about the management position, but your father made the right decision.”
He gave her a sidelong look. “Somehow I figured you would agree with him.”
She seemed taken aback by his response. “What is that supposed to mean?”
“Exactly what I just said,” Kellen responded. He was careful not to sound disrespectful. “Mom, you rarely disagree with Dad over anything. So this doesn’t surprise me that you’d side with him on this, too. Allies must present a united front, after all.”
“Son, I’m not siding with anyone,” Barbara stated. “In case you have forgotten, I’ve been in business for a while. If the decision had been mine to make—I would’ve made the same one.”
“I’ve done everything I could to earn your trust.” Kellen sighed in resignation. “What else do I need to do?”
“Nothing,” she responded.
Barbara’s warm brown eyes bored into his as she folded her hands in her lap—hands that were now adorned with a new wedding set. “This is not about trust, Kellen. This is a business decision and not a personal one. The fact that you haven’t realized