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.
“Miss Alexander...”
Zaire was jolted out of her reverie when she heard her name.
She glanced up into the most beautiful brown eyes she had ever seen. She broke into an open, friendly smile. “I’m sorry. I was just admiring the view.”
She thought she detected a hint of a smile, but it disappeared before Zaire could be sure. She flushed when she realized that he may have assumed that she was talking about him. Although, he was extremely handsome.
“I’m Tyrese Moore,” he said in a deep timbre. “I wanted to come down and greet you personally.”
Her perfectly shaped eyebrows rose in surprise. “You’re Mr. Moore?”
He chuckled. “You sound shocked.”
Zaire gave him a quick and not-so-subtle once-over. Tyrese looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties. She hadn’t expected him to be so young, but she did not give voice to the thought. “It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Moore.”
Tyrese’s smile was courteous as he guided her toward the elevators. “Pilar wanted to be here to welcome you herself, but she wasn’t able to change her plans. She’s still in New York.”
Pilar Millbrook was Tyrese’s partner and the person who had arranged this meeting with Tyrese.
They got off on the fifth floor.
“I’m very excited about this meeting with you,” Zaire said. “Thanks for allowing me this opportunity