LITMIR.BIZ

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in downtown Manhattan that attracted artists, retailers and businesses alike.

      When he arrived, he turned off the alarm and locked the door behind him. All of the RHD employees were celebrating the Labor Day weekend, so he was alone. He insisted that everyone take the weekend off because he worked better when there were no other distractions.

      Kyle removed a dress from its protective covering and laid it on the mahogany table in his large corner office. Examining it with a critical eye, he reached for a piece of sheer voile fabric lying nearby and fashioned it into a collar around the top of the dress.

      Smiling in satisfaction, he pinned the material in place and then returned the dress to the garment bag. Kyle went through each piece, tweaking hemlines, changing or adding buttons or fabrics. The new spring/summer collection had to be a Fashion Week hit—Kyle would accept nothing less. The RHD fashion show would be the talk of the industry if he had anything to do with it.

      At thirty-four years old, Kyle was the oldest son of Roger and Lila Hamilton. He fully expected to inherit RHD one day, so he worked hard to prove to his parents that he was worthy of the inheritance. His designs had received rave reviews for the past three seasons. He had even received the prestigious Designer of the Year award.

      His paternal grandparents had owned a chain of dry-cleaning shops in Philadelphia. However, his father had chosen a different path. Roger had moved to New York and was soon recognized as a gifted designer. He met Lila Eustace soon after and she began working as a fit model for him. Within a few years, RHD became a huge success and his mother began designing, too. And Kyle intended to continue, and expand on, that success well into the future.

      Shortly after 6:00 p.m., Kyle walked out of the building that housed the design firm. He was amused when he overheard the whispers of two women walking behind him. Women seemed to appreciate his six feet four inches of fit and toned physique, which he worked to maintain.

      Whistling softly, Kyle unlocked his car and climbed inside. He would have dinner with his cousin if Nelson hadn’t eaten already. He was thrilled to have a roommate—Nelson’s presence would alleviate some of the emptiness he felt from time to time.

      Kyle’s mother often hinted that it was time for him to settle down. Kyle’s mouth quirked with humor. There were times when he wondered what it would be like to have someone welcome him home, someone sweet and loving, but he refused to dwell on the thought for long. The reality was that Kyle was not husband material, and he had absolutely no desire to get married. His focus had to remain on his work.

      * * *

      “They’ve done it again! Our show is scheduled the day after RHD.”

      Zoe had listened to her boss complain for the past fifteen minutes about the day and time of his show, and it stirred a pool of irritation within her. “Jerry, it really doesn’t matter when RHD’s show is scheduled. Our new collection is brilliant.” She softened her voice and added, “I just hope you’re ready for all of the orders we’re going to receive from stores around the world.”

      He released a short sigh and nodded. “I guess you’re right.”

      Dressed in brown leather pants and a multicolored striped sweater, Jerry paced back and forth, fingering his goatee.

      Zoe watched him for a moment, and then leaned back in her chair, arms folded. “When are you going to let this competition between you and Kyle end?” She had never met a man like Jerry Prentice. At times he seemed in control, but just the mention of Kyle Hamilton’s name and Jerry could carry on for hours. As far as Zoe was concerned, it was childish.

      It was common knowledge that Jerry and Kyle had a long history together. Their rivalry had started when they were studying design in college and grew more intense after they graduated. Kyle went to work at his family’s company, while Jerry took a job at Guava International, RHD’s biggest competitor.

      “Kyle and I are not in competition,” Jerry responded stiffly. “I just can’t stand the man or his huge ego.”

      Zoe had her own issues where Kyle was concerned, but she was determined not to dwell on them. The preparations for Fashion Week had helped to keep her focus off the man who had toyed with her heart and then cast her aside with nothing more than a fleeting glance.

      An image of Kyle rose in her mind, and for a second or two Zoe enjoyed the flash of heat whipping through her. However, the heat was soon replaced by cold fury. It was better for her to concentrate on that particular sentiment.

      She pushed away from her desk and walked over to a rack of clothing. She pulled an outfit from it and said, “This is our showstopper, Jerry. It’s your best work yet.”

      A huge grin spread across his face. “I agree.”

      “It’s time you stop focusing on Kyle Hamilton. If you don’t, you’ll end up letting your hatred for him stifle your creativity.”

      “What about you?” Jerry asked. “Have you stopped thinking about him?”

      Zoe made herself turn to face him and meet his gaze. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Kyle was just my boss.”

      Jerry gazed at her but did not comment, so Zoe considered the subject closed, pulling a scarlet-colored gown off the rack and inspecting the fabric. “I think we should use more feathers around the top.”

      Jerry allowed her to change the direction of their conversation. “Hmm...let’s spice it up a bit more with some tulle.”

      “And some polished gemstones,” Zoe added.

      He smiled and nodded in agreement.

      Zoe’s mind drifted back to Kyle Hamilton. She understood why Jerry felt so threatened. What her boss considered arrogance was actually confidence emanating from Kyle’s every pore. He was a creative genius. While Jerry was very talented, Kyle seemed to be in a league of his own.

      She attempted to focus on the outfits hanging on the rack, but images of Kyle with his close-cropped dark hair, chocolate-brown eyes and sexy grin threatened to take up permanent residence in her mind.

      “Zoe?”

      “Huh?” She gave herself a mental shake. “I’m sorry, Jerry. My mind was somewhere else.”

      “Getting more creative inspiration,” he responded. “I didn’t mean to take you out of the zone.”

      “It’s fine.” Zoe picked up a sketch pad and made some changes to a drawing.

      Jerry walked over to glimpse her adjustments. “Yes. I like that.” He strode toward the door. “Take the sketch to the sewing room and give it to Martha when you’re done. I want her to add the finishing touches right away.”

      Zoe did not look up from her work. She could hear Jerry shouting orders in the hallway. Fashion Week always seemed to make him more intense than usual.

      When she was done, Zoe left her office with the dress and sketch in hand. She caught sight of a slender woman lurking nearby and sighed in irritation.

      Zoe generally got along with everyone, and there were only a handful of people she simply did not like. Sasha Jones was one of those people. The woman made it her civic and professional duty to sniff out every ounce of gossip, making the rounds in Guava when she wasn’t making Zoe miserable. For reasons Zoe could not fathom, Sasha had decided that Zoe was the enemy.

      “I see that you’re making more changes to that dress,” Sasha said, gesturing to the gown. “What’s wrong, sweetie? Are you second-guessing yourself?”

      Zoe exhaled slowly before responding. Her patience was not limitless. Enough was enough. “I’m not having doubts about anything, Sasha. But I do hope you’re not too disappointed that my designs were chosen to be featured this year.”

      For a moment, Sasha’s eyes seemed to be caverns of ice.

      Zoe bit back a smile as she stepped around Sasha and continued on to the sewing room. She had no idea why Jerry kept Sasha around.

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