Styles of Seduction. Jacquelin Thomas

used to have so much fun when we were younger,” Daniel said. “Then we kind of drifted apart as we got older.”

      “We’re going to change that,” Nelson said. “Starting now. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by such creative people. And you surround yourself with creatives, too. Like that woman you introduced me to today, Kyle.”

      Kyle looked up at his cousin and noted the twinkle in his eye.

      “Who’s that, Kyle?” Lila asked.

      “I ran into Zoe Sinclair at the Childs Hotel,” he announced, shooting Nelson a glare. “I was surprised to see her.”

      “How did she look?” Lila asked. “She was always so chic.”

      “Good,” Kyle and Nelson answered in unison.

      Bailey chuckled.

      “I hear she’s doing quite well over at Guava,” Roger said.

      “She’s part of the reason their fall collection did so well,” Brianna interjected. “Women’s Wear Daily says that Zoe has a bright future as a designer.”

      Lila agreed. “We were lucky to have her for the short time she worked at RHD. Wouldn’t you agree, Kyle?”

      Kyle nodded without saying anything.

      “Let’s go sit,” Lila said as they finished their meal.

      “Why did Zoe leave RHD?” Nelson asked when they’d settled in the family room. Kyle had been hoping they were done with the topic of Zoe, but Nelson didn’t seem ready to let her go.

      “Apparently she received a better offer from Guava,” he replied, trying to keep his voice as neutral as possible.

      “We should have fought to keep her,” Lila said. “She worked under your supervision, Kyle. Why didn’t you convince Zoe to stay?”

      “She had already made up her mind, Mom.”

      “I think you underestimate your powers of persuasion.”

      Kyle met his mother’s gaze. “Zoe is a grown woman. I’m sure she put a lot of thought into her decision to leave RHD. She’s been with Guava for five years now, so it must be working out for her.” When Kyle noticed his mother and Nelson exchanging a glance, he fought the temptation to leave the room.

      “Did you and Zoe get a chance to talk about anything?” Lila inquired.

      “Like what?” he asked, not enjoying where this conversation was heading one bit.

      “Is she single?”

      “We were only in the elevator for a few minutes, Mom. I didn’t have enough time for a full dossier.”

      Kyle couldn’t help wondering why his mother was always so interested in Zoe and her social life. Maybe it was because Lila knew Zoe was confident where it counted and independent to an extreme. Zoe wasn’t afraid of going against the grain when it came to the achievement of her goals, much like his mother.

      He had to admit that he admired those qualities in both women.

      As Lila and his sisters gazed at him with a knowing look in their eyes, Kyle stopped trying to resist the urge to leave the room.

      “I need something to drink,” he said as he walked out, ignoring the soft laughter of his loving family, who clearly had no idea what was good for him—and what wasn’t.