Читать книгу Five Star Attraction - Jacquelin Thomas - Страница 13

Chapter 4

“So, this is where Robert spent his final days,” Ari said when they ventured into the master bedroom. “This place looks fit for a king.”

Malcolm glanced around the large bedroom. “I guess to some, Robert DePaul was a king.”

Ari navigated around the bedroom. “Dad, this is spectacular. This closet is big enough to make me dizzy, and there’s another room in here with a washer and dryer.”

Malcolm frowned. “A washer and dryer in the bedroom? I’ve never heard of such.”

“I guess they make bedrooms more functional out here in California. If I had a bedroom like this, I could get a whole day’s work done without ever leaving the room.”

Ari strolled into another room. “There is a subzero freezer and fridge in here, too. This definitely works for me.”

“And to think, all your mother and I ever dreamed of having in our bedroom is a fireplace,” Malcolm said.

“Well, now you have two fireplaces, a wide-screen television and a waterfall in the shower built for two.” Ari walked over to his father and said, “Dad, I hope you and Mom know what to do with all this stuff.”

Malcolm grinned. “Don’t worry about us, son. I’m sure we could figure it out.”

“Dad, you and Mom deserve to live like this. You two have worked so hard for the family. I’m glad Robert left his estate to you. It was the right thing to do, but also he made the right decision. You will bring nothing but honor to his legacy.”

The two men embraced.

Malcolm stifled a yawn. “I don’t know about you, but I’m still on East Coast time. I’m beat.”

“I am, too,” Ari said. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

He left the master suite and walked across the hall where he would be sleeping. His suite was not as opulent as the bedroom his father was in, but it was the largest guest room Ari had ever been in. His master retreat at home was a nice size but definitely not this big.

Ari made his way to the bathroom and turned on the shower. “You can fit two people in this one, too,” he whispered. “Man, this is nice.”

He showered, slipped into a pair of pajamas and settled down in the sitting room to watch television. A picture of April formed in Ari’s mind.

She’s smiling. This must mean that she’s happy and at peace.

Ari missed her dearly. He touched the wedding band on his finger as his heart grieved the loss of the only woman he had ever loved. He often wondered if he would ever feel such emotion for another person again.

Another image formed.

His breath caught as Natasha’s faced loomed in his mind. Ari shook his head as if trying to shake the likeness of her out of his mind. How could she control his thoughts like this? Everything about Natasha disturbed him.

After a dinner of spaghetti and turkey meatballs, Natasha helped Joshua with his homework and then read him a story. Joshua had complained of feeling tired afterward, so he had gone straight to bed.

Natasha settled down in her den and opened a novel. She found it hard to concentrate on reading. Ari Alexander and his father dominated her thoughts. They didn’t have the experience needed to manage luxury properties like the DePaul Hotel Group. Why can’t Ari see that?

Harold had worked under Robert’s tutelage since college. He was more qualified, and he was Robert’s nephew. But Malcolm Alexander was Robert’s son.

“This is such a mess,” she whispered. It was too bad they couldn’t find some way to work together. Harold had been the one balking at the very thought of joining forces with Malcolm. He wanted all of Robert’s assets retained in their family.

Natasha wasn’t sure how this situation was going to turn out, but she prayed for a positive outcome. She liked and respected Malcolm Alexander. His son Ari was another story, however.

Those deep, penetrating eyes of his seemed to look right through Natasha. His gaze was uncomfortable and kept her on the defensive.

He thinks I’m trying to cheat his father out of his fortune, but I’m protecting him, Natasha kept telling herself. Besides, this really has nothing to do with Ari. It’s Malcolm’s decision. Enough about Ari, she silently chided. He’s a married man and after tomorrow, I probably won’t ever see him again.

Natasha stifled a yawn. She was exhausted, but it was much too early for her to go to bed.

She rose to her feet and made her way to her son’s room.

Joshua was asleep.

Natasha stood there, watching him. She was so proud of her little angel. Since finding out about the leukemia, Joshua had exhibited nothing but courage, even at his weakest.

Whenever he went in to have chemo, Joshua was always the one trying to cheer up the others who were scared or sobbing. He liked to make cards for the other children in the hospital, or take them candy.

Natasha felt something wet on her cheeks. She hadn’t realized she was crying. She wiped her face on the back of her hands and then eased the door shut. She quietly made her way to her bedroom and turned on the monitor. It gave her comfort, knowing that she could hear her son cry out if he needed her.

The telephone rang.

She saw her sister’s name on the caller ID and picked up the receiver.

“Natalie,” she said into the phone. “It’s about time you called me back. Mama’s been driving me crazy about your engagement dinner. Remember how she was when Nathan got married? Well, she is even worse now.” She glanced over at a photo of the three of them. They were triplets and very close.

Her sister laughed. “I’m sorry. My caseload is really heavy right now. I’ve been trying to clear my desk before the wedding.”

“I understand, but our mother doesn’t. You know she wants everything to be perfect.”

“It will be,” Natalie responded. “She just needs to relax. How’s my little sweetie?”

“He had a good day today, sis. He was tired after dinner, so I sent him to bed.”

“I know deep down that Joshua is going to be fine,” Natalie stated. “Just let me know if I can help you with money, doctors…anything.”

“We are going to be fine, I think,” Natasha said. “I feel so much better having a full-time nurse caring for him when I’m not here.”

“That has to be expensive.”

“It is,” Natasha confirmed. “But I’ll do whatever I have to do for Joshua.”

“Have you heard from his father?” her sister asked.

“No, and I don’t expect to hear from him. Natalie, the man that was supposed to love me forever…he left me for a stripper. Calvin never wanted to be a father, so when I got pregnant—that was the last straw for him.”

“I never thought he was good enough for you, Natasha. You know I never liked him.”

“I know. Back then I couldn’t understand why, but I do now.” She ran her fingers through her hair, fingering the curls. “Let’s talk about you. My sister’s getting married.”

“I am,” she squealed on the other end of the line.

“I’m really happy for you, Natalie, but I have to confess that I’m a tiny bit jealous. I want a happily ever after.”

“You’re going to get yours,” Natalie assured her. “The right man is on his way to you.”

An image of Ari formed in her mind, but Natasha shooed it away. He’s a married man, she silently screamed.

“Natasha, you still here?”

She forced her thoughts back to her conversation with her sister. “Yeah, I’m here.”

They talked for almost two hours before Natasha said, “Natalie, I can’t wait to see you this weekend.” She glanced over at the clock and said, “Sweetie, I have a meeting tomorrow morning, so I need to get ready for bed.”

“Give the munchkin a big hug for me.”

“I will,” she promised.

Natasha hung up the phone and then went to check on Joshua one more time. She sat down in the chair beside his bed, watching him as a smile tugged at her lips.

Malcolm was in the kitchen pouring a cup of coffee when Ari walked out of the guest bedroom. “Want some?” he asked.

“Sure,” Ari responded. “Where’s Chef Ricardo? I’m sure he’d have a fit to find you helping yourself to coffee. I think it’s impolite or something.”

Smiling, Malcolm handed him a cup of steaming-hot coffee. “He offered, but I insisted on doing it myself. Ricardo left for a grocery run this morning. Apparently, he takes care of all of the shopping when it comes to the kitchen. He told me that he gets here at 7:00 a.m. and doesn’t leave until after seven in the evening. He has weekends off, however.”

“How did you sleep?” Ari inquired.

“I slept pretty good. Missed your mother, though.”

“I still haven’t gotten used to sleeping without April.” A wild flash of grief ripped through him. “Dad, I miss her so much.”

“She was a wonderful woman.” Malcolm took a sip of his coffee. “Oh, the food is already set up in the conference room. We’re going to have a working breakfast with Ira and Natasha.”

“I don’t trust that woman,” Ari stated at the mention of Natasha’s name.

“Get to know her, son, before you make any assumptions.”

Ari eyed his father. “I know you, Dad. You don’t trust her any more than I do.”

There was a knock on the door.

Ari followed Franklin into the foyer and greeted Ira with a handshake.

Natasha entered the elegantly appointed quarters a few minutes after Ira arrived. Ari felt his pulse involuntarily leap with excitement.

She greeted everyone before saying to Ari, “Good morning. I really hope that we can find some common ground today.”

He cleared his throat, pretending not to be affected by her. “My position hasn’t changed, Miss LeBlanc.”

“I see.” She switched her purse from one side to the other. “Well, if you will excuse me, I need to speak to Ira before we get started.”

Her perfume attacked his nostrils, casting a spell of seduction. His heartbeat throbbed in his ears. Ari couldn’t seem to tear his gaze away as Natasha made confident strides across the marble floor, her hips swaying gently as she walked.

What is wrong with me?

His pulse skittered alarmingly. Ari was knocked off guard by his response to Natasha. Never had he experienced anything so powerful. None of this made much sense to him. He took a few minutes to gather himself before joining the others in the conference room.

Malcolm surveyed his face a moment before asking, “You all right, son?”

Ari ignored the amused look on his father’s face and nodded. He sat down beside his father and across from Natasha.

She looked up from the document she had been reading just as he took his seat, but she didn’t say a word.

Ira closed the door to the conference room so that they wouldn’t be overheard. “I trust you and Ari slept well, Malcolm.”

“We did,” they responded in unison.

Natasha was the first to speak. “Mr. Alexander, I would like to offer my apologies if I said anything to offend you yesterday. It was not my intent. I had only hoped to offer advice on what should be done in regards to the hotel properties. I never meant to imply that you should rescind your rights to the rest of the estate.”

“Miss LeBlanc, you will find that I am not easily offended,” Malcolm responded. “My son and I are anxious to return home, so we will make this quick. I am not prepared to make a decision today regarding the estate. When I get home, I intend to discuss it with the rest of my family. As soon as we decide what is best for our family and the DNA results are back, I will meet with you and Ira. You will know what we have decided at that time.”

Ari silently noted that Natasha and Ira both looked surprised by his father’s response.

After a moment, Natasha said, “I completely understand.” She pushed away from the table and said, “I look forward to our next meeting. Safe travels to you, Mr. Alexander, and to you, as well, Ari.” She checked her watch. “I have another appointment in an hour, so I really need to get going.”

“I’ll walk you out,” Ari stated as he rose to his feet.

He waited until they were out of the conference room before saying, “It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss LeBlanc.” His heartbeat throbbed in his ears.

She looked up at him. “Really?”

They halted their steps. “You sound surprised.”

“I am, because that’s not the impression I got from you.”

He was struck speechless for a moment.

Natasha flashed him a quick smile. “Ari, I really hope you enjoyed your brief stay, but I’m sure you’re very anxious to get back to your family.” Her eyes traveled down to his left hand. “I look forward to hearing from your father.”

Ari inhaled her intoxicating fragrance, savoring the light floral scent. “You have a good day, Miss LeBlanc.” He thought he detected a flicker of interest in her intense, warm brown eyes, but it was gone in a flash.

After she was gone, he went into the guest bedroom to grab his overnight tote. Just as he entered the master bedroom to retrieve his father’s garment bag, a woman wearing a maid’s uniform walked in.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” she said, looking panicked.

Ari smiled. “You’re fine. I just came in to get this.”

When he returned to the conference room, Ira and Malcolm had finished their discussion. Ira was putting documents into his attaché case.

Franklin appeared in the doorway to announce, “The limo is waiting downstairs to take you to the plane. I wish you a safe journey.”

Ari and his father said their goodbyes to Ricardo and to Franklin.

They took the elevator down with Ira.

“Dad, I really don’t think you should sell the hotel properties,” Ari said when they were on their way to the airport. “We are more than capable of successfully managing the chain, despite what Natasha LeBlanc believes.”

“When we get home, we will sit down with the rest of the family to examine all of our options, son. We will make this decision together—the same we have always done.”

Pleased, Ari closed his eyes and settled back against the lush leather seats in the back of the limo. He wished he had seen more of Los Angeles, but there was time. He would be back.

Natasha LeBlanc would just have to accept that he was now a part of her world.

“Mr. Chase, these are the primary areas found to be in need of attention,” Natasha began. “Inefficient service provided by undertrained and insufficient numbers of staff, poor levels of communication between management and ground staff, standard rooms and suites needing work, and the sports facilities were often unavailable due to an outdated booking system. However, on the positive side, this hotel had excellent food and a loyal sector of repeat customers aged sixty-plus.”

“We have a new employee training program in place, and, of course, retraining will be done by all of the employees,” said Mr. Chase.

“This is a good investment for you, but in order to maximize your dollars, you are going to need to upgrade your rooms—this will increase occupancy.” Natasha paused a moment before continuing. “Mr. Chase, without substantial investment, it is often possible to improve the quality of service just through better staff training and communication skills. Little touches that make a world of difference can be missing.”

She was so glad the meeting had finished on time. Natasha’s day was a busy one, but she was grateful because she needed the money. She had two more appointments before having lunch with a potential client.

Natasha checked her watch. Ari and his father were on the plane by now. The flight was scheduled to depart in the next twenty minutes or so.

Her next two meetings were productive. Natasha was grateful her day seemed to be going well. She left her office and got into her car. She was meeting with the CEO of the Savoy Hotel Group. While driving, Natasha rehearsed her presentation in her head.

Paul Pritzkin was just arriving when she got out of her car. They walked into the restaurant together.

They were seated immediately.

“I’m so glad you could meet with me at this late notice,” Paul told her. “I have to leave this evening for London, and I won’t be back for a couple of weeks.”

“Thank you for calling me,” she said. “I welcome the opportunity to work with your company.”

They made small talk until their food arrived.

Natasha sliced into her entrée. “LeBlanc Consulting experts will help you outperform your local competition, Mr. Pritzkin. We specialize in hotel consulting. Within this small market niche, we offer a complete portfolio of services for the hospitality industry. You can combine the following services or products in order to obtain a package tailored to your specific needs.”

Paul glanced down at the information she had given him. “You also specialize in operator selection?”

“Yes,” Natasha responded. “If you are looking for a hotel group to run a planned or existing hotel, we can assist you with the selection of a suitable operator. We can also advise you with regard to the financial and legal aspects of a management or lease contract.”

Two hours later, Natasha walked out of the restaurant with a check and signed contract. She hummed softly as she made her way to her car.

Natasha drove back to her office, grateful for the new clients she’d picked up today. She was responsible for twelve employees, and the new clients would help with overhead and payroll costs.

Her assistant had left a copy of Hospitality News in her office. On the cover was an article about Robert DePaul’s death and his secret son. The media was predicting an all-out war between the DePaul family and Malcolm Alexander.

For Malcolm’s sake, she prayed it wouldn’t come to that. He seemed like a really nice man. As for Ari…the truth was that she liked Ari, although Natasha was pretty sure he didn’t care much for her.

I probably would’ve tried harder to win him over if he weren’t married. The thought made her laugh. Despite his marital status, she found him compelling, his magnetism potent.

How could I be attracted to this man? Natasha kept repeating he’s married over and over in her head, but it was as if her heart refused to listen. She turned on the television to take her mind off Ari Alexander.

Natasha watched TV for about an hour before calling it a night. Her sister’s engagement dinner was tomorrow night, so she and Joshua would be leaving first thing Saturday morning. Natasha was looking forward to seeing her family. She really didn’t have anyone she was close to in Los Angeles, so she relished the time spent with her brother or sister.

After a relaxing shower, she slipped into her favorite sleepwear, a Lakers basketball jersey with Kobe Bryant’s number. Natasha was a devoted basketball fan.

Ari drifted into her mind once more, causing her to toss a pillow at the wall in frustration. “Why can’t I stop thinking about you?” she whispered. Natasha didn’t want to think about Ari. He was married, and she respected the boundaries. Her ex-husband had never been faithful. She would never cross that line with a married man.

She wasn’t that type of woman.