RJ Powell's was founded over eight years ago. It had become wildly popular, having dressed several celebrities and politicians over the years. Jordan Powell, the CEO, was both a movie star and a fashion expert. He'd started the company after his twenty-fourth birthday. He'd been satisfied with his stable clientele — until now.
He gritted his teeth in annoyance as he leaned back in his office chair. He'd lied when he said he'd never heard of her company. Hell, how could he not? It was the very company threatening to surpass his own. Many of his clients had started patronizing them instead.
He had swallowed his pride to ask Jolene for help. Had he known that help would come from his rival company... well, he didn't regret it. If anything, it gave him the chance to meet the seemingly impossible Kiara.
She intrigued him. Everything about her felt shrouded in mystery — and he loved mysteries. He couldn't stop thinking about her. Just last night, he'd dreamt of kissing her. That was already too much. Still, he couldn't forget those deep blue eyes of hers — eyes that made him want to drown.
Jordan sighed. He had work to do, yet here he was, torturing himself over a woman far out of his reach. Well, since he couldn't stop thinking about her, he might as well call her.
"Hello, this is Kay," came her sweet yet firm voice — strong, yet terribly seductive.
"Hi Kiara. It's Jordan."
"Oh, how are you?"
"I'm fine. How's the progress with Vera's dress?"
"It's going really well. I'm overseeing it myself to ensure there are no mistakes. And regarding the necklace, it's here in America and should arrive soon."
"Thanks, Kiara. I'm lucky to have you overseeing both."
Her laughter pleased him beyond words.
"The dress will be ready before the party tomorrow, so you don't have to worry about anything. Um… I'm actually busy. Can we talk later?"
"Sure. Thanks."
"That's not necessary — just doing my job."
And with that, she hung up.
The door opened to reveal a handsome, coffee-haired man with steel-grey eyes. His face lit up with a grin as Jordan greeted him.
"It's awfully nice to see you, Brian," said Jordan.
"It's nice to see you too. You're in a good mood."
Jordan grinned. "Is it that obvious?"
Brian smiled. "More than you know. It's that woman, huh?"
"Yeah. I just got off the phone with her. Her voice is the sweetest thing you'll ever hear", he said, his tone dreamy.
"Hey, man, hold your horses. Not me — you. I'm not the one already infatuated with her."
Jordan smirked. "I'm not infatuated with anyone. You know me."
"Yeah. I know you — the idiot who never sticks to one woman because he's afraid of heartbreak."
"You make me sound so terrible."
Brian shrugged. "Maybe you are."
"Some of us just aren't cut out to stick to one person. At least not immediately. We wait for the right person."
Brian laughed — a long, throaty laugh that pissed Jordan off.
"An excuse for a spoiled brat who's used to chasing women."
"I don't chase them. They chase me."
"You ever think of disappointing them? I guess it's just your habit. You movie stars find loyalty difficult. Can't have a female friend without mixing it with romance."
"C'mon, I do. Take Jolene, for instance."
"Gimme another name."
"Vera?"
The moment the word left his lips, he knew he'd made a mistake.
"Vera?" Brian repeated incredulously. "You dated her, man. Hell, I'm pretty sure you—"
"Shut the hell up!" Jordan cut in, but Brian was already laughing.
"Gosh, man, you don't befriend women — you date them and… well, you know the drill. Wow, my playboy's becoming a saint."
"Shut up," Jordan said helplessly, though he couldn't help smiling himself.
His phone vibrated. He answered, exchanged a few words, and hung up.
"That was Marcus. The necklace from the UK is here. We have to test it to make sure it's the original."
"Seems like Vera still has her claws in you." Brian teased, his eyes glinting with mischief.
"Did you just come here to piss me off? You're terribly annoying today."
Brian chuckled. "Anyway, we should have drinks sometime."
"We should. Funny thing is, I'm not the busy one. I hardly ever see you anymore."
"It's not my fault. Work's been hectic. Isn't the party tomorrow?"
"Yes. Are you coming?" Jordan asked, though he already knew the answer.
"I don't think so. I've got important stuff to do tomorrow."
"I knew it. It's all work. I'm sure your love life suffers as much — or even more — than our friendship."
"My love life?" Brian snorted. "Well, there isn't much to it. It's pretty hard to find a decent girl these days. And I'm not the 'one-night-stand' type."
Jordan eyed him. "Whatever."
"Besides, you're a rich guy. You don't need to work all the time. Money follows you. Some of us actually sweat for ours."
Jordan raised a brow. "And I don't? I love my job. I built it myself, with my own money."
"And there he goes again. That doesn't change the fact that you, my friend, are an RPC."
"RPC?"
"Rich Playboy Celeb."
Jordan laughed. "You're crazy, man."
A knock interrupted them.
"Come—" He hadn't finished the word when Marcus burst in, looking rattled.
"What?" asked Jordan.
"Sorry, boss. But the necklace… it's a fake."