Desiree found Claudia outside against a Jeep Cherokee. “Can I speak to my sister for a minute, please?” Desiree’s tone was curt and straight to the point.

Jaden removed his arms. “Julian’s getting ready to head overseas for another photo shoot. I’m going to the airport to see him off. Tell me what you need so I can get it for you.”

“I don’t need anything, and you don’t have to come back, Jaden. You’ve done enough. It’s late, you should head home and get some R & R.”

“How about, you let me worry about R & R. It’s you that’s my concern right now.”

Claudia smiled. “Text me first.”

Jaden leaned in laying an ultrasensitive kiss on Claudia’s face, he turned to Desiree and inclined his head. “Have a good night.”

Desiree didn’t respond; instead, she twisted her lips at Claudia.

“What the actual hell, Claudia.”

“Can you wait until he’s out of earshot before you jump down my throat please?”

Desiree inhaled and exhaled deeply, and they moved away watching the men crawl into the Jeep. Jaden and Julian waved, smiled, and winked at the women before pulling out of the parking lot.

“So this is what you’ve been up to,” Desiree said flatly.

Claudia inhaled a deep breath. “Listen, Jaden and I are just friends. Nothing more.”

Desiree smirked. “Does he know that?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Come on Claudia, Jaden is all over you. I’ve been here all of thirty minutes and I can tell he has the hots for you.” Desiree twisted her lips at the puzzled look on Claudia’s face. “You’re trying to tell me you honestly don’t know?”

“I know he likes me, but I like him, too.”

Desiree scrutinized her sister carefully. “Like, huh?”

Claudia folded her arms.

“Look, I don’t want to jump down your throat all the time. But you’re my kid sister, and I feel like you don’t take life seriously sometimes. It’s time to grow up Claudia. You’re taking care of our mother. Now when do you plan to get your head on straight?”

Claudia’s head fell back, and she shut her eyes tight then reopened them and glared at her sister. “You’re a liar and a hypocrite.”

Desiree was insulted. Her eyes rising in surprise.

“Yes, I said it. Every chance you get to criticize me, you do. I never hear you say, thank you, Claudia for stepping up to take care of our mother. Or, you don’t ever call to check on my well-being, see how I’m handling doing all of this alone. I mean for God’s sake, Desiree. I co-own a business. I’m trying to plan a fundraiser, and yes, I am lonely. All the time. I would love to have a man like Jaden! But I’m not stupid. I know Jaden could never be with a girl like me. His reputation would probably be ruined! But I can enjoy the time I spend with him, can’t I? I can pretend to have some sort of life! Oh no, but as soon as I go and do that something happens, or nothing happens, and I still get criticized!”

Claudia wiped the tears that threatened to fall. “Shit,” she groaned. “I don’t need this from you, Desiree, since you think you’re so perfect. Why don’t you do it yourself?”

“I never said I was perfect,” Desiree retorted.

“Yeah, you don’t have to. Just continue shaming me for everything I don’t get right.” Claudia moved past Desiree marching into the hospital.

“We’re not done!”

“I am!”

“Claudia, let me talk to you!”

But Claudia disappeared into the hospital’s entrance.

Over the next few days, Jaden reached out to Claudia but received minimal conversation. He was aware that the stress of her sister being around and Adeline’s recent hospitalization had something to do with. He reasoned she was busy, but that didn’t stop him from wanting to check on her. In any case, Jaden would give her the space she required, for now. Strolling into Rose Bank and Trust Credit Union, Jaden spoke and nodded to fellow employees. Jaden’s presence was announced when his leather oxford shoes tapped against the marble floor. He checked his Rolex and waited patiently for the elevator doors to open.

“Sir,” A young intern spoke.

Jaden turned to him. “Good morning, Dominique. How’s everything going?

“Going good, sir, I’ve got the newspaper for you.” Dominique handed over the paper with a fresh cup of coffee. “Black no milk, like you prefer it.”

Jaden grinned at the enthusiastic intern, eager to please. “Thank you Dominique, but you shouldn’t have. We’re not paying you as it is. Did you use the company card to make these purchases?”

Dominique shook his head no. “It’s just coffee and a newspaper. I’ve got a little savings.”

“Next time use the company card, it’s no problem.”

“Yes, sir.”

The elevator doors dinged, and a group of people exited. Jaden stood to the side until the last one was off then slid into the elevator just as the doors began to close. Arriving at the floor that held his headquarters, Jaden made his way through the office building.

“Mr. Rose,” his assistant cooed. “You have a visitor. I didn’t see any appointments, but she said it was last minute, so I hope you don’t mind me letting her sit inside your office.”

Jaden leaned to look through his office doors opening.

“Next time, give me a call, Samantha and I may have you reschedule. I have a conference call in 30 minutes.”

“I’m sorry, sir. I can reschedule an appointment for her now.”

“Next time.”

Jaden proceeded into his office his confident strides taking him around his desk. He sat the cup of coffee on the mahogany surface, his eyes connecting with his guest.

Sitting with her legs crossed bouncing slightly, Cassie offered Jaden a sensual smile. “Good morning, Mr. Rose.”

The fact that his name didn’t sound nearly as befitting as it did when Claudia said it was all the more reason for Jaden to want to end this meeting before it started.

“What can I do for you this morning Cassie?”

Her eyes fell to his lips then back to his honey brown eyes.

“I was wondering if you could help me out. I’m offering free dance classes to inner city kids and am in need of a partner. So far, I’ve got one hundred and fifty kids who’ve signed up, so I’ll be teaching classes throughout the week, sometimes five a day.” Cassie shifted in her seat. “I know you’re a busy man Mr. Rose—”

“Just call me, Jaden,” he offered.

Cassie’s brows quirked. “Okay, Jaden. As I was saying, I know you’re a busy man, but if you could afford to spend an hour every other day or so, that would help me out.” Cassie’s smile lit up the room, and she batted her eyes.

Jaden unbuttoned his jacket and pulled his long arms out of it, tossing it over the back of his chair. Cassie’s read-through was bold since her gray eyes paused on every part of him before returning to his sexy masculine face. Jaden pondered her request. He was always one to help out inner city kids or any kids, for that matter. But, being in such close proximity with Cassie on a regular basis was not something he looked forward to.

“I would love to help, Cassie, but unfortunately, I’ll have to turn you down.”

Cassie’s smile fell. “Why?” She almost snapped.

Jaden grimaced. “As you said before, I’m busy these days, and I’m sure you can find some other gentleman that would be willing to help you out.”

“I’m not sure about that.”

“Once you make your offer known, you’ll have a line around the corner.” Jaden offered her a half a grin. Cassie was feeling more disappointed by the second.

“Not even on weekends?”

Jaden thought more about her request. “I may be able to come through twice a week at most, but I can’t guarantee it.”

Cassie wasn’t completely deflated. She offered Jaden a warm smile.

“I’ll take what I can get,” she cooed.

When she didn’t rise from her seat, Jaden spoke. “I have a conference call in ten minutes, is there anything else?”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Cassie found her feet and moved towards the door. “I was wondering if you’d like to have lunch today.” Before Jaden responded she quipped, “A man’s gotta eat, right?”

“I’ll let you know.”

“Great, I’ll check in around noon then.”

Jaden inclined his head as he watched the animated blonde strut out of his office. Thoughts of Vegas resurfaced. Jaden would rather take Claudia to Morocco, but she’d mentioned Las Vegas before he’d had the chance to offer it. Jaden hit the speaker on his desk phone and dialed Samantha’s extension.

“Yes sir,” she answered.

“Samantha booked two tickets to Las Vegas, Nevada this weekend, round trip. I’ll send you the details in an email.”

“Yes sir, I’ll look out for it.”

“Thank you.”

“Oh, Mr. Rose, your nine o’clock is on the phone.”

“Send him through, Ms. Davies.”

The phone beeped, and Jaden answered, but his thoughts were on Vegas, and the time he would get to spend with Claudia. She was full of excuses these days, but he had an idea that would free her of all her obligations. The sooner he could get to her, the better.