Kaden's POV

My company Everdeen Development have been in negotiation with the town of Blythe CA for the last year. I want to revitalize the dying town, bringing in some much-needed capital to the area and save the town from going under. I had been working on ideas to bring the dying town back to life after my uncle died. The old farming community in the desert was once home to my uncle where he owned a bait and tackle store. My father was from a prestigious family, he was born into wealth. My mother, Vivian on the other hand is from what people would call "new money". She and her brother Mark were raised in an average low-class home in Blythe CA. Vivian went to school in Los Angeles, graduated top of her class, and worked hard as a plastic surgeon. Mark choose to stay in Blythe opening his bait and tackle shop where he also made custom poles. 

My mother as she tells the story lucked into being the one to straighten Angel La Flurs nose after she broke it on the set of her then blockbuster debut. She and Angel were roommates back in college and still kept in touch. After graduation, Angel went on to be a well-known actress starring in many popular movies in the early 90's. She and my mother had been close friends during college. After her nose job, Angel may have hyped my mother up, so now she is "the" plastic surgeon to rich and famous. This helped her to lift her family out of poverty, she helped uncle Mark open his tackle shop. She was able to earn her spot in polite society where she met my father and her husband Kent.

I had spent many summers with Mark in the bait store or playing board games. I loved the freedom I had with my Uncle Mark. He had no maids, no butlers, just Uncle Mark and me. We would go fishing, and swim in the lakes and canals. I especially loved to catch crawfish so we could have crawfish for dinner. My summers with Mark are my fondest memories. Which, is why I want to save the town. All his memories and my proudest memories are there.

Pain tugs at my heart when I think of my uncle. Mark had lost everything he worked for in a fire. His home and his business were gone in a blink of an eye. Not wanting to accept help from his sister or brother-in-law he left this town and world behind. They told me his death was an accident, but I can't help but wonder. My uncle was a very proud man, he would never accept any help even if it were to save his life. He was a very good man and I want to honor Uncle Mark by saving the town he and I love so much.

"Allison, we need to fly to California this afternoon, please get us two first-class tickets to LA. and a rental car." I tell her as I head to my office. Not wanting anyone to see me visibly upset I immediately go into my office bathroom to wash up. I cannot believe someone would try to buy out my project! Who in their right mind would go against Everdeen Development? After washing my face I remember we need the project files, we can go over them on the flight. I head out of my office to Allison's desk in the main lobby area just outside my office. 

Usually, when I leave my office Allison is quite attentive. Today, however, she didn't notice me, she was busy texting someone. For the briefest moment, I hoped it was not a guy. I stop in my tracks. Huh? Where did that thought come from? Maybe James is right, I might need to find a girlfriend. I have never had one, I have always been too busy. I am 23; it is time I start looking at more than just files and financial reports. Blowing a puff of air at the frustrating thoughts I continue to Allison's desk.

I take a moment to take in Allison's side profile. She has a small heart-shaped face with a dash of freckles across her pert little nose. Her strawberry blond hair is loose with big curls falling down her back, the front has bangs that fan out to frame her beautiful face. Her blue eyes reminded me of the sky and freedom, back when I knew what freedom was. When my father passed away Everdeen Development was in the middle of a power struggle. I had no choice but to become ruthless and unfeeling. I had to keep my father's company intact, it has been in the family for one hundred years. Taking over a company at seventeen was no easy feat, but in doing so, I feel like I missed so much in life. Allison is a true beauty, I think if I ever married someone it would be someone like her. I mentally face-palm myself, what is with me? She works for me, how can I be thinking this way of her? If I keep going in this direction I am going to have a lawsuit on my hands for sexual harassment!

I did not mean to read what was on her phone, but as I got closer to her desk I could not help myself. I had to know if she was texting a guy, I know not my business, but I needed to know. Instead of reading the sender's name, I realized she was talking about me! Not in a flattering way either. She called me Mr. Doom and Gloom. Me Mr. Doom and Gloom? How can I be Mr. Doom and Gloom at 23? Most 23-year-olds would be partying or still at College, but I have a business to run. When my father died, I had no choice but to finish both high school and college at the same time, while running a Fortune 500 company. I guess all work and no play, I have been a bit gloomy. I sigh to myself, what am I going to do? At this rate, maybe Allison is right. At least now I can put my fantasies of her in my bed away, now I know how she feels about me. 

Allison took this time to look up from her phone, the look of pure shock on her face would have been comical had my heart not just been ripped out. I straighten myself to my full 6'3 height. Pulling at my expensively tailored suit jacket down while clearing my throat.

"Do we have our flight information yet?" I ask.

"Y-yes sir, We need to be at the airport by 5 P.M., I was just getting ready to call MR. Edwards to have your bags packed." She replied nervously. 

"Good" I reply while noting the time to be 10 A.M. "Please take the rest of the day to pack your bags, meet me at the estate at 2 so we can head to the airport. You can leave your car at the estate until we return."

"Yes sir." She replies with a blush to her face. I wonder if she knows I read what she wrote. Not that it matters. I think as I head back into my office closing the door harder than I had intended to.