The Safe Bet (Hidden Truths #1)(6)
“Mr. Maddox, I . . . I think that . . .” Get the words out. “I think that you will totally hate my idea.”
Julia looked over at Kate with a what-are-you-doing? expression. At no time during their morning chat had Kate mentioned she’d be throwing those words at Michael.
“But it’ll work well to raise awareness for your veteran business initiative. It will go against everything you believe in and stand for, and you’ll detest my idea . . . but it’s not about what you want, is it?” She forced herself to remain calm as she stood up, wanting to be on a more even playing field with him. Of course, he still towered over her, but she felt a little better, anyway.
“Go on.” The soft tone of his voice surprised her, but also filled her with hope.
Kate peeked at Julia. Relief filled her as Julia’s look of concern disappeared from the smooth lines of her face. Julia nodded and returned her attention back to Michael. “When you got out of the Marines you became an overnight success story. You created and engineered ideas to better improve the intelligence systems that our military use, and you built a company around those ideas.” She bit her lip before continuing, trying to maintain power over her nerves. “You sold your company and are reaping the benefits.” For three hundred million dollars, she thought. “But a lot of those who exit the military are not you. They’re not as lucky. But instead of hoarding your money away like many rich men in this country, you’re focused on using it to help fellow veterans.” She paused to catch her breath.
“But you know this. The thing is, despite everything you do, it’s still not enough. You’re only one man. Imagine what ten men like you could do. Or a hundred. Why go it alone?” She clasped her hands together, not exactly sure what to do with them.
Michael was staring at her, hands in pockets, lips sealed.
“My kid brother joined the military as soon as he turned eighteen. I worry about him every day. This is personal for me. In fact, caring for our military men and women should be personal for everyone.” Worrying about her brother had become about as normal as brushing her teeth. It was never ending. And she knew she’d always stress as long as he was putting his life on the line.
“What do you want to do?” he asked in a tone that registered defeat.
Kate’s smile revealed small dimples, which softened her high cheekbones.
Julia rose to her feet. “I’m going to leave you two alone to work out the details. I have a call to make, but I trust Kate can take the lead on this. I’ll just go and use your office, Michael.” Before Michael or Kate could refuse, she hurried out of the room.
Michael looked away from the door as it swung shut, and turned back to Kate, who was reaching for her tablet.
She pushed her long, golden blonde hair off her shoulders and onto her back, wishing that she could concentrate. She opened an app that housed her notes, trying to ignore the way her hairs stood on end knowing he was behind her.
“Did you tell Julia that we’ve already met?”
Startled, Kate slowly turned toward him. “I’m so sorry about your shirt. You should let me pay for it.”
“Did you know who I was last night?” he asked with a deep voice.
She swept a hand to the nape of her neck. “Yes.”
“Why didn’t you say something?” His eyes narrowed on her, and he took a step closer.
“I . . .” Could she tell him she had been completely tongue-tied by meeting him in person? “Honestly, I didn’t think you would remember me, and then I was in a hurry, so I kind of rushed out when your friend showed up.” Her poker face was failing her.
“You thought I would forget you?”
His words sent shivers dancing up her spine, and she could have sworn she had a heart palpitation. She sunk her teeth into her bottom lip.
“If we’re going to work together, I would strongly suggest you not do that,” he murmured, staring at her mouth as his smoldering blue eyes turned a shade darker.
She allowed his words to hang in the air for a moment, free of gravity, as she contemplated the appropriate response.
Was he attracted to her, or was it a game he was playing to unnerve her? She decided to ignore his comment and maintain professionalism. “Mr. Maddox, how would you feel about an auction?”
“Please, call me Michael.” He stepped away from her and walked over to make himself a cup of coffee from the single-serving brewer. “Want one?”
“No, but thank you.”
He turned toward her after a moment, holding his coffee in one hand and placing his other in his pants pocket. He looked out the wall of windows. “An auction might be a good idea, but how will we get enough items for the auction in a week?”
Kate turned away from him and bent down to reach into her bag. “I’m sure you have a few things you could auction, and I have some connections. I’ll make some calls.” Her cheeks reddened when she caught his eyes focused in the direction of her ass. She exhaled and attempted to concentrate. “Open to page forty-nine,” she instructed, tossing a magazine in his direction.
He cocked his head at her and raised his brows.
She mentally berated herself as she watched Michael open the magazine after setting his—thank God—full cup of coffee down on Julia’s desk.
“Why do you have this?” His tan face darkened a touch as he looked down at the article, which proclaimed him sexiest businessman in Manhattan. He shook his head and chucked the magazine on the desk.