Kitabı oku: «The Millionaire's Wish», sayfa 2

Chapter Two

On the days Rick walked to work, he usually took the most direct route between his condo and his office. Today he made a detour past James Memorial Hospital.

After eighteen years, he could drive past the place without being affected. He saw the hospital through his car window a dozen times a week. But now he stopped in front of the building, looking up at the rows of windows. He still remembered which one had been his mother’s.

Fourth floor, third from the left.

He lasted about ten seconds before he walked away. His hands were fisted inside his pockets.

Memories of grief and helplessness were a sick weight in his stomach. During the intervening years he’d built up layers of strength—physical, financial, emotional— all designed to insulate him from ever feeling helpless again.

He’d be a fool to undo any of it, to revisit that pit of emotional hell. The only reason he was even considering it was because of his plan to keep Hunter Hall—the plan he wanted Allison Landry to agree to.

The thought had occurred to him a few minutes after she’d left his office, and he’d dismissed it almost immediately. But then, as the day wore on, he couldn’t get the idea out of his head.

He couldn’t get her out of his head, either.

Not because he was interested in her. She was pretty—beautiful, even—but she wasn’t remotely his type.

He recalled the sight of her standing in the middle of his polished, expensive office, looking anything but polished and expensive. Allison had been fierce and passionate and focused on her mission. The women he dated were sleek and sophisticated and focused on him—or on landing a rich husband, anyway. And from their five-hundred-dollar hairdos to their manicured toes, they were designed to impress.

Allison didn’t give a damn about impressing people. Her personality, her appearance … she was the complete opposite of the women he usually went out with.

And exactly the kind of woman his grandmother wished he would date.

What was it Gran had said? That it wouldn’t kill him to date a woman of character for once. That she just wanted to believe he could change his ways.

She wasn’t asking for a wedding or an engagement. So maybe, if he was with a woman like Allison for a few months, that would satisfy her.

It would only be for show, of course. Allison wasn’t interested in him—that had been pretty damn obvious—and he wasn’t interested in her. Which made her perfect, because he had no intention of actually falling for her—or any woman, for that matter. Nothing made a man more helpless than that.

This would be a straightforward business deal, beneficial to both parties.

Provided he could make Allison an offer she couldn’t refuse.

When he arrived at the office, Carol was already at her desk. “What are you thinking about, boss? You’ve got a funny look on your face.”

“I was thinking about Allison Landry.”

Carol handed him some letters to sign. “I’m not surprised. That’s a young woman who makes an impression.”

He scrawled his name on the signature lines. “She made an impression on you, anyway.” He handed the letters back. “You liked her, didn’t you?”

“I did. The way she charged in here, like David taking on Goliath … when this company was just a start-up, I got to see more people like that. People with passion, you know? Now it’s just a parade of business types, corporate suits like you.”

He frowned, disliking that characterization more than he would have expected. “You think I’m just a suit?”

“Maybe not,” Carol said grudgingly. “But ten more years and that’s exactly what you’ll be. Of course if you got back to the creative side of things, maybe designed a new game …”

“Games are for children. Why do you think we recruit out of college for that division?”

“You could design for the business software line.”

He shook his head. “Give it up, Carol. You know I’m too busy.”

“You could hire a couple of VPs to handle some of your corporate responsibilities and free up your time to—”

“Not going to happen.”

Carol sighed. “Well, no one can say I didn’t try.” She glanced down at her message spindle. “Nelson called, by the way. He wants to talk to you about his noncompete agreement.”

Rick felt a quick pulse of anger. “He can go to hell. He left us two weeks before product launch and now he’s trying to wriggle out of his agreement? Screw that. The next time he calls, refer him to our attorneys.”

“I’ll give him the message, but you don’t always have to be such a hard-ass. Were you like this with Allison Landry? Is that why she blew through here so fast, after she talked to you?”

Rick had started toward his office, but now he paused. “She was upset?”

“She didn’t look happy. So I guess that means you’re not going to do it, huh?”

“Do what?”

“Visit that girl in the hospital.”

Carol knew he avoided hospitals, although she’d never asked him why.

“I’m not planning on it,” was all he said now.

He went into his office and shut the door behind him. A few minutes later he was at his computer, reading about the Star Foundation and its young director.

Allison had lost a sister to cancer when she was eighteen. She’d taken a year off before starting college at the University of Iowa, where she eventually majored in business. While she was still in school a small publishing house released a memoir based on the journals Allison had kept during her sister’s illness and in the year after her death.

To her own surprise, the memoir had become a bestseller. After she graduated, Allison used the proceeds from her book to start the Star Foundation. The agency provided support to families dealing with childhood cancer and also administered the Wish Upon a Star program, which worked to grant wishes to seriously ill children. In the last five years the foundation had touched the lives of hundreds of families.

Rick leaned back in his chair. She had a pretty impressive resume for a twenty-seven-year-old.

Based on what he’d just read about the agency and the scope of its services, he figured Allison’s operating budget was around three million dollars. He could also make a guess as to the financial difficulties she was facing. Nonprofits all around the country were still struggling.

He clicked on an image link, and a photo of Allison popped up on his screen.

Her soft brown bangs and serious expression made her look earnest and idealistic, but the tilt of her chin hinted at the force and determination he’d seen in his office yesterday.

And her bone structure could probably land her a modeling job.

Not a woman who could be easily categorized. When Rick realized he was staring, he closed the internet browser and picked up his phone.

* * *

“We had a letter from Telecorp today. They have to cut their annual donation by fifteen percent.” Allison sighed, wondering how much more bad news would be coming their way. “I wanted to start paying you this summer. Scott and Beverly, too. Maybe I can still figure a way to—”

“Don’t be silly,” Rachel said briskly. “I wouldn’t let you pay me. What part of volunteer don’t you understand?”

“The part where you’re getting your MBA next month and will probably be looking for gainful employment.”

“If and when that happens, I’ll still volunteer on weekends. I love the work we do here, you know that—and I’m not going to abandon you when you need me most. I know we’re going through rough times financially, but we’ll get through it. And in the meantime, I’m not going to let you or our kids down.”

Tears came into Allison’s eyes. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

The phone rang, and she picked it up absently.

“Star Foundation, Allison speaking.”

“Ms. Landry? This is Rick Hunter.”

She almost dropped the phone.

“Ms. Landry? Are you there?”

She cleared her throat. “Um … yes. Yes, I’m here.”

His rich baritone voice was cool and businesslike. “I’m calling because we didn’t end things on the best of terms yesterday, and I’m hoping we can start over.”

“Start over?”

“Yes. I have a business proposal for you.”

“A business proposal?”

She knew she was repeating everything he said, but she couldn’t seem to come up with anything more intelligent.

“Why don’t you let me explain over coffee? I’ve got a busy day, and I’m sure you do too. How about 6:30, at the Starbucks around the corner from your office? Unless there’s someplace more convenient for you.”

“No, that … would be fine.”

“Until then,” he said.

“Until then,” she echoed.

There was a brief pause. Not sure what else to do, she hung up.

She stared at the phone on her desk, her hand still curled around the receiver. She was meeting Rick Hunter tonight.

So much for never seeing him again.

“Who was that?” Rachel asked curiously.

Allison explained, and Rachel stared at her.

“I don’t believe it. You have a date with Rick Hunter!”

“It’s not a date. But it’s weird, isn’t it? What kind of business proposal could he have for me?”

“He doesn’t. That’s just to camouflage his real interest.” Rachel’s eyes were sparkling. “He fell madly in love with you at first sight, but sensing your animosity he had to—”

“Will you please join me back here in reality?”

“Reality is overrated. Okay, at least give me some details. You hardly told me anything yesterday. Is he as sexy in person as he is in that magazine? Just looking at his picture makes me want to burst into song.”

Allison’s mouth twitched. “Like in a musical?”

Rachel sighed dramatically. “More like an opera. I could do a whole aria about my lust for Rick Hunter. Did you sing while you were in his office?”

“No. I mostly yelled at him for being a selfish jerk. Which he is, by the way. He turned down Julie’s wish, and whatever he wants to see me about, I don’t think it’s to tell me he’s changed his mind.”

Rachel shook her head. “I tried to tell you before, you’re prejudiced. I read about him in that article. His company supports a lot of charities. And he went into the army right after 9/11—that’s not selfish, is it?”

Okay, that was surprising. Allison had a soft spot for soldiers—her brother was overseas right now on his fourth tour of duty.

Of course, military service didn’t automatically make Rick Hunter a hero. Not everyone went into the army for noble reasons. Maybe he just wanted to blow things up. He did design all those violent video games, after all.

“You know, I think you’re right,” she mused aloud.

“I frequently am. About what, specifically?”

“I think I am prejudiced. I’m looking for reasons not to like him.”

“That’s because you’re fighting an attraction so powerful you—”

Allison laughed. “Okay, stop. I won’t admit to a powerful attraction, but I’ll try to keep an open mind when I meet him later. Is that good enough?”

Rachel grinned. “For now.”

Rick finished work by five o’clock, which left him time for a quick workout before his appointment with Allison. He rode the elevator down to the basement, where he’d had a fitness center installed for his employees.

He was about to start his usual weight circuit when one of his VPs challenged him to some one-on-one basketball.

A short but hard fought game left him feeling relaxed and loose. He took a quick shower, decided to change into jeans and a T-shirt, and at six-twenty strolled into the Starbucks near Allison’s office.

She wasn’t there yet. If she was like nine women out of ten he knew, she’d be late, of course. He settled himself at a table in the back with a black coffee and the Wall Street Journal, but found himself glancing toward the entrance every couple of minutes.

At six-thirty on the dot, she came through the door.

He’d been wondering if she would dress any differently for this second meeting. He was used to women primping for him, dressing up for him. Hell, he’d been with women who wore makeup to bed.

Not that this was a date, of course. But it wasn’t crazy to think that Allison might have put some thought into her appearance before seeing him again.

She gave a nod of recognition when she saw him and threaded her way through the crowd toward his table.

She was wearing jeans and a gray sweatshirt. When she sat down, he could see she wasn’t wearing any makeup at all. Not even lip gloss.

Okay, that confirmed it. Allison Landry was not attracted to him.

Which was perfect, he reminded himself. For the kind of arrangement he was looking for, attraction would only be a complication.

“Hello again,” he said, laying down his newspaper. “Thanks for agreeing to meet me.”

She smiled, and her face was transformed. Gone was the serious-minded idealist. When she smiled like that she looked sweet, a little playful, and completely charming.

“I have to admit, I’m curious as to what kind of business proposal you have for me.”

He hesitated. “Can I get you some coffee first? Or tea?”

“No, thanks.”

He hesitated again. The straightforward look in her blue eyes made him feel unsure of himself, something he wasn’t used to. “Before I tell you about it, I’d like to apologize for yesterday. We didn’t get off on the right foot.”

“Maybe not, but we’re here to start over, like you said.” She rested her forearms on the table and clasped her hands together. “Tell me about your proposal, Mr. Hunter.”

“Rick.”

“Okay, Rick. And you can call me Allison. Now that we’re on a first name basis, will you tell me why I’m here?”

In a negotiation, always lead with strength. He took out the check he’d already signed and slid it across the table.

She frowned at him a second before picking it up.

Her skin was so translucent he could see the flush creeping up from the base of her throat to the roots of her hair. He could practically feel the warmth rising from her skin.

He was caught, fascinated. When was the last time he’d seen such transparent emotion?

She looked up at him.

“This is …” She paused to clear her throat. “This is a check for half a million dollars.”

He nodded slowly, his eyes on hers. “Would it help?”

Stupid question. Of course it would help.

“You can’t imagine how much,” she said, her voice trembling a little. “I was going to spend tomorrow figuring out what programs to cut this year … which services we won’t be able to provide. This …” Her chest rose with a quick breath. “This changes everything.”

He shouldn’t have asked. Now he felt a flicker of guilt, because there were strings attached to that check. For a moment he wished there weren’t, that he could bask in the glow of those flushed cheeks and shining eyes and ask nothing in return.

But that’s not why he was here. Well and good if their deal helped her out—her foundation did good work and Allison was obviously a good person. But he needed to get something out of this, too. He thought of Hunter Hall and hardened his heart.

“That’s one half of the business proposal I was talking about.”

She blinked at him. “Right. Yes. Of course.” She shook her head, smiling ruefully. “I’m sorry if I got carried away. The sight of all those zeros was a little overwhelming.”

He watched her rein in her emotions. And even though he knew it would be easier to negotiate if they were both in business mode, a part of him missed the stars that had been in her eyes a moment ago.

She laid the check back down on the table. “Well, you certainly have my attention. I’d like to accept this donation if it’s possible. So what do you need in return?”

“I need a woman like you.” He paused. “Specifically, I need people to believe you and I are a couple. If you’ll pretend to date me for three months, that check is yours.”

Silence.

Allison stared at him, and he looked back at her steadily. Then she cocked her head to the side, as if she wasn’t sure she’d heard right.

“You want me to … pretend to date you?”

“Yes.”

Another silence. “Okay, I’m waiting for the punch line. Because this is a joke, right?”

“No. It’s a straightforward business proposition.”

She stared at him for another minute. Then she sat slowly back in her chair, her eyes still on his.

“I’m going to need some backstory here,” she said at last. “I read last month’s People, and I find it very hard to believe that Rick Hunter, Playboy of the Midwest, needs to pay five hundred thousand dollars for a fake girlfriend.”

Damn that magazine. “That article is the reason I’m asking you to do this. My grandmother has never liked the women I date, and after she read that piece … well, let’s just say she wasn’t happy. And because of that, I’m going to lose something. Something that’s important to me.”

Allison frowned. “And pretending to date me is going to fix that somehow?”

“That’s the idea.” He remembered Gran’s exact words. “My grandmother wants me to date a woman of character. The minute I met you, I knew you fit the bill. So I’m proposing a business deal. An arrangement that would benefit us both.”

For someone who could be so transparent with her emotions, Allison could also put on a pretty good poker face. “What is it that you want? That you don’t want to lose?”

An image of Hunter Hall flashed into his mind. “A house.”

She raised an eyebrow. “I think you can afford to buy your own house.”

That made him smile. “Yeah, but not this one. It’s been in the family for more than a hundred years. Hunter Hall, it’s called.”

“And would your grandmother really sell your family estate? Just because she doesn’t like the women in your life?”

He hadn’t planned on going into this much detail. “Not exactly. She’s moving to the city this summer, and she was going to transfer ownership of Hunter Hall to me. But now she’s talking about giving the house to someone else—a second cousin. She wants a family to live in Hunter Hall. My cousin is married, and wants to have kids. So he says, anyway.”

“And you don’t want that? A family, I mean?”

His jaw tightened. He wasn’t husband or father material, but that wasn’t something he’d be discussing with Allison. “I’m happy as a bachelor and I intend to stay that way. Which is why I date … the women I date.”

“I see.” She was studying him thoughtfully, and her level, blue-eyed gaze was disconcerting.

She glanced down at the check for a moment, and then back up at him. “Look, I won’t lie to you. I’d love to accept this donation. But I don’t think—”

She was going to say no. He interrupted her before she could finish. “It’s just a few dinners and parties, Allison. What’s the big deal?”

“I’m not the only woman of character in Iowa. Couldn’t you—”

“You’re not attracted to me.”

She blinked. “What?”

“I said, you’re not attracted to me. That’s why you’re perfect.”

She frowned at him. “How do you know?”

He could have told her his lip gloss theory of female behavior, but it wasn’t just that. He’d had close to twenty years of dating experience; he knew when a woman was attracted to him.

“It’s true, isn’t it? And I’m not attracted to you.”

In actual point of fact, the more time he spent with her, the more attracted he felt. It was the reverse of what usually happened when he met a beautiful woman. Usually his attraction kicked off with a bang and went downhill from there.

But since he had no interest in dating her for real, it didn’t seem to matter—and he knew Allison would be more comfortable with the lie.

“Nothing personal,” he added when she raised her eyebrows, although she didn’t look insulted. “You’re just not my type. And that’s why this plan will work. I get Hunter Hall, your foundation gets half a million dollars—and when it’s all over, no one gets hurt.”

He leaned across the table toward her. “Say yes, Allison.”

The brief flash of intensity in his green eyes caught her off guard. It was like a weapon he could unleash without warning. Rick Hunter, she suspected, very seldom asked for anything he didn’t get.

She looked down at his check, that small rectangle of paper that for just a moment had made her so happy.

The money would mean so much to the foundation … would mean so much to the families she supported. But the fact was, she hadn’t been in a relationship since high school. The thought of changing that now—even if it was in name only—sent a nervous tremor through her.

“Listen … Rick.” She cleared her throat. “I don’t …”

He sat back again, the expression in his eyes more reserved now. “You’re seeing someone.”

The simplest thing would be to say yes. But Allison was naturally honest, and she found herself shaking her head. “No, I’m not seeing anyone. But—”

“But what?” That persuasive tone was back, the one she was sure served him well in business and his personal life.

She took a deep breath. “I don’t date. You like your life the way it is? I like mine, too. You stay single by dating women you won’t get serious with. I stay single by not dating at all. At this point, anyway.”

He looked genuinely surprised. “When’s the last time you were in a relationship?”

She didn’t want to tell him it had been almost ten years. He wouldn’t understand … not unless she told him things she’d never told her own mother. Things she’d never told a living soul.

“It’s been a while,” she said evasively.

His gaze moved over her face and down her torso, and then back up to her face. She was wearing a bulky gray sweatshirt, so it wasn’t like he was getting an eyeful, but she could feel her face turn red at his appraisal.

“I have to admit, I’m surprised. But if you’re not seeing anyone, I don’t see the problem.”

She started to get impatient. “The problem is, everyone in my life knows I don’t date. They don’t understand it, but they accept it. If I start seeing someone out of the blue they’ll go nuts. They’ll want to meet you. My family especially. I have an older brother and sister and none of us are married yet, and my parents really want grandchildren. If my mom gets the idea that I’m seeing someone, she’ll start planning a wedding. It’ll be awful.”

She took a breath. “And there’s no way they wouldn’t find out. You’re news. If we start going out, it’ll be in all the local papers.”

“My grandmother’s the only one who needs to think we’re romantically involved,” he said after a moment. “You can tell your friends and family whatever you want. Tell them we’re going out as friends and that the media’s making more of it than it is.”

He leaned forward, his biceps bunching as he rested his forearms on the table. His black T-shirt stretched across his broad shoulders.

“Say you’ll do it.” His voice was forceful and persuasive at the same time, backed up by that intense gaze and a quick, flashing smile.

Allison felt her palms getting sweaty. A very inelegant reaction, one the women Rick Hunter dated probably never experienced.

He was persuasive, all right. And confident, like there was no doubt he’d get his way in the end.

Allison rubbed her palms on her denim-clad thighs and scooted her chair back a few inches, putting a little distance between them. She’d seen this kind of confidence before—plenty of times, in fact. It had been a defining characteristic of a lot of the rich kids she’d gone to high school with. The boys especially, and one in particular. Paul had been so confident it had been impossible to imagine him ever failing to get something he wanted.

She folded her arms across her chest. “I’m sorry, but I’m not your solution here.”

He looked surprised. “You won’t do it?”

“Don’t look so shocked. You’re obviously used to people falling all over themselves to give you whatever you want, but—”

Now he was frowning. “I don’t expect people to fall all over me.”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. I bet no one ever says no to you. Come on, admit it. Don’t you usually get your way? Maybe always?”

He folded his arms, like her. “No.”

“You grew up rich, didn’t you? I can spot the attitude a mile off. The silver spoon crowd—you’re all alike. You think because you—”

“Hey! Stop doing that.”

His voice was sharp enough that she actually did. “Stop doing what?” she asked.

“Stop making assumptions. Stop judging me because I have money. I’m sorry if that offends you—”

“That’s not what offends me. It’s your obvious belief that everything—and everyone—should just fall in your lap.”

He leaned forward again. “I don’t think that. I’ve never thought that. Believe me, I could give you a long list of things I’ve wanted in my life that I didn’t get.”

She frowned at him. “You ooze confidence. It practically … drips off you.”

He shook his head. “I’m not going to apologize for being confident. I am confident. But not because I have money, in spite of what you obviously believe. I’m confident because I believe in myself. Don’t you believe in yourself?”

Of course she did. As far as work went, anyway. As for personal stuff …

Irrelevant, Allison decided. She shrugged impatiently. “I suppose. Anyway, we got off track with the—”

“You got off track, as I recall. With your prejudice against the wealthy.”

“I’m not prejudiced.”

“What I don’t get is how you can run a charitable foundation. Aren’t rich people kind of your bread and butter? How do you manage to hide the fact that you despise them when you’re asking for donations?”

She flushed. “That’s a terrible thing to say. For one thing, it’s not only the wealthy who contribute to charities. And for another, I don’t hate rich people. I’m incredibly grateful to anyone who donates their money—or their time—to the Star Foundation. Especially when they do it because they want to, and not because they expect something in return.”

His jaw tightened. “Unlike me, right? Is that what you wanted to hear? Yes, I’m selfish. No, I don’t give without expecting something back. I’m sorry I don’t meet your high standards for human behavior, or fit into your perfect little world where everyone acts like a saint. But here’s a reality flash for you.”

He stabbed a forefinger on the table in front of her. “Charities all over the country are struggling right now, and yours is no exception. You can keep on looking down your nose at me, and let your foundation suffer—or you can admit you need my money and take it. How many of the families you pretend to care so much about will be hurt if you turn me down?”

He leaned back again. “Sounds pretty damn selfish to me.”

She was so mad her hands were shaking. But the worst part was, she knew he was right.

If she turned down his donation, she’d have to cut programs and services. The reality of that stared her in the face.

Looking across the table at him, seeing the coldness that had come into his expression, Allison felt a sudden wave of recklessness.

Why shouldn’t she accept his offer? They’d go out to a few overpriced restaurants and have a few stilted conversations. Why had the idea of that made her feel so nervous, so awkward and unsure of herself? Right now, she didn’t feel awkward at all. The anger flowing in her veins made her feel like she could do anything.

So yes, she’d take his money. With a donation this big, she might be able to add some services this year. Expand her existing programs. Reach more families.

And she’d get something else from him, too.

“I’ll do it.”

He blinked at her in surprise. “What?”

“I accept your proposal.”

“You do?”

“On one condition.” She leaned forward, schooling her features into what she hoped was an implacable expression. “You’ll visit Julie in the hospital this Saturday.”

To drop her eyes at this point would be a sign of weakness, so she held his gaze as his eyes narrowed and his dark brows slanted together.

After a minute he started to drum the fingers of one hand against the table. When he realized what he was doing he curled that hand into a fist.

“What if I say no?”

She shrugged. “You’ll have to find another woman of character who’s not attracted to you. It won’t be that hard. From where I sit, those two qualities seem to go together naturally.”

Another minute of silence. Then his fisted hand relaxed, and he leaned back in his chair.

“I should have realized you were capable of driving a hard bargain. You don’t give up easily, do you?”

“The families I work with don’t give up. I hold myself to the same standard.” She took a quick breath. “So do we have a deal, or not?”

His eyes didn’t leave hers. “We have a deal,” he said.

A deal.

Half a million dollars for the foundation, and Julie’s wish granted.

And a date with one of People magazine’s Most Eligible Bachelors. Several dates, actually. A few months worth of dates.

She felt a little dizzy. “Okay, then.” She took another breath. “I’m sure you’ve got better things to do than sit here with me all night.” She took out her wallet and tucked his check carefully inside. Her hands shook a little. “When can I deposit this?” she asked. “Do you want me to wait until after I’ve honored my side of the bargain?”

He shook his head. “No, I trust you. You’re a woman of character, remember?”

He was actually smiling a little, and she smiled back reluctantly. “I’ll let Julie know you’ll be coming by on Saturday.”

If he’d been anyone but a powerful CEO, she would have said a look of panic came into his eyes. “I assumed you’d be there, too. Won’t you be there?”

He was probably one of those single men who weren’t comfortable around kids. Was that the reason he’d been so reluctant to do this?

She sighed. “I can be there if you want. Two o’clock, at the hospital?”

Some of the tension went out of his expression. “Yes, fine. And we’ll go to dinner that night.”

It was Allison’s turn to feel a pang of anxiety.

“Now, can I drop you somewhere?”

He rose to his feet and offered her a hand. Allison extended her own, a little hesitantly, and it was enveloped in a strong, warm grip as he helped her up. She took a step back as she pulled her hand away, tingles radiating from her palm and blood rushing to her cheeks.