by Suzanne Rock
He chuckled. “That’s because you are an extrovert. Not everyone is like you.”
“Do you want to get away from people when you go on vacation?”
“I don’t know.” He glanced around the room. “I haven’t spent a day away from my desk in so long … I’ve forgotten what having a vacation feels like.”
“We’ll have to fix that, then.”
“Fix it?”
She nodded. “Why don’t you take the day off and come down with me to the hospital tomorrow?”
He raised his brows. “You’re going to the hospital?”
She nodded. “That reporter who broke the news story of my CFO embezzling money wants to do a follow-up piece. I thought I’d use the opportunity to put to rest the rumors surrounding the wedding and show Leo that I can handle things on my own.”
Jason scowled. “Change it.”
“Why?”
Jason pressed his lips together for a moment, as if struggling for words. “I don’t know if it’s the best time to step forward.”
“I don’t understand. I thought you wanted to help me.”
“I do. It’s just, I’m not sure if this is the best way to go about it.”
“Why not?”
“Do you really want to use your charity to address rumors about your family?” He shook his head. “Instead of clearing up rumors surrounding Perconti Enterprises, you might be inviting scandal and rumors to your charity.”
Ari narrowed her gaze. “You don’t have any faith in me, either.”
“Of course I do.”
“Then why are you fighting me on this?” Ari pulled away from Jason, grabbed her suitcase, and moved back into the hall. “I thought you were different, Jason.”
“Now you’re not being fair.”
“Am I?” She pulled open the door and turned to face him. “Then tell me the real reason why you don’t want me to go tomorrow.” She held up her finger when he started to speak. “And don’t tell me that granting this tabloid reporter an interview will bring scandal to the charity. The charity is already full of scandal with the embezzlement.”
“But you could bring more.”
“Like what?” When he didn’t answer, she threw her hands up in the air. “Let’s suppose you’re right. Let’s suppose for the moment that I’m just as stupid as everyone thinks and that I’ll completely bomb this interview.”
“I never said—”
She raised her finger in the air. “Let me finish.” When he stepped back, she continued. “Do you really think that I’ll bungle this one interview so badly that my charity will never be able to recover from it?”
“No, of course not.”
“Then let me do this by myself. If I never try things on my own, I’ll never get good at them. I’ll never be independent.”
“Normally, I’d agree, but not in this case.”
“Why?”
He worked his jaw, but no sound came out.
Ari let out an exasperated sigh as she entered her room, then closed and locked the door behind her.
“Ari.” Jason’s voice filtered through the polished wood as he banged on the door. “Ari, let me in. We have to gather your things and head over to my apartment.”
“I’m not going.”
“You have to go.”
“No, I don’t. You can’t order me around like my brothers, and quite frankly, the thought of spending the night with you is making me a little ill. Good night, Jason.”
“Jesus, Ari.”
“I said, good night.” She picked up the remote to the television and turned it on. Tears stung her eyes as she pressed down on the volume and turned it up until it drowned out Jason’s pleas through the door.
First her brother, and now Jason. She didn’t know how much longer she could take these games. For far too long she had let other people control her life. It was time to take it back.
Chapter 11
“What are you doing here?” Ari asked as she opened the door to her room the next morning.
“I’m going to take you to the hospital.” Jason looked a mess, as if he had slept in his suit outside her door all night. She wanted to ask him if he had done just that, but there were more important things to think about.
“I can go myself,” she said.
Jason picked up her suitcase and offered her his arm. “I know. Consider this an apology. Afterward, we can go to my apartment.”
She crossed her arms. “Are you going to let me do this interview by myself, or are you going to butt in?”
He held up his hand. “The interview is all yours. I just want to … lend moral support. When you are through we can head over to my apartment.” He grinned, but Ari wasn’t convinced his motives were so simple.
“What about your work?”
“It can wait.”
Ari considered him for a moment, then took his arm. “Very well. Just be sure to stay out of my way.”
“I’m just trying to help. There are people out there who want to hurt you and your family.”
“Like you?”
He smirked. “I’ll admit that in the past I have tried to take business away from your family’s company, but that was strictly business. What I’m talking about is more … personal. Remember what that crazy fan did to Dante…”
“That was his girlfriend, not him, and you’re not making any sense. I can’t see how anyone would be interested in a routine visit to a hospital.”
“You forget that your wedding has been called off, and you are still considered missing. People will take great interest if you suddenly show up in a public place.” He took her to the garage and to his McLaren 650.
“We’re taking the McLaren?”
“Yes. It’s my fastest car. If we need to get you out of there quickly, this car can do it.” He didn’t elaborate on his irrational fear that someone would want to harm her, and Ari didn’t ask questions. Something was going on though, something that was making Jason overly protective of her. She wished he’d just come out and say what it was. She didn’t have time to dwell on it, however. There were more important things to think about. On the drive to the hospital, she texted Camille and told her that Jason would be coming. When they got there, he parked out of the way in a parking garage and they walked through the maze of stairs and hallways until they got to the cancer ward.
“Ah, there you are,” Camille said. “Everything is in place.”
“Great. Is the reporter here yet?”
“She’s waiting for you in a conference room. After your meeting, I figured we can go to the playroom where there will be some children who have benefitted from your charity directly.” She glanced at Jason. “I’m sorry. They requested a private meeting, and—”
“I’ll wait in the playroom,” Jason said as he squeezed Ari’s hand and moved away. “Be sure you come directly there after your meeting.”
“I will.” Ari watched him go, her mind turning over the events of the past few days.
“How … odd,” Camille said. “I never knew Jason Stone had an affinity for children.”
“Neither did I,” Ari said, turning to her friend. “In fact, he’s been acting quite odd over the past twenty-four hours.” She thought about her conversation with Deacon and wondered if the brothers had had a little chat about her, and if that chat resulted in Jason’s odd protectiveness.
“Come on, the reporter is waiting,” Camille said.
“Sure.” After one last glance at Jason’s broad, muscular shoulders, Ari pushed him from her thoughts and followed Camille into the office area, eager to see just how the hospital was faring with their donations.
* * *
Ari had been gone for over an hour. Jason glanced at his watch again as he waited for the little girl across from him to move. The poor thing had lost all of her hair and was wearing one of Ari’s wigs. The seven-year-old had picked out a blunt cut in metallic green, and he could tell that it had already given her more confidence. Her bright red lipstick and purple sh
adow were not only striking, but seemed to suit her sarcasm and in-your-face attitude. It was the first time he had seen Ari’s charity in action. Her work with these kids proved that she could be successful on her own. Jason wondered if her family ever stopped to see the difference she was making in people’s lives. If they did, they might take her opinions more seriously.
“It’s your move,” the girl said.
Jason frowned and moved a piece on the checkerboard, not really paying attention to where it was going. He didn’t have all day for this. Where was Ari?
“I win again. You’re bad at this, mister.”
“I guess I am.” He returned his attention to the girl. “Do you play a lot?”
“Only when we come for my chemo.” She piled all of his captured pieces into little towers. “Mom says that we have to start coming more frequently.”
“I’m sorry.”
She shrugged. “I’m not. I mean, the chemo sucks, but they give me presents. Like this wig.” She touched her hair. “Do you like it?”
“I do.”
“Do you want to wear one, too?”
“Not really. They’re here for you.”
She considered him for a moment. “You mean kids with cancer.” She began putting the pieces back on the board. “It’s okay,” she said, glancing up at his surprised expression. “You can say it. It’s just a word.”
Jason marveled at the little girl’s spunk. Despite her attitude, he could see how the chemo had been taking its toll. They were sitting because she was too weak to run around and play, and the IV bags on the pole beside her were a constant reminder of why she was in a place like this.
“Want to play again?” she asked.
“Maybe some other time, kid.” Jason stood and walked over to the window along the far wall. The girl reminded him a lot of Ari. They were both full of optimism, both full of life. He wondered how Ari was handling the reporter, and if she needed help.
“But I set up the board and everything.” She materialized at his side. “Just one more game. Please?”
Jason glanced down at the girl with metallic hair and wondered how Ari did it. Being around sick kids all of the time must be so depressing. It must take real drive and passion to commit herself to such a cause. He admired that—her passion. Jason seemed to lack passion in his life. A lot of days he felt as if he was just going through the motions.
He nodded to a group in the corner. “Why don’t you play with the others for a little while?”
“They don’t like me,” she said, glancing over her shoulder. “They think I’m weird.”
Jason didn’t want to feel compassion for this girl, and the fact that he wanted to take her into his arms and give her a reassuring hug terrified him. He knew all too well what being an outsider felt like. He just wished he could give her some profound advice to make it better.
“Well, maybe you should change so that they’d like you.” It had seemed to work for him. The elite who once condemned him now accepted him with open arms.
“My mom says I’m perfect as I am.” She hesitated a moment before continuing. “Do you like me as I am?”
Shit. Like her? He didn’t even know her. Jason really didn’t want to have this conversation with this girl, or with anyone. He really didn’t know how to handle women and all of their “feelings” talk.
“Sorry, kid, I have work to do,” he said, pulling out his phone and pretending to text.
“Jason,” Ari said as she entered the room, drawing everyone’s attention. “Have some compassion.” She approached the girl and put her arm around her shoulders. “Come here, honey.”
Jason watched Ari lead her away and felt a tightness in his chest. He glanced just beyond Ari to her friend Camille, crossing her arms and scowling at him. Next to Camille stood the reporter Jason recognized from the television set.
Ah hell, just the person he was afraid of running into.
“Hello, Jason.” Amanda Vaughn smiled one of those fake, car-dealer-type smiles. “I’m so glad to see that nothing has changed.”
Right. Jason nodded in her direction. “Amanda.”
“You two know each other?” Ari said as she handed the girl off to one of the nurses with instructions to pick out a new wig from the supply boxes.
“Somewhat,” Jason admitted and forced himself to smile.
“Oh, we’ve known each other for quite some time. Some would say that I know Jason better than he knows himself. Isn’t that right?” Amanda stepped into the room and considered him. “Which makes it a little surprising as to why you’re here.”
The woman was delusional. They had only been together for two short weeks and unlike Ari, the sex hadn’t even been that great. Jason had had no problem getting rid of Amanda as soon as he learned that she was dating him to gather dirt for her column.
Jason slid his arm around Ari. His purpose was twofold. First, he wanted to let Amanda know that under no uncertain terms would she be able to pull her seductive stunts on him and have them work again. Second, he wanted to protect Ari from the venomous woman.
“We just came from a lovely little chat,” Amanda said, glancing at Ari. “It was very enlightening.”
“What did you discuss?” he asked.
“Oh, just girl stuff.” Amanda waved her hand in the air. “To be honest, I had no idea that you’d be here. Now that you are, I’m wondering just what your motivation might be.” She made a point of looking at his arm around Ari. “Is there anything you want to tell us?”
Something bright flashed from behind Amanda, causing both Jason and Ari to shield their eyes.
“What the hell was that?”
“That’s my photographer, Mason.” Jason blinked away the spots and saw a young, bearded man with a knitted hat and tight-fitting shirt standing next to Camille by the door.
“No pictures,” he said, trying to keep the irritation from his voice. “And I thought you were going to focus on the charity.”
“We are—unless there is something you want us to report on.” Amanda’s sweet smile made his stomach turn.
“No.” Jason unwrapped his arm, having had just about enough of this reporter. “And I don’t want you to publicize anything that you have talked about or seen here today. And that includes the charity and how it’s doing.”
Ari frowned and crossed her arms. “You can’t do that. This is my charity and I get to choose what can and can’t be publicized. The article is supposed to demonstrate how I can handle things on my own—”
“Some other time, and with a different reporter.” Jason nodded to Amanda. “This is the reporter who has been giving your brother Leo so much trouble. She’s known for twisting words and telling bold-faced lies in order to sell a story.”
Amanda’s smile appeared forced. “Come now, Jason, you used to love it when I dragged your rivals through the mud.” She took a step closer and ran her fingers along the lapel of his suit jacket. “In fact, you had this unique way of thanking me—”
Jason grabbed her wrist and removed her hand. “Not anymore.”
“Hey,” Mason said as he stepped up next to Amanda. “Hands off, or I’ll call the cops.”
Jason ground his teeth as he dropped Amanda’s wrist and pulled out his checkbook. “How much?”
“Excuse me?” Amanda raised her brow.
“Jason, you can’t stop this story. How else am I supposed to show the world that Ari’s Kids is a viable charity and that I’m competent?” Ari touched his arm, but he brushed it off.
“I’m not going to have her spreading lies about you.” He turned to Amanda. “How much to bury this little visit?” he asked, focusing on the task at hand. The sooner he got rid of the reporter, the better. Amanda had this knack for uncovering things that were better left hidden. The less she knew about his reasons for being here, and Ari’s reasons for leaving that wedding, the better.
Amanda glanced from Ari and back to him again. “If there is something going on between the two of you, the public
has a right to know. As one of the most eligible bachelors, there is a great interest in Jason’s love life.”
Ari snorted. “You can’t be serious.”
Jason scribbled a number and tore off the check. “Here.” He couldn’t really afford such an exorbitant price, but if it kept both him and Ari out of the papers, it was worth it. Not only would their being together make things difficult with Leo, but the publicity would drive even more unwanted attention to Ari and put her life in even more danger.
Amanda took the check and raised her brows. “Business is doing well, I see.”
“It is imperative that your report on the charity be only about the charity, if you know what I mean. Lives are at stake.”
“Oh?”
“What are you talking about?” Ari asked. “Of course she’s only going to report on the charity. I’ve talked about nothing but the charity. Seriously, Jason, you’ve been acting weird all day. No one’s life is in danger.”
“Of course not.” Jason cleared his throat to cover his lie and straightened his jacket. “If Ari’s family found out about me hanging around, it would make business difficult. We wouldn’t want any workers to be caught up in the crossfire.”
“Jason, just stop it,” Ari said. “I told you that I could handle this myself.” She turned to Amanda. “You don’t have to listen to this.”
Amanda ignored Ari and continued to stare at Jason as he forced his expression to remain passive. He knew that she sensed a story, something deeper than two billionaire socialites visiting a hospital together, but she wasn’t going to get any more information from him.
“Okay,” Amanda said as she pocketed the check. “You win—for now.” She turned to Ari and nodded. “Good day, Ms. Perconti. I trust that you will be returning to your family soon?”
“Of course.”
Amanda nodded and then glanced at Jason. “Be careful of this one.” She turned toward the door. “Jason Stone is an asshole who only thinks about himself.” She passed by Camille and offered her a polite nod. “Come on, Mason. We have work to do.”
Jason let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding as both Amanda and Mason exited the room.
