“You look just like her. I was a pre-law student at UNCC years ago. Elizabeth and I were classmates.” He rubbed his hand over his jaw while shaking his head a bit. “I’m sorry. I just can’t believe the uncanny resemblance.”
“I’m her daughter.” She placed her hand on her chest, wondering if her lungs and heart were still functioning in proper order.
His eyes narrowed on her, and his lips parted. “I’m so sorry for your loss. She was an amazing woman.” He gripped the back of his neck, and she could see the look of pity in his eyes. It was such a familiar look.
“Are you okay? I am so sorry.”
She cleared her throat and found her voice. “No, that’s okay. It’s nice to meet someone who knew my mother.”
“My name is Erick Jensen.” He reached into his back pocket and retrieved his wallet. “Listen, I would love to get together sometime. Perhaps I can share some funny stories about our college days.”
Kate reached for the business card he held out in front of her. She wasn’t quite sure what to say. She felt like so much of her mother’s past was a blank page because her father hated talking about her. She only knew stories of her mother’s childhood, which had been told by her grandparents. “I think I would like that.”
“I’ll be in Boston next week, working out the details with the mayor for this season’s winter ball. I’m one of the main sponsors for the event. Perhaps I might be able to interest you in throwing the event this year?”
Kate longed to bite her lip, to do something to release the tension of paddling through such deep waters. But she resisted. She held her cool and remained professional, wishing she could do the same around Michael.
“So, what do you think?”
“Yes, that would be incredible.”
“Great.” He patted her arm and smiled. “How’s your father, by the way? I’ve seen him a few times in the New York courtrooms, but it has been years.”
Of course he would know her father. Her dad had been a pre-law student, as well. “He’s good. Busy.”
“Well, until we meet again.” He tipped his head at her and walked away, blending into the crowd.
She needed a distraction—something to ease her mind from the heavy thoughts of her mother. She looked around the dance floor for Michael but noticed he was gone. Before anyone else could ask her to dance, she hurried to the main stage.
“You ready?” she asked Julia, who was near the stage. “Speeches are about to begin.”
“I’m ready,” Julia said with no evidence of nervousness.
“Perfect. Go ahead up on stage.” She looked over at the clock. The timing was flawless. The band stopped playing, and the spotlight lit on Julia. Kate gulped down a wave of nausea as she realized she would soon be under the same shining light. What had she gotten herself into?
She watched as Julia stood with poise behind the microphone. She began speaking with obvious passion about the foundation, gesturing toward Michael from time to time. He was standing across the stage from Kate, hands in his pockets—and he was looking at her, not his sister. She licked her lips and forced her gaze back to the center of the stage, away from the man who was making her shake with desire.
“I would like to present Johnathan Reese: a former, and highly decorated, colonel in the Marines,” Julia said, motioning toward the man in uniform who stood behind her.
He smiled at Julia and walked toward the microphone. “I have known Michael Maddox for many years,” Johnathan began. “He’s like a brother to me. He had my back in Iraq and Afghanistan, always putting his life on the line to save a fellow soldier. As I’m sure you all are aware, Michael does not like to talk about himself. I’m amazed we are even here tonight.” He grinned and looked over at Michael as the room murmured in agreement. “But I’m very grateful to this man. He saved my life not only in combat but at home as well. I felt empty after my military life ended. I felt hopeless. But Michael refused to let me drown. He threw me a lifeline and helped me through some of the most challenging times in my life. His organization is why I am now the successful business owner of eight fitness centers in New York City. And I’m able to help other veterans as well, now. Paying it forward.”
The audience was staring up at Johnathan, their attention fixated on the man as he spoke, hanging on to his every word.
“Michael invested in me financially and mentally, and his organization has truly been life-changing for so many people.” He paused for a moment. “Now, Michael may look like Superman. God knows he is built like him and is even bulletproof, I think.” He paused, grinned at the few chuckles from the audience, and continued. “But he needs help. It’s not about money—we all know that Michael is one of the richest men in the room.” Everyone laughed. “It takes more than that to transform the way our society embraces veterans when they return to civilian life. What Michael’s foundation needs is more people who will invest their time. He needs real people who care. He can’t do it all alone . . . although he has been trying.” He smiled again at Michael.
Maybe you are Superman. Kate’s lips curved into a smile at the mental image of Michael in a pair of tights. She shelved the image to the back of her mind—she would enjoy remembering it later that night. And thinking of sexy Michael would be far easier than battling the depressing thoughts of her mom dying while giving birth to her.
She forced herself to clear her mind as she watched Julia shove a microphone in Michael’s hands.
“I really don’t know what to say,” he remarked while placing the mic in the stand and pushing his hands into his pockets.
Kate observed Michael, noticing that he had a habit of putting his hands in his pockets just like she always bit her lip. She wondered if it was his way of dealing with nerves. What was his kryptonite? What was he afraid of—other than relationships?
“I appreciate the kind words that have been spoken about the organization. I truly believe in the work we do, and I hope you all have learned more about it tonight and will open your checkbooks at the auction. More importantly, I hope you’ll volunteer to help connect our veterans with the right people and invest your time and energy into making a difference for them. That’s what matters. Thank you all so very much for coming.” Michael’s comments were short and direct, which was consistent with his personality.
Julie patted her brother on the shoulder before stepping back up to the microphone. “Now, it’s the moment you have all been waiting for: the auction. As you know, we have decided to do a good old-fashioned verbal auction, rather than a silent one. All proceeds will go the foundation, of course. I thank you all in advance for your support.” She took a moment to glance at Kate before fixing her attention back toward the audience. “I am sure everyone was very surprised to hear that I managed to rope my brother into auctioning himself for a date, as well as model Jamie Landon. But we’ve had to make a change to the line-up.”
There was some groaning in the audience from women, who probably assumed that Michael was backing out.
“Unfortunately, Jamie Landon was unable to attend.”
Now the men griped.
“We do have a replacement.” Julia waved her hand toward Kate, motioning for her to approach.
Kate had to remind herself to breathe as she walked to the center of the stage. The spotlight shone brightly in her eyes.
“This is Kate Adams, the woman who not only planned this event but got my stubborn brother to agree to be auctioned. I have begged her to step in for Jamie Landon, and I assume you gentlemen are not disappointed?”
The men in the audience applauded, and Kate’s cheeks turned candy apple red.
“Once the other items in the auction have been sold, we will bring Michael and Kate up here. And remember—the dates are for the foundation, so do not be stingy with your wallets.”
The second Julia finished speaking Kate fled the stage so fast she almost tripped over her dress. “You ready for this?” she asked Michael, who was now standing dangerously close to her. It was
never a good idea for her to be within arms-length of him. She started to forget about her rules. About the numerous women always on his arm.
“Are you?” he quipped.
“I hope these people realize that they’re bidding on a dinner date and nothing more,” she answered. Had she effectively become a high-priced prostitute, in the eyes of the bidders? What had she been thinking when she suggested auctioning dates? Now that she was thrown in the middle of it all, she couldn’t help but worry.
“I’ll have a talk with your date to make sure he understands,” Michael said, clenching his jaw. He touched her shoulder before moving his hand to her cheek, staring deep into her eyes. He mesmerized her with his look and touch. “Looks like we’re up,” he said, cocking his head toward the stage.
And just like that, the intimate moment between them was gone.
She shook herself free of his spell and followed him out before the crowd. She was to go first, and Michael would follow. It had been her idea—to save the best for last. She rested her hands at her sides, trying to mask her nerves, as she stood before the auctioneer. A herd of men had gathered around the stage, their faces upturned and bright from, no doubt, the copious amounts of champagne that filled the room. She had assumed that most of the men in the audience were married and would be unable to bid, and yet they were circling the stage like a pack of hyenas. The lawyer she’d just met, Erick, was there, as well as a few other married men she’d encountered during the evening. Even Chef Joseph was standing in the crowd.
Her heart was beating fast, and she was grateful she didn’t have to speak because she would never be able to utter a clear word. As Kate’s gaze perused the audience members, her eyes fell upon James, the man who had harassed her outside of the club last weekend. Michael had warned him not to come to the event, but there he was.
The loud voice of the auctioneer boomed in her ears, and she focused her attention on him.
“Fifty-thousand.”
Kate looked at James, who had just yelled out an obscene number, increasing the bid from ten thousand. Was he trying to piss off Michael? She glanced over at Michael. If the spotlight weren’t on the stage, she wouldn’t have been able to notice the slight twitch of muscle in Michael’s jaw. Is he jealous? Or just pissed at James for showing up?
Kate exhaled a noticeable sigh of relief when a stranger placed a much higher bid. She was in no mood to see a showdown between Michael and James because the way Michael was eying him made her wonder . . .
“Eighty-thousand,” James countered, his voice sharp.
“Ninety,” the mystery bidder was quick to respond.
Freaking seriously? Kate couldn’t see her mystery bidder. His voice was deep, but not too gravelly.
“A hundred thousand.” James was not ready to give up.
“One-twenty.”
Kate stared, open-mouthed, at the audience. Thank God the money was going to a good cause; otherwise, she would have assumed the men were outright delirious. She bit her lip and looked over at James. Please, don’t bid. Please, don’t bid.
“We have a winner,” the auctioneer announced.
Relief spiraled through her body when she realized the mystery bidder won.
“Michael, it’s your turn.” Julia stepped out front on stage and beckoned her brother. He kept his eyes trained on Kate, following her with his gaze as she backed away from the center of the stage to stand off to the side.
Kate fought back the unwarranted envy as she watched the women swarm in front of him.
There were fewer women than men, as most women at the gala were married. Unlike the men, they were not about to piss off their husbands by gawking at Michael in the way the men had admired Kate. Regardless, all twenty women who had gathered at the front began fighting tooth and nail over Michael, jostling each other as if he were about to toss a bridal bouquet.
Kate found herself tuning out the bidding. She was in no mood to watch the women fight over the man she could not and should never be with.
Two hundred thousand was the winning bid for Michael. Kate recognized the twenty-one-year-old as the daughter of a rich Dallas oil tycoon. Sure, what’s two hundred grand for the chance with Michael Maddox? She cringed and looked away from the Southern woman who had just won herself a one-night stand with Maddox. What had she been thinking when planning the auction?
She looked over at Michael, who was now off stage and approaching James. Oh God. She moved close enough to overhear them, without drawing their attention.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing here?” Michael asked. He crossed his arms over his chest.
A smile curled over James’s lips. “You were serious about not showing up, huh? I thought you were kidding.” His eyes twinkled with amusement. “What, you got a thing for your event planner? I didn’t see you bidding on her.”
“Get the hell out.” Michael bit out the words. “Now.”
“Fine—don’t get your panties in a bunch. I just came for the auction anyway. I thought there was supposed to be a famous model up for bid. I was surprised to see your event planner up on the block, though. I was hoping to win her, but she’s definitely not worth that much.” He smirked.
Michael’s face twisted with fury. “If you don’t get the fuck out of here, I’ll remove you myself.” His voice was low enough to avoid turning heads but deep enough for it to register warning to James.
“I’ll be seeing you, and your . . . um, girl . . . around.”
Kate shook her head and turned away, trying to avoid Michael’s eye as the two parted. Then her brow pinched together with fear. She shuffled across the floor and back onto the stage to get a better view.
It was him. The guy from the club. The guy from the street, outside the Mexican restaurant. Blonde and muscular. And he was watching her again.
Was he the stalker? He had to be.
He started for the exit.
She got off the stage and hurried after him. But in a sea of black tuxedos, she lost him.
She needed some air. The room was closing in on her. She rushed away from the main exit, back toward the rose garden terrace. She drew in a deep breath as she exited the ballroom. She walked to the railing and gripped it until her knuckles turned white. She bent over, squeezing in on herself, thankful to be alone. There was only so much she could handle in one evening.
“You did a great job tonight.”
Kate turned around to see Michael standing just outside the entrance to the terrace.
He removed his bowtie and shrugged off his jacket, throwing both on a nearby table. “This is just not who I am.” He stopped a few feet away. “You okay?”
“I—I don’t know.” She turned away from him and looked back out over the city.
He closed the gap between them. “Did James say something to you?” The muscles in his arms tensed as he gripped the railing. He looked over his shoulder, holding her gaze. His face was almost as taut as his muscles as concern radiated from his body.
“What?” She shook her head. “No.”
“I have seen you look startled—maybe even scared—on a few occasions now. You’re sure nothing is going on?” He released his grip on the railing and faced her.
“I’ll be fine. The party is about over. I’d better wrap things up. You heading out now?” She rubbed her hands together and forced a fake smile on her lips.
“Soon. There are a few people I still need to chat with,” he replied. “Let me walk you back to your room when you’re done.”
He wasn’t buying her act. Clearly. “If you’re still around. Sure.” Before he had a chance to respond, she walked off the terrace and back into the ballroom. She gave one last look around the room for the muscular blonde man. When she didn’t see him, she forced herself to complete the job she had been hired to do.
Chapter Ten
Kate was saying goodbye to some of the few lingering guests when the man with the winning auction bid called out her name. She looked over at the handsome man and fe
igned a smile. She wasn’t in the mood to be friendly to this pseudo-date, but what choice did she have? “Hi. Ethan, right?” She reached for his hand. “Thank you for the donation. It will help a lot of people.”
His gray eyes lit up when he reached for her hand. “Will Friday work for you? The New York Times and Charlotte Observer wanted to take a few photos of us during our date. They approached me after the auction ended.” Unlike most of the men at the gala, he wasn’t wearing a tuxedo. He was sporting a sleek, gray, three-piece suit with a bright red necktie.
He was handsome and seemed nice enough, Kate thought. Could be a lot worse. She hated herself for wishing the date was with Michael, though. “I was planning on leaving for New York tomorrow. Is there any way you could come there? If not, I can fly back for the date.”
“I would, but I’m making a quick trip to China this week, and I won’t be back until Friday afternoon. We could change the date if you would prefer?”
At least he was agreeable. “No, that’s okay. We can meet here.” Just change the date. Meet him in New York! Before she had a chance to voice her change of heart, he was leaning forward and pressing a kiss on her cheek.
“Until Friday.” A grin touched his lips, and he walked away.
“I hate that guy,” Michael said. He’d walked up beside her after Ethan left.
“Oh yeah? Why?” Kate asked, fighting back a smile.
“Because I know what his intentions are. Don’t worry, I’ll talk to him,” he said as he crossed his arms.
Was he acting like a brother, or was he jealous? She had no clue at this point. “His intentions can’t be any worse than yours are.” Kate watched the corner of his lips quirk as his eyes moved over the length of her body. The things he could make her feel with just one look. God, help me.
She forced her attention away from Michael and looked around the almost empty ballroom. She had already said goodbye to Julia, who had walked a few prestigious guests out of the hotel. “You can head out. Everything is all set here.”
Silenced Memories Page 9
