Innocence & Betrayal

by Brittney Sahin

  The New York Times had recently done a feature story on successful business owners who were women under the age of thirty.

  “I love what you’ve done with the business since you took over for your mom.”

  “Stepmom,” Kate corrected.

  Julia nodded. “You expanded to Boston, and I understand you are even contemplating opening a third spot here in Charlotte.” Julia clasped her hands on the table and leaned forward, somehow maintaining her poise.

  “I’m thinking about it.” Would three locations be too many? She wanted to give Charlotte a chance. “May I ask . . . why now? Mr. Maddox is not exactly known for throwing lavish social events.”

  “You’re right. He deplores the idea of even attending fundraisers or balls, let alone hosting one.” She inhaled before releasing what appeared to be an exhausted breath. “Michael hasn’t actually agreed to have the event. Not yet, at least.”

  Kate’s shoulders arched forward just enough to show her obvious surprise.

  “Michael believes in paying it forward, but he doesn’t like to get the media involved—to take advantage of the spotlight. I assume you know, but Michael was in the Marines, part of a special operations team. He’s been a civilian for five years now. And in his time home, he’s witnessed a lot of veterans struggling.” She rose to her feet and glanced out the window. “Three years ago, he launched a small business initiative for veterans. He’s very passionate about his projects, but it would be nice to garner support for our vets from others as well.” She spun around to face Kate. “I have already sent the invitations and secured a location for the gala. It’s scheduled to occur one week from tomorrow.”

  Kate tried to hide her shock. She couldn’t expose any chink in her armor. But was Julia really expecting her to pull an event together with such lightning speed? And for a man who didn’t even want to host it? “Are you serious?” she finally asked.

  “Kate, you’ve worked miracles before. I did my research on you after I read that article. You can pull it together, and I’ll help. Between the two of us, I believe we can convince Michael to agree to the fundraiser, and then I’d like to see a replica of the event in New York, soon, as well.” Julia crossed her arms. “Michael’s shouldering a burden that neither of us could understand, and he’s wearing himself out,” she said with a sigh. “He’s always working. Always stressed. He needs help, but he’s stuck in this idea that people should help because it’s the right thing to do, not because it’s a PR opportunity. He doesn’t even want the public to know about his good work.”

  “Wow.” This was all that Kate could manage. She’d heard of rich people being private about charity before, but the notorious playboy image of Michael she had in her head was quite a disconnect from the philanthropic picture Julia was describing.

  “He needs to come to terms with reality. People rarely do anything unless they’re going to get something out of it. We need help from others, and so we need to play the game, give them a tax write-off or public recognition—whatever it takes to get more support.” Julia’s hand slipped to her chest as she reached for the chain she was wearing beneath her silk blouse.

  Kate caught sight of what appeared to be a military ID tag as Julia rubbed her hand over the small, silver object. She took a moment to think, and smiled. “When do we start?”

  Julia’s face lit with excitement. “Now.”

  “Just one thing.”

  “Sure.”

  “I’d love to know why the other planners were let go. So I can be cautious to avoid the same fate.”

  “Well, aside from the obvious reason—that Michael refused to have the event—some of the event planners also sort of hit on him. In a very obvious and obnoxious way. One was even married.”

  Kate gulped. If only Julia knew the things she’d thought about Michael last night. Julia would fire her on the spot.

  “I’m just kidding,” she said before grinning.

  Kate’s cheeks reddened.

  “But . . . I do think you will be good for my brother.”

  She flinched at Julia’s statement and attempted to maintain her composure. She pushed back in her seat and rested her hands on the arms of the chair. “Why do you say that?”

  “Because I think you might be better looking than him. It’ll be good for his ego to finally not be the best looking person in the room,” she said with a chuckle.

  Kate rubbed her hand over her cheek, wondering if she was blushing at Julia’s flattering words. She wasn’t insecure about her appearance, but come on—Michael Maddox had been voted sexiest businessman in Manhattan, for Christ’s sake. “Ah, thanks?” Kate replied, not really sure how to join in the joke.

  “Come on. Let’s get some coffee. We can brainstorm some ideas and make a plan that’ll win Michael over.”

  Kate nodded but was unsure whether another dose of caffeine would be good for her nerves. Somehow she’d have to perform two miracles. Make Michael attend his own event . . . and not turn into a complete idiot when she was in his presence.

  ***

  Michael slowed the treadmill down to a steady pace, staring out the gym window that overlooked the hotspot Whiskey River. People rushed to work, attired in fashionable business wear. He’d been donning a suit for almost five years, and he hated the damned thing. Wearing heavy combat gear in an Iraqi summer was more comfortable than a tie around his neck.

  “Michael Maddox is at the gym so late?”

  Michael averted his attention to the man stepping onto the neighboring treadmill. “Hey James. What’s up?”

  “I thought you got your workouts done at, like, six in the morning.” James looked down at his Rolex and back at Michael. “It’s near nine.” He smirked and increased the speed on his machine.

  “Late night,” Michael responded before stopping the treadmill and stepping off. “What’s your excuse?” He reached for his phone and glanced at the screen. Fifteen missed calls.

  “You know I play hard every night. Hard to get to the office before ten. But hey, it’s one the perks of being your own boss.” He flashed Michael a toothy smile and began running.

  “Later.” Michael wiped down the treadmill and walked to the locker room to wash off. He showered in a hurry and dressed. He tamed his semi-wavy hair with a little gel and parted it to the side. He pulled his laptop case and black blazer from his locker before exiting the room.

  “Michael.”

  He glanced over at the blonde who was approaching him. “Hi, Lana. How are you?” he asked, annoyance tingeing his voice.

  She tapped his muscular arm with her fist. “I’ve missed you, stranger. Haven’t seen you at the club.”

  “I was there last night, but I didn’t stay long.” He gave her a polite smile.

  She pulled on her long, blonde braid and stepped closer to him. “Maybe we can get together again? I had fun last time.” She looked up at him from beneath long, black eyelashes.

  He studied her for a moment, wondering why some girls wore makeup to the gym and little else. “I have to get to a meeting,” he lied. “See ya around,” he said, his back already turned to her. Outside the door, he shook his head, relieved to be free.

  At the office, he greeted the doorman and headed up the elevator.

  “Good morning, Michael. Late today, I see,” his receptionist remarked before rolling her tongue over her top teeth.

  “Late night and a little too much time at the gym this morning.”

  “Well, have a good day.” She leaned forward, attempting to show off her plunging neckline, but his attention had already moved past her.

  “Thanks, Cindy, you too.”

  As he walked back to his office, he noticed his sisters was empty. Somewhat unsettled, he hoped she wasn’t working on another fundraising scheme.

  Unlike his sisters’ office, he didn’t have glass walls. He preferred his privacy. He sat behind his large walnut desk and loosened his tie. The tie didn’t usually make it past noon.

  Before he had a chan
ce to get situated, his office phone was ringing. Cindy.

  “I forgot to tell you when you came in, but you asked me to give you a heads up the next time Julia invited another event coordinator here.”

  “And one is here?”

  “Yup.”

  “Where is she?”

  “I don’t know. She went out with Julia about ten minutes ago.”

  “Okay. Thanks. Could you let me know as soon as they return?”

  “Of course.”

  Michael ended the call and leaned back in his chair. Why did his sister insist on throwing this damned fundraiser? When he’d asked her to join his company two and half years ago, he’d known it would be a challenge because they were total opposites, but he also knew it would be a blessing for the same reason. “Julia,” he muttered under his breath. “What have you cooked up for me this time?”

  Chapter Three

  “Please tell whoever you hired that her services are not needed.”

  Kate folded her arms and eyed Julia’s phone, which had rung the second they entered the office. Julia had put her brother on speakerphone so Kate could hear what they were up against. “How did he even know I was here?” she mouthed to Julia.

  “Would you just come down to my office so we can talk in person?” Julia pleaded.

  Kate grimaced. Oh, no. Don’t do that.

  “I’m not wasting any more of my time on this,” Michael bit out. “No fundraisers.”

  “Kate’s different. You’ll like her. Please, just hear us out.”

  “She’s an events planner. I promise I won’t like her.”

  Kate stared down at the phone, her body stiff out of frustration. “Actually, I’m a business owner, much like yourself, Mr. Maddox, and I do a lot more than plan events.”

  Julia smirked. “Michael?”

  “Damn it, Julia. Take me off speakerphone. The poor girl doesn’t need to hear this.”

  Poor girl? Now Kate was annoyed. Last night she had gone almost mute in his presence, but today she was ready to throw a barrel of words at him. “Mr. Maddox, I run a very lucrative events company in both New York and Boston,” she explained, her voice calm and polite. “I have an MBA from Harvard. I am by no means a ‘poor girl,’ and I’m certain that I can handle whatever you dish out.”

  The line went dead.

  “I love it. He’ll never be able to fire you.”

  Kate smiled, although now that her anger had receded a fearful nausea was taking its place. What was I thinking? Who in her right mind would goad Michael Maddox? “I think he already did—he hung up.”

  Julia moved her hand in front of her face as if she were swiping a fly. “Sure, but that’s only because he’s on his way here right now.”

  Kate’s stomach lurched. Battling on the phone was one thing, but did she have the backbone to face him in person?

  Michael pushed the glass door of his sister’s office open and stopped in his tracks when Kate turned toward him. He shut his eyes for a second, but even when he opened them they betrayed the slightest hint of astonishment.

  Kate smoothed a hand over her dress as she approached him. Insecurity crept inside of her, and it was an emotion she hadn’t experienced since grade school when her body hadn’t developed to what it was now. “Hi, I’m Kate Adams of Marissa Adams Events,” she said, her voice trembling as she extended her hand. “My stepmother’s Marissa Adams.”

  He remained in front of the door, studying her with guarded eyes. His sleeves, rolled to the elbows, exposed his strong forearms, and it took her a moment to pull her gaze away from the ripple of flesh. Maybe he doesn’t recognize me with my hair down. She could only hope.

  He finally reached for her hand. “Hi,” he said while furrowing his brow. “I didn’t mean to insult you on the phone.”

  She released his hand and took a step back. He somehow made her feel like she might lose her balance. Her pulse ticked at a high speed as she watched his eyes drift down her body. There was no way she could go head-to-head with this man. His chiseled features, well-sculpted nose—hell, his perfect face, who could deny it?—were like kryptonite to her. How could she stand up to him when she was short of breath?

  She cleared her throat and spoke. “Maybe we could sit down and talk?”

  Michael glanced at his sister and tipped his head in the direction of the nearby table, a silent way of agreeing to talk.

  Kate waited for Julia to sit before taking her previous chair. She crossed her legs but took in a short breath when she realized his eyes were lingering a bit longer than necessary on her calf muscles.

  “Listen, Kate, I’m sure my sister has explained to you my hesitations about having a fundraiser, and my opinion on the matter has not and will not change.” He walked closer to the table where his sister and Kate sat, but he remained standing and crossed his arms. He arched his shoulders back and stared down at them.

  A power play. Her mind was spinning. The sexy tone of his voice rendered her speechless—again. She shifted in her seat and tried not to look at his strong, clenched jaw, which read: uncompromising. After a calming breath, she folded her hands on her lap and studied him for a moment. His blue eyes pierced through her.

  “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 at her 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.” 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.”

  “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.

  “Did you tell Julia that we’ve met already?”

  Startled, Kate turned toward him, looking at him fr
om beneath long eyelashes. Her arched brows gave hint of her embarrassment. “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 touched the back of her neck, working out a kink. “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 his devastating good looks? “Honestly, I didn’t think you would remember me, and then I was in a hurry, so I just 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 bit her bottom lip.

  “If we’re going to work together, I would strongly suggest you not do that,” he murmured, staring at her lips. 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. She couldn’t help but wonder if she’d wind up being the fourth planner fired. Was he attracted to her, or was it a game he was playing to unnerve her? She chose 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, 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?”