Chapter 10 #2
She took a sip of her wine, deciding not to admit that she hadn’t gotten anything out of them, because her thoughts had been filled with him. And that reminded her…“They were okay. But listen, there is something I need to tell you.”
She must have sounded pretty serious because he straightened up in his chair. “What?”
“I’m glad you told me who you were because several people saw us together last night, and today many of them approached me.”
“About what?”
“I think they figured they could use me to get to you. You wouldn’t believe how many CEO’s business cards I refused to pass on.
Even my boss heard about us and called me from Chicago.
She wanted to know if our relationship was serious because if it was, she could see how it could benefit the company I work for. ”
He nodded. “And what did you tell her?”
“That our relationship wasn’t any of her business. Of course, I said it in a professional manner.”
“Of course,” he said, grinning.
“Can you believe such a thing?” she asked. “The nerve of people, thinking I would use you that way.”
“Yes, I can believe it. It has happened to me before.”
“What?”
“Many women have tried to make money off their association with me.”
Haven felt awful for him. “That’s despicable.”
“I thought so, too.”
She released a deep, disgusted sigh. “I guess there are disadvantages to being rich.”
“You’ve never dreamed of being rich?”
“Heck no.” Then, thinking she might have hurt his feelings, she explained, “Gramma Dora always said that it wasn’t money that was the root of all evil, it was the love of it. Some people are blessed to have more than others, so the right thing to do is to share with those less fortunate.”
He took a sip of his wine. “My father thought that way, too. That’s why he loved his charities.”
She smiled. “Knowing you, I’m not surprised that your father was a generous man. My grandmother wasn’t rich enough to give much money, but she gave of her time. She was a very good cook, so she always volunteered to work in soup kitchens. She would take me with her.”
“Did you enjoy going?”
“Yes. I got to play with the kids and felt bad for them because some had no real homes to live in. It was sad.”
“Is that why you’re active in so many charities?”
She raised her brow. “How did you know that?”
“I believe you mentioned it last night.”
She didn’t recall doing so, but must have. “Yes. If there is any way I can help others, I will. However, I will draw the line at passing business cards along to you or giving my employer the impression that my dating you is beneficial to them.”
Skylar laughed. “Haven, you are like sunshine. A beautiful ray of sunshine.”
He said some of the nicest things… She gave him a cheeky grin. “Last night, you said I was special and simply amazing. Tonight, I am smart and like sunshine. Spending time with you is good for my ego, Skylar Kingston.”
“And I’m discovering that you, Haven McGuire, are good for my well-being.”
By the time Skylar walked Haven to her hotel room, he was even more in love. He had never laughed so much in his life. She was a true joy to be with.
And she was so brutally honest. She had thought nothing of telling him about the CEOs who’d wanted her to pass their business cards on to him, or how her employer wanted to use their relationship for their benefit.
She hadn’t succumbed to pressure or intimidation and had simply refused to be used. It was refreshing.
Skylar had almost been caught when he’d mentioned her charity work.
He would have to be more careful in the future.
The last thing he wanted her to think was that he’d asked Dante to have her investigated, because he hadn’t.
It was merely the way Dante protected him, keeping the deathbed promise he had made to Silas.
“I have to fly back to San Francisco for business tomorrow, and won’t be back until Saturday,” he said, changing the subject.
“Oh.”
He saw the sudden look of sadness in her eyes. Hopefully, that meant she would miss him. “Will you go out with me Saturday night, Haven?”
She brightened. “I would love to, Skylar.”
“You’re not going to ask me where we’re going?”
“No. Surprise me.”
He tilted his head to look at her. “You trust me that much.”
She paused, studied his features, and then said softly, “Yes. It might sound crazy and maybe even a bit na?ve since we only just met…but yes, I trust you. Of course, it would help if you let me know what to wear so I can be dressed appropriately.”
When she opened her hotel room door, he followed her inside, closed the door behind them, and then turned her into his arms. More than anything, he wanted to sweep her off her feet and carry her to that bed.
But there was no way he would do that. Not yet.
He wanted her to get to know him, the way he wanted to get to know her.
“I’m going to miss you, Haven.” Then he leaned in and captured her mouth.
What he’d told Dante earlier was true. He had fallen in love with Haven. Now all he had to do was convince her that she loved him just as much.