Page 50 of Fallen Roses

JAMES

Ican’t take it in. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry, and Ana stares at me with concern.

“I’m sorry, James, I realize you wanted to make your own way, but this was my brother’s idea.”

“Mikhail’s?”

She shakes her head. “No, Titus.”

“But why?”

I’m so confused, and she says gently, “Because you are a good man and because you care and will make a great CEO. You deserve this after what she did to you, and the charity is lucky to have you.”

“It’s too much.”

I still can’t process it all, and she reaches across and takes my hand. “How is it too much? You do all the work anyway and deserve the credit and the right to make the decisions. You are now in control of this charity and inyour mom’s memory, you will make it the most successful charity in existence and help many worthy causes. There really isn’t anyone else for the job.”

I have no words. I can’t believe how lucky I was the night fate delivered Ana to me. I don’t deserve her. Far from it, in fact, and if she discovered what a monster I really am, she would reconsider that opinion.

I hate to dampen the mood and merely smile gratefully. “I owe you everything. What can I give you in return?”

“Brunch.”

Her smile almost blinds me as she reaches for my hand.

My life has takena surreal turn lately, and this is another one of those occasions. I don’t do brunch. I never have and always considered it was for rich people, not for me. Even when I became the CEO of The Rose Foundation, I never took up the offers of social dining and events. I am uncomfortable in this world, but with Ana beside me, it’s easy. She makes life interesting and fun and as we head into the restaurant, I note many famous faces as they chat quietly in corners, hoping not to be bothered.

I am proud to walk beside Ana because she stands out like the brightest star among them. Her willowy body floats along on heels and her blonde hair touchesthe curve of her back, her green eyes flashing with wicked delight. She is so beautiful and I wonder why she is even trying with me. Especially after what she witnessed in the hotel room. Any normal person would run a mile, but not her.

We are shown to a table by the window and as the sunlight catches the lights in her hair, she resembles an angel.

I can’t tear my eyes away from her and she appears not to notice as she studies the menu, chewing her bottom lip as she contemplates her choices.

It gives me an uninterrupted view of the beauty I will never tire of gazing on and, as the waiter approaches, she sets the menu down and smiles.

“What are you having?”

“Whatever you choose. Surprise me.”

“You never looked, did you?”

She raises her eyes and I nod. “Guilty as charged.”

The waiter hovers, and she smiles. “Please may we order two smoked salmon bagels with hollandaise and two mimosas.”

As the waiter heads off, I shake my head.

“Why not coffee?”

“Because that’s boring.”

“But necessary.”

“So are mimosas.”

She giggles and I can’t stop myself from reaching out and lacing my fingers with hers.

“Tell me, Ana. What happens now?”

---