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I know that look; I’ve seen it on men several times in my life. He’s turned on. He shakes his head and tunnels his fingers through his hair haphazardly, giving it that sexy, tussled, just got out of bed look. He’s clearly affected by me physically. As much as I need to avoid starting anything with him, the sexual tension I feel in his presence is stifling. I bite my lip and look anywhere but at his heated gaze.

“Are you about ready?” Taye’s voice startles me.

“Yeah, I think I am. The numbers don’t lie. Time to blow them away,” I smile widely at my colleague and friend. Sitting straighter in my chair, I look at Chase, pleased that I’ve gotten under his skin a little. Chase’s subtle smile fills me with light. Regardless of what’s going on between us, I came here to prove my worth to this Foundation and I’m going to do just that.

Taye gives his update on major giving donors and quite a few of the board members seem impressed. “At the Chairman’s Giving level, Mr. Davis, we request that you sit down face-to-face with the donor. It would be at a time and place of your choosing, based on your schedule. ”

Chase nods. “And at what level would that donor be giving?”

“Miss Callahan and I have done a great deal of research and secured recommendations from a national philanthropic organization--”

“Brass tax, Mr. Jefferson,” Chase warns. “What does one pay to have the pleasure of my company?” Several board members snicker and he grins, merriment taking over the all business fierceness in his eyes.

“Six figures, Mr. Davis.” A couple of people gasp. “You are a very desirable man, Mr. Davis.”

Chase’s eyebrows shoot up and his gaze flicks to me, then back to Taye as he continues his spiel. “Direct access to one of the wealthiest men in the United States can be very valuable to anyone with that kind of disposable capital. I imagine anyone’s access to you on a regular basis is limited.” Taye smooths down his jacket. “Is that not the case?” Taye asks.

Chase looks at a hulk of a man standing near the door. I hadn’t noticed him before. He’s almost as broad shouldered as he is tall. Looks like an NFL football player. He’s stoic, unmoving, his arms firmly planted across his chest. Slicked back black hair adds to his very Italian mafia type features. I wonder why he’s here and who he is.

“You are correct,” Chase responds to Taye’s question. “Access to me is strictly on a needs basis outside the Foundation.”

“So a donation in the six figures would be worthy of access to you?” I know everything is riding on the answer to Taye’s question. He’s been preparing this moment for three months.

“I’m agreeable to it,” Chase announces.

I release my breath in a whoosh. Taye got him. Slam dunk! I was proud. Taye worked so hard on this proposal, and Chase’s agreement to visit top donors face-to-face is the last piece of the puzzle. The Leadership Society would move forward.

“You won’t regret it, Mr. Davis.” Taye beams.

“Don’t let me, Mr. Jefferson. Great work. I look forward to seeing how this pans out.” Chase smiles at me. “I believe Miss Callahan has some information to share with the board.” His smile, coupled with his agreement to Taye’s request, gives me the confidence boost I need.

Over the next thirty minutes, I dazzle them with glossy charts and graphs showing in great detail how the Contributions Department has met their revenue goals for the fiscal year in charitable gifts. Not only met, but exceeded it by forty five percent.

“Miss Callahan, what did you do to make these numbers increase so drastically?” asks one prim and proper looking board member.

“Well, Ms. Conrad, I took a different approach.” I pace the room. “The Foundation had been sending out mailings that were about the Foundation and the work we do in a generic, professional way. However, it lacked sincerity. The stories of the women who so desperately need our help on a regular basis show a more personal aspect.” A couple of the board members nod in agreement. “I interviewed some of the women who had been battered and were having trouble seeing the light at the end of the tunnel until they found us.” I clear my throat but my voice cracks and shakes. “I shared how we helped save their lives. It spoke volumes to the donors.”

I choked up again when I remembered my last interview of a woman who had suffered a brutal beating. She couldn’t walk for a week afterward. The Foundation helped her cut ties with her attacker and to start a new life. I’d held her hand and cried right along with her.

Tears blur my vision. I dab at them before taking a deep breath. Chase stood, went to the drinks table, and brought me a glass of water. I gently sipped while getting my emotions in check.

Now was not the time to relive the past. Chase’s hand warmed my shoulder as his head tipped to the side. “Okay? Need a moment?” He searches my face, clearly showing his concern. I nod and plaster on the fakest smile I can muster. The last thing I need is to breakdown in the middle of the most important presentation of my career.

“Thank you.” I clear my throat and shift my shoulders back.

“Wow, Miss Callahan. I don’t think anyone here had any inkling you wrote those letters. We also weren’t aware they were about real women the Foundation had saved.” His voice holds adoration. He wasn’t just saying so to win over the group or me. I feel nothing but a deep respect for him in that moment. I nod my head and set down the glass of water. “Well, let me be the first to congratulate you on a job very well done. Please continue with your presentation.”

“Thank you, Mr. Davis.” I watch him walk back to his seat. He focuses solely on me as he gracefully sits. His intensity may get to me, but I’m thrilled that he’s seeing my work and the value I have to the organization, not just someone he wants to bed.

“The next area our department focused on was tele-fundraising.” For the next fifteen minutes, I hit them with the results of our successful calling campaign. “If you would be so kind as to review the information and the additional fundraising options, I believe we could save a lot of women with the money we’d raise.” Scanning each member of the board, I can tell that I’m making an impact. “We understand these massive changes take time and appreciate the board’s consideration. Thank you.”

“Very impressive, Miss Callahan. You have given us a great deal to think about over the coming weeks,” Chase offers. He glances at his colleagues to ensure they’re paying attention. “I want each of you to review the information each department has brought to the table today and come to our next board meeting with your list of questions, concerns, and your initial decision on whether to move forward with the recommendations from our staff. We will take a vote at the next meeting.” The board members nod, write notes, and the Board Secretary rapidly taps out her transcription of the action.

Taye nudges my shoulder as I sit down. His full pearly white smile beams, the one he says is the only way to find him in the dark. Under the table, he holds out his hand. I smack it lightly. We both quietly snap. It’s our mini-high five, “Won and then done” victory bump.

As the meeting concludes, I’m thinking of a nice hot bath to end the intense day. I’m about to leave with Taye when Chase grasps my hand and pulls me to his side. I wave off Taye and feel the jolt like two magnets reaching for each other. My body flows towards his so easily. I’ve known him twenty four hours, but the pull is undeniable.

“Gillian, I’d like to introduce you to someone.” He guides me to the burly man in black. “Gillian, this is Jack Porter. My bodyguard, driver, my safety net. He will be picking you up this evening.”

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