Page 12 of The Billionaire's Christmas Baby Surprise

“Please, have a seat. Can I offer you some coffee?”

“Yes, please,” Max said, while Stephanie politely declined. Billie went to the coffeemaker, which groaned with displeasure at being forced into service when it was old and falling apart, and prepared a cup of coffee.

“Milk and sugar?” she asked.

“No, just black.”

Billie should have known. A man who didn’t like the holidays probably wanted little sweetness in his life. She set the cup in front of Max and circled her desk to her chair.

“So, you wanted to discuss a potential funding opportunity?”

“Yes.” Stephanie spoke up. “We’d like to partner with you to fund your Christmas gift-giving program. It’s essential that kids in Africa get their gifts.”

“In Denver,” Billie said.

“Sorry?”

“The gift-giving program is for children here, in Denver.”

“Right.” Stephanie didn’t miss a beat. “Of course. We’d like to fund your Christmas gift-giving program so that children inDenverget their gifts. I have a photographer and a big check with the full amount you need, plus a little extra, waiting downstairs.”

But to her own surprise, Billie found herself shaking her head.

“I’m sorry, Stephanie, but I don’t think I can accept this.”

“Why not?” Stephanie looked shocked.

“It’s clear that this is just a photo opportunity for you,” Billie said. “You don’t even know what Sweetest Surprise does. I want to work with funders who believe in the cause.”

What are you doing?the voice of reason inside Billie’s head begged.The kids need this money. Just take it.

“Can I speak with Billie for a few minutes?” Max asked.

“Do you really think that’s a good idea?” Stephanie asked, but Max was already ushering her towards the door.

“I just need five minutes.” Max closed the door behind her and turned back to Billie. “Sorry about that.”

“Why?” Billie crossed her arms. “She just said the same thing you did, more or less. You showed up for the event last week to get a photo op, and now you’re here for another. You don’t care about my charity any more than she does.”

“Maybe not,” Max admitted. “But if it makes you feel any better, I’m just as unhappy about the photo op as you are. I don’t see why we should spend our time posing for photos when there’s real work to be done.”

“I guess we can agree on that.”

Max sat back down and leaned towards her. His blue eyes were bright.

“We can. Listen, Billie. My PR team suggested that I work with a charity as something of a PR stunt. That much is true. I was opposed to it, but they brought me around, and I decided that if I had to do this, I might as well actually fund someone who deserves it. If you already have enough money for your Christmas program, though, we’ll leave.”

Billie bit her lip. She didn’t have the money. Although… “Did you sayworkwith a charity? I thought this was just about a donation.”

Max winced. “As well as the check, they’d like me to be seen helping out with your work.”

“What?” Billie threw her hands in the air. “Come on, Max. How would you feel if I came to your place of business and asked to work with you?”

“You take on holiday volunteers,” Max pointed out. “I’m sure I have the skills to help out like any other volunteer would. Listen, neither of us want this to turn into a big thing. I’ll give you all themoney you need. I’ll show up, take a few pictures, and get out of your hair.”

“That isn’t going to cut it.” Billie folded her arms again and raised her eyebrows in a challenge. “If this is so important to you, then you really have to do it. I expect you to show up when I tell you to and actually help with my projects. You have to stay beyond the photo opportunity. You have to actually see the kids we help.”

“Does that mean you’ll accept our partnership?”

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