Page 11 of Evan

“You should not be here.”

“There is no one else on the premises.”

“Precisely the point. We have to be careful. You cannot be seen here with me.”

“I wanted to see you.” She was a quietly attractive woman with graying blonde hair and light blue eyes. Her body was trim, and her face had a haunting quality that spoke of the sadness she had endured in her own life.

She had lost her husband a few years ago and very soon after her only daughter. But she had found grace and peace in the love of the Lord and had accepted the tragedies as part of God’s plan for her life. She was an excellent listener and people gravitated to her because of her serenity.

She came further into the room and left the door open. At this time of night on a Sunday, he did not expect anyone to be popping in. Cassandra had left for her outing and even if she came back, she would go straight to the cottage.

He had called his wife and told her he was still at the office, and she had sounded as if she didn’t care one way or the other.

Placing the plate in front of him, she went to find some utensils and napkins. He had a well-stocked fridge in the small kitchenette behind his office and within minutes she came back with a glass of cranberry juice on a tray. “You don’t take enough care of yourself.”

Placing the tray in front of him, she made certain there was no one there before placing a gentle hand on the top of his head.

Leaning over, she caressed his thick dark hair and stroked his neck slowly. Sighing softly, he gave into the comfort of her light touch and felt the tension ebbing away. He should tell her to leave, but her presence was what he needed.

“You are too good to me,” he murmured.

“You are hurting, and I want to take the pain away.” Moving away from him, she pulled up a chair and pointed to the food. “Eat.”

With a smile, he peeled off the saran wrap and inhaled the delicious scent, before digging in. She was silent as she watched him eat, a smile hovering on her lips. “You are behaving as if you haven’t had a meal in ages.”

He looked up at her ruefully. “I had coffee and a bagel this morning and that’s it.”

She shook her head in distress. “You are not taking care of yourself.”

He knew what she left unsaid and appreciated her not uttering the obvious. The unspoken agreement between them was that there would be no mention of his wife. That subject was off limit, and she was wise enough to know that.

One of the many reasons why he cared about her so much. Digging into the meal, he told her the good news about the donation.

Chapter 4

“Why can’t I just send a check through the mail?” He argued with the head of his PR department. “The email was already sent explaining everything. I don’t see why it’s necessary to be there in person. All you have to do is write up a press release and be done with it.”

She explained patiently that in order to get the full effect of the press, you are going to have to have your photograph taken with the minister and his staff while handing him the check. Everything is in place.

You will be meeting with them at ten and the press will be there in full force. It would also help if you managed to work up a smile while you are at it.”

He had sent her a glance that could pulverize rocks.

Now, standing in front of his full-length mirror, he stared at his reflection, a frown marring his brow.

Kim had utilized his personal shopper, even though he had enough clothing in his massive closet to wear.

“We want you to look like the cool and collected businessman you are. Not too stuffy, but not too casual either. Navy blue pants, baby blue cotton shirt and a sports jacket will do fine.”

“Are you going to pick out the color of my underwear too?”

He saw when she opened her mouth to say something and realizing the wisdom of keeping it to herself, she shook her head.

“Just doing my job, boss.”

“I don’t like sucking up.”

“Just saying like it is.”

---