Page 13 of Jael

“New Life. I like it.”

“Thank you.”

“For me,” he pressed his hand on his heart, “my desire is for Vita Nova to continue to prosper. I’ve asked around. You have a fantastic reputation. All I’ve heard are good things.”

“But I take it my dad has informed you of the drain it has on the coffers. Not much, but enough that he makes sure I know.” She was defensive. “It might be a tax deductible gift, but that doesn’t always appease the shareholders.”

“Is that what he says?”

“I’m surprised he hasn’t shared his thoughts.”

“I’ve seen the figures, but I don’t share his sentiments. I think it’s important for any business or anyone with wealth to help those less fortunate when they can.”

“Forgive my skepticism, but I do know what you and your father get up to.”

He laughed. “Fair point. But that’s business like any other. Surely you can understand that. I might not know a lot about you, but you aren’t innocent of those activities either. And yet there is obviously a passion in your heart to help those in need.”

She wasn’t about to tell him she considered it part of her penance for all her past wickedness. “That is all true.”

“My schedule is quite hectic at the moment, as you can imagine, but if we could make some time, I’d like to know more about Vita Nova. Hear the stories. It would mean a lot, and it would help me convince the board if I’m to get you more funding.”

“You want to get me more?”

“Unless you have enough?”

“No. I mean. We get by, but there’s so much more I’d want to do. We’re tied up in a lot of ways, and we can only help so many people at once. If we had more money—” She slammed her mouth shut. Her exuberance was getting the better of her. Sharing her passion had never had positive results in these circles.

“What is it?”

“Nothing. I was getting ahead of myself. If you would consider increasing the support, that would be most appreciated.”

“You don’t trust me.”

She looked at him so she could judge his eyes and saw his brief glimpse at her lips. If he’d had any interest in her previously, she’d never noticed. Artus had mentioned mergers, and her dad wanted her to get to know Christopher better. Was everyone conspiring to make something happen between them?

“Trust isn’t easy for me, no,” she said. “But I do appreciate you taking an interest in my foundation.”

She looked out at the night and got a chill.

When she wrapped her arms around herself, Christopher took off his jacket. “Are you cold? You look cold.”

She let him slide it over her shoulders only because she didn’t know how to refuse without appearing rude. If Christopher had plans to become Gregory’s son-in-law, she knew her dad would do whatever it took to make that happen. He’d always wanted to keep the business in the family. She’d thought he’d finally let the matter go, but it appeared she could have been mistaken.

“I know you’re not a woman who takes compliments with the same fluttering blushes as others, but allow me to say how stunning you look tonight. And I say that with no caveats.”

“You’re right,” she said. “Compliments make me uncomfortable. Especially after you said everyone at the party is here to get something for themselves.”

“Not me. I’ve got everything I want.”

“Still, you’d find a more willing recipient in Mrs. Tuttle, although she was completely taken by your father, so there’s probably no point.”

“Does that mean my admiration is unwanted?”

“I don’t take offense to it if that’s what you’re worried about.”

He let out another round of his easy laugh that would make a room relax as it lightened the atmosphere. She couldn’t say it didn’t have the same effect on her. The last thing she wanted was for things to get too serious.

“I’ll take what I can get,” he said. “As for Mrs. Tuttle, I doubt she’ll get what she’s hoping for. She’s a stunning woman, but my dad…I’m sure you know.”

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