Page 5 of Desperate Needs

“So, this is a big deal. Anyone special to help you with it all,” Mom inquired after Pop left the room.

“Mom! I don’t need a man to help me build my dream,” I scoffed, even as my heart squeezed with yearning.

“I know that,” Mom said. “But don’t close yourself off. Steven was an asshole.”

“Mom!” I said, shocked that she would even mention that jerk.

He was my one real relationship, but it had been over years ago. Sure, I wanted love, but my father left a pretty big impact on me. He was so in love with Mom, and I knew I would never settle for less.

Steve had been less. And I was so much better off without him.

“Look at me, Clementine. It is true a woman doesn’t need a man to be complete, but let me tell you from experience,” she said with a grin, “Life is a helluva lot more entertaining with one. Now, give me a hug and get going. You have a nonprofit to build!”

I sighed and squeezed my mother saying a prayer of thanks that she was healthy and whole and with me now. There was a time I thought we’d lost her. But she proved stronger than cancer, and she amazed me every single day.

Having her and my father to help me realize my dreams made all the difference in the world to me. But not everyone had that. And I wanted to provide a place for those in need.

That’s what Drew’s Place was all about.

“I love you, Mom,” I said, hugging her closely.

This was going to take hard work and dedication, but I was ready.

And what about finding a man?

I wasn’t going to hold my breath.

Chapter 1-Clementine

Present Day.

I grabbed a glass of champagne off a tray from a passing waiter and grinned at my cousin as she and her husband posed for pictures with their beautiful new baby as everyone gathered to celebrate the christening of Michael Liam O’Doyle.

“Congrats!”

Everyone shouted and clapped, making the baby cry, of course. But no one was bothered, and everyone smiled indulgently as Michaela cuddled her precious bundle close.

It was a wonderful affair. Truly beautiful, but I expected nothing less from Aunt Sofia and Uncle Adrik, who were hosting. My eyes teared up, and I just felt so damn happy for my cousin I could just burst with it.

“Well, looks like they’re sticking it out,” a deep voice said from right next to me.

I looked down at the pristine white handkerchief offered, and took it, wiping my eyes and sniffing in an attempt to stem their flow and settle my nerves.

“Sorry. Allergies,” I mumbled and made to hand it back.

“Why don’t you hold on to that one, Darlin’? I have more.”

I looked up, ready to tell this jerk off. I didn’t need some man’s handkerchief, but when I looked up, I was startled into shutting my mouth.

I’d seen him before, of course. But this was the first time he had ever spoken to me.

“You’re Connor Callahan,” I said, taking him in from his short, high-tapered faux hawk to the red-soled navy blue leather shoes on his feet.

“Are those Cole Haan?” I asked, nodding at the shoes.

“Um, yeah. I think so,” he said with a careless shrug.

I had a thing for men with a certain style, and this man had it. He was definitely older than me. At least ten years, but I appreciate that despite his size, he wore a well-cut suit tailored to underplay his bulk and power.

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