Page 6 of Whispered Sins

“Every child we’ve helped so far has been so incredibly grateful for even the smallest of toys. To see the looks on their faces when they’re introduced to something new, yet something so ordinary to us, it’s magical. It really puts things into perspective.”

I could see this meant a lot to her and wasn’t just a job to her. Or else she was one hell of a sales pitcher. I was going with the former.

“I can see this means a lot to you. So, what can I do for you?”

“Well, your company is the current leader in tech, making you one of the most profitable enterprises on the East Coast. We could use a donor of your stature. Our toys, up until now, have been mostly manipulatives, but we want to begin incorporating books and possible digital items for the villages that have access to electricity. As a nonprofit, we rely on donors to make what we do possible.”

I did the usual signs of active listening. I nodded and mused and furrowed my brow like I was in deep thought. I pretended to be thinking about what she said, even though I’d already internally agreed to whatever she asked for. It wasn’t like I’d miss a couple hundred thousand dollars. Hell, even a couple million. Whatever she needed. But I couldn’t make it that easy. I needed more time with her.

“It would look good for your company. I could seeForbeswriting up a noble article,” she offered, her words rolling off her tongue as if she was dangling a piece of candy in front of me. Little did she know, she was the candy. And I’d like to taste her sweetness in my mouth.

Chapter 3

Addison

I watched Daniel as he took in what I said. I was surprised anything was coming out right at all. In fact, I wasn’t sure exactly what I was saying, but it must have sounded good, judging by the ponderous look on his face. I hoped I was sticking to the script.

It was just that his good looks were incredibly distracting, and I had to will my eyes to stay on his, and not wander to his mouth or his sharp jawline. There was a little stubble along the angles of his face and I wondered what it would feel like against my skin. My face. My legs.

How could I have not known he was Daniel Jacobs? It couldn’t be more obvious. He had an effect on me. On women. This guy could get anyone he wanted. He wasn’t Leonardo DiCaprio. He was better. No wonder he had the reputation he did.

The thought of him sleeping around was a turn-off before I realized it was him, and now I was hot just thinking about him in bed and what he was capable of. His hands probably knew exactly where to touch a woman, and his mouth probably knew exactly how to kiss a woman.

I swallowed hard and tried to focus on what I was saying. I thought I was on the part about how it could be a generous tax write-off. It was like I’d had too much wine, and he was the bottle.

I finished my pitch and sat back in my chair, waiting for him to speak.

“Well, it sounds like it could be a good opportunity for the both of us,” he said. I watched as he ran his fingers along his jaw.

“I believe it could be.”

“I’d have to visit the project first. Maybe have a tour of the place. See more of what you do. I want to make sure it’s a good fit.”

“Of course,” I said, nodding eagerly. Too eagerly.

Did I really just possibly land our biggest donor yet? Maybe I was a better people person than I thought. My boss did assign this meeting to me. And here I thought it was because most everyone was going out of town for the Fourth. Maybe he saw something in me that I didn’t.

“But the tour has to be with you,” said Daniel firmly.

“Me?” I asked with surprise.

I felt like I was flailing in midair.

“I don’t really… I mean, I’m sure my boss would be better suited to…” I stammered.

Daniel shook his head. “I’m not interested in what your boss has to say. I’m interested in whatyouhave to say. The tour has to be with you.”

I sucked in a deep breath, trying to calm the hammering of my heart. This was unexpected. I didn’t really think I would see him again after today. Hell, I didn’t think he was going to give me a dime. Yet, here we were.

“Okay,” I said after a pause. “I’ll give you the tour.”

Hedidget what he wanted.

And for some reason, he wanted me.

I laughed to myself. That was ridiculous. This wealthy, handsome businessman didn’t want me.

“Is something funny?” he asked, cocking a brow as a small smile spread across his lips.

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