Page 30 of Before the Night Falls
“What happens if you don’t meet the deadline?”
“The tribal council will reallocate the land they’ve set aside for the project. There’s a developer who wants to build a resort and casino—they’re offering big money.” His jaw tightened.
Olivia thought of the determination in Tyson’s eyes whenever he spoke about his fitness programs, his unwavering dedication to helping people transform their lives.
Now she understood where that drive came from—it ran much deeper than just physical fitness.
“How much do you need to raise?” she asked.
Tyson hesitated, as if reluctant to share the burden. “The project costs over a hundred million.”
Olivia’s eyes widened. “A hundred million? That’s a lot.”
“I’ve been blessed beyond what I could have imagined. But I don’t have that much money lying around. So I’ve been trying to raise it. I’m still twenty million dollars short, however.”
“Do you have a plan for how you might get that in eight days?”
“I have some ideas. New product lines, speaking engagements, maybe another book.” His voice was determined but weary. “I’ll find a way. I have to.”
On impulse, Olivia reached across the desk and touched his hand. “You don’t have to do this alone, you know. I could help. I have some connections?—”
Something flickered in his eyes—vulnerability, perhaps even longing—before he carefully withdrew his hand. “That’s kind of you to say, but?—”
“I mean it. I could help you. I know people in media who?—”
“I appreciate the offer, Olivia. Really.” His tone was gentle but firm. “But this is my responsibility.”
“Because of your promise?”
“Yes.” He looked at her with an intensity that made her breath catch. “Some commitments have to come first. No matter what else I might want.”
Olivia felt the weight of his words, sensing they were about more than just the school. This was why he was so focused. He’d dedicated his life to keeping this promise.
“I’d like to see it someday,” she said softly. “The reservation. The place where they’ll build this school.”
Something like hope flashed across his face. “Maybe I could take you there. There are some amazing people you should meet.”
“I’d like that.” She rose from the chair. “I should let you work. And I need to try to get some sleep myself.”
“Probably wise.” His smile was tinged with regret. “Good night, Olivia.”
“Good night, Tyson.”
As she closed the door behind her, she couldn’t help wondering what it would be like to be loved by a man who took his promises so seriously.
Then she wondered whether she’d ever have the chance to find out.
* * *
Tyson watched the door close behind Olivia, her vanilla scent lingering in the air.
The concern in her eyes, the gentle touch of her hand on his . . . if he wasn’t careful, those small notions would breach the careful walls he’d built. He couldn’t let that happen.
Too much was on the line.
He turned back to the blueprints, trying to focus. The numbers blurred before his eyes.
This was doable. It had to be.
