Page 49 of Embrace My Heart

Vectra would have laughed, but her mouth was quickly occupied by another probing kiss. When applause and whistles reached their ears, she felt her cheeks burn. She buried her face in Qasim’s neck. Meanwhile, Qasim grinned and tipped his cap to the Arnold Bears Football Organization.

* * *

“It’s amazing that you’re able to send all these kids to college,” Vectra raved, her warm stare trekking across the activity-rich field. She and Qasim enjoyed the rest of the preseason practice from the stadium bleachers.

“Well—” he grinned somewhat bashfully “—I don’t send all, only the ones whose GPAs are a certain level. I’d love it if they all made it to the pros, but it’d be better for my wallet if their skills brought them to work for me.”

“Ah.” Vectra laughed. “So you’re trying to scout mini-Wilders, huh?”

“I like that.” He seemed to purr and then shrugged. “My goal is just to help ’em succeed. College isn’t for everyone, and I’ve insisted that foundation money offers help in whatever way the older kids require.”

“Your dedication is commendable.” Vectra squinted, not in reaction to the sun but to veil the hint of unease that talk of the foundation had triggered in her eyes.

It had been several days since her chat with Minka. Vectra was no closer to talking with Qasim about the woman’s concerns. She didn’t even know if she wanted to talk to him about them.

“You’ve started something really wonderful here, Qasim. You should be proud,” she said instead. “What was the inspiration? Did some mysterious benefactor give you your start in life?”

“Nah.” He chuckled, watching his hands while he rubbed them one inside the other. “I was a player but didn’t have the desire to continue school beyond what the law required.” He shook his head.

“My tune changed after the army. That was my benefactor, and I’ve never regretted the choice. I just want these kids to have another one. Kids from other backgrounds have them, why shouldn’t these?”

“What you do is amazing,” Vectra squeezed his arm. “A lot of people think so.”

It was true. The Wilder Warriors Foundation had gained praise from many quarters on a national scale and had even grabbed attention at the presidential level.

“Has it always run so smoothly?” She studied the hub of activity on the field. “I know how easily charities can see their fair share of drama.”

“You’re right, and I’m happy we haven’t.” His hands curved into fists that he clenched and unclenched. “The person who dares to betray us would spend the rest of their lives regretting it.”

“Jail?”

“If necessary. But I wouldn’t want to make a public issue of it, if I could help it. Anyone that’d deny a kid the chance to make a life for himself deserves to have his own livelihood screwed with.”

Vectra appeared impressed by his shrewd ability. “Remind me never to get on your bad side.”

“Count on it.” He grinned.

They were sealing the promise with a handshake when a stream of whistles blew to signal the end of practice.

Chapter 14

One week later

Guests filed into Gallery V on plush red carpeting that trailed out from the establishment’s towering glass-encased pine doors. Black velvet ropes lined the carpet and were supported by gleaming silver stanchions.

Just inside the grand, split-level gallery, showing attendees were treated to a glass of their favorite Carro Vineyards wine. They were also informed of the exclusive tasting event that would occur following remarks from the gallery’s owner, Vectra Bauer.

Vectra always experienced a burst of positive energy during every show. That was especially true for the artists who were relatively new to the scene. She loved the idea of having a part to play in the career of a new and intriguing creator. Vectra had a feeling that Yancey Croachman would be such a person.

Making her way across the gallery’s gleaming marble floors, Vectra was a vision in a curve-adoring silk creation. The ankle-length skirt was overlaid in chiffon and carried a deep side split that flashed show-stopping glimpses of leg and thigh with each step she took.

It was never a chore to mingle, but never before had Qasim Wilder been a guest. It was all Vectra could do to keep her mind on her business and off her man. A genuine smile curved her mouth when she accepted a glass of moscato from a passing waiter.

Her man... She did like the sound of that. Sipping the flavorful wine that was just a bit too fruity for her taste, Vectra scanned the crowd. She stopped when she found what she searched for. Qasim stood on the gallery’s main floor where he talked with Robb DeWitt and the man’s head bartender, Joy Aiden.

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