tempt just about any person with eyes. She might be tasteful and put
 
 together, but one thing she clearly lacked was the ability to lie, and lie well.
 
 Taylor saw straight through that smile to the nerves below. She didn’t want
 
 to push her luck, but she couldn’t help herself.
 
 “Don’t take this the wrong way,” Taylor said. She started fidgeting with
 
 the hem of her skirt under the table. “I’m extremely grateful that someone
 
 liked my idea and wants to make it a reality, but— I’m just— really
 
 confused. A team? People are going to work on my proposal, and I’ll get
 
 funding, just like that?”
 
 “It might take a week to get everything in place, but yes. Our company
 
 supports many charitable causes, and it’s not every day that we get an idea
 
 like this. We have a chance to make history, and it’s not just a great thing
 
 for the community. With some work, we think it could be a solid investment
 
 for us.”
 
 “You think so?” Taylor’s tone was hard. “I mean, after you said it
 
 wasn’t yesterday?”
 
 Christina looked distinctly uncomfortable and tried to hide it by
 
 uncrossing her legs under the table. Taylor could tell she did it because her
 
 whole upper body swayed with the movement. It drew Taylor’s eyes to the
 
 swell of Christina’s breasts under her blouse. Her blazer was open, and the
 
 round globes were accentuated with the new position. Taylor’s throat was
 
 suddenly far too dry. She wished she’d taken the damn coffee. She tore her
 
 eyes away quickly and ignored the slow burn spreading through her body.
 
 “I didn’t realize that Michelle would get so excited about it. I was being
 
 realistic. I hope you realize that this isn’t an opportunity that comes along
 
 for everyone. I made the mistake of thinking that it would be denied at the
 
 upper levels. I’m sorry if you took my words too much to heart yesterday. I
 
 wasn’t trying to stomp on your idea or hurt your feelings. I was just trying
 
 to practice good business.”
 
 “But you were wrong?” Taylor knew she should let it go, but she