Page 30 of Captivating Mr. Second Chance

That’s my hair-wash day, her text read, and he grunted a laugh.

You could’ve said no. You don’t need to give me an excuse.

It’s not an excuse.

Ethan tossed his messenger bag in the passenger seat when he got behind the steering wheel.

It’s serious business, she texted, followed by a photo of a few hair products lined up along the vanity for proof.

So, that’s a no?

That’s an IDK.

Biting into his cheek, Ethan tapped out one last message.I’d like to see you there.He didn’t expect her to respond and plugged in his phone before he turned the ignition over, calling Leah on the speaker.

“Hey, Ethan,” she said when she picked up.

“Hi. I was calling to see if you’d had time to look over that email I sent you yesterday.”

“I gave it a quick glance during my lunch break, but I was so busy I didn’t really get to read it.”

“I don’t want to move forward without getting your opinion.”

She laughed. “What about your brother’s?”

“I already talked to him about it, but I was hoping you would sit on the board.” Dean had gotten all the necessary paperwork together and was ready to submit everything. Ethan only had to form the backbone of the nonprofit to make sure it could function appropriately.

“I don’t know anything about that.”

“Neither do I,” Ethan said. “But you’re being directly affected by what we’re going to try to raise money for. I think you’d be perfect to help steer this thing in the right direction.”

She hummed a thoughtful sound on the other end of the phone call.

“Right now, I’m focused on putting one event together. One big fundraising campaign, and then, depending on how it goes, we could make it annual and maybe expand it to other locations to raise money and awareness for Huntington’s.”

“As long as I don’t have to do any planning of anything,” Leah said eventually. “I don’t have the energy for that.”

“All you need to do is give things a thumbs-up or thumbs-down.”

“That’s it?”

Ethan raised his hand like he was on trial, even though no one else was in the car with him. “Like, how about this? What kind of fundraiser do you think is better, a race or a party?”

“Party. Obviously.”

“Great, we’ll do some kind of party.”

“All right, all right,” she said in a singsong voice. “You got me. I’ll be on the board.”

He thrust his fist in the air. “So, I’m going to file the papers, then. Let me know if you think of anyone else who might be good to add to our team.”

“Who’s on the team so far?”

“Me and you.”

“Oh Jesus.” It sounded like Leah had smacked something. Maybe her own forehead. “I gotta get going. We’re still on for next weekend?”

“Yeah. I’ve got a wholeJurassic Parkmarathon planned.”

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