Page 100 of Wrapped in Perfection

Maksim's eyes light up. "Ah, yes. I forgot about that. Thank you for reminding me."

Sacha puts his fork down. "What foundation project?"

"The Vivian Caras Foundation is building an orphanage. Anna has volunteered to create the design."

Sacha nods. "That is a good foundation. Vivian does remarkable things for the community."

"Yes. Vivian is the one who recommended we hire Anna to get us out of our jam."

Sacha takes another bite of food and stares at me.

I try not to be anything but confident under his gaze, but it's difficult. I wish his mother would have taught him it's rude to stare.

I finish chewing, swallow, then wash it down with water. I dab my napkin on my lips and put it back on my lap. "Could you tell me a little about your project? Maksim hasn't told me much, and neither have you. Before I promise you what I can do, I need to know about it."

Sacha hesitantly tells me about the condo project. I ask many questions, and by the time we finish lunch, his eyes are full of excitement. I can tell how much his project means to him, which is something I love about my job.

Maksim glances at his watch. "We need to get going. We have another meeting today." They are the first words he's said in the last thirty minutes.

I try not to look surprised.

"With who?" Sacha says.

Maksim smiles and wags his finger. "Now, you know I can't tell you that."

Silence fills the table. It becomes uncomfortable.

Maksim finally rises. "We really must go, Anna." He holds out his hand to help me out of the booth.

I smile at Sacha. "It was nice meeting you. I enjoyed hearing about your project."

Maksim holds my jacket, and I slip into it.

Sacha says, "You're twenty percent too high. Drop your fee, and I'll sign right now."

Maksim presses his hand on my back.

My stomach flips. I would be happy taking a twenty percent cut. It's still more than I got in New York.

Maksim will kill you.

I smile. "Thank you so much for your time, but I can't do that. If you change your mind and I've not committed to another project, I'd love to work with you. My cell number is on the last page."

Maksim shakes his head at Sacha. "You're going to regret letting this one get away."

Maksim spins me, and Sacha says, "Ten percent. That's the best I can do."

Maksim tightens his grip on my arm.

I can't believe I'm turning this down.I take a deep breath. "I'm sorry. I can't reduce my fee. I wish you lots of luck."

"We must go, Anna. We will be late." Maksim steers me toward the door.

Am I seriously walking away from this?

As soon as we step outside, Sacha's voice calls out, "Fine. Full price."

I freeze.

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