Exposed by Fate (Serve #2)(9)

He nodded. “I read it, too, and was going to make the same suggestion. For someone who might be intimidated by the idea, it’s an invitation to pick up the magazine. I say we run with it.”

His sister smiled. “Great. We’ll need an eye-catching graphic to go along with it. Asher, can you handle that end? We’ll need it by Wednesday.”

Asher made a note. “On it.”

Caroline hummed in her throat. “If we’re going to cater to beginners with the cover story, we need something inside for established readers to keep a balance.” She split a look between Oliver and Asher. “Any suggestions?”

Asher consulted his notes. “One of the new writers was working on an article about switching places. Dominants becoming submissives, whether for a short period of time or permanently. I can check on the status.”

“Yes. Find out and get back to me.” Caroline tapped her pen against her lips. “It might be interesting to run a poll on the website and include it with the article. ‘Do you and your partner exchange power?’ Something along those lines.”

“I’ll make a quick call and have it up by this morning,” Oliver said.

They talked for a while longer about articles in various stages of research. Oliver discussed possible ways to attract new advertisers selling cutting edge products that would interest the gadget savvy businessman. Yes, they were focused on finance and sex, but it didn’t mean they should overlook technology. Caroline and Asher agreed to incorporate that aspect into future features.

When the meeting began wrapping up, Caroline leaned forward on her elbows. “Is there anything else before we end the meeting?”

“There is one thing.” Oliver shifted in his seat. “This is a side project I’ve been working on. It concerns all of us, and I wanted to get your opinions.”

Asher ran a hand over his graying hair. “The last time you had a side project, Preston’s new tagline became Bonds and Bondage.”

Knowing Asher’s comment was meant to be good-natured, Oliver laughed it off.

Caroline crossed her arms. “I still think that tagline is brilliant.”

His sister’s unwavering confidence in him usually made him feel ten feet tall. Today, with plans to debauch her best friend come the evening, he felt like a class-A jackass. With an effort, he pushed aside the guilt. He had something important that needed discussing and now was the moment. “I’ve been working on setting up a memorial fund in mom’s name.” When Caroline fell back in her chair, obviously surprised, he tugged on his collar and pushed on. “She never went to college and always regretted it. There are so many women who don’t have the opportunity, either. Why not send them in mom’s name?”

When Caroline spoke, her eyes were noticeably damp. “I think it’s an amazing idea, Oliver.”

“I’m all for keeping the magazine respectable, community-oriented. This is a great way to accomplish that.” Asher uncapped his pen and turned to a fresh sheet of notebook paper. “Have you worked out the financial end?”

“Down to the last penny.” Oliver removed two proposals from his briefcase and slid them into the center of the conference table where Caroline and Asher each grabbed one. “I thought we should keep it local, since mom grew up here. I’ve already spoken with a handful of universities in the area who have had to reduce scholarships due to lack of federal funding. I’m going through those rejected applications as we speak.”

“This is clean.” Asher nodded at the proposal. “And it won’t put a strain on our budget. Nice work.”

“Have you told our father?” Caroline looked up at him. “He should know about this. It’s such a great—”

“Actually,” Oliver interrupted. “I’d like to wait until I have an applicant and the paperwork is ready to finalize. I just want it to be solid.” When a hint of sympathy crept into his sister’s expression, he stood and started to gather his things. He and his father had made some progress since his merger idea had saved the magazine, but he didn’t want his idea rejected before it had the chance to succeed. He smiled at Caroline to let her know all was well, but didn’t invite her to try and convince him otherwise. “I’ll keep you updated.”

Without waiting for a response, he left the conference room.





Chapter Five


Eliza stood outside Oliver’s apartment door, tapping the bottle of ouzo against her thigh. He’d already buzzed her into the building, so she didn’t have long before he opened the door and found her standing there like a nit wit. She let her head fall back on her shoulders, sucking a calming breath through her nose. The scent of marinara sauce coming from inside the apartment had her muscles relaxing. Dinner she could handle. Hopefully by the time they finished, she would have stopped feeling like her muscles might strain from nerves. In a final attempt to shake them off, she danced in two quick circles, then raised her hand to knock.

“I’m watching you through the peephole, bunny.”

She threw an exasperated look toward the ceiling. “Open the door before I drain this bottle of ouzo in shame.”

“We can’t have that.” The door swung open to reveal a barefoot Oliver, wearing jeans and a worn-in gray T-shirt. A dish towel was tossed carelessly over one shoulder, matching the finger-tousled hair on top of his head. Forget the marinara sauce. He looked like a meal. With a breath-stealing smile, he leaned against the doorjamb and looked at her thoughtfully.