The Safe Bet (Hidden Truths #1)(4)

Kate tried to hide her shock. She couldn’t expose any chink in her armor. But was Julia really expecting her to pull an event together with such lightning speed? And for a man who didn’t even want to host it? “Are you serious?”

“Kate, you’ve worked miracles before. I did my research on you after I read that article. You can pull it together, and I’ll help. Between the two of us, I believe we can convince Michael to agree to the fundraiser, and then I’d like to see a replica of the event in New York, soon, as well.” Julia crossed her arms. “Michael’s shouldering a burden that neither of us could understand, and he’s wearing himself out,” she said with a sigh. “He’s always working. Always stressed. He needs help, but he’s stuck on this idea that people should help because it’s the right thing to do, not because it’s a PR opportunity. He doesn’t even want the public to know about his good work.”

“Wow.” This was all that Kate could manage. She’d heard of rich people being private about charity before, but the notorious playboy image of Michael she had in her head was quite a disconnect from the philanthropic picture Julia was describing.

“He needs to come to terms with reality. People rarely do anything unless they’re going to get something out of it. We need help from others, and so we need to play the game, give them a tax write-off or public recognition—whatever it takes to get more support.” Julia’s hand slipped to her chest as she reached for the chain she was wearing beneath her silk blouse.

Kate caught sight of what appeared to be a military ID tag as Julia rubbed her hand over the small, silver object. She took a moment to think, and smiled. “When do we start?”

Julia’s face lit with excitement. “Now.”

Kate rubbed her hand over her cheek as her thoughts drifted to Julia’s brother. Would she really be able to do this?

“Come on. Let’s get some coffee. We can brainstorm some ideas and make a plan that’ll win Michael over.”

Kate nodded but was unsure whether another dose of caffeine would be good for her nerves. Somehow she’d have to perform two miracles. Make Michael attend his own event . . . and not turn into a complete idiot when she was in his presence.

*


Michael slowed the treadmill down to a steady pace, staring out the gym window that overlooked the hotspot Whiskey River. People rushed to work, attired in fashionable business wear. He’d been donning a suit for almost five years, and he hated the damned thing. Wearing heavy combat gear in an Iraqi summer was more comfortable than a tie around his neck.

“Maddox, at the gym so late?”

Michael averted his attention to James as he stepped onto the neighboring treadmill.

“I thought you got your workouts done at, like, six in the morning.” James looked down at his Rolex and back at Michael. “It’s near nine.” He smirked and powered on the machine, increasing the speed.

“Late night,” Michael responded before stopping the treadmill and stepping off. Although not as late as he would have liked—the blonde at the bar had gotten away without even giving her name.

“What’s your excuse, man?” Michael reached for his phone and glanced at the screen. Fifteen missed calls.

“You know I play hard every night. Can’t make it to the office before ten. But hey, it’s one of the perks of being your own boss.” He flashed Michael a smile and began running.

Michael hated the guy. He was an arrogant prick, much like many of the guys he had to deal with on a regular basis.

“Later,” Michael said after wiping down the treadmill, and then he went to the locker room to wash off.

He showered in a hurry and dressed. He tamed his semi-wavy hair with a little gel and parted it to the side. He pulled his laptop case and black blazer from his locker before exiting the room.

“Michael.”

He glanced over at the brunette who was approaching him. “Hi, Lana. How are you?” he asked, annoyance tingeing his voice.

She tapped his muscular arm with her fist. “I’ve missed you, stranger. Haven’t seen you at the club.”

“I was there last night, but I didn’t stay long.” He gave her a polite smile.

She pulled on her long braid and stepped closer to him. “Maybe we can get together again? I had fun last time.” She looked up at him from beneath long, black eyelashes.

He studied her for a moment, wondering why some girls wore makeup to the gym and little else. “I have to get to a meeting,” he lied. “See ya around,” he said, his back already turned to her.

Outside the door, he shook his head, relieved to be free.

Once at the office, he greeted the doorman and headed up the elevator.

“Good morning, Michael. Late today, I see,” his receptionist remarked before rolling her tongue over her top teeth.

“Late night and a little too much time at the gym this morning.”

“Well, have a good day.” She leaned forward, attempting to show off her plunging neckline. When would Cindy realize he wasn’t interested? He had a strict no fraternization workplace rule. Besides, he had a feeling she’d become the clingy type, and that was the opposite of what he wanted or needed.

“Yeah, thanks. You too.”

As he walked back to his office, he noticed his sisters was empty.