The Safe Bet (Hidden Truths #1)(7)

“I do my research on clients. I need to know their likes and dislikes.”

“You clearly know my dislikes well enough to throw them in my face. Literally.” He was growing edgy. She was losing him.

“Here’s the part of my plan that you’ll hate.” She drew in a nervous breath and closed the distance between the two of them until she was standing a few feet away. “I think you could earn top dollar . . . and ensure a hundred percent attendance, maybe even increase the number of invites.”

“And how would we go about that?”

“I’m talking about auctioning a date with you. People would come to see the elusive Michael Maddox put himself up for auction, and women would pay.” Stay confident. “I know this sounds crazy, but you have to think about the purpose—the long-term goal. Think of the money this could bring to your cause,” she implored, looking up at him as he stared back at her, his face unreadable. She watched as he reached for his coffee, his white shirt straining over the pull of his taut muscles.

“You’re right, it does sound crazy. Next idea.” His jaw was firm, his face resolute. He took a seat behind his sister’s desk, set the coffee in front of him, and rubbed his temples.

She stepped in front of the desk and crossed her arms. “Remember, this is for the veterans. Can you please swallow your pride for one night?” At that moment, gone was the timid woman she had been last night. Gone were her checklists and schedules. She was standing her ground and, even if he was about to toss her out, it felt good.

He ran his tongue over his bottom lip and clasped his hands on the desk. “If you did your research, you would know that I’m a private guy.”

Without thinking, she replied, “If you’re so private, then why do you get into relationships with models?” Of course, maybe the magazines had him wrong.

He stood back up and walked with slow movements before stopping a foot shy of her. “I don’t do relationships, Miss Adams,” he said while angling his head and narrowing his eyes at her.

A flash of heat shot through her and straight to her groin. So, the tabloids are right. Maybe she needed to rethink her doubts about Roswell and Area 51, in that case.

“I’m not asking you to marry someone. Just go on one date. One dinner.” She found herself walking back toward the table where she had stacked her belongings. Maybe she should go. Maybe she wouldn’t be able to work with him, after all. But what about Julia? What about her own business that could flourish tenfold with the Maddox’s as clients?

No, she had to convince him.

“Mr. Maddox—Michael—I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be pushy. I know this is a strange request for a man of your, um, stature, but I’m certain it will be the best way to maximize attendance while simultaneously increasing the money raised for your business venture.” She bit her lip and waited for a response.

His eyes softened a bit as his gaze drifted to her mouth. “Hm. Maybe.”

“Really?” She pressed a hand to his firm chest, and her eyes widened when she realized what she’d done.

His jaw tightened as he placed his hand over hers. “In what world does maybe mean yes?”

She exhaled, pulled her hand free from his, and took a large step back. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I was excited.”

She cleared her throat, waiting for him to speak, but he remained silent. “Michael, I promise everything will be perfect. Tasteful and sophisticated.”

He blew out a breath. “I’ve lost my damn mind.” He shook his head. “Fine,” he said with obvious hesitation.

“Great.” She clapped her hands together and tried to will away the embarrassment from her unprofessional touching moments ago. “I was also wondering if you could ask one of the models or celebrities you know to be auctioned off as well. We need to cater to the men attending the event, too.”

“I can make a few calls. It’s short notice, but I’m sure I can find someone.” He began tugging at his tie, as though it were strangling him.

“Thank you.”

He nodded at her, but it was clear the whole idea of the auction pained him. “I have a meeting,” he said while retrieving the coffee he’d set on Julia’s desk. “I should get going.”

“Thank you again for this opportunity.” She turned toward him in haste, almost knocking the coffee onto his shirt. “Oh, God. I am dangerous, huh?”

“Yes. Yes, you are,” he responded with a husky voice.

*


“The location is perfect,” Kate said to Julia as they exited the hotel. “Now we just need everything else.”

Julia handed her car ticket to the valet and turned toward Kate. “I still can’t get over how you handled my brother this morning. I wish I had it on camera to watch over and over again. How you got him to not only agree to the event but become a part of the auction is beyond me,” she said, pulling her thick, black hair up into a loose bun.

“I guess he realized that he needed to put the needs of his foundation ahead of his own desires.”

“Any ideas on what we can auction? Aside from my brother?” Her lips quirked at the corners into a grin.

“I’m sure Michael has some artwork he could donate. Does he have season passes to any sporting events?”