Chapter 37

Michael

Even with the number of people at the event who demanded my time, all I wanted to do was be in Rainey’s presence. From the moment she stepped out of my car, my entire view of her shifted. She had everything I wanted; the intelligence, strength, and looks of a woman I could see myself with. Granted, the situation we were in as boss and employee complicated things, I’d make sure Rainey never needed or wanted for anything. I hoped with my commitment that she would make one of her own… that she would stay by my side till death do us part.

During my speech, seeing her in the audience caused me to go off-script. She was simply stunning, breathtaking. I wanted everyone to know what I thought of her and to adore her – from a distance. I had a lot of influence over those in the room and by announcing her to everyone in the room, I stated my claim on her. It might have embarrassed her a little, but I didn’t care. I wanted her to be mine, and I wanted everyone to know it. Her momentary unease would be lifted when I returned to the table. I didn’t intend to let her out of my sight for one moment after that.

When I got back to the table, it was hard for me not to touch her.

I expected that fire in her to ignite, or at least slip her fingers out of my grasp, but she didn’t. Her hesitance to be with me had changed. I wasn’t sure how or when, but I intended to take advantage of that.

During dinner, the band played mellow music, setting the mood for the meal. Rainey and I talked with the people sitting next to us. I could barely concentrate on what the mayor was saying. He had no idea my mind was occupied. Instead, I was thinking of how good it felt to have Rainey’s leg resting against mine. It wasn’t a seductive gesture. It was an oversight. She was comfortable with my body against hers as much as I was with hers.

As everyone finished eating, we had a little break until dessert. The band kicked off the entertainment with a fast-paced song, and the patrons split themselves between the auction room and the dance floor.

Rainey and I stood side by side and watched the event we planned unfold before our eyes.

“I think everyone is having a good time,” she commented.

“I think so too. You did a great job.”

She smiled. “I had a good mentor.”

“Do you feel confident doing this next year?” I asked.

“Definitely,” she said without hesitation.

“Then it's all yours,” I said.

She beamed up at me.

“How about we celebrate with a dance?”

“You dance?” she asked.

If I didn’t know her, I might feel offended. “Of course I dance. Do you?”

She laughed. “I haven’t in a long time. I don’t want to step on your expensive shoes.”

I took her hand, twining our fingers together. “I’m an excellent leader. I won’t let you step on my toes.”

While dancing, I found ways to brush my fingers against her bare back. Her skin was incredibly soft and smooth, and I wanted nothing more than to explore the rest of it that was hidden under her dress. This wasn’t the time or the place, but I could amuse myself by imagining it. I knew Rainey felt something too. She’d been smiling most of the night, more than I’d collectively seen since knowing her.

As I moved around the dance floor with her, she grinned the entire time. It was different than when I saw her dancing with that bartender at the club. She was having a good time. Her smile at the club had been forced. I felt a little guilty for accusing her of being with him. I assumed she had only been polite to the little twerp. The thought filled me with the warmth of happiness.

I twirled her around and brought her close to my body, pulling her tight against me. She was breathless, and so was I.

As much as I wanted to dance the night away with her, I needed to check in with Rachel about the amount of donations. After doing this a couple of years, I liked to announce where we were with our goals throughout the night. This helped spur on those patrons who were enjoying the party too much and had yet to make their contribution in addition to their seats at the tables. I was ruthless with people to make themselves worth something.

Those who held onto their money like greedy trolls had no reason to be at any of my charity events. When one had an influx of money, spreading the wealth was one of the biggest responsibilities. Especially to those who needed it much more than we needed another car or vacation home.

Each year, I pushed for an increase in our goal of at least fifty thousand dollars. And year after year, we always met it. By inviting certain members of different societies, I was guaranteed the amount I wanted every time. And with each successful year, more people requested to be present. Tonight had been the most attended in the history of the event, and I had Rainey to thank in part for that.

“Rainey, you will have to pardon me,” I said. “I want to check in with Rachel real quick.”

Rainey grinned up at me. “I need a break. My feet are killing me.”

I leaned down and spoke close to her ear. “In a good way, I hope.”

She leaned back to where our noses were almost touching. “Definitely.”

I could have kissed her right there and the moment would have been perfect. But I knew if I kissed her, I’d never stop. And these people didn’t pay for a show. If I were going to take it further with Rainey, I would do it in the privacy of my own comfortable home where we could explore everything about each other for as long as we wanted.

“I’ll be back shortly,” I said and kissed her cheek. The gesture was enough to ease the beast inside of me that wanted Rainey as so much more than my beautiful assistant.

Rainey went back to the table.

As I weaved through them to find Rachel, most were empty. Between the dance floor and the auction room, there was no need to waste time at any table. Only the older patrons or those in wheelchairs, stayed behind to watch the party unfold before them.

Rachel was in the back of the room, speaking with the other hospital board members who were honorary organizers of the charity event.

“Michael!” she said and shook my hand. “This is the most beautiful venue. Wherever did you find it?”

I glanced over my shoulder at Rainey who was chatting with Chrissy White’s assistant at the table. That girl hadn’t been allowed to leave the table as she was expected to guard Chrissy’s purse, which had her Maltese puppy inside. If she weren't one of our top donors, I would have requested she left the dog with her driver.

“Rainey was able to secure this place,” I said proudly. Rainey had exceeded my expectations of the event, and I was happy to pass on the responsibilities to her next year.

“Well, it’s lovely,” Rachel said with awe.

“How are we doing on donations?” I asked. There was only an hour left of the event. “I want to do my last push soon.”

“I’m not sure you will need to push too hard,” she said. “We’re nearly there. Maybe another ten thousand to go.”

“Excellent,” I said.

“I’m going to mingle in the auction room to see if I can drum up some higher bids.”

“I didn’t see Walter Hewes in there,” Rachel said. “I think he’s been enjoying his date a little too much.”

She pointed to the dance floor where Walter’s very young date was attempting to dance with him. His arthritic joints weren’t much help to keep him upright, but he had a smile on his face.

“I’ll catch up with you soon—”

One of Rachel’s co-workers from the hospital ran up to us waving an envelope in her hand. “Rachel, this was just brought in. It’s another donation.”

Sometimes those who heard of the event but were unable to attend, or not on the guest list yet, sent in their donations the night of the event. From my understanding, this was the third of the evening. The others weren’t big numbers, but every thousand dollars counted toward our goal.

Rachel opened the envelope and peered inside. She let out a light gasp.

“What is it?” I asked. She looked as if something had bit her finger.

Her hand flew to her mouth. “Michael, look.”

I took the envelope from her and took the check out. By her reaction, I knew this check would put us over the top.

And she was right. The check was for thirty-thousand dollars. It was a generous donation. Who would send such a significant gift and not want to be recognized for it?

I glanced at the top corner of the paper, and my blood ran cold. I checked the signature, and it was an electronic one, from Sal Rossi.

I scanned the room, landing on each face. “Who sent this?” I flipped the envelope over, but there weren’t any distinguishing marks or a written signature.

Rachel’s coworker’s face paled. “Um, I don’t know. I didn’t see the person. The envelope was left on the donation table.” Her eyes darted between Rachel and me.

“Dena, it’s fine,” Rachel said. “Give me and Michael a moment, will you?”

Dena left, and Rachel crossed her arms. “What’s going on? Why would you be upset with the amount?”

“It’s not the amount,” I said under my breath. “This is a hoax.” I continued to check out everyone in the room. No one looked suspicious, but I doubted I’d be able to pick out the culprit even if he or she was there. This was getting personal now.

“What do you mean a hoax?” Rachel looked as disgusted as I felt. “It’s a fake check? Who would do that?”

“Forget you ever saw this,” I said.

Rachel frowned. “Michael, we can’t have any negative press for this event. These children need the money. If the media get wind of this—”

“I’m aware,” I said. “I’ll handle this. There will be no negative press.”

“Okay,” she said. “I trust you, Michael.” She touched my arm and then shuffled off toward the auction room.

I had lost all of my urgency to get the final bids in for the auction. I needed to know who sent the check. I hoped that Rachel hadn’t seen the name on the check too. If she had and started researching, she’d be even more confused. I didn’t want anyone else included in the small group involved with Sal’s death.

I crumpled the check and envelope in my hand. I could have had it dusted for fingerprints, but if Demetri was correct about corrupt cops, it wouldn’t have turned up anything.

I whirled around and almost bumped into Rainey.

“S-sorry,” she said, backing away from me.

How much of that conversation had she heard?

She pointed at my hand. “What’s that about?”

“It’s nothing,” I said.

“You can tell me,” she said.

“We’ll talk about it later,” I said more firmly, hoping she’d get the hint.

“Okay,” she said and took my hand.

The feel of her skin on mine calmed me a little, but I thought better of it and moved my hand away. If whoever had sent the fake check was still around, I didn’t want them connecting Rainey and me as something more than a professional boss and assistant. If something was going down, I did not want her involved.

Not wanting to see the disappointment on her face, I didn’t look at her. Instead, she followed me around the room while I continued to search the faces for anyone suspicious. Between all the happy faces I didn’t find one out of place among everyone. This was a clear warning that someone was watching, but I wanted to know who and what they were planning.

“Michael, I know you said we’d talk about it later, but I was wondering if you're okay.”

I finally looked at her. I had to focus on keeping my hands at my sides. “I’m fine.”