“Let’s cut to the chase. There’s not going to be an event. So, no event planner needed.”

Kate folded her arms and eyed Julia’s phone, which had rung the second they entered the office. Julia had put her brother on speakerphone so Kate could hear. “How did he even know I was here?” she mouthed to Julia.

“Would you just come down to my office so we can talk in person?” Julia pleaded.

Kate grimaced as her stomach muscles clenched. Don’t do that.

“I’m not wasting time on this,” Michael bit out. “No fundraisers.”

“Kate’s different. You’ll like her. Please, hear us out.”

“She’s an event planner, so no—I won’t like her.”

Kate stared at the phone, annoyance ripping through her, peeling back the nerves until only her confidence was left. “Actually, I’m a business owner, much like yourself, Mr. Maddox, and I do a lot more than plan events.”

Julia smirked. “Michael?”

“Dammit, Julia. Take me off speakerphone. The poor girl doesn’t need to hear this.”

Poor girl? “Mr. Maddox, I run a very lucrative company in both New York and Boston,” she explained, trying to keep her voice calm and polite. “I have an MBA from Harvard. I am by no means a ‘poor girl,’ and I’m certain that I can handle whatever you dish out.”

The line went dead.

“Well, he’ll never be able to fire you now.”

Kate smiled, although now that her anger had receded a fearful nausea was taking its place. “I think he already did fire me. He hung up.”

Julia moved her hand in front of her face as if she were swiping a fly. “Sure, but that’s only because he’s on his way here right now.”

Kate’s stomach lurched. Battling on the phone was one thing, but did she have the backbone to face him in person? After all, in his presence last night she’d become a puddle. Any longer and the bartenders would have had to mop her off the floor.

Michael pushed open the glass door of his sister’s office and stopped in his tracks when Kate turned toward him. He shut his eyes for a second, but even when he opened them, they betrayed the slightest hint of astonishment.

Kate smoothed a hand over her dress as she approached him, and his eyes captured hers, making her a little dizzy. Insecurity crept inside of her again. “Hi, I’m Kate Adams of Marissa Adams Events,” she said, her voice trembling as she extended her hand. “My stepmother is Marissa Adams.”

He remained in front of the door. With his sleeves, rolled to the elbows, exposing his strong forearms, it took her a moment to pull her gaze away from the ripple of flesh.

Michael finally reached for her hand. “Hi.” He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to insult you on the phone.”

She released his hand and took a step back. He somehow made her feel like she might lose her balance. Her pulse ticked at a high speed as she watched his eyes drift down her body. There was no way she could go head-to-head with this man. His chiseled features, well-sculpted nose—hell, his perfect face, who could deny it?—were like kryptonite to her. How could she stand up to him when she was short of breath?

“Maybe we could sit down and talk?” Kate suggested—because there was no way she could remain upright much longer.

Michael glanced at his sister and tipped his head in the direction of the nearby table, a silent way of agreeing to talk.

Kate waited for Julia to sit before taking her previous chair. She crossed her legs but took in a short breath when she realized his eyes were lingering a bit longer than necessary on her calf muscles.

“Listen, Kate, I’m sure my sister has explained to you my hesitations about having a fundraiser, and my opinion on the matter has not and will not change.” He walked closer to the table where his sister and Kate sat, but he remained standing and crossed his arms. He arched his shoulders back and stared down at them.

A power play. Her mind was spinning. The sexy tone of his voice rendered her speechless—again. She shifted in her seat and tried not to look at his strong, clenched jaw, which read: uncompromising. After a calming breath, she folded her hands in her lap and studied him for a moment. His blue eyes pierced through her.

“Mr. Maddox, I . . . I think that . . .” Get the words out. “I think that you will totally hate my idea.”

Julia looked over at Kate with a what-are-you-doing? expression. At no time during their morning chat had Kate mentioned she’d be throwing those words at Michael.

“But it’ll work well to raise awareness for your veteran business initiative. It will go against everything you believe in and stand for, and you’ll detest my idea . . . but it’s not about what you want, is it?” She forced herself to remain calm as she stood up, wanting to be on a more even playing field with him. Of course, he still towered over her, but she felt a little better, anyway.

“Go on.” The soft tone of his voice surprised her, but also filled her with hope.

Kate peeked at Julia. Relief filled her as Julia’s look of concern disappeared from the smooth lines of her face. Julia nodded and returned her attention back to Michael. “When you got out of the Marines you became an overnight success story. You created and engineered ideas to better improve the intelligence systems that our military use, and you built a company around those ideas.” She bit her lip before continuing, trying to maintain power over her nerves. “You sold your company and are reaping the benefits.” For three hundred million dollars, she thought. “But a lot of those who exit the military are not you. They’re not as lucky. But instead of hoarding your money away like many rich men in this country, you’re focused on using it to help fellow veterans.” She paused to catch her breath.

“But you know this. The thing is, despite everything you do, it’s still not enough. You’re only one man. Imagine what ten men like you could do. Or a hundred. Why go it alone?” She clasped her hands together, not exactly sure what to do with them.

Michael was staring at her, hands in pockets, lips sealed.

“My kid brother joined the military as soon as he turned eighteen. I worry about him every day. This is personal for me. In fact, caring for our military men and women should be personal for everyone.” Worrying about her brother had become about as normal as brushing her teeth. It was never ending. And she knew she’d always stress as long as he was putting his life on the line.

“What do you want to do?” he asked in a tone that registered defeat.

Kate’s smile revealed small dimples, which softened her high cheekbones.

Julia rose to her feet. “I’m going to leave you two alone to work out the details. I have a call to make, but I trust Kate can take the lead on this. I’ll just go and use your office, Michael.” Before Michael or Kate could refuse, she hurried out of the room.

Michael looked away from the door as it swung shut, and turned back to Kate, who was reaching for her tablet.

She pushed her long, golden blonde hair off her shoulders and onto her back, wishing that she could concentrate. She opened an app that housed her notes, trying to ignore the way her hairs stood on end knowing he was behind her.

“Did you tell Julia that we’ve already met?”

Startled, Kate slowly turned toward him. “I’m so sorry about your shirt. You should let me pay for it.”

“Did you know who I was last night?” he asked with a deep voice.

She swept a hand to the nape of her neck. “Yes.”

“Why didn’t you say something?” His eyes narrowed on her, and he took a step closer.

“I . . .” Could she tell him she had been completely tongue-tied by meeting him in person? “Honestly, I didn’t think you would remember me, and then I was in a hurry, so I kind of rushed out when your friend showed up.” Her poker face was failing her.

“You thought I would forget you?”

His words sent shivers dancing up her spine, and she could have sworn she had a heart palpitation. She sunk her teeth into her bottom lip.

“If we’re going to work together, I would strongly suggest you not do that,” he murmured, staring at her mouth as his smoldering blue eyes turned a shade darker.

She allowed his words to hang in the air for a moment, free of gravity, as she contemplated the appropriate response.

Was he attracted to her, or was it a game he was playing to unnerve her? She decided to ignore his comment and maintain professionalism. “Mr. Maddox, how would you feel about an auction?”

“Please, call me Michael.” He stepped away from her and walked over to make himself a cup of coffee from the single-serving brewer. “Want one?”

“No, but thank you.”

He turned toward her after a moment, holding his coffee in one hand and placing his other in his pants pocket. He looked out the wall of windows. “An auction might be a good idea, but how will we get enough items for the auction in a week?”

Kate turned away from him and bent down to reach into her bag. “I’m sure you have a few things you could auction, and I have some connections. I’ll make some calls.” Her cheeks reddened when she caught his eyes focused in the direction of her ass. She exhaled and attempted to concentrate. “Open to page forty-nine,” she instructed, tossing a magazine in his direction.

He cocked his head at her and raised his brows.

She mentally berated herself as she watched Michael open the magazine after setting his—thank God—full cup of coffee down on Julia’s desk.

“Why do you have this?” His tan face darkened a touch as he looked down at the article, which proclaimed him sexiest businessman in Manhattan. He shook his head and chucked the magazine on the desk.

“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?”

“I can definitely access art, but I think I can even do you one better on the sports tickets. Michael and I are friends with a few of the Giants. Perhaps we can offer tickets and dinner with the players.”

“Wow. That might fetch an even higher price than Michael.” Kate laughed and followed Julia toward the red Ferrari that pulled up to the curb.

Julia tipped the valet before getting behind the wheel. “Looks like we’ll need to work all weekend.” She shifted gears and joined the traffic. “But there’s no reason why we shouldn’t go out and celebrate. How about drinks tomorrow night? You like to dance? There’s a place I go to all the time.”

Kate wondered if it was the club where she had met Michael last night. “That sounds good. I have somewhere I need to go tomorrow after work, but I’d love to go out and dance later.” At least this time she wouldn’t be alone.

“Great.”

“Thank you for this opportunity. I believe in what you guys are doing with this foundation.” Kate took in a deep breath and glanced out the window. “I’m always so nervous about my brother’s safety. Every time he reports for another tour of duty, I feel sick.”

“I can totally relate.”

“My stepmom stopped functioning when my little brother joined the Army.”

“Is that why she turned the company over to you?”

Kate nodded. “Basically.” An image of her father fluttered to her mind, and she remembered she still needed to call him back. But what would she say? She didn’t feel like arguing with him about a potential move to Charlotte.

“Well, I’ll see you in the morning.” Julia pulled up in front of Kate’s hotel.

“Have a good night.” Kate got out of the car and headed to her room, eager to change into her jogging clothes. On a glorious day like today, the serene streets of Charlotte would be a pleasant change from the Upper East Side in Manhattan. And perhaps her run would help free her from the stress that had seeped into her body over the last week.

Her feet hit the pavement ten minutes later, and she found herself running faster than normal. Adrenaline burned through her as her fists pumped at her sides.

An hour later, Kate came to the conclusion that she was losing her mind, though.

Her skin prickled with concern as she rounded the next corner of the street. She slowed down to a walking pace before stopping outright.

Was someone watching her?

Of course, the idea was crazy.

But she had a strange, gut-wrenching feeling that she wasn’t safe.

She looked around the street, but everyone seemed normal.

Her heartbeat elevated a notch as her phone vibrated against her arm. She unstrapped it and looked down at the text.

No words—just an image.

An image of her standing on the street looking around. Looking scared.

Her pulse climaxed as her jaw edged open.

What the hell? She gulped back the fear that trickled through her body. She spun around in circles, knowing that now she looked crazy.

But there was nothing for her to see. No one across the street looked like they had just snapped a photo of her.

It had to be a joke, right? Or was someone trying to scare her into leaving Charlotte? Maybe one of the dismissed event planners had discovered she was hired and was jealous? Her number wasn’t hard to access. It was her business cell phone, the same one she used as her personal line.

She forced herself to believe her theory was credible and that she wasn’t in danger. And she decided she wouldn’t feed into whatever sick pleasure her mystery texter might get out of watching her look scared.

She tucked her phone back into the music case and strapped it to her arm. She refused to let some idiot rile her any further, and so she took off with an easy paced jog.

And she kept running—running until the fear melted away.