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  She took in a deep breath and pressed her nervous palms over her black and white, sleeveless dress.

  As the elevator doors dinged and opened, her phone buzzed in her purse. Not now, Dad. She couldn’t handle talking to him before the meeting. She knew what he would say. She ignored the call and turned off her phone as she stepped with weak knees into the elevator.

  Knowing there was a chance she may see Michael Maddox again today had her tossing and turning in bed all night. She played out various scenarios of what she would say to him if they were to meet again.

  Planning. Always.

  Well, almost always. If she’d gone to bed early like she should have, she would never have spilled her drink on Maddox.

  Focus, Kate. You’re a professional. She ran a successful event planning business and had a fantastic track record with clients, although Maddox would be the biggest client she had landed to date. And the sexiest.

  When the elevator doors opened, Kate entered a bright white lobby, which boasted beautiful splashes of color in the modern art that hung on the walls.

  “Hi, I have an eight o’clock appointment with Julia Maddox.” She eyed the secretary, wondering why a pretty young woman felt the need to wear such over-the-top makeup.

  The secretary studied her and picked up the phone. “Julia, your appointment is here.” The woman waved her hand in silence, gesturing for her to have a seat in the lounge area.

  “Thank you.” Kate placed her bag by the chair and attempted to get comfortable. She looked out the large wall of windows to her left to see the corporate Bank of America building beside her.

  “Kate!” Julia’s voice sang through the lobby.

  Kate’s attention shifted as she rose to her feet. Julia Maddox was an impressive woman, just like her brother. Tall and lean, but with curves where they should be. Her long, black hair settled in soft waves to mid-back, and her bold, blue eyes lit up the room.

  “Hi.” Kate reached for Julia’s outstretched hand.

  “I’m so glad you could make the trip here on such short notice. Thank you so much.” She smiled. “Cindy, hold my calls for the morning,” she instructed. “Please, come with me. Can I get you some coffee or tea?”

  “I’m fine, but thank you,” Kate replied as they went into Julia’s office. The wall was made of glass, and the room was swank, mirroring the contemporary furnishing and colorful abstracts from the hall.

  “Have a seat.” Julia motioned for her to sit at a large, wrought-iron-framed table near the floor-to-ceiling windows. “I know you mentioned on the phone your schedule is pretty jammed, so I really appreciate you taking the time to come here.”

  “Hosting an event for the Maddox Group would be an honor.” Kate opened her bag and retrieved her tablet.

  “I know I didn’t give you too many details on the phone, but I’m in a bit of a bind. My brother Michael fired the last three event planners—the best in the area. Our company has locations in both New York and Charlotte, however, and we really need someone who can spearhead events in both locations.” She paused and set her hands on the table. “Kate, when I read that article on you in The New York Times last week, I just knew you were the one.” She shot Kate a contagious smile. “It’s no small thing to get that kind of recognition. And I have to admit, I see myself in you.”

  The New York Times had recently done a feature story on successful business owners who were women under the age of thirty.

  “I love what you’ve done with the business since you took over for your mom.”

  “Stepmom,” Kate corrected.

  Julia nodded. “You expanded to Boston, and I understand you are even contemplating opening a third spot here in Charlotte.” Julia clasped her hands on the table and leaned forward, somehow maintaining her poise.

  “I’m thinking about it.” Would three locations be too many? She wanted to give Charlotte a chance. “May I ask . . . why now? Mr. Maddox is not exactly known for throwing lavish social events.” But he’s known for other things, Kate thought glibly.

  “You’re right. He deplores the idea of even attending fundraisers or balls, let alone hosting one.” She inhaled before releasing what appeared to be an exhausted breath. “Michael hasn’t actually agreed to have the event. Not yet, at least.”

  Kate’s shoulders arched forward enough to show her obvious surprise.

  “Michael believes in paying it forward, but he doesn’t like to get the media involved—to take advantage of the spotlight. I assume you know, but Michael was in the Marines, part of a special operations team. He’s been a civilian for five years now. And in his time home, he’s witnessed a lot of veterans struggling.”

  Kate had read the Maddox company profile after she’d taken the call from Julia, but somehow hearing it firsthand made it more real.

  Michael was a military hero. A patriot. And now a millionaire.

  Julia stood and faced the window. “Three years ago, he launched a small business initiative for veterans. He’s very passionate about his projects, but it would be nice to garner support for our vets from others as well.” She turned back around and eyed Kate. “I’ve already sent the invitations and secured a location for the gala. It’s scheduled to occur one week from tomorrow.”

  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 an
d 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.

  Unlike his sisters’ office, he didn’t have glass walls. He preferred his privacy. He sat behind his large walnut desk and loosened his tie. The tie didn’t usually make it past noon.

  Before he had a chance to get situated, his office phone began ringing.

  It was Cindy.

  “I forgot to tell you when you came in, but you asked me to give you a heads up the next time Julia invited another event planner here.”

  “And one’s here?”

  “Yup.”

  “Where is she?” Michael’s quads tightened as tension darted through him. He wasn’t in the mood to fire someone again. When would his sister finally get the message?

  “I, uh—I don’t know. Sorry. She and Julia left ten minutes ago.”

  “Okay. Thanks. Could you let me know as soon as they return?”

  “Of course.”

  Michael ended the call and leaned back in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Julia,” he muttered under his breath. “What have you cooked up for me this time?”

  Chapter Three

  “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 menti
oned 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.