The Millionaire's Wish. Abigail Strom

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СКАЧАТЬ like David taking on Goliath … when this company was just a start-up, I got to see more people like that. People with passion, you know? Now it’s just a parade of business types, corporate suits like you.”

      He frowned, disliking that characterization more than he would have expected. “You think I’m just a suit?”

      “Maybe not,” Carol said grudgingly. “But ten more years and that’s exactly what you’ll be. Of course if you got back to the creative side of things, maybe designed a new game …”

      “Games are for children. Why do you think we recruit out of college for that division?”

      “You could design for the business software line.”

      He shook his head. “Give it up, Carol. You know I’m too busy.”

      “You could hire a couple of VPs to handle some of your corporate responsibilities and free up your time to—”

      “Not going to happen.”

      Carol sighed. “Well, no one can say I didn’t try.” She glanced down at her message spindle. “Nelson called, by the way. He wants to talk to you about his noncompete agreement.”

      Rick felt a quick pulse of anger. “He can go to hell. He left us two weeks before product launch and now he’s trying to wriggle out of his agreement? Screw that. The next time he calls, refer him to our attorneys.”

      “I’ll give him the message, but you don’t always have to be such a hard-ass. Were you like this with Allison Landry? Is that why she blew through here so fast, after she talked to you?”

      Rick had started toward his office, but now he paused. “She was upset?”

      “She didn’t look happy. So I guess that means you’re not going to do it, huh?”

      “Do what?”

      “Visit that girl in the hospital.”

      Carol knew he avoided hospitals, although she’d never asked him why.

      “I’m not planning on it,” was all he said now.

      He went into his office and shut the door behind him. A few minutes later he was at his computer, reading about the Star Foundation and its young director.

      Allison had lost a sister to cancer when she was eighteen. She’d taken a year off before starting college at the University of Iowa, where she eventually majored in business. While she was still in school a small publishing house released a memoir based on the journals Allison had kept during her sister’s illness and in the year after her death.

      To her own surprise, the memoir had become a bestseller. After she graduated, Allison used the proceeds from her book to start the Star Foundation. The agency provided support to families dealing with childhood cancer and also administered the Wish Upon a Star program, which worked to grant wishes to seriously ill children. In the last five years the foundation had touched the lives of hundreds of families.

      Rick leaned back in his chair. She had a pretty impressive resume for a twenty-seven-year-old.

      Based on what he’d just read about the agency and the scope of its services, he figured Allison’s operating budget was around three million dollars. He could also make a guess as to the financial difficulties she was facing. Nonprofits all around the country were still struggling.

      He clicked on an image link, and a photo of Allison popped up on his screen.

      Her soft brown bangs and serious expression made her look earnest and idealistic, but the tilt of her chin hinted at the force and determination he’d seen in his office yesterday.

      And her bone structure could probably land her a modeling job.

      Not a woman who could be easily categorized. When Rick realized he was staring, he closed the internet browser and picked up his phone.

      * * *

      “We had a letter from Telecorp today. They have to cut their annual donation by fifteen percent.” Allison sighed, wondering how much more bad news would be coming their way. “I wanted to start paying you this summer. Scott and Beverly, too. Maybe I can still figure a way to—”

      “Don’t be silly,” Rachel said briskly. “I wouldn’t let you pay me. What part of volunteer don’t you understand?”

      “The part where you’re getting your MBA next month and will probably be looking for gainful employment.”

      “If and when that happens, I’ll still volunteer on weekends. I love the work we do here, you know that—and I’m not going to abandon you when you need me most. I know we’re going through rough times financially, but we’ll get through it. And in the meantime, I’m not going to let you or our kids down.”

      Tears came into Allison’s eyes. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

      The phone rang, and she picked it up absently.

      “Star Foundation, Allison speaking.”

      “Ms. Landry? This is Rick Hunter.”

      She almost dropped the phone.

      “Ms. Landry? Are you there?”

      She cleared her throat. “Um … yes. Yes, I’m here.”

      His rich baritone voice was cool and businesslike. “I’m calling because we didn’t end things on the best of terms yesterday, and I’m hoping we can start over.”

      “Start over?”

      “Yes. I have a business proposal for you.”

      “A business proposal?”

      She knew she was repeating everything he said, but she couldn’t seem to come up with anything more intelligent.

      “Why don’t you let me explain over coffee? I’ve got a busy day, and I’m sure you do too. How about 6:30, at the Starbucks around the corner from your office? Unless there’s someplace more convenient for you.”

      “No, that … would be fine.”

      “Until then,” he said.

      “Until then,” she echoed.

      There was a brief pause. Not sure what else to do, she hung up.

      She stared at the phone on her desk, her hand still curled around the receiver. She was meeting Rick Hunter tonight.

      So much for never seeing him again.

      “Who was that?” Rachel asked curiously.

      Allison explained, and Rachel stared at her.

      “I don’t believe it. You have a date with Rick Hunter!”

      “It’s not a date. But it’s weird, isn’t it? What kind of business proposal could he have for me?”

      “He СКАЧАТЬ