The Millionaire's Wish. Abigail Strom

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 doesn’t. That’s just to camouflage his real interest.” Rachel’s eyes were sparkling. “He fell madly in love with you at first sight, but sensing your animosity he had to—”

      “Will you please join me back here in reality?”

      “Reality is overrated. Okay, at least give me some details. You hardly told me anything yesterday. Is he as sexy in person as he is in that magazine? Just looking at his picture makes me want to burst into song.”

      Allison’s mouth twitched. “Like in a musical?”

      Rachel sighed dramatically. “More like an opera. I could do a whole aria about my lust for Rick Hunter. Did you sing while you were in his office?”

      “No. I mostly yelled at him for being a selfish jerk. Which he is, by the way. He turned down Julie’s wish, and whatever he wants to see me about, I don’t think it’s to tell me he’s changed his mind.”

      Rachel shook her head. “I tried to tell you before, you’re prejudiced. I read about him in that article. His company supports a lot of charities. And he went into the army right after 9/11—that’s not selfish, is it?”

      Okay, that was surprising. Allison had a soft spot for soldiers—her brother was overseas right now on his fourth tour of duty.

      Of course, military service didn’t automatically make Rick Hunter a hero. Not everyone went into the army for noble reasons. Maybe he just wanted to blow things up. He did design all those violent video games, after all.

      “You know, I think you’re right,” she mused aloud.

      “I frequently am. About what, specifically?”

      “I think I am prejudiced. I’m looking for reasons not to like him.”

      “That’s because you’re fighting an attraction so powerful you—”

      Allison laughed. “Okay, stop. I won’t admit to a powerful attraction, but I’ll try to keep an open mind when I meet him later. Is that good enough?”

      Rachel grinned. “For now.”

      Rick finished work by five o’clock, which left him time for a quick workout before his appointment with Allison. He rode the elevator down to the basement, where he’d had a fitness center installed for his employees.

      He was about to start his usual weight circuit when one of his VPs challenged him to some one-on-one basketball.

      A short but hard fought game left him feeling relaxed and loose. He took a quick shower, decided to change into jeans and a T-shirt, and at six-twenty strolled into the Starbucks near Allison’s office.

      She wasn’t there yet. If she was like nine women out of ten he knew, she’d be late, of course. He settled himself at a table in the back with a black coffee and the Wall Street Journal, but found himself glancing toward the entrance every couple of minutes.

      At six-thirty on the dot, she came through the door.

      He’d been wondering if she would dress any differently for this second meeting. He was used to women primping for him, dressing up for him. Hell, he’d been with women who wore makeup to bed.

      Not that this was a date, of course. But it wasn’t crazy to think that Allison might have put some thought into her appearance before seeing him again.

      She gave a nod of recognition when she saw him and threaded her way through the crowd toward his table.

      She was wearing jeans and a gray sweatshirt. When she sat down, he could see she wasn’t wearing any makeup at all. Not even lip gloss.

      Okay, that confirmed it. Allison Landry was not attracted to him.

      Which was perfect, he reminded himself. For the kind of arrangement he was looking for, attraction would only be a complication.

      “Hello again,” he said, laying down his newspaper. “Thanks for agreeing to meet me.”

      She smiled, and her face was transformed. Gone was the serious-minded idealist. When she smiled like that she looked sweet, a little playful, and completely charming.

      “I have to admit, I’m curious as to what kind of business proposal you have for me.”

      He hesitated. “Can I get you some coffee first? Or tea?”

      “No, thanks.”

      He hesitated again. The straightforward look in her blue eyes made him feel unsure of himself, something he wasn’t used to. “Before I tell you about it, I’d like to apologize for yesterday. We didn’t get off on the right foot.”

      “Maybe not, but we’re here to start over, like you said.” She rested her forearms on the table and clasped her hands together. “Tell me about your proposal, Mr. Hunter.”

      “Rick.”

      “Okay, Rick. And you can call me Allison. Now that we’re on a first name basis, will you tell me why I’m here?”

      In a negotiation, always lead with strength. He took out the check he’d already signed and slid it across the table.

      She frowned at him a second before picking it up.

      Her skin was so translucent he could see the flush creeping up from the base of her throat to the roots of her hair. He could practically feel the warmth rising from her skin.

      He was caught, fascinated. When was the last time he’d seen such transparent emotion?

      She looked up at him.

      “This is …” She paused to clear her throat. “This is a check for half a million dollars.”

      He nodded slowly, his eyes on hers. “Would it help?”

      Stupid question. Of course it would help.

      “You can’t imagine how much,” she said, her voice trembling a little. “I was going to spend tomorrow figuring out what programs to cut this year … which services we won’t be able to provide. This …” Her chest rose with a quick breath. “This changes everything.”

      He shouldn’t have asked. Now