“Goodnight, Cotton Candy.” He lowered his head and brushed his lips against mine, then stepped away quickly. I would’ve believed it had never happened except for the tingle zipping across my skin from where his lips met mine.
He stepped into his room and shut the door.
In a daze, I slipped into my bedroom, leaned against the wall, and shut my eyes, waiting for my racing heart to regulate.
Chapter thirteen
Paxton Ross
“Comeon,Paxton.”Charlespushed the button for the elevator to the top floor of the building. “I want you to meet the board of Tillman, Inc.”
He’d told me last night at dinner he’d be taking me out of school early today so he could introduce me to the board.
I straightened my tie and smoothed the jacket of my uniform. I hated how tight and restrictive the clothes were and would’ve given my little finger to slip into street clothes.
The elevator dinged and we stepped inside.
“Now, these members have a vested interest in the Foster the Youth program we’re building, so speak freely.” He switched his phone off and slid it into his pocket, giving me a smile. “I’ll make sure and point out the impressive improvement in your grades over the past three weeks.”
I nodded. As much as I hated to admit it, Ironwood Prep’s curriculum was hardcore, and every night after dinner, Moira insisted we spend at least an hour on homework or studying. I’d never really had a routine before—especially over the past year—so even though I groaned with Terri and Lana, secretly I relished the routine and found myself enjoying most of the classes.
Except for History.My grade went from a C to a B, though, and it would have to be good enough.
Music was my highest grade, and surprisingly, English Literature was right behind it. Not having to worry about food or where I’d be sleeping the next night had lifted a ton of stress from my shoulders.
The elevator stopped and Charles led me into the reception area of his office.
An older woman sat at the desk and nodded at us. “They’re all here, Mr. Kingston.”
“Thanks, Alice.”
He led me to the end of the hall, gripped the handle, and opened an opaque glass door, motioning me inside with his other hand.
I straightened my shoulders and stepped inside.
Before me sat the largest table I’d ever seen. Polished and gleaming, it had to be at least twenty feet long. Around it sat a dozen or so businessmen and women in suits or dresses, their smiles polite.
Behind me, the door clicked shut.
Charles laid a hand on my shoulder. “This is Paxton Ross,” he said, a hint of pride or confidence in his voice. “I think you’ll see how well this program is going to be when you see the significant improvements in his, uh…” He sat in an empty chair at the end of the table. “His previous situation. Have a seat, son.” He pointed to the empty chair perpendicular to his.
I took a deep breath and sat on the thick leather of the chair. Raising my eyebrows, I met their stares.
Just pretend it’s an audience.
“Welcome, Paxton,” said a man in his forties sitting across from me. “We were hoping you could tell us what your first impressions are of this foster program Charles is touting.” The man slid his narrowed glance to Charles. “Especially since it seemed to spring up at a most trying time for Tillman and its accounting department.”
Charles pulled the collar from his neck and cleared his throat. “I already told you it was just a series of errors and lax junior accountants.” He waved a hand in the air. “Trust me, I’ve got everything under control.”
The others stirred.
“Paxton.” Charles glanced at me. “Why don’t you tell everyone how much better things have been since you arrived?”
This had been the first he’d spoken to me about his new foster program.I feel like a pawn on a gigantic chessboard.Still, I’d tell them whatever he wanted me to say if it meant I’d have the basics of a roof over my head, music classes to learn from, and fresh food to eat.
And don’t forget Terri.She wasn’t a basic need, though. There was nothing basic about her at all. She was essential, like oxygen in my lungs. For the past three weeks, at least two or three times a night, I’d read to Lana, with Terri nestled by her side.
Several times, I’d tried to get her to myself, but between Moira’s suspicious stares and Lana’s incessant chatter, I hadn’t been able to get her alone again.
