Robert stared at the wall behind Debbie. “I thought you liked it that way.”
The comment sounded rude, but when Debbie returned to Providence four years ago, she’d been very vocal about where her money came from and the fact that her aged, wealthy husband left the bulk of his estate to her on the condition that she give a certain amount every year to charity.
Debbie shrugged and studied her nails. “I used to, but now I think that maybe it’s better to give for the sake of giving.”
Robert shook his head. “I don’t understand. What’s changed?”
Debbie gave a mirthless laugh, and her gaze met his for a moment before dropping to her hands again. She really was quite pretty, with shiny red hair the color of ripe cranberries and striking blue eyes. But she tried too hard. She wore too much make-up, too much flashy jewelry, too tight of clothing that hugged a figure many speculated was surgically enhanced. And she came on too strong.
“It’s taken me a long time to realize money can’t buy happiness. Not lasting happiness, anyway.”
Debbie had never used this tactic before, and it left Robert speechless. He’d seen her pouty, clingy, weepy, and even angry—the woman was quite the actress—but he’d never seen her like this. What was this, anyway?
He leaned back in his chair and scratched his jaw. He’d regret it, but he had to ask. “What is it you think you need for lasting happiness?”
Keeping her chin tucked, she looked at him through long, thick eyelashes—they were probably fake too. “All you have to do is look at Ben and Amy or Jake and Emily to see how happy they are. Everyone wants to be loved and to have someone to love.”
Robert grimaced as a crawling sensation swept over his skin.
Ben and Jake were nauseatingly happy with their new brides. As thrilled as he was for them, Robert was acutely aware of his role as the fifth wheel. Unfortunately, there was little chance of that changing anytime soon.
Yes, he wanted what they had, but it wouldn’t be with Debbie Wheeler. The woman was at least five years older than he was and had been married twice. She had thrown herself at Ben, then Jake, and now him. She reeked of desperation.
He clenched his jaw. He refused to give her the satisfaction of acknowledging her not-so-subtle hint.
“What does that have to do with making anonymous donations?”
She shrugged. “I guess I don’t want to be so transparent anymore. I want people to wonder about me.”
“Aren’t you afraid Em—uh, I mean the other anonymous donor will receive credit for your donations?”
“Silly, if I make the donations anonymously, it means I don’t want credit for them.”
Robert shook his head. He couldn’t understand what game Debbie was playing. How would making anonymous donations make someone fall in love with her? She saved him the trouble of asking.
“I want people to like and respect me for me, not for my money or what it can do for them or this town.” She shrugged. “I don’t want people to feel intimidated by my wealth.”
She should have thought about that before she built that mansion on the outskirts of town. It wasn’t her wealth that intimidated upstanding men. She simply came on too strong and made no secret of the fact that she was looking for husband number three.
Again, Robert was at a loss for words.
“Will you help me?”
“Uh...”
“I’m trying to turn over a new leaf here.” She clasped her hands together and placed them on the edge of his desk.
“The best way to do that is to attend the city council meetings,” Robert said. “We’ll be having one next Wednesday.”
“That’s a great idea, but I’d like to come up with a list of ways or places to donate before then. Maybe we could go out to dinner and brainstorm how I can help?”
There it is.Robert’s jaw clenched, and his hands curled into fists. Every one of his run-ins with Debbie ended in an invitation to talk over lunch or dinner where she always invaded his personal space.
He held up a hand. “Sorry, Debbie, I’ve made it clear I have no desire to socialize with you on a personal level.”
Debbie’s lips turned down in a pout. “But this would be on a professional level—for the benefit of the community.”
Low blow.Everyone knew how much he loved this town, and many were aware of what he’d given up by staying in Providence.
