Callahan gives the matter a few more moments of thought, then clears his throat. “I’d like to discuss this further,” he says. “Perhaps tomorrow morning? And while we’re talking it over, we can revisit the IPO. I’ve got a few questions, and if you’re upto answering them, I don’t see any reason why we can’t get this thing back on track. I could make some phone calls.”
Roman remains composed as ever, but I can tell by the glimmer in his eye and the way his jaw flexes that he’s over the moon.
“I would like that. Let’s plan for nine tomorrow morning.”
“Excellent,” Callahan agrees with a smile. “And if we do get this project up and running, Miss Denning’s input would be most appreciated.”
They shake hands again, he nods to me, and Callahan walks away. Once he’s gone, Roman doesn’t smile, doesn’t let out a big exhale of relief. That’s not his style.
When he finally looks at me, something in his eyes makes my heart clench. It’s not lust, not dominance, not anger.
It’s gratitude.
CHAPTER 39
AMALIE
The cold evening air is the exact kind of refresher I need after almost two hours of shaking hands and making acquaintances.
For a second, it’s just Roman and me, the low thrum of Chicago traffic a story below.The stone terrace glows softly under recessed lights, the city stretching out in front of us.
Roman turns to me, looking at me the way he does when he has something important he wants to say but isn’t quite sure how to say it. Finally he speaks. “You were fearless in there. Most people wouldn’t have had the nerve to speak to a man like Callahan that way. He’s one of the richest men in the city. But you didn’t hesitate, didn’t even blink.”
I shrug, suddenly a little bashful about it. “I wasn’t trying to be brave. I actually think it’s a really good idea. Kids need places like that. Kids like Sasha. What I’m doing with him is working, right?”
“Beyond all of my wildest expectations.”
“So imagine what Sasha is getting, but at scale. Amazing teachers with great resources, helping children express themselves who might not otherwise be able to. It could change so many lives.”
His mouth curves into the closest thing Roman getsto a warm smile. “It is a wonderful plan. And that is why Callahan was so interested. Men like him cannot resist ideas like that, especially when you add in the little bonus of his name being front and center.”
I laugh. “Thought he’d like that. But I don’t want to take that from you. I mean, it isyourfoundation, after all.”
He shakes his head. “Two things already have my last name—my son and my organization. I don’t need it in neon lights.”
We stand shoulder to shoulder, the stone balustrade cool beneath my palms.
“If this project actually moves forward,” he says, “I want you involved as one of the key architects of the vision.”
Giddiness invades my whole body. “You’re serious?”
“Of course I am. You said it yourself, you want to do what you’re doing with Sasha, but at scale. I would be a fool to not have you involved. And not pro bono, either. There would be a title, a salary.”
I laugh breathlessly. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes.That is, if you want the job. And if Callahan actually wants to go through with it. Though, it’s such a good idea that I might just do it anyway.” He glances away for a moment, as if he can already envision it. “I would be a fool to let your genius go to waste.”
“Genius?” I’m genuinely stunned by his choice of words. “That might be the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”
He dips his head, his eyes darkening in that sexy way I can’t get enough of. “Wait until we get home.”
My pussy clenches, my heart beating faster.
He leans in and kisses me, slow, deep, and reverent. His hand slides up my back, holding me there like he’s got all the time in the world. When he pulls back, his mouth brushes my ear.
“You are a vision in this dress,” he says. “But it doesn’t compare to the sight of you in nothing at all. Tonight, I’m going to make you mine. And I’m going to take my time with it.”
Heat coils low in my stomach, and all I can do is lean into him, resting my head against his chest.
