Taylor whipped her head toward Melissa. “Congratulations on a successful evening,” she said, and popped out of herseat.
“I’ll circulate a press release in the AM.” Melissa smiled at Jagger. “Would you mind if I highlight your generouscontribution?”
He rose. “If publicizing my donation would benefit the organization, goahead.”
Don shook Jagger’s hand. “Thank you for including us.” He nodded at Taylor. “Great job tonight,Raven.”
As Taylor hugged Don goodbye, her thoughts were on the major lie she’d just told. She didn’t know the first thing about being a veterinarian and wished she’d blurted out something closer to her actual career. Or simply told him thetruth.
Melissa hugged her. “I Googled him for you,” she whispered. “He’s yummy. Have fun.” She shot Jagger one more smile before Don ushered her toward thedoor.
Taylor felt lightheaded and grabbed the table’s edge for support. She was in over herhead.
“Okay, time to eat.” Jagger held the chair for her and she eased backdown.
To her surprise, he stabbed the delicate greens and held out the fork. She took the utensil from him and ate. As she peered into his eyes, Melissa’s voice echoed in her head like a mantra.Life is all about making bold choices. Make this moment bold.She made a decision. For one night, she’d be someone she wasn’t—confident, brave, brash. Raven had gotten her through the event. Raven could take her the rest of the way,too.
“How are you familiar with our charity?” sheasked.
“I’ve donated toWalk a Milefor years.” Jagger broke eye contact for a few seconds. “When I was a child, my family experienced homelessness, so I know, firsthand, it’s a struggle to turn things around.” Sadness banked in his eyes before he shrugged a shoulder. “Not something I usuallydiscuss.”
Her heart stopped. She’d not expected that answer from a man who oozed wealth and charm. More than that, she’d not anticipated that level of disclosure. Guilt floated over her like an angry storm cloud. He didn’t even know her real name and he thought she was a vet. “I’m sorry,” shemurmured.
“It was a long time ago.” That smooth-as-silk voice rumbled through her. “Now I’m in a position to help others. Plus, I won the auction’s most beautiful woman, so I’d say I’m the envy of the fundraiser.” His sexy smile shot her pulse into thestratosphere.
No man had ever said anything that compelling, that powerful, abouther.
Her breath caught in her throat. “Thank you,” she murmured. “I’m not worthy.” She wished she hadn’t saidthat.
“Why would you say that?” He picked up the lone marinated olive and offered her the tiny black fruit. “I’m a firm believer in the clean plate club.” This time, she opened her mouth. When he slipped it inside, his thumb caressed her bottom lip. Her skin tingled, and his low, husky moan sent a jolt straight to hercore.
“What about you?” he asked. “Is homelessness personal for you,too?”
Taylor hesitated.What is Raven’s story?Should she offer a nugget of truth?Behonest.
“My Auntie Patty lived with us off and on throughout my childhood. She was awesome and I adored her. She suffered from mental illness, but I never knew. When I was in college, she died homeless. I always thought that if I’d known, I could have helped her somehow.” She’d never shared that with anyone and the loss filled her with a sudden jolt of grief. At least she’d told Jagger something truthful aboutherself.
“I’m sorry,” hesaid.
“Jagger, pardon the interruption.” A stocky man extended his hand. “This wasgreat.”
“Excuse me,” Jagger said to Taylor before pushing out of his chair and shaking the man’s hand. “My pleasure. Glad you could makeit.”
The man smiled. “Must feel great to beback.”
Jagger nodded. “Sensational,actually.”
Back fromwhere?
Several more guests ambled over to express their thanks before heading out. It was after eleven. She hadn’t had time to process the whirlwind evening, much less accept that she was sitting with a man who’d paid twenty thousand dollars forher.
As Jagger said goodbye to the last client, Taylor rose. It might have been the passion in his eyes, or the way that lock of hair shadowed his brow, or how he offered her a charming smile. But she didn’t want toleave.
“You’re not heading out, too, are you?” Before she had a chance to respond, he stepped close. “Stay.”
That word tumbled through her. No man had ever spoken to her in such a commanding tone. Unable to tear herself away, she stared into his brighteyes.
“Brother, we’re outta here.” Maverick hijacked theirmoment.
