Cross My Heart

by Celeste O. Norfleet

  “Absolutely not. We do this now and get it over with.” He sat down. “Since this is obviously a very delicate matter, I’d like to keep this between us and our attorneys. No publicity.”

  “Sure, if you’d prefer,” she said, puzzled by his comment. “But I assumed your publicists would be sending out press releases or something of that nature. Publicity like this would certainly be a tremendous benefit for the kids.”

  He stiffened as he realized her veiled threat of exposure. The last thing he intended to do was make this public. “No press, no publicity. There will be a nondisclosure agreement forwarded to you. The only reason I’m here now is that I wanted to meet the woman who could do something like this.”

  She nodded. “So I presume you have a few questions for me regarding the proposal I sent you.”

  “Your proposal?” he queried, slightly confused.

  “Yes, I can print out a copy if you’d like. As a matter of fact, I was just going through a few details to clarify my position and give you a better idea about what I had in mind.”

  David eyed her curiously. He wasn’t sure what game she was playing, but whatever it was, he didn’t intend to lose. “Yes, do that. I definitely want to know what you have in mind.”

  He watched as she turned to her computer and began typing. An instant later, he heard the printer begin to work. She stood and walked to the credenza behind her desk. He took the opportunity to assess her more thoroughly. She seemed so matter-of-fact about everything. She certainly wasn’t what he expected. But then again, he had no idea what to expect.

  She was attractive—there was no doubt about that. Her brown skin looked soft and touchable. She had full, kissable lips; soft, soulful, dark-as-sin eyes; perky, rounded breasts; a slender waist. And when she turned around, a tight, apple-shaped rear that instantly and unexpectedly set his body on fire. She wore a gray, fitted skirt and a matching low-cut blouse with a thick black leather belt and black high heels. His body lurched and his mouth went dry just looking at her. But he wasn’t here for that. He took one last glance at her long wraparound legs and then looked away. She was affecting him in ways he hadn’t expected, and his body was reacting. He closed his eyes and lowered his head to refocus. This woman could destroy his career and everything he cared about. The only thing he needed to do now was focus on that.

  “Excuse me for saying this, but you don’t look so good. Are you all right? Is everything okay?” she asked, seeing his eyes closed and his head down.

  “I wanted to talk to you before the attorneys get involved,” he began.

  She nodded. “Sure, okay.”

  “I have a few questions for you.” She nodded again, indicating that he should continue. “First, how did you know that it was my—” He paused to rephrase the question. “Why did you choose me for this?”

  “Actually, I did check out a number of other options, but truthfully, I like what you seem to represent in your career and personal life. Your foundation is extraordinary. But it’s not all about the money, although we certainly need that. You seem to have a core honesty and decency that I think will be a huge, positive influence on the children, and if you’d like to take a more personal interest in them, that can most certainly be arranged.”

  “How much do you know about me—my family history?”

  She grimaced. These questions didn’t seem to pertain to the grant application, but she answered. “Only what I’ve read.”

  “And how much do you want from me?” he asked.

  “Whatever you’re willing to give. Everything is outlined in this proposal.” She walked around her desk and handed him the folder. “Your ongoing contributions will ensure that our kids will have the very best money can buy. When I send the progress reports I’m sure you’ll…”

  “Hold it right there.” He took the proposal, stood and tossed it on her desk without even bothering to glance at it. “Ongoing contributions? Progress reports?” he asked quickly.

  “Yes.” She turned as her proposal slid across her desk and then stopped beside her keyboard.

  “No. One payment—that’s all you’re gonna get from me,” he said.

  “But the kids are going to need ongoing support. I was under the impression that it was an ongoing…”

  “Enough.” He knew that he had taken her by surprise. She opened her mouth to answer, but nothing came out. “No more proposals, no more dancing around the issue. I know you have an amount in mind. What is it? What do you want?”

  She walked back behind her desk, shaking her head. “I’m sorry. This isn’t how I expected this interview to go. Perhaps we should postpone this until our attorneys can…”

  “No. No postponements. We finish this now,” he cut her off quickly. “Just give me your price so we can end this. I want nothing more to do with it, understood? Also, I want everything that’s left.”

  She was completely confused. “I don’t understand. Left from what?”

  “Don’t play games with me. I have no intention of doing this drama with you every two years or whenever you feel the need. This is a one-time deal, under the table, no records, no paperwork. Now how much do you want?”

  “Actually, this is a legal transaction. It doesn’t work like that,” she said, becoming annoyed. “I can’t just give you a number and…”

  “Look,” he interrupted briskly, “if you want to play this game with me, I assure you I will win and you’ll get nothing. I don’t have to do this. There’s no legal obligation binding me to you or your kids. If you want to take it to court, that’s fine, too. Just make sure that’s what you want.”

  “Are you overmedicated, rude or just nuts?” Natalia asked, moving quickly to turn off her computer. “You keep talking about games… Do you mind elaborating on that for those of us in the cheap seats who don’t have a clue as to what you’re talking about?”

  “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”

  Her cell phone rang. She glanced down at the caller ID number. It was the nursery school. “Excuse me, I need to get this.”

  The phone conversation was brief and as far as she was concerned had instantly ended their interview. “I need to go now.” She grabbed her purse and suit jacket. “This is the proposal.” She picked it up and handed it to him again. “I’ll be more than happy to discuss it with you at your convenience, but right now I need to go.”

  “What happened?” he asked, knowing that the phone call had changed something. Her expression had changed. She was troubled and her voice broke and trembled.

  “I have to go,” she repeated.

  “Go where?” he asked quickly.

  She looked at him curiously. “I have to get to the nursery school.”

  “Nursery school?”

  “Yes, my son had an accident.”

  David’s heart suddenly lurched. He never expected to feel anything when it came to his sired children, so the instant concern was surprising. “Let me drive. You’re upset.”

  She looked at him questioningly. “That’s okay. I’m fine.” She quickly crossed the office and grabbed her briefcase and the envelope Jake had left on the chair. He followed and stood watching her as she opened the case and stuffed the envelope inside.

  “Is there anything I can do to help?” he asked. She looked at him and shook her head. “Look, I’m trying to do the right thing here. I don’t want to seem indelicate, but none of this is my doing, nor is it my responsibility. I’m only here because of future implications.”

  She turned to him. “You are an exceptional actor, because you pull off that nice guy personality flawlessly. But right now, I have someplace else to be. Here’s my card. Perhaps we can have a more coherent conversation another time. It was—interesting meeting you.”

  David looked down at the business card she handed him, then back up just in time to see the sweet sway of her hips as she hurried down the hall. The sexy sight caught him off guard, sending an instant rush of hot blood sizzling through his body, ending in his hardened d
iscomfort. He pulled out his cell and called his assistant. Pamela answered on the first ring.

  “How’d it go?” she asked.

  “Good question. She was evasive and pretended that she had no idea what was going on. She kept talking about a proposal.” He glanced at the folder in his hand. “Either she has no idea about my relationship to her sons or she’s a better actor then I am.”

  “That might make sense,” Pamela said.

  “What do you mean?” he asked.

  “I got some information on Natalia Coles. Her Web site says that she’s a family psychologist with the police, plus she also founded a local center for at-risk teens called the Teen Dream Center. It’s become very popular and she’s been getting some really good press lately. I also found out that it’s publicly funded by donations, endowments and grants.”

  “Grants from organizations such as the Montgomery Foundation?” he asked.

  “Yes. She’s applied for the grant the past three years, but didn’t get it. Chances are she probably thinks you’re here about that.”

  David nodded. “That would explain a lot.”

  “It also looks like maybe she bought your sperm without knowing who you are. Of course, all she knew were your vital statistics and a number. It makes sense. The clinic didn’t know who you were until you told them.”

  “Do me a favor. Get me more information on this teen center. I want to know everything about it for the next time we talk.”

  “Next time?” she asked, surprised.

  “What? You didn’t think this was over, did you? Check me into the hotel. It’s time to go to work,” he said as he walked down the hall to the exit. He stepped outside just as she drove away.

  “I thought you just wanted to know if she was some kind of con woman and a threat to your career.”

  “I’m not a hundred percent satisfied yet. I want to know more about her—about them.”

  “So want are you going to do—just start asking questions about her and her kids? I don’t think that’ll work.”

  “No, I have something more creative in mind.”

  This was crazy. Natalia glanced back in the rearview mirror and saw David Montgomery walking out of the building. She had no idea what had just happened. Maybe he was testing her. Maybe he was just nuts. Either way, she couldn’t deal with it right now. She turned her attention back to getting to her son.

  Even though the nursery school director had assured her that Brice was just fine, she knew that she’d feel better being with him. Ten minutes later, she looked down at the clock on her dashboard as she pulled into the nursery school parking lot. There were other parents picking up children. She waved as she hurriedly proceeded inside. As soon as she walked in she saw her sons. Her face, her smile and her day instantly brightened.

  Family was everything to Natalia. That’s why she’d chosen to enrich her life with two adorable children. Having a man in her life at this point wasn’t nearly as important. It wasn’t because she’d had her heart broken once too often, although that was certainly the truth. It wasn’t because she was waiting around for Mr. Right to come and sweep her off her feet. Ultimately, her Mr. Right had turned out to be an anonymous donor, and it had been the perfect solution.

  Seeing her boys made everything all right. Their smiling faces erased the previous half hour instantly. Brice was, as usual, building with his blocks. He built them high, then laughed hysterically when they fell down. Jayden sat nearby and, taking his cue from Brice, he laughed, rocked and bounced each time the blocks tumbled, as well.

  Natalia smiled so hard she nearly burst into tears. This is why she did what she did and this was the joy she wanted all mothers to know, the feeling that their children were safe and happy and most of all loved.

  She thought about her conversation with David Montgomery. It was strange, awkward and disjointed. So what if he was nuts or overmedicated? His foundation was by far the most promising and could benefit her center in numerous ways. He had all the programs already in place; she could very easily incorporate her dreams and ideas into his plan. All she had to do was make it work.

  Natalia picked up her sons and stopped to see her brother at the hospital. She looked forward to the rest of the evening devoid of high drama and one crisis after the other. She was happy to go back to her simple, ordinary life, knowing that tomorrow was another day. And tomorrow she’d have to find a way to connect with David Montgomery again. She needed him—that much was certain. Getting him was the problem, but that was tomorrow’s problem.

  Chapter 3

  “So how’s Brice?” Nikita asked as she and Natalia placed their teacups on the table in front of the bakery and sat down. It was their usual morning routine. Nikita would take a short break from working in the bakery since dawn and Natalia would stop by after dropping her sons off and before heading to the office.

  “He’s fine. He was banging his building blocks together and hit himself in the head. The nursery school policy is to notify the parent of any accident, and since he also drew blood and required antiseptic and a Band-Aid, they asked me to pick him up early. When they called and I heard him crying in the background, my heart sank. I couldn’t get there fast enough. After picking him up, I stopped by the hospital before going home. Dominik took a look at him, just to be on the safe side.”

  “It’s nice having a big brother who’s also a doctor.”

  “Tell me about it. After a very serious discussion on block building safety and a green lollipop, Brice was as good as new.”

  “I don’t know how you do it sometimes. You work all day as a family psychologist with the police, you put in a full day’s work at the center in the evenings and on top of all that you’re a mom to two incredible boys. Motherhood is hard enough and being a single mother is just crazy.”

  “No, not crazy, challenging. But so very worth it,” Natalia said, smiling. Nikita nodded in complete agreement. “That’s why I want the center to succeed so badly. If I can make this happen, there’ll be so many teens and families who will benefit from it.”

  “Hey, you’re preaching to the choir. I’m a hundred percent behind you on this. You know that.”

  She smiled in gratitude. “I know. And thanks so much for all your support. I just wish I could get David Montgomery’s foundation on board. He’s my last hope.”

  “Speaking of David Montgomery,” Nikita began, “I don’t suppose you’ve seen this morning’s entertainment section of the Citizen?”

  “No, why?”

  Nikita grabbed a newspaper from the next table and peeled out the entertainment section to show her. She turned to the page and handed it to her sister. “He’s here, and it appears that his boat has been docked at our brother’s place for the past week and a half. Someone took a photo of him leaving there yesterday.”

  Natalia shook her head. “I just spoke with Mikhail a few days ago. He didn’t mention anything about this. Looks like I’m going to have to have a nice long talk with our dear brother about his loyalties. He should have told me. He knew I applied for that grant.”

  “You know he wouldn’t do that. Chances are he gave his word and you know how he can be when it comes to trust issues.”

  “Still,” Natalia said, then shook her head, “it probably doesn’t matter anyway after yesterday. I don’t know how we left it.”

  “Whoa, back up. Left what with who?” Nikita exclaimed. “Exactly what happened yesterday?”

  “That’s right. With all the excitement with Brice and his cut I didn’t get a chance to tell you that David Montgomery stopped by my office yesterday afternoon. I looked up and he was just standing there in my doorway.”

  “David Montgomery stopped by your office yesterday and you didn’t think to tell me until now?” Nikita asked rhetorically.

  Natalia nodded. “He just strolled right in and stood there.”

  “Now you’re just bragging,” Nikita said.

  “Hardly. The personal interview is the last part of the grant applicat
ion process. Actually, I’ve never even gotten that far in the past. After everything that happened yesterday with the letters about the city and state grants, I was thrilled that I was at least still in the running for his foundation’s grant. But then the whole interview turned odd. It was like he had no idea about the grant application I had sent in or the center. It was just strange.”

  “What do you mean strange?” she asked, puzzled.

  “He was asking me how much money I wanted. The thing is, it’s a grant. The amount is set and distributed four times a year.”

  “Maybe he was just confused,” Nikita offered, hoping to add clarity to a muddled situation. “Men like him have a million things on their minds.”

  “Maybe. I don’t know.” She shrugged, considering her sister’s comment.

  “Well, I hope you’re happy. You’re stealing the perfect man away from millions of women.”

  “Believe me, I’m not stealing anyone and they can have him, as far as I’m concerned. You know, I always heard that movie-star types were either mental cases or on the verge of becoming seriously deranged.”

  “Is that your professional, objective opinion?”

  “The man’s a nutcase. That’s my professional opinion. I can only hope he has sensible people working on his foundation staff. It would be just my luck that he has the Mad Hatter as the appointed chairman.”

  “You’ve just ruined my fantasy.”

  “You? What about me?” she complained. “I’ve seen his television series and just about every one of his movies. His eyes are what fantasies are made of and his body—Lord, don’t even get me started. When he stood there yesterday in the flesh, I thought I was dreaming. He is seriously gorgeous.” She sighed. “Portrait of a dreamer—that’s me. I hate it when reality jumps up and head-butts you with the truth.”

  “At least your perception of the truth,” Nikita corrected her sister as she commiserated about the details of the meeting she had had the day before. “Oh, come on. It couldn’t have been that bad.”