turned at the sound of Stacy’s voice. “What did you say?”
Stacy tapped her phone a few more times before walking over to Becca. “Have you seen the photos online of Joshua DeLong? I Googled him while you were on the phone.”
“You can’t do any work, but you can eavesdrop on my calls?”
Stacy didn’t respond, but instead passed her phone to Becca. Mercy. His deep blue eyes were the first feature she noticed. They were striking against his toasted-caramel complexion and curly cocoa-brown hair.
“Hot, right?” Stacy asked. Becca stared at the photo a little longer before passing Stacy back her phone.
“Listen, I have to meet Mr. DeLong and I don’t trust you to be here by yourself, so I’m locking up the office. Why don’t you just come back tomorrow.”
“I still get paid for today, right?”
Becca glared at Stacy. Note to self: call the temp agency after my meeting with Mr. DeLong.
“Stacy, just pack your things so I can lock up.” Becca needed to be fresh and alert for her meeting with Mr. DeLong and the only good thing Stacy had done since arriving was showing her that photo.
On the drive to the marina, Becca recalled everything she’d read about Joshua DeLong. Thirty-five. Never been married. No kids. Recently named one of the most influential black men in America. Built his fortune from the ground up as a corporate raider. Despite his accomplishments, she also recalled another article that named him one of the most ruthless men in America. Judging by what she knew about corporate raiders, she had to agree with some of the statements in the second article. Building your career on the misfortune of others was hardly admirable. Especially since Becca had spent the majority of her life on the opposite end of the spectrum by trying to provide fortune to the misfortunate.
As she neared the yacht club, she noticed a tall male figure standing just outside the main gate wearing basketball shorts and a white tee. Hardly the outfit one would wear for a business meeting.
She parked her car in an open spot and made her way to Joshua DeLong. The closer she got, the more nervous she got. Oh, come on, Becca, you’ve seen attractive men before. She couldn’t even make out all of his facial features since he was wearing Ray-Bans and a baseball cap, but just the way he was standing was enough to make her take notice. His posture was confident. Self-assured. He may have looked casual in his clothing, but his aura seemed anything but.
“Hello, I’m Becca Wright,” she said as she approached. “It’s nice to meet you in person, Mr. DeLong.”
“Please, call me Joshua or Josh.” He extended his hand.
“Only if you call me Becca.” She accepted his warm handshake and was rewarded by a smile that displayed a brilliant set of white teeth.
“Please follow me, Becca.” Becca had assumed they were meeting inside the clubhouse, until Josh walked past the building and began leading her down a ramp toward the boats.
“Where are we going?” she asked after several minutes.
“To my yacht.”
She quirked an eyebrow even though he couldn’t see her. “Your yacht? As in your own private yacht?”
His head slightly turned over his shoulder in her direction. “Yes, my own private yacht.”
She frowned. “Wouldn’t it be better if we conducted business in a more public place like the clubhouse?”
“No.” Josh continued to walk, offering her no additional explanation.
“No? That’s it?”
She was so busy trying to keep up with him, she hadn’t noticed that he’d slowed his stride. “We’re here.” He motioned for her to walk up a ramp that led to a beautiful three-story white yacht. There wasn’t much that left Becca speechless, but the sight before her hijacked her words. The yacht was grand and one of the larger vessels in the marina.
When she arrived on the first level, she noticed two packets placed on a sleek wooden table.
“Please, have a seat,” Josh said as he pointed to an L-shaped timber sofa with black cushions and white pillows.
She didn’t hesitate to take a seat, secretly eager to feel if the cushions were as lush as they appeared. Even more lush, she thought, adjusting herself in her seat. Josh took a seat adjacent to her.
As Becca was relishing her comfort, Josh removed his baseball cap and ran his fingers through his brown curls. I wonder if they’re as soft as they look.
“Okay, shall we get down to business?” Josh shuffled through some papers before he removed his Ray-Bans and glanced at her. Oh my. He smiled in a way that she assumed made women drop their panties instantly. Of course, she didn’t feel the effects of his smile, but she could see how many women would.
“Yes, let’s get started.” She tried her best to focus on the packet in front of her instead of his stunning eyes. If Becca were the type to swoon over a pretty face, Joshua’s would have had her in a puddle on the floor. Fortunately, she’d met plenty of handsome men who were gorgeous on the outside but ugly on the inside. The verdict was still out as to whether that described Joshua DeLong.
Josh smiled as he watched Becca concentrate on the packet he’d given her. He got the feeling that she was the type to never act too affected by a man, but he hadn’t missed the hint of appreciation reflected in her eyes.
“I apologize if you had to change any plans to see me today. As I stated over the phone, I wanted to meet before I head out of town. I have big plans for the benefit, but I want to make sure my ideas work for Aunt Penny.”
“I guess I should explain the foundation in a little more detail,” Becca said, turning toward Josh. “Unless you prefer to dive right into the plans.”
“No, please continue. I’d like to hear more about the foundation.”
“Well, as you know, I’m the director of public relations for The Aunt Penny Foundation, which was founded by Haley Adams. Haley and I aren’t just colleagues, but friends who share the same vision. And while Aunt Penny is a real person, she doesn’t actually work at the foundation or oversee its activities.”
“But Aunt Penny contributes financially, right?” Josh asked. “I believe I read an article about her being a key sponsor for the foundation.” Josh reached for the water bottles he’d placed on the table before Becca had arrived and offered her one.
“Thank you,” she said, opening the water bottle and taking a sip. “Yes, Aunt Penny is definitely a key supporter and the reason the foundation exists in the first place. Aunt Penny was Haley’s next-door neighbor when she was growing up and although Aunt Penny isn’t actually Haley’s blood relative, she became somewhat of a surrogate grandmother to her. Aunt Penny’s emotional encouragement and financial support are the reason Haley earned an Ivy League diploma.”
“Aunt Penny sounds pretty special.” Josh hadn’t had the benefit of meeting
