Passion Play

Donovan didn’t have time to humor Cecil. He needed to return to work. “I’m glad you’re willing to make a greater commitment to the shelter. But we don’t need a special meeting to strategize a response to the city council’s decision. We can wait until we hear from them.”

“I disagree.” Cecil’s tone was adamant.

Donovan wasn’t impressed. “I’m still in charge. We can discuss proposed responses to the council’s decision during our regular meeting.”

“That’s two weeks away. Suppose the council makes its decision before then?” Cecil sounded agitated.

“Then we’ll meet sooner.” Donovan turned back to his monitor. “I’m sorry, Cecil, but I need to get back to work.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Did my concern for the homeless take you away from your computer games?” Cecil’s sarcasm wasn’t lost on Donovan.

But instead of irritating him, Donovan chose to be amused.

“As always, Cecil, your concern is appreciated. I’ll let you get back to work now.” He recradled his phone and returned to the sales plan he was drafting for one of the games in development.

Donovan didn’t want to stifle Cecil’s enthusiasm. He was right that the board of directors could use fresh, young voices. Donovan was the second-youngest person on the board. Most of the members were in their late fifties and early sixties. Cecil could prove to be a strong asset for the board for years to come. But the young executive needed guidance to better focus his passion and creativity.

He also needed to learn patience. Donovan wasn’t ready to give up his position as board president. And he wouldn’t allow Cecil to malign Rose to get his way.

Chapter 7

“Ms. Beharie, Donovan Carroll is here to see you.” Mai Liu made the announcement to Rose over the phone minutes before noon on Tuesday. The Apple & Spencer LLC’s receptionist sounded mildly curious, which was understandable. Rose never received personal visits at the law firm’s offices.

“Thanks, Mai. I’ll be right there.” Rose recradled her telephone receiver.

What was Donovan thinking to show up at her place of business unannounced? She stood from her desk and shrugged into her sapphire blazer. She had to establish a few ground rules with him. Rose crossed the thick, beige carpet and walked out of her door.

The heels of her dark blue pumps tapped against the marble tile as she strode past the rows of tan cubicles. The work areas for administrative and support staff were surrounded by the dark wood doors and glass walls of the firm’s partners and associates. Some of the staff had already left for lunch, including Rose’s administrative assistant. Others appeared to be working while they ate. Rose descended the wide, winding metal-and-tile staircase that led to Apple & Spencer’s reception area. She paused at the base of the stairs.

Donovan stood with his back to her as he examined the abstract painting mounted to the opposite wall. Rose took the opportunity to study the man just as carefully. His appearance was deceptively casual in a caramel jersey and warm brown slacks. But the fine material of his clothing marked him as a man of means. The strength and power beneath the well-cut cloth revealed him as someone not to be taken lightly. Donovan turned and smiled at her almost as though he had known she was there. Had he felt her staring? Rose’s gaze dropped to the dozen long-stemmed red roses in his hand.

They walked toward each other, meeting in front of Mai’s desk. Donovan leaned forward to kiss her cheek. In reflex, Rose started to pull back, and his lips grazed the corner of her mouth instead. His hazel eyes twinkled as he straightened.

“These are for you.” He offered her the bouquet.

Rose took the gift and glanced toward Mai. The young woman was gazing at them as though she expected Donovan to sweep Rose off her feet and carry her onto the street.

“Thank you. They’re beautiful.?

? Beautiful and unexpected. Rose stepped back. “Why don’t we go up to my office?”

She led the way upstairs, feeling awkward with Donovan’s tall, silent presence beside her. In her three-inch heels, Rose matched the height of most of the men she knew and was taller than a few. But Donovan practically towered over her, making her feel almost petite. She would have laughed at that thought if she weren’t so conscious of the attention directed their way.

She never received personal visits at the office. Since she’d left empty-handed and returned cradling a bouquet of red roses and baby’s breath, she couldn’t pass Donovan off as a client. She inclined her head at a couple of coworkers before she reached the sanctuary of her office. She stepped aside to allow Donovan to precede her, then pulled shut her thick maple door.

“Why are you here, Van?” Rose crossed the room and laid the roses on her desk.

“I’m getting into character.” He stood in the center of her office, looking around. “Wow, you are really tidy.”

His comment distracted her from her follow-up question. Rose scanned her office, trying to imagine it from his perspective. Her wall-to-wall beige carpet and matching furniture gave her office a bright, spacious look. Her Plexiglas inbox was full but neat. Her laptop sat in the center of her ash-wood-and-Plexiglas modular desk. The blond wood bookcase behind her was crammed with case binders and reference books. In contrast to the whirlwind that was Donovan’s office, she supposed her workspace seemed obsessively neat.

Rose propped a hip against the side of her desk. “What do you mean, you’re getting into character?”

“I’m supposed to be your boyfriend.” Donovan sat on one of the beige faux-leather guest chairs in front of her desk. “I’m doing the things a boyfriend should do.”

Rose glanced down at her bouquet. She needed to get a vase for them. “Is that what your greeting was about?” She hadn’t expected him to try to kiss her.

“Suppose we’re at your reunion and one of your former classmates asks if I’ve ever been to your firm or whether I’ve ever bought you roses.” Donovan settled back on the chair and propped his right ankle onto his left knee.