introduce some levity into the proceedings. ‘I feel like I’m about to be interviewed for a post at one of your resorts.’ She smiled. ‘Would I pass muster do you think?’
‘I only ever employ the very best people. If you are capable of rising to the challenge of doing an exemplary job then, yes … you would definitely stand a good chance of gaining a position in my company.’
The merest shadow of a smile touched lips that suddenly appeared austere, and Grace couldn’t help feeling a little defensive at the idea her host might be privately questioning her ability and finding it wanting. All desire to lighten the mood fled. Was Marco subtly reminding her just who he was, and that she was lucky he’d agreed to talk to her at all about the charity—let alone invite her into his home? As soon as the thought entered her mind she gave herself an instant pep talk that she shouldn’t be daunted by someone just because he was rich and well-known—she was sitting on the other side of his desk because her priorities, her ability and her heart were good. There was absolutely nothing she needed to feel ‘less than’ about.
He reached into a desk drawer, and she saw him withdraw a chequebook. Her heart started to thud a little. She caught her breath as she watched him write the name of the charity on the top line, then scrawl in an amount. Ripping out the cheque from the book, he turned it round so that it was facing her, then pushed it across the desk. The inside of her mouth turned dry as dust as Grace inclined her head to examine it.
‘This much?’ she exclaimed, hardly daring to believe the eye-popping amount on the cheque. ‘It’s at least triple the amount that we need. Why? Why have you decided to give us so much?’
The man at the other side of the desk finally let down his guard and smiled without inhibition. For the first time she noticed the crinkled laughter lines at the corners of his deep brown eyes. Now she was agog for an entirely different reason …
‘As well as rebuilding the orphanage, this money is for the charity to do whatever it sees fit to help the children … Your passion and dedication to their cause, Grace, has helped bring it home to me how I have neglected the one area of need that I can personally identify with.’
He folded his arms over his muscular chest and briefly glanced away, as though struggling with the memories that might still haunt him. Grace sensed her insides lurch sympathetically.
His arresting gaze returned to study her. ‘The cheque is yours to take with you. However, there is something I would like to add before our transaction is concluded.’
About to pick up the cheque to examine it more closely, Grace stilled apprehensively. ‘Oh? What’s that? Is it perhaps that you want to go out to Africa to visit the orphanage and confirm what’s needed for yourself? I’m sure the charity would be delighted to arrange—’
‘I do not want to visit.’ There was a hint of steel in his reply. Then he drove his fingers through his hair, as though frustrated that she should jump to that conclusion. He leant back in the impressive Chesterfield-style chair and exhaled a sigh. ‘What I want is to make a personal arrangement with you, Grace.’
Her brow puckered. ‘What kind of arrangement? You had better explain.’
‘You told me that you have another week and a half left of your holiday?’
‘That’s right …’
‘For the first time in quite a long while I find myself with the desire to take a sabbatical from work, and I would like to have an attractive and pleasant companion to join me for a while. If you agree to spend the remainder of your holiday with me, Grace, I will show you some of the finest private beaches, take you to eat at some of the best restaurants, and let you partake in any leisure activity you so desire. I have, of course, access to the most exclusive golf courses, if you’re interested in learning how to play, and in the evenings if
‘I only ever employ the very best people. If you are capable of rising to the challenge of doing an exemplary job then, yes … you would definitely stand a good chance of gaining a position in my company.’
The merest shadow of a smile touched lips that suddenly appeared austere, and Grace couldn’t help feeling a little defensive at the idea her host might be privately questioning her ability and finding it wanting. All desire to lighten the mood fled. Was Marco subtly reminding her just who he was, and that she was lucky he’d agreed to talk to her at all about the charity—let alone invite her into his home? As soon as the thought entered her mind she gave herself an instant pep talk that she shouldn’t be daunted by someone just because he was rich and well-known—she was sitting on the other side of his desk because her priorities, her ability and her heart were good. There was absolutely nothing she needed to feel ‘less than’ about.
He reached into a desk drawer, and she saw him withdraw a chequebook. Her heart started to thud a little. She caught her breath as she watched him write the name of the charity on the top line, then scrawl in an amount. Ripping out the cheque from the book, he turned it round so that it was facing her, then pushed it across the desk. The inside of her mouth turned dry as dust as Grace inclined her head to examine it.
‘This much?’ she exclaimed, hardly daring to believe the eye-popping amount on the cheque. ‘It’s at least triple the amount that we need. Why? Why have you decided to give us so much?’
The man at the other side of the desk finally let down his guard and smiled without inhibition. For the first time she noticed the crinkled laughter lines at the corners of his deep brown eyes. Now she was agog for an entirely different reason …
‘As well as rebuilding the orphanage, this money is for the charity to do whatever it sees fit to help the children … Your passion and dedication to their cause, Grace, has helped bring it home to me how I have neglected the one area of need that I can personally identify with.’
He folded his arms over his muscular chest and briefly glanced away, as though struggling with the memories that might still haunt him. Grace sensed her insides lurch sympathetically.
His arresting gaze returned to study her. ‘The cheque is yours to take with you. However, there is something I would like to add before our transaction is concluded.’
About to pick up the cheque to examine it more closely, Grace stilled apprehensively. ‘Oh? What’s that? Is it perhaps that you want to go out to Africa to visit the orphanage and confirm what’s needed for yourself? I’m sure the charity would be delighted to arrange—’
‘I do not want to visit.’ There was a hint of steel in his reply. Then he drove his fingers through his hair, as though frustrated that she should jump to that conclusion. He leant back in the impressive Chesterfield-style chair and exhaled a sigh. ‘What I want is to make a personal arrangement with you, Grace.’
Her brow puckered. ‘What kind of arrangement? You had better explain.’
‘You told me that you have another week and a half left of your holiday?’
‘That’s right …’
‘For the first time in quite a long while I find myself with the desire to take a sabbatical from work, and I would like to have an attractive and pleasant companion to join me for a while. If you agree to spend the remainder of your holiday with me, Grace, I will show you some of the finest private beaches, take you to eat at some of the best restaurants, and let you partake in any leisure activity you so desire. I have, of course, access to the most exclusive golf courses, if you’re interested in learning how to play, and in the evenings if
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