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“Yes, it was a team effort.” Cecil’s tone seemed to brighten with that concept. “Everyone worked together to make it happen.”
“That’s right.” Donovan straightened as he prepared to end their conversation. “Thanks for calling, Cecil. I’ve—”
“What would you have done if the board’s majority had voted to allow the pawnshop to move in?”
Donovan swallowed a sigh. His gaze drifted toward his offic
e window. It was another beautiful summer day in Columbus. August was coming to an end, taking the worst of the season’s heat with it. Fall was only a month away. Rose’s law school reunion was even sooner.
His attention returned to Cecil. “If, after reading and discussing the pros and cons of having a pawnshop in the same neighborhood as the shelters, the board had voted in favor of it, I would’ve accepted the board’s decision.”
“That’s the difference between us. If the majority of members had disagreed with me, we’d still be debating the issue.”
Donovan could believe that. Cecil was stubborn to a fault. “I don’t think you would have been president for long.”
Cecil snorted. “You’re probably right. Just like you’re right when you said this was a team effort.”
“Yes, everyone worked together to make our case.” Donovan checked his watch. He needed to wrap up this call. Where was Rose?
“But we couldn’t have accomplished this victory for the shelter without your leadership.” Cecil’s words surprised Donovan.
“Thank you.” He couldn’t think of anything else to say.
“I realized that the day after the board decided to keep you as president.” Cecil chuckled. “You’re a good leader. You listen to other opinions instead of trying to get people to do what you think is best.”
“I appreciate your saying that.” What had gotten into Cecil? He sounded almost mature.
“It’s the truth. I’m sorry for not realizing it sooner.” Cecil paused. “I’m also sorry for the trouble I’ve caused the board.”
“That’s in the past.”
“You’re a damn decent guy, Van. You’re also a lucky one to have such a talented and successful girlfriend. I wish you both the best.”
“Thank you.” Donovan didn’t feel very lucky. He felt like an idiot—or a lovesick teenager. Why wasn’t Rose returning his calls? He didn’t know what else to do. If he didn’t hear from her by the end of today, he’d show up on her doorstep Saturday morning.
* * *
Rose opened the door to find Donovan on her doorstep Saturday morning. She should have known he’d force a confrontation. Donovan Carroll hadn’t gotten as far as he had by avoiding conflict.
“I wasn’t expecting you.” Rose stepped back to let him into her house.
Her eyes skimmed hungrily over his broad shoulders, trim waist and tight glutes. Her body reacted to the memory of those muscles beneath her hands, the feel of his weight pressing against her.
“You haven’t returned my calls.” Donovan captured her gaze. “What happened?”
Rose caught his scent as she walked past him to lead him to her living room. Her pulse tripped.
“I’m sorry, Van.” She made herself face him. “I’ve decided not to go to my reunion.”
“What? Why not?” He looked as though that was the last response he’d expected.
“All along, I’ve had three choices—go alone, attend with a fake boyfriend or not to go at all.” Rose spread her arms. “I don’t want to go alone. I’ve never wanted to do that. But I’ve decided lying is too complicated.”
“But you’ve already lied.” Donovan rubbed his forehead. “You’ve told your friends about me. We had dinner with Maxine and Isiah.”
“That was unexpected.” What a tangled web I’ve woven.
“What are you going to tell them?”
