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“All the Baron grandchildren were raised to follow their dreams. Even though we’re a family of businessmen, politicians, and adrenaline junkies, each and every one of us know our way around cattle.”
It took a second, but he actually began to picture her in denim and cowboy boots, high on a horse, a wide brimmed Stetson shading her deep blue eyes from the sun. “I just bet you do.”
“What about you? I don’t remember seeing you at the same functions as your mom.”
He shook his head. “My charitable upbringing was different from yours. Mom always loved the nitty gritty of helping, but other than donning a tuxedo at her side, Dad’s philanthropic efforts consisted mostly of signing checks. I seem to have inherited Dad’s charitable genes.”
She chuckled. “Good. Then I hope you plan to sign a nice fat check tonight.”
Laughter erupted from deep in his gut. “Touché. A nice fat check will be all yours.”
For the rest of the dance, Eve filled him in on the details of this evening’s charity event. He understood why so many organizations wanted her on their side. Before the last note of the song was played, she’d had him not only convinced that a nice fat check was in order, but had him eager to sign on the dotted line.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” a woman’s voice replaced the music. “If Miss Baron would kindly step forward. She’ll bring us up to date on tonight’s special auction item.”
His head snapped around in time to see the heave of her chest with a deep breath and her shoulders stiffen. He recognized a person steeling themselves for something they’d rather not be doing. He had the feeling as good as she was at selling her charity, she’d rather be doing it one on one.
“If you’ll excuse me, it looks like I’m on.” She smiled softly, barely touched his arm and as she strode past him, she paused and glanced over her shoulder at him. “Thanks. That’s the most fun I’ve had in a long while.”
He should have said something, but his tongue seemed to have gone numb. Instead, he nodded and hoped there’d be time for another dance and a chance to get her number.
“She is lovely.” His mother’s voice carried over his shoulder.
There was no point in arguing. As he’d done with Eve a moment ago, he nodded.
“We might as well take our seats.” His mother set her hand on his shoulder. “Coming?”
“Of course.” It took more effort than it should have to drag his gaze away from the swirl of Eve’s gown as she walked away from him.
Settled in next to the Baron matriarch, he didn’t have to worry about polite chit chat, everyone’s eyes were riveted to the stage. Her smile bright, her shoulders straight, her gown flowing, Eve could easily have been a superstar of the golden era of films about to accept an award.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.” At the podium, her gaze shifted to specific tables. “I’m delighted to be here with y’all tonight.”
An eruption of applause momentarily filled the room.
“As you have had plenty of time to peruse the auction tables, you know we have some wonderful items available this evening.”
To Jared’s surprise, there was little murmuring or other sounds that came with a banquet room filled with rich and by now, slightly tipsy potential donors. Or in this case, bidders. As she went through the list of the larger ticket items and thanked the donors, he could see who was here for the cause, and who was here to be seen, or even patted on the back. When she got to the part of naming the latest scents that would be marketed by one of the largest cosmetic companies in the country, the room grew suddenly more silent.
“I’m especially proud of this evening’s perfume. I love having grown up in Texas. We are so blessed with natural wonders and fabulous flowers.”
He had to give her credit, she was selling the room on something everyone could relate to. There was a reason the expressioneverything’s bigger in Texashad taken root in the state’s culture.
“It was last year during a visit to Tyler’s rose festival that I remembered my Grams and how everything she touched always smelled of rose water. Our Texas roses brought that sweet scent to life for me and it has taken me over a year to capture just the right combination that will bring a lifetime of happy memories like my Grams gave us.”
By the time she’d finished with her subtle but compelling sales pitch, Jared had no doubt that this evening’s charity was going to have more money than it knew what to do with.
Chapter Four
“I understand you were the hit of the evening last night.” Whenever Craig’s business brought him to the Houston area, he did his best to spend some time at the ranch. Lucky for Eve, this was his weekend. Her brother poured a cup of coffee and took a seat beside her.
“If you mean I didn’t get a minute to myself after my on-stage pitch, then yes.” All she’d wanted the rest of the evening was another chance for a dance with Jared Gold. Unfortunately, every potential donor under the sun had come forward to visit, chat, and eat away any hope she had of a last dance before Margaret Gold and her son had quietly slipped away.
“Don’t you listen to her.” A tail wagging puppy, curled up comfortably on her lap, love and pride shone in Lila Baron’s eyes as she smiled at her granddaughter. “She was indeed a hit and the naming rights for the new scent broke the bank. Even with increasing costs, there will most definitely be more homes for our struggling veterans.”
“I also heard you were seen being dipped by Jared Gold.” This time, eyeing her over the brim of his coffee cup, her brother failed to hide his impish grin. He knew full well men like Jack Preston and Jared Gold weren’t her type.
“We danced.” She hoped the heat in her cheeks wasn’t giving away the girlish interest in a man who dipped her off her feet. She should probably remind herself as well that nothing good ever came from playing with fire. “Just one dance.” Much to her chagrin. “Nothing to get all gossipy about.” Any minute now she expected someone to call her out and shoutLiar, liar, pants on fire.
