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She hurried to the stage, cursing her heels—her feet really did hurt, but she also knew they looked fucking awesome—and pissed as shit at Matt. Of course, the asshole would fluster her right before she had to speak.
What the hell was his problem?
Stepping behind the podium, she took a deep breath and looked out across the room as the lights began to dim for the video.
Davis was sitting next to the mayor, grinning from ear to ear as he lifted his glass to her, though she wasn’t sure if his silent toast was meant as thanks or encouragement. She caught sight of Matt, reclaiming his spot next to Patricia. He whispered something to his date, then his attention returned to Liza, holding her gaze captive for too many seconds before she managed to escape and turn her eyes back to the crowd.
After delivering her brief address, she stepped off the stage as the video began to play. She remained in the wings, though she didn’t watch the show. Instead, keeping her attention on the reactions of everyone in the room. She prayed they’d be as moved by what they were seeing and hearing as she had been. The Promise House was in bad need of repairs, but more than that, Liza hoped to raise enough money for expansion as well. They never had enough beds to meet the need, which meant too many kids were still sleeping on the street.
She watched several women wiping their eyes and saw quite a few people filling out the contribution forms. Thank God.
“Well done, Ms. Moretti.”
Liza turned to see Matt standing next to her.
“My part will be easy. Looks like you’ve already won the crowd over to your cause.” As chairman of the board, he was the next speaker, the one who would ask for the contributions and explain how to donate.
“Our cause,” she corrected, before saying, “thank you,” a little more shortly than she should have. She was still annoyed about his dig at her date.
“You look lovely tonight. Red suits you.”
She stared at him, trying to figure him out. The man had a knack for keeping her on her toes, she had to give him that. Most of the time he looked straight through her. Or, when it came to Initiative business, he managed to push every button she had. But sometimes, on the rare occasion, he would pay her a genuine compliment, looking at her like…
Like she was beautiful.
She didn’t have a chance to respond as the video ended, the lights rose, and Matt took the stage. His deep voice carried as he insisted they had a duty to help these young people, the future of their city, of their community. His speech was short, succinct, and powerful, and Liza was moved, despite the fact it was Matt Russo doing the talking.
With the presentation over, the guests rose, milling around and socializing as the band set up. She was delighted when they began their first set with a wildly popular, upbeat number that had everyone rushing to the floor. Happy people having fun tended to be more generous.
Countless guests came up to Liza, asking questions about the Promise House or about some of the teens interviewed and praising her work for such a worthy cause. She answered questions and thanked those who promised to help. Once the crowd around her thinned, Davis rejoined her. He had remained true to his word, stepping aside so she could do her job. It was another tick mark in her “Yay, with jazz hands” column.
“You are incredible,” he said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
“Thank you.”
“Tonight has been a huge success, Liza. You must be very proud.”
“The true proof of my success is yet to be seen. I hope the contributions are enough that the Promise House can add that second wing. It would double the number of beds available, which still wouldn’t be enough. I swear, I don’t think I can rest knowing there are still sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds sleeping on the streets, falling victim to traffickers or gangs or…” She stopped mid-sentence, then joked, “Aaaand thanks so much for coming to my Ted Talk.”
“You are a passionate woman. Never apologize for that. The mayor was quite impressed by your presentation, called you a force to be reckoned with, I believe.”
Liza laughed. “Did he mean that as a compliment?”
Davis nodded. “He did. He said any man would be lucky to call you his wife.”
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure the old guy has been married for nearly fifty years.”
“I think he was dropping that hint for me.”
Liza smiled, though she was surprised by his comment, as well as the way he was looking at her. His gaze was suddenly too intent and way too serious for a sixth date.
“Did you tell him we’d only just started dating?” she asked, hoping to slow his roll.
“Liza,” he continued, grasping her hands in his. “Since the first time we met for coffee, I’ve had this feeling about you.”
“Feeling?”
“Like you and I are two sides of the same coin.”
