Free Winning Wyatt (The Billionaire Brotherhood Book 1) by Jacie Floyd Page B

glimpse into the
business and compassionate sides of Wyatt’s complicated personality.
    “I
intend for it to be directed toward helping children whose lives are
unexpectedly in jeopardy due to automobile accidents. We can help either
through financial assistance or with special medical needs like long-term care
or rehabilitation. We can help with funeral expenses if needed. We’re also
offering you the opportunity to be part of the decision-making team.”
    “What
do you mean?”
    “Wyatt
Enterprises would like you to be a trustee or sit on the board of directors.”
    “Wyatt
Enterprises would like it? In this case, Wyatt Enterprises is you, isn’t it?”
    “As
a member of the board, I have the authority to make this offer.”
    She
tilted her head to study him as the full weight of the news sank in. “Was this
your idea?”
    “Which
part?”
    “Naming
it for Adam.” She bit her lip and tucked her hair behind her ear. “And
involving me.”
    Wyatt
sat beside her and took her hand in his, lacing their fingers together. “When
you wouldn’t continue seeing me, it was primarily because of my connection to
the company. And one thing that stood out in my mind was something you said
about their deaths being so pointless. Adam’s especially. So much promise in
his young life wiped out in a single moment, and for what?”
    He
ran his free hand through his hair, and Kara suddenly longed to touch him in
the same way. “Nothing will ever make up for the loss. But it might help if
something good and positive, even this late, could come from his death. What do
you think? If you don’t want to be involved, or you don’t want Adam’s name
attached to the foundation, tell me now before the plan is released to the
press.”
    She
had wasted years of her life wallowing in pointless isolation and
self-destructive grief because she felt the best part of her life had been
taken from her. And someone who didn’t even know her son, someone she had
blamed for his death, someone who had never experienced the joy of his hug or
witnessed the pleasure of his smile, that thoughtful caring someone had now
created a living legacy dedicated to his sweet life and spirit.
    Kara
put her arm around Wyatt’s shoulders. Overwhelmed by her emotions and fighting
back the tears in her eyes, she pressed her face into his neck.
    It
felt so natural being close to him again. A long moment passed before she could
break away. “Wyatt, this is wonderful. Thank you, yes, I’d love to be involved,
and I want to be the first person to make a donation. I’ve always felt guilty
about the money NPD settled on me. I’ve touched very little of it, so now I’ll
put it to good use. Helping other children. Thank you.”
    It
would be safer for her and Sean if she could keep her distance from Wyatt. But
with this magnanimous gesture, he slipped inside her defenses. Something she’d
have to guard against in the future.

    The
next morning Kara invited Regina to the house for lunch during Sean’s naptime.
Her friend was not that comfortable with children, and Kara had a confession to
make.
    “Three
years ago, I lied to you about Wyatt Maitland,” she began over Cobb salad.
    “No
kidding! I figured that one out all by myself.” Regina tipped her wineglass in
Kara’s direction before taking a sip. “Or should I say, with a little help from
Wyatt Maitland.”
    “He
said he didn’t tell you anything about us.”
    “He
didn’t, but that’s what made me suspicious. He shows up out of nowhere, and
you’re very suddenly too sick to hang around. He’s asking questions. I’m not an
idiot. There had to be more to the story than either one of you admitted
before. Why didn’t you tell me when you came back from California?”
    “I
just couldn’t. I’m sorry.”
    Regina
held up a hand with lime green fingernail polish. “Don’t be, unless Wyatt’s
completely lost his touch. He’s a fabulous lover, isn’t he?”
    Kara
choked on her tea. “This is exactly