Christmas at Tiffany's Read Free Page B

confident my portion of the bid package will be ready for Eric by ten o’clock tomorrow morning, which is the deadline he delivered.”
    At first, the smooth—albeit rapid—explanation didn’t stir much of a reaction from CEO Charming; that fact further convoluted her emotions about being tyrannized by Eric. There must have been an underlying bite to her tone because Mitch took the opposite route. Deliberately calm—gauging—he leaned back in his chair. Quiet for the time being, he appraised her in a steady manner then gave a nod.
    “All of that in spite of the short warning you were given. From what I hear you received the assignment less than twenty-four hours ago. That’s impressive, and I appreciate your efforts. Now, let’s talk about your charity request.”
    He understood. The realization pushed relief through her system in a spinning rush.
    After shifting gears, he left the table just long enough to retrieve a manila folder of his own, which gave Tiffany time to relax once more and further scope her surroundings. Mitch had shucked the suit coat he typically wore. A silk number in deep gray hung neatly against the back of his chair. Broad shoulders were swathed by a crisp, white shirt and accented by a perfectly knotted tie of deep gold that fell to an even line against his chest.
    That’s when Tiffany realized—she wasn’t focused on her surroundings at all—she was focused exclusively on the man.
    Unaware, thank goodness, Mitch returned to the mini-conference table and opened the file; she discovered it contained the information she had forwarded days ago about Pets Finding Home. He didn’t seem to miss a beat, but Tiffany stared after him, mysteriously pulled.
    “I’m glad you brought this group to my attention. I could tell the organization means a lot to you by the e-mail you sent to the selection committee. The vote of the philanthropy board was unanimous. We intend to support your work at the shelter.”
    The affirmation snapped her mind from attraction and planted it straight back on solid ground. She had agonized over the nomination papers and poured her heart into its words. Happiness danced against her skin. “Thank you! I’m so glad to hear that.”
    “I’m further proposing that the monetary benefit be just one aspect of our Christmas donation.”
    “Really? What do you mean?”
    “I want InfoTraxion to consider an effort to recruit staff members to volunteer at the facility. We could organize a weekend or evening volunteer shift. It’s service, yes, but I also see it as a team-building exercise.”
    “That would be amazing.” There was no way she could dilute the pleasured surprise in her tone. “I know Pets Finding Home would welcome the support; there’s so much to do and like any non-profit they struggle to find a steady pipeline of hands-on help.”
    “Tell me about the work you do there. You’re a regular volunteer, correct?”
    “Yes, I’m classified as a non-veterinary volunteer. I don’t assist with the medical treatment of incoming animals. Instead, I try to place people with animals, whether that happens through the adoption process, or through using animals in conjunction with efforts at counseling and therapy, or even participating at PR events like adoption drives or information booths at civic events, you name it.”
    “And aiding human counseling and therapy through the use of animal contact is what you’re studying at school, right?”
    He knew about that? Really, why should that surprise her? Of course he did. She had spelled out a number of details about her volunteer efforts and college curriculum as part of her formal pitch to win some much needed funding. All the same, he paid close attention to details and she found that impressive.
    “Yes, I’m studying to be an LPC, a Licensed Professional Counselor. When I graduate, I want to counsel people using both direct therapy and animals. I’d be able to provide assistance at retreats for troubled teens,