Breaking Braydon Read Online Free PDF Page B

benefit from our services.”
    Todd interrupted. “But, unfortunately, we’re tied up for at least ten months. All of our other commitments are solid with binding contracts.”
    All three faces fell, but Jain’s stricken expression made my gut twist.
    “We can fit them in, Todd.” Had I just said that?
    Todd’s head whipped around, his eyes wide, almost bulging.
    I continued. “I know time is your enemy. If something isn’t done soon, you’ll have to shut down operations. If that happens, it would be almost impossible to acquire funds. I recommend a fundraiser, followed by an influx of fluid stock options offered to the most active venture capitalists in the medical field.” Now that I’d blurted it out, I was glad I’d said something. I would hate to see a top-notch research facility close down, one that was trying to find a cure for such a debilitating disease as ALS.
    Todd spoke slowly. “That is true.” He paused and turned toward me again. I thought he was trying to decipher if I’d gone completely mad or not. “Braydon and I will need to put our heads together to find out where we’ll find the time. Like I said, we’re overbooked.”
    I smiled at Todd. “Don’t worry, Todd. I can make this happen.”
    As Todd and I were playing our word volley, Jain studied us, her head moving back and forth, as if watching a tennis match. Her eyes filled with moisture, and she shook her head in apparent relief. She placed her hands under her eyes and wiped away the silent tears.
    Colin leaned toward her and whispered in her ear. “It’s going to be okay, sweetie.” 
    She shook her head and closed her eyes. “Sorry, it’s just that…”
    Colin reached over and held her hand. “I know.”
    It appeared they had a close relationship. I’d heard Jain talking about me earlier, so I was almost positive it wasn’t a romantic one.
    “We have one of our fundraisers coming up at the Paramount Hotel in a few weeks,” I told her. “It would be a good idea if you came and observed. We’ll start planning soon, so you’ll need to get an idea of what we do.” My direct gaze into her eyes didn’t waver.
    She shifted in her seat. “I don’t do parties,” she answered. The two men on either side of her looked like they were tempted to tie and gag her.
    Colin spoke first. “Of course we’ll come. Including Jain.” His eyes dared her with an oh-no-you-don’t look.
    An internal war swept across her expressive face. Battle lost. She nodded at me. “Yes, thank you for the offer. We’d love to see one of your events in action.”
    A sense of genuine relief, warm and smooth, worked its way through my body. For a moment, I enjoyed the feeling. Then I didn’t. I hadn’t felt anything like this since I was fifteen.
    Why was this happening to me? Maybe seeing Angela again had stirred up old, repressed feelings.  I wasn’t sure about the reason, but I detected something different about Jain. Maybe even special.
    Her work was her passion, obviously. We had that in common, and I found it intriguing. I hadn’t met a woman in what seemed like forever who was passionate about anything except for her nails and idle gossip. Perhaps it was the people I usually surrounded myself with, the movers and shakers of the world, including their spoiled daughters.
    I grabbed a handkerchief from my pocket and wiped my brow. Todd, once again, was eyeing me. This time, the corner of his mouth crooked up in a half-hearted attempt to conceal his smile. The bastard. He reveled in my discomfort.
    A flush of adrenaline tingled through my body. I’m attracted to her like no other woman I’ve ever met. That’s why I was experiencing this intense physical reaction. Once again, I zoned in on her lips. Those lips. Without lipstick, they were plump and natural. I needed to get myself together, and fast.
    “It’s settled then. I’ll have my personal assistant, Julie, give you a call with the pertinent information. It’s one of our biggest