Page 85 of Miss Understanding

I finally answered. “Maybe, but I’m not a huge believer in simply feeding the homeless.”

Now Stephen’s attention was back on me. “Then, what would you suggest?”

I licked my lips, nervous regarding what I was about to say. “I read this article a few weeks ago about a community setup in Texas. They built these tiny houses, taught the homeless how to grow their own fruits and vegetables, and set up a community. They taught people job skills. They were subsidized in the beginning, but before long, the once homeless were self-sustaining, selling goods to pay for the ones they needed to buy. The project was deemed a short-term success.”

Stephen’s gaze didn’t leave mine, but he leaned forward. “Why do you think that worked?”

“Because they developed a sense of community and pride. I’m not opposed to feeding the homeless, Mr. Walsh, but that’s only one meal at one time, and only a few hours later, they will be hungry again. If I had unlimited funds, I’d find ways of teaching the population to self-sustain. Or put dollars into programs to help get people off the streets. Of course, it’s easier said than done with mental illness prominent in the population, but I also believe there’s hope based on the results of that experiment.”

There was a silent pause. One that Phil obviously felt the need to fill. “I think we can all agree it’s a nice dream.”

In other words, he thought I was a silly girl. I didn’t bother to meet Liam’s eyes, afraid I’d find disappointment reflected in them.

Stephen interrupted. “John Klein ran that experiment. He’s a former engineer and very passionate about finding ways to help the homeless. I have nothing but respect for him.”

Either Stephen knowing about the man and experiment worked in my favor, or he was about to tell me how he didn’t believe in it. My breath held as I waited for his response. Then he smiled.

“You are a delight, Kendall, if I may call you by your first name. And your vision is one I think we could all use more of in this world. Good things can happen when someone believes they can.”

“Thank you.” What else could I say?

He turned toward Phil. “Without dreams, we’d never change things for a better future. Now that would be a real shame.”

Huh. His words had the managing partner turning red.

Stephen wasn’t done. “Gentlemen, I’ll be signing with your firm today. Thanks again for the kombucha, Kendall.” He picked one up and put it in his bag. “Take the other one. It’ll change your life.” He handed it to me with a wink before walking out with Phil scrambling after him to escort him out.

I simply plopped down in the conference room chair, giving Liam a dazed look. “What just happened?”

He grinned. “I believe that was a test. One you just kicked ass at passing.”

Chapter Forty

Liam

There had been something incredible about watching Kendall handle her own with Stephen Walsh. Then she’d taken it a step further by owning him with her sincere answer to his question. She’d been amazing, and it had been immensely satisfying to watch, not to mention a huge turn-on.

As soon as she popped her head in to inquire about lunch, I could feel my pulse race. Feel the magnetic pull toward her. I was aching to touch her.

“Hi. Salad or sandwich today?”

“Salad is fine. Thank you.”

As soon as she left, I breathed easy, then thought about jerking off. It would be a first to do so in my office. But considering she’d be back soon, it would have to wait.

Once she returned with the food, I found myself standing up and helping her take the tray to put it on my desk for the excuse to touch her hand.

She glanced up at the same time I caught a whiff of strawberry lip gloss.

“How are you feeling?” I asked in an intimate, husky tone that was very different from how we normally spoke to one another in the office.

“Good, actually. I think I’m ninety percent.”

As if she’d given me the green light I’d needed, I crashed my lips to hers. Crossing one of the unbreakable lines I’d promised I never would by touching her in the office. But unfortunately, once I had a taste, there was no way I couldn’t have more.

I pulled away, moving to flip the lock on my door. “Is anyone expecting you during this hour?”

“No, but I may still be contagious.”