Page 68 of Bluffed By the Offense

I’m pretty sure that was in the same way you never take your eyes off a pickpocket or a man with a gun. His constant surveillance of me was strictly a matter of self-preservation.

I’m trying with everything in me to put Marcus Delaney and that night out of my head. I told him it’s over—I officially fake broke up our fake dating situation. But I can’t bring myself to tell Winona yet. She’s just so happy that we’re finally getting along.

I feel lower than a toad’s belly leading her on. I’ll break it to her soon—when we’re alone and there’s been a little time between the gala and our chat, I’ll tell her.

I glance across the room at her. She’s beaming like a woman in love. We’ve got a full six months till the wedding. She and Declan scheduled it for after the Super Bowl just to be sure nothing keeps them and all the other players from being there. She’s in heaven with the planning, though.

Far be it from me to rain on her parade. She deserves to be happy.

My phone rings. The caller ID says Elsbeth Cowell.

“Excuse me,” I say to my friends. “I’ll be right back.”

I step into the kitchen. “Hello?”

“Cass, this is Elsbeth with the Thunder Foundation.”

“Yes. Hi, Elsbeth.”

“I shared your name with a few of our donors and several other influential individuals who love the Thunder and love supporting worthy causes. Expect some calls. And, expect some sizable donations.”

“Wow. Thank you so much.”

“It’s my pleasure. I love Marcus. I’m glad to support his girlfriend. And the cause speaks for itself. Nothing like supporting the community—especially the community around our practice facility.”

“Right.” My stomach sours just a little.

She’s sharing Porch Light because of Marcus. She thinks I’m his girlfriend. Would she be as eager to support me without him? Maybe. Maybe not.

“You haven’t heard the last from me, Cass. I love your vision.”

“Thank you, Elsbeth. I appreciate your support.”

“It’s my pleasure. Listen. I’ve got a million things on my to-do list and a Botox appointment I just can’t be late for. You know what I mean?”

I don’t, but for some reason I say, “Yes. Can’t miss the Botox.”

“Right? Heaven forbid I have lines on my forehead. Gotta freeze those brows.”

I laugh softly and then sincerely say, “You’re beautiful.”

“You don’t have to butter me up, Cass. I’m already a fan of yours.”

“Thanks. I really appreciate you and all you’re doing for Porch Light.”

“I’m just connecting the dots. Some of those dots have more money than God.” She laughs and then she says, “Well, gotta run. I’ll be in touch.”

I thank her again and we say goodbye.

The sound of my friends laughing in the living room filters through to the kitchen. Before I walk back out there, I open my link to the account I set up for Porch Light donations.

My jaw literally drops.

The amount of money sitting in the account is more than I hoped to raise in a year. No. Two or three years. We can afford to do major home renovations on several of the houses that were damaged in the big storm last spring. We could actually build two or three new houses with this windfall.

Elsbeth’s words ring through my head: I love Marcus. I’m glad to support his girlfriend.

I open the Porch Light website. The names of the donors are attached to each transaction that went through the link to donate.