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Nonetheless, the outside world did call. Wilder Corporation ran so successfully because of Qasim’s hands-on manner of managing his clients’ individual needs. He would’ve been happier tending his duties had he been able to convince Vectra to stay where she was and to be there in his bed when he got back.
Spending time in San Francisco wouldn’t raise much suspicion. Vectra’s house staff knew she tended to do that when she was preparing for an opening. Vectra would’ve liked nothing more than to oblige Qasim’s request, but duty called for her, as well.
She had taken an obvious liking to Yancey Croachman and knew it had a lot to do with the fact that she and the woman shared horrifically similar experiences. In spite of that, Yancey had risen above it all and she was thriving. Vectra, however, wanted to do more than simply buy a painting, and she actually patted herself on the back when what she knew was a brilliant idea occurred. She’d spoken to the marketing group for Carro as well as Robb DeWitt and his crew at Dazzles. Everyone thought that using Yancey Croachman’s show would be the perfect event to unveil the vineyard’s new blends.
By including the tasting, they could judge the crowd’s reactions to the premiere wines while plying them with treasured favorites from the line. The event was sure to draw an even greater crowd than the gallery event alone would.
Vectra believed the young artist being showcased would make out splendidly with offers for more work and gallery tours. The artist herself was elated by the news as was the rest of her team. Vectra only prayed the showing would be as successful in reality as the one she imagined.
Of course not all of the time the new lovers enjoyed was spent in the bedroom. Vectra had heard much about Qasim’s charity, but realized she had no clue about what had inspired it. Something told her it was about more for him than wanting to give back. The extent to which he’d crafted his foundation came from a much more personal place.
* * *
“He’s out here somewhere, Ms. Bauer.”
Despite the white sun visor she wore, Vectra squinted out over the football field that surged with activity. Minipractice sessions took place across every square foot of the lush hundred-yard field.
“I’ll go track him down,” said Jerry Finch, assistant coach for the Arnold High School Bears.
Vectra touched the man’s arm to stop him. “Oh, don’t go to all that trouble. I already texted him that I was on my way. I don’t mind waiting.” She smiled toward the field. “I haven’t been this close to the game in a while.”
“You like football?” Jerry cocked a brow, appearing doubtful.
Vectra took no offense to the way the man eyed her. She realized she looked more the part of rich heiress than pigskin enthusiast, dressed as she was in a sporty-chic tan tennis skirt, matching top and pristine white sneaker-clogs.
“I haven’t had much time to enjoy it lately,” she told the coach.
Jerry chuckled, and his pale blues twinkled in contrast against a healthy tan. “Don’t worry, hanging around Qasim will change all that.”
Vectra noticed the man raised his head in a quick up-and-down move, and she followed the line of his gaze to find Qasim heading toward them at a light jog.
“Sim!” Jerry called. “Looks like you’ve got a football lover on your hands.”
Qasim grinned. “So she says.”
Jerry and Vectra both laughed.
“Have you guys met?” Qasim asked.
“Oh, yes, Jerry showed me in,” Vectra explained.
“I’ll leave you guys to it,” Jerry said and then tipped the brim of his cap emblazoned with the Bears’ mascot. “Enjoy yourself, Ms. Bauer.”
“Thanks, Jerry.” Vectra smiled.
“Sim.” The coach nodded and then jogged away.
Turning back to Qasim, Vectra acted out a playful cringe. “Will you try to break the man in half later for escorting me to the field?”
“Hmm...” Qasim made a pretense of considering the idea, and then shook his head. “Nah...Jerry’s an all right guy. Besides, he’s married.”
She laughed. “So married men are safe?”
Qasim shrugged as though accepting the observation as fact. Inwardly, though, he felt a measure of accomplishment. He’d experienced none of the lightning-fast possessiveness that had been jolting through him with such annoying frequency over the thought of another man touching her. Deciding he deserved a treat for his progress, Sim turned the brim of his cap backward and drew Vectra high against him for a thorough kiss.
“There’re kids present,” she reminded him while arching into his chest.
“’S all right. It’ll give ’em somethin’ to strive for.”
