Charlotte Kline surveyed the round table where she sat not listening to the fundraising committee chairperson introduce the main speaker. Three couples she hardly knew and an empty seat next to her. Because she was the only attendee without a date, Dennis Wright, director of the youth center, would sit next to her after his speech. 

Why had she let Karen talk her into coming? She should have donated the money for the table and stayed home, or better yet, at the office. It was where she felt most comfortable, powerful, even. She sat up straighter. 

Dennis stepped to the podium. With his dark curls, large brown eyes, and self-deprecating smile, he looked cute. He was close to her age, around forty, and still single. She blinked the thought out of her head.

Dennis held up one hand. “I appreciate all of you. I wouldn’t be able to keep the youth center running without you.” He locked eyes with Charlotte. “Thank you also for volunteering and encouraging your staff to volunteer.”

Her heart thumped. Why had he addressed that last statement to her? Though she had been generous with her company’s contributions, she’d never volunteered at his center. Her assistant, Karen, had. Karen was supposed to be here, but had given her tickets away at the last minute, claiming a prior family commitment her husband had made. They’d probably gone off by themselves this evening. 

Charlotte pursed her lips and tried not to envy Karen her loving marriage. Charlotte had made her choice. Her career was more important.

Dennis clasped his hands. “Thank you again. Enjoy the dinner.” He strode off the stage.

Charlotte felt sweat bead on her brow and a lump form in her throat. He would be sitting next to her, and she hadn’t listened to his speech. What would she say?

Her phone danced on the table. She picked it up. Karen. She slid her chair back and slipped out of the room to the hallway. “What’s up?”

“An emergency! Go to the terrace so you can talk freely.”

Accustomed to depending on Karen, Charlotte dashed down the hotel hallway to the terrace off the ballroom. “Where are you? Is this office related?”

“Had a call from IT. Our server is down.”

Charlotte gazed out over the city, gulping in air. “Why didn’t they call me?”

“I told them not to interrupt you. They’re working on it. It should be fine. I only called because you might get some e-mails or messages from clients.”

“Thanks. Do they know what happened?”

“Hackers. Power interruption. Who knows? Oh, I have another call. Hang on. It might be IT.” Karen put her on hold.

Charlotte sighed and pivoted as the terrace door opened. 

Dennis ambled to the opposite end of the small space, his phone to his ear. “What!” He leaned against the railing, his back to her. “I’ll come right down.” He stepped back. “The police? Already?” He ran a hand through his hair. “All right. Thanks.”

She stepped toward him. No. She shouldn’t be eaves dropping. She averted her gaze. Why was Karen taking so long? 

Dennis glanced over and offered her a shy smile as he listened on his phone. “Okay. Call me right back.” He stared at her.

Charlotte’s throat dried out. “Emergency situation.” She held her phone up. “You, too?”

“Yeah.” He glanced at the city. “One of our kids tried to break in and got arrested.” He closed his eyes for a second. “I’m waiting for an update.” He nodded toward her. “You?”

“Server down.” Her phone beeped. She held it to her ear and swiveled away from him. “Karen?” In her peripheral vision, she watched Dennis face out to the city and steal glances at her.

“Server’s back on-line,” Karen said.

“Hallelujah.” Charlotte exhaled.

“Enjoy your dinner.” Was Karen smirking when she said that?

Charlotte narrowed her eyes. “Okay. Thanks.” She pocketed her phone.

Dennis’s phone buzzed and he answered. “Oh, good. I’ll talk to him tomorrow.” He glanced at the door. “Of course, I’ll defend him.” He pocketed his phone. 

A waiter wheeled out a small table draped with a white tablecloth and set for two. A large plate covered by a silver dome occupied the center. Another waiter followed with two chairs. “Enjoy!” They scampered inside.

Dennis squinted at the table, then glanced at Charlotte. 

She shrugged and lifted the dome. Her mouth watered at the sight of two beef wellington dinners. A bottle of wine sat in a bucket of ice next to it.

Dennis stepped toward her. “Have a seat?”

“Uh. What’s all this?” She glanced up at him as she sat.

He smirked and sat opposite her. “Someone sent us dinner?” He unfolded his napkin and placed it on his lap. “Let’s enjoy.”

Her first instinct was to scoff and head back into the ballroom, but the beef smelled heavenly, and Dennis looked handsome. “Why not?” She smiled as he handed her a glass of wine.

He held up his glass, and she clinked hers with his. 

“Here’s to getting to know a beautiful woman.”

Her breath caught, but she managed a smile. She made eye contact, but couldn’t find words.

He sipped his wine and chuckled. “In order to get to know someone you have to speak.”

She laughed and her shoulders relaxed. “I guess so. But you already know I’m CEO of Software Solutions.” She waved her hand. “There isn’t much more.”

He smiled and gazed at her. “Oh, we lawyers have a way of getting answers.” 

She squinted at him. “I thought you ran the youth center.” 

“I was a lawyer first.” He raised his palm, eyes wide. “I didn’t orchestrate this.” He smiled. “Only taking advantage.”

The synchronization of their phone conversations hit her. She exhaled and bit her lip. “Was your call from Karen?”

He smiled. “Yep. I’m guessing yours was too?”