Priceless

“Tony’s not alone. You heard how he talks about his mom. She’s great with him.”

Mack regarded her with a steady look. “And I think that’s fantastic, but now he has me, too.”

Beth’s expression faltered as the sincerity of his intentions finally sank in. “You actually mean that, don’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because I know what it’s like to grow up without a dad,” Mack said honestly. “That was bad enough. To grow up sick and terrified without a dad must be a thousand times worse. If I can help by coming to visit, then that’s what I intend to do. Any objections, Dr. Browning?”

She hesitated, her gaze locked with his, then finally she shook her head. “None, as long as you don’t let him down.”

“You concentrate on getting him well, Doc. I’ll concentrate on giving him a few extra reasons to live.”

That said, he turned and walked away, not sure whether he was more upset by Tony’s situation or by the doctor who doubted his own good intentions.

Not until he was on his way to his business meeting did Mack allow himself to consider Beth’s earlier claim that she had never spoken to Destiny. Was she telling him the truth? He couldn’t imagine any reason she’d have to lie.

Destiny, to the contrary, might well be inclined to lie if this was another of her matchmaking plots as he’d initially suspected. The instant he’d met the doctor—pretty, brainy, serious—his suspicions had been aroused all over again. The fact that Destiny had never mentioned Dr. Browning being a woman raised all sorts of red flags, as well.

As he drove across town, he voice activated his cell phone and called Destiny.

“Darling, I didn’t expect to hear from you again so soon,” she said. “How did things go at the hospital? Were you able to meet Tony?”

“Yes. He’s in rough shape.”

“Then I’m sure your visit meant a lot. I’m so proud of you for taking the time to stop by.”

“It’s the least I can do.” He hesitated, debating whether it was wise to ask his aunt any question at all about Beth Browning. She might make way too much of his curiosity. Still, he wanted to know what he was up against. Had she schemed to bring the two of them together? If so, she had to know that it was an unlikely match. The woman didn’t even like football, much less understand it, and the game was an integral part of his life. And she seemed to have formed some very negative opinions about the kind of man he was.

“By the way, your Dr. Browning is not exactly a huge fan of the game,” he said eventually.

“Really?” Destiny said.

He listened for a false note in her voice, but didn’t detect one. “You didn’t know?” he pressed.

“How would I know?”

“You did say you’d talked to her.”

“Did I say that? Actually your secretary passed along all those messages.”

Now she was getting her stories mixed up. Mack knew he was on to something. “Destiny, it’s not like you to forget what tale you’ve told. What’s the real scoop here?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I asked you to do a good deed. You did it. That’s the end of it, isn’t it?” Now she hesitated. “Or did you find Dr. Browning attractive?”

“In a quiet, no-frills sort of way,” he said, considering that to be a bit generous. She had nice, warm eyes, pale blond hair in a chin-length style and lovely skin, but she didn’t do much to accentuate her femininity, not like most of the women he knew. All of that made it much harder for him to understand the little frisson of attraction he’d felt toward her. Maybe it was nothing more than the obvious challenge she represented.

“Mack, didn’t I teach you that the packaging is not what counts with a woman?” Destiny chided.

He laughed at that. “You tried.”

“Perhaps you should reconsider the lesson. It was a good one.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Well, if that’s all, Mack, I’ve got to run. I have a million things to do before my dinner guest arrives.”

“Anyone I know?” Maybe if his aunt had a social life of her own, she’d stop messing with his.

“No. This is just someone with whom I’ve recently become acquainted.”

“A man?” he pressed.

“If you must know, no.”

“Too bad. I could introduce you to some eligible bachelors anytime you say the word,” he said, warming to the idea.

Destiny laughed. “Most of the men you know are half my age. As flattering as I might find that, I doubt it’s very wise. There’s nothing worse than a foolish old woman trying to be something she’s not.”

“I do know a lot of rich, powerful men who own their own companies,” Mack retorted. “Though, frankly, I think a guy my age might find you more fascinating and challenging than some of the women they’re currently dating.”

“Ah, there’s that silver tongue of yours again,” she said, chuckling. “Thank you, darling. I must run, though.”

Mack said goodbye, then went over the conversation a few more times in his head. Had Destiny actually admitted to knowing Beth or not? He had a hunch it was something he needed to know before he got sucked right smack into the middle of one of her schemes. Forewarned was forearmed with his aunt.

* * *

Beth studied the older woman seated across the elegant dinner table from her. So, this was Destiny Carlton.

Beth had been caught completely off guard when she’d returned to her office after Mack’s visit to find a message from his aunt inviting her to dinner. Curiosity had compelled her to accept. Maybe tonight she’d learn why Mack had seemed so sure that Beth and his aunt were already acquainted.

So far, though, the evening had been filled with idle chitchat. Beth was growing increasingly impatient. She put down her fork and met Destiny’s penetrating gaze.

“Pardon me for being direct, Ms. Carlton, but why am I here?”

Destiny’s blue eyes sparkled with merriment. “I was wondering when you were going to ask that. I’d heard you were direct.”

Beth wasn’t sure what to make of that. Surely there hadn’t been time for Mack to report back to his aunt. “Oh?”

“No need to look so worried,” Destiny said. “As I’m sure you know, I do a lot of fund-raising for the hospital. I tend to hear about the rising stars on the medical and research staff. Your name has come up rather frequently in recent months. When I heard about your messages for my nephew, I decided it was time we met.”

“I see.” Beth was still a bit confused. “Are you interested in funding some of the research at the hospital?”

“Always, but my interest here has more to do with Mack. What did you think of him?”

“I’m not sure I understand what you’re asking,” Beth responded cautiously.