“Can I pet it?”
“I’m afraid not.” Charlie kept her voice level when she wanted to scream at Grant Loews. The man used big cats in many of his television shows, and Charlie had spent years trying to get him to come to the rescue.
“Petra is a wild animal.” Dev didn’t bother to keep the frustration from his tone.
She’d told him he could skip the tour, but he’d insisted. If the producer had shown any interest in the actual rescue, she might be annoyed. But it was clear this was a public relations move on his part, so Dev’s annoyance wasn’t going to change anything.
Sure, he’d probably donate to the cause. So that if an activist asked, he could point to Anderson Rescue as a “pet” cause.
“We recently released an ocelot, and Dr. Anderson’s facility is responsible for over thirty treat-and-release cases in the last two years.”
Charlie smiled. It was like Dev had swallowed her welcome packet, but she could tell Grant wasn’t impressed.
Grant looked at his watch, and Charlie took a deep breath. Here was the donation and excuse to leave.
“I am prepared to give you fifty-thousand dollars.” Grant’s smile was as fake as those of the actors he worked with. But that kind of donation would keep a full-time staff member on duty for a year.
“Thank yo—”
“Come on, Mr. Loews. You can do better than that.” Dev crossed his arms as he stared the man down.
Charlie nearly bit her tongue, keeping the censure from her lips.
“Seventy-five. But that is it.” Grant glared at Dev and pushed past him.
“Dev!” Charlie rounded on the man she was quickly falling for. He was grinning, but she did not share his enthusiasm.
“What?” He held up his hands. “I knew he could offer more.”
“So did I.” Charlie rolled her eyes. Dev was worth millions, but he didn’t move in these circles. Asking for donations was a delicate game. One she excelled at by not insulting people she knew didn’t want to be here. At least the first time.
“Sometimes it takes me three or four visits to get them to start to understand.” Powerful people were used to looking past things. Something Dev did, too. Just not for his own benefit. “You got more money from him, but he won’t come back. And he’s used big cats in three shows.”
Dev grabbed her hand, his touch light. “Charlie, we don’t need them.”
We.
If he’d used that word in any other setting, at any other time, she’d have jumped into his arms and showered him with kisses. “It’s not about the money. I mean—” she squeezed his hand “—it’s a little about it, gotta keep the lights on. But I want people to see these animals as wild. As creatures that should be left alone.”
Dev’s head dropped a little. He’d been protecting her and getting more funds for her rescue. That was admirable.
Lifting on her toes, she kissed his cheek. “Did you mean we?”
Dev captured her mouth, then pulled pack. “I did.”
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