To Catch a Man (In 30 Days or Less) (The BAD BOY BILLIONAIRES Series) by Judy Angelo Read Free Book Online Page B

leaving university her whole life had been dedicated to
working with children just like Moekebi.  And no matter how many little ones
you held in your arms while they made their finally journey to the next life,
you never got used to it.  Each case was a fresh, new heartache.  She had a
pretty good idea what Stone must be feeling right now.
    “But that wasn’t the worst part,”
Stone said, his eyes going back to her.  “He was leaving behind a little
brother who was only six years old and a sister who was only two.  At twelve,
he’d been both mother and father to these little ones.”
    “Their parents?”
    “Already dead from the disease.” 
Stone was silent for a moment then he spoke, and his voice was filled with the
determination and hope now reflected on his face.  “It seems like a daunting
task, taking on the problems of a nation, but then I thought, no matter how
small, doing a little is better than doing nothing at all.”  He shifted
slightly in his seat, turning toward her.  “Before he died I promised Moekebi I
would take care of his little brother and sister.  He died whispering my
promise.  That means a lot to me.”
    “And the children, they're at the
orphanage now?”
    “No, they live in a home just
outside Johannesburg.  I hired a home mother to care for them.  She provides me
with regular updates on their progress.  Little Someleve just started
kindergarten and Botuli is in the second grade.”
    Indie cocked her head to one side. 
“So how does the orphanage fit into this picture?”
    “Here’s the thing.  Once I’d
decided to help one family I felt I had to do more.  Then, as if by some
predetermined destiny, one of my South African employees mentioned the
orphanage.  It had fallen into severe disrepair.  The orphans often had nothing
to eat."
    “But, how is that?”  Indie
frowned.  “What about the social services?”
    “This wasn’t a government
institution.  It had been run by missionaries who, for whatever reason, packed up
and returned to their countries.  My best guess is that it was due to lack of
funding.”
    Indie gave him a genuine smile of
gratitude.  She’d long since given up on any attempt at being flirtatious.  In
fact, she’d almost forgotten about that part of the plan.  Rather than trying
to tempt him, her smile meant she was truly interested in his story.  “And that
was when you stepped in.”
    He nodded.  “Correct.  That gift
fell into my lap and I snapped it right up.  And never felt better.”
    Indie shook her head in
admiration.  Who would have thought a Canadian billionaire would find so much
joy in helping others so far away?  “I can see that for you it's more than just
giving money to a worthy cause.  You’re actually involved in what goes on in
those kids' lives, aren’t you?”
    “I try to be, as much as I can. 
That’s why I didn’t mind the excuse to head back to South Africa to get you
settled.  I’ll introduce you to each one of them.  We have sixty boys in the
home.”
    “A good number,” Indie said,
nodding.  She was going to have her hands full but she was up for the
challenge.  Then as she looked over at him her curiosity got the better of
her.  “You’ve done a great job in creating a surrogate family but what about a
family of your own?  Is that something…you want to do?”
    Then, just in case he thought she
was zany to ask such a personal question she leaned back and put up her hand. 
“Just curious.”
    He gave her an unfathomable look
then tightened his lips.  “I was looking forward to having a family once.  It
didn’t work out.”
    “I’m…sorry to hear that.”  Now she
was really curious but there was no way she could dig deeper without coming off
as rude.  She gazed over at him, hoping he would continue but, typical male,
that was where he shut up.  Just when things sounded interesting.
    “Yeah, life.”  He shrugged.  “I
learned my lesson.  Walk cautiously in life,