“I’d like to give you another option. Would you consider investing the money in a new company, a laboratory that you would own and run to do whatever you wish?” His voice is gentle, but his eyes bore into me with the same fiery intensity.
I sink back in my chair. My hand flies to my sternum where a new lifeblood is rushing strong and heated. Aiden just offered me my dream. Not just the American dream, but my professional dream. I have always wanted my own lab where I could work away from the influence of huge pharmaceutical companies.
“But wouldn’t it take more than a million dollars to develop a laboratory?”
“Easily,” says Denton, sounding awed by the offer too.
“That’s where I come in. As you know, I make money by owning equity in other companies. But I plan to transition into making, building and producing on my own. Especially products that can support the U.S. troops. Your supplement is a good example because it’s light and small so it packs well. It also has potential for charitable use, including emaciated civilians the troops are tasked with caring for.” He speaks fast—a tone of urgency in his voice. It sounds like he has been in the theater himself. An idea forms in my head.
He interrupts my hypothesis. “This would be my first venture into production. I’d like to start with you.” His eyes brighten, never leaving mine, as if he is implying more with his words.
“We would go into business together?” I whisper in astonishment.
“Yes. As you’ve just proven, our business ethics match. You’re bright, hard-working and shrewd. But I could be a passive investor, if you wish. You would have all management power.”
I know why he added this. With Denton here, he can’t say more but he just freed me if I didn’t want to deal with him after our nights together.
Denton is watching me. They’re both waiting for me to say something. How could I ever get over Aiden after this? After he hands me my dream on a lab tray? There would never be another man for me. Of that, I’m certain. I would want him every day for as long as I walked the earth, because it would be more than love for me. It would be that irreversible bond of origin, of the one who gave you life so you could live your dreams. And my only family would be that lab—that one thing we would share. He would move on, with a wife and children, but I would not. The loneliness of the image prickles the beauty of the dream.
I find some air and string the words together. “I think what you’re offering is a tremendous opportunity, Mr. Hale. If it’s okay with you, may I think it over to make sure I’m doing the right thing? For both of us?”
His eyebrows rise slightly at my last words, but he nods. “Yes, but don’t take too long. You have to let Bob know soon, and you don’t want any delays.” He looks intense, anxious even.
“I understand. I’ll let you both know by this weekend.”
“Good. Now, are there any other questions before we sign the agreement?”
I’m about to shake my head when I remember. In my astonishment, I almost forgot. “Why are you interested in military defense, Mr. Hale?” I try to keep my tone light and not give away how much I want this information for my theory.
The tectonic plates shift in his eyes abruptly. He takes a sip from his glass of water, looking like he was hoping this question would never come. I wait.
“You’re not the only one who has fought for the American dream,” he says after a few moments.
Bingo! “You were in the military?”
He nods once, keeping his eyes on me.
“That’s impressive, Mr. Hale. When?” Denton asks. With every word Aiden speaks, I think Denton is developing a man crush on him.
“When I was eighteen,” Aiden answers politely, but his voice is hardening.
“How long were you in the military? Were you in the Army?” Denton presses on. He’s in love.
“No, the Marines. For about five years.” Aiden’s sentences are getting shorter. I know I have only moments before he ends the conversation. I make my move for the final missing piece.
Chapter Thirty
Discovery
“Were you in combat?” I ask.
His jaw flexes for a millisecond and he turns to me. “Yes. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll add your terms to the agreement.”
The moment he leaves the room, my brain jumps into overdrive but Denton interrupts me.
“What an inspiring creature. Marine, then college, then this. When does the man sleep?”
“I don’t know,” I mumble, grateful for my long hair in case my face betrays my intimate knowledge of Aiden Hale’s bedroom.
“Isa, I’d like you to forget about my being a professor for a moment. Can you do that?”
The question takes me by surprise. “Sure, what do you need?”
“I need you to talk to me like a friend.” He smiles. “What’s going on with you and Hale?”
I flush. How embarrassing. Denton was thinking I managed to impress a businessman with my supplement and now he suspects I got this deal with something else. I can’t look him in the eye. I doodle with my finger on the cherry wood table.