Tackling Molasses Crinkles by Laura Freeman

Author:Laura Freeman [Freeman, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance; fantasy; Christmas; holiday; cookies; ghosts
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2021-08-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Nick hesitated. He hadn’t made his foundation work public knowledge. He wanted to guarantee its success before asking for donations from strangers. His rejection had hurt Crystal, even though she denied it. He needed her to know it wasn’t personal. “I started it this summer, and I don’t have much money, especially for employees. I don’t plan on curing genetic diseases, but I try to make a small difference in the world. I build water wells in Africa.”

“He built two this past summer.” Angela pointed toward the refrigerator door. “I saved an article about his work.”

“Water wells?” She gasped in comprehension. “That explains the water resources part of your engineering degree.”

“During college, I visited Africa with a friend who was building a school. The girls can’t attend classes because they have to spend hours walking to the nearest river where the water isn’t even sanitary. It’s a good cause.”

“Especially for the girls.”

Her face had a familiar glow. Adoring fans looked at him the same way. Crystal’s hero-worshipping made his heart beat faster, but did she share the same excitement? “You don’t think I should help girls?”

“I think it’s wonderful. Most men couldn’t care less about the challenges and dangers girls face. It isn’t only missing school. They travel alone with no protection. Men attack them. The violence is brutal, and no one pays for the crimes.”

“I can’t change their law enforcement, but with a water well, I can keep the girls in school and off the dangerous roads.”

She touched his arm and gazed into his eyes. “It’s a good cause, Nick.”

Her approval gave him more satisfaction than any devoted fan praising a tackle.

“It’s a necessary cause. I don’t do it to impress people. It’s the money and connections I make playing football that make the foundation possible. I know they pay me a ridiculous amount of money to play a game, but I’m saving for retirement, which will come sooner than later because of injuries, and I’m using the rest to help others.”

“Like water wells for villages in Africa.” She stared at him as if seeing him for the first time. “Did you see the wells when they were completed?”

“I oversaw the work.” He had participated as much as time would allow. “I don’t like the idea of writing a check and thinking that’s enough.” He leaned back and pushed his clean plate away. “I’m ready for dessert. Where are those cookies?”

Crystal retrieved the tin and offered it to him. His hand brushed against hers as he took several cookie pieces. A shock of electricity jumped from her hand to his.

“Sorry.” She tugged on her sleeve. “It must be the static from my sweater.”

“It’s in the air,” he said.

She blushed and began stacking the empty containers scattered on the table. “Are you planning to dig more wells next year?”

“I have a team looking for locations. It’s important to ask for input from the people who will use the well. I also enlist the natives for some of the labor.”

“Why? Shouldn’t you pay professionals to do the work?”

“The people in the village have pride.

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