Absolutely, Positively

investment, because that's exactly what it is. A hell of a better investment than some zany invention cooked up by a crackpot inventor, for God's sake.”

    Molly planted her hands on the desk. “I will say this one more time, and that's it. I am not interested in making you a loan.”

    Without any warning, the warm, persuasive charm on Gordon's face disappeared. “Goddamn it, Molly, you've got to listen to me.”

    Startled by the outburst, Molly took a quick step back. “What do you think you're doing?”

    Frustration and rage flashed in his eyes. “I've got too much riding on this. Do you think I'm going to let all of my plans go down the tubes just because you're harboring a grudge?”

    “I'm not harboring any grudges.”

    “The hell you aren't.” Gordon surged to his feet. “You're still pissed because of what happened between us.”

    “Are you nuts? That was eighteen months ago. Believe it or not, I've had better things to do in the meantime than nurse a broken heart or carry a grudge.”

    “Then stop letting your emotions get in the way of good business,” Gordon shot back. “Don't you understand what's at stake here?”

    “Sure. Your reexpansion plans. Do you think I care about financing a half-dozen Gordon Brooke Espresso Bars? I've got my own business to worry about.”

    “This isn't about expansion for the sake of expansion. This is life and death.”

    Molly's mouth fell open. “Life and death?”

    “No joke, Molly. I'm sitting on the brink of bankruptcy.” Gordon's hands clenched into fists. “I have to have fresh money, or Gordon Brooke Espresso is going to go under. All of it. Everything I've worked for will come crashing down around my ears.”

    Molly closed her eyes briefly. “I'm so sorry, Gordon. I didn't realize things were that precarious.”

    “You can save me.” He started around the desk with renewed determination. “I need you, honey. For old times' sake, say you'll help me.”

    She bit her lip. “Please, don't make this a personal thing. You said it was business. And as a businesswoman, I don't want any part of it. I'm into tea and spices, not coffee.”

    He took a step toward her. “Molly, what happened between us is old news. You and I can start over. We'll be partners this time. We've got so much in common.”

    Molly felt the hair stir softly on the nape of her neck. She knew without turning around that the door to her office had just opened. She also knew who had entered.

    “Am I interrupting anything important here?” Harry asked with a dangerous chill in his voice.

    Molly whirled around, relieved to see him. She gave him an overly bright smile. “Not at all.”

    Gordon's expression turned thunderous. “I'm trying to have a business conversation with Molly.”

    “Too bad. I've got an appointment with her, myself.” Harry glanced at his watch. “For lunch. You'll have to excuse us.”

    Gordon's jaw resembled a concrete reinforcing bar. “I don't think I've met you.”

    Molly leaped into the awkward silence that fell between the men. “That's right, you two don't know each other. Gordon, this is Dr. Harry Trevelyan. He's a noted authority on the history of science. He's consulting for the Abberwick Foundation. Harry, this is Gordon Brooke of Gordon Brooke Espresso. You've probably had some of his coffee.”

    Harry said nothing.

    Gordon scowled. “You're the guy who's helping Molly select funding projects for the foundation?”

    “Yes.” Harry looked at Molly. “Ready?”

    “Let me get my purse.” Molly hurried around the corner of her desk.

    Gordon put out a hand to catch hold of her arm. “Damn it, Molly, this is important. Let me finish what I've started here.”

    “Some other time.” Molly ducked his outstretched fingers. She pulled her purse out of a drawer. “Harry's right. He and I have an appointment to discuss some foundation business.”

    “Yeah, I'll bet you do.” Gordon gave Harry a fulminating look. “I know all about you so-called foundation consultants.”

    Harry cocked a brow. “You do?”

    “Sure. You latch onto people like Molly who handle the funds for a foundation or a charity. You convince them that they need you in order to get the job done, and then you milk the operation for all the fees and associated costs you can get. It's nothing more than a legal scam.”

    Molly was shocked. “Gordon, stop it. I don't want to hear another word.”

    “It's the truth. Guys like Trevelyan here are the