Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 58142 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 291(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58142 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 291(@200wpm)___ 233(@250wpm)___ 194(@300wpm)
For each date auction, there’s a photo of the person offering the date, along with a brief bio, and a description of the date that they’ve planned. I decided on a fall-themed picnic at the park that overlooks the island’s famous four scenic points, and I plan to get food from the fancy grocery store in Littleton. My menu includes turkey wraps, chili, and pumpkin spice lager, along with apple turnovers from Maddy’s bakery.
There’s also a table of non-date auction items on offer, things like a weekend stay at the Four Points Beach Resort, a spa certificate, and a golf outing.
When it’s time for attendees to start arriving, I take up a station by the entrance, where there’s a registration table and a container for donations. As people come in, I greet them, take their name and contact information, and issue bidding numbers.
My parents are among the first group of arrivals. I wasn’t pleased about them coming and seeing my date auction, but they insisted on attending when they heard about the event, and they can usually be counted on to make a generous donation to the shelter every year, so I could hardly tell them not to come.
“Hello, dear,” Mom says as they walk up to my table. Her eyes drop to somewhere around my chest level. “Is that a new dress?”
“Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad. Yes, it’s a new dress.”
“It’s a very bold color,” Mom says, studying me. “I’m not sure if it works with your skin.”
I ignore the remark, get them registered, and send them inside.
People continue to arrive in a steady flow, and I’m glad the event is drawing such a crowd. The shelter could really use another building so that it can take in more animals and provide more space for the ones it already has. I assume an expansion will be a long-term fundraising project, but with luck, maybe tonight can go a long way toward the goal.
Becca arrives with two of her men, Shane and Khalil. “Thanks for coming,” I say, standing to give her a hug.
“Of course. We wouldn’t miss it.”
I move to shake her guys’ hands, but Shane pulls me into a quick side hug. “It’s good to see you, Jade.”
Khalil hugs me next, his ever-present grin in place. “Marcos and Devin are sorry they couldn’t make it. They’re traveling for business.”
“I appreciate that all of you have come.”
“Happy to support a great cause,” Shane says.
“Go ahead inside,” Becca tells the men. “I’ll catch up with you.” When Shane and Khalil leave, she says, “We do want to help the shelter, but I came to give you moral support.”
I frown, trying to figure out what she means.
“You were nervous about the auction when you signed up,” she says. “I thought you might still be feeling that way.”
“Oh, right. I guess I was. And no, I’m feeling okay about it today. It’ll be fine.” The auction has barely been on my mind at all. My only concerns are about my complicated situation with the Stanton brothers.
As if reading my mind, Becca says, “Rachel mentioned that you got flowers a while back. How are things going?”
From her hesitant tone, I gather that Rachel also filled her in on our conversation that followed the flower delivery. Becca knows I’ve been seeing the guys, but I haven’t talked to her about the complications that have been building.
“Things are okay,” I say. “We could really use a good catch-up session when you have time.”
Becca points to her chest. “When I have time? I’m not the one who’s been extra busy lately.” Her tone is light and teasing, and I smile back at her.
“You’re right. I’ve been busy, but let’s plan something soon.”
“That sounds good,” she says. “I’ll see you inside, okay? I’d better go find my guys.”
“See you later.” I watch her go, feeling slightly guilty that I haven’t kept her updated on things. When I turn back toward the door to watch for new arrivals, my view is blocked by a line of men approaching.
Very familiar men.
27
Disaster
“What are you doing here?” I blurt out, immediately realizing it’s not exactly the friendly greeting I’ve been offering others.
“We came to bid on a date,” Diesel says, “and to help the shelter that helped Barnes, of course.”
My mouth is hanging open. I want to ask them to leave, but they’ve played the Barnes card. Besides, I can’t tell them where they can and can’t be. “I … I didn’t even realize you knew about the auction,” I stammer.
Maddox shrugs. “You know we have ways of finding things out.”
“As stalkers do,” I say.
“We saw a sign when we were at the shelter,” Dodge says, “and Lisa told us you were participating.”
“Is there a reason you didn’t tell us?” Chase asks.
“It’s kind of embarrassing,” I say with a grimace.
He frowns. “Not at all. By the way, you look especially beautiful today. Is that a new dress?”