Page 48 of The Purest Fake

“Nothing yet, but I want to make sure it stays that way.”

“Why don’t we sit down,” Autumn suggests.

“Good idea,” I agree, lowering to a chair. The others follow my lead as I look around the room.

This ballroom is lavishly decorated with tables draped in crisp white linens and decked out with shiny silverware and crystal glasses at each place setting.

“So, what’s the plan for tonight?” I ask, turning back to our small group.

Cooper leans in slightly. “This is the cocktail hour. We can place bids on the items up for auction. Dinner comes next, followed by some speeches about the charity.”

“Sounds pretty standard.” I nod. “Any specific etiquette I should be aware of?”

Rogan grins. “Just don’t get too drunk and make a scene. Other than that, you’re good.”

Autumn playfully swats his arm. “Ignore him. Just be yourself, Scar. You’ll be fine.”

I laugh. “I’ll do my best to stay sober and scandal free.”

“That’s the spirit,” Cooper says, winking. His hand finds mine under the table, giving it a reassuring squeeze. I don’t know which affects me more, the wink or his touch. Both have my stomach fluttering for different reasons.

A waiter approaches with a tray of champagne flutes. We each take one, and Cooper raises his. “To a successful night for a good cause.”

We clink our glasses together and take a sip. The bubbly is crisp and cool. Maybe it’ll help calm my libido. It must be in overdrive if all it took was a wink and hand squeeze to make me react.

I glance at Cooper. “You never mentioned what charity this event is for.”

“Children’s Hospital.”

Autumn downs her champagne in one gulp. “So, shall we check out the auction items?” I follow suit, chugging my champagne, and set the empty flute on the table, nodding in agreement.

We all stand and then make our way to the display tables set up along one wall of the ballroom. There’s an impressive array of items available for bids—everything from luxury vacation packages, to signed sports memorabilia and fine jewelry.

“Oh, wow, look at this,” Autumn says, pointing to a framed jersey signed by the entire Silverbacks team. “That would look amazing in my office, don’t you think?” She looks at Rogan hopefully.

He chuckles. “I could probably get you one of those for free, right?”

“But this one helps kids,” she counters with a pout.

As they playfully banter about the merits of bidding, I wander down the table, taking in the other items. There’s a beautiful sapphire necklace that catches my eye.

“See anything you like?” Cooper asks, leaning close to speak softly. His warm breath fans over my ear, sending a tingle down my spine.

“There are a lot of amazing things but nothing I need.”

“Wanting and needing are two different things. Sometimes it’s nice to have something just because you like it. So let me rephrase my question. Do you see anything you want?”

Before I can respond, we’re interrupted by the arrival of Thor and Griffin, both looking handsome in their tuxedos.

“Hey, you two,” Griffin says, clapping Cooper on the shoulder. “We’re here, in case you missed us.”

“Hey, guys,” Cooper greets them. “You clean up nice.”

Thor grins. “Back at you. And Scarlett, you look stunning.”

“Thank you. And so you know, we didn’t even notice you weren’t here,” I tease.

Griffin clutches his chest and staggers to the side. “Ouch.”

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