Page 94 of Whispers and Wildfire

I watched as people bid. The energy wasn’t as frenzied as when Jenna and I had been battling it out for Luke, but that wasn’t Hank’s fault. Bidding wars tended to do that at these events. I glanced toward Jenna’s table and realized she was one of the bidders.

Huh. That was interesting.

It came down to Jenna and a woman in the back. I had a feeling Jenna was not going to lose another one. Maybe that was why she was bidding so furiously on Hank. She was annoyed at me for costing her Luke.

The two women bid back and forth a few more times before the one in the back finally gave up. She set her paddle down, and the auctioneer declared Jenna the winner. The guests applauded, and she waved, smiling like she’d just won a big teddy bear at a carnival.

My cheeks felt flushed, and the swirl of emotion was dizzying. I fanned myself and stood. “I need to use the ladies’ room.”

The closest restrooms were just outside the ballroom. I ducked inside, grateful for the cooler air and relative quiet. And the lack of Jenna. The last thing I needed was another run-in with Miss Bathroom-Bonding-Is-Fun.

I used the bathroom, double-checked to make sure my dress was all the way down and not tucked into my underwear, and washed my hands. My cheeks were still a bit flushed, and I fanned myself again, wishing I could get it together and calm down.

This didn’t have to be a big deal. It was funny when I thought about it. Me, bidding like a rich heiress with Daddy’s credit card on one of Tilikum’s most eligible bachelors. He was my ex-boyfriend. So what? That had been a million years ago, almost in another life.

We’d have a good laugh about it and then move on.

Feeling a little less like I was about to have an early hot flash, I reapplied my lipstick, tucked it back in my clutch, and walked out of the restroom.

Right into Luke.

This time, we didn’t collide. But there he was, coming through the men’s room door. I lifted my eyes to the ceiling.Really, universe?

Before I could slip by him unnoticed, he caught sight of me, and his lips curled in that subtle grin.

I put my hand up, palm out. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t say anything.”

His grin spread. “I wasn’t going to say a word.”

“Yes, you were, but don’t bother. I wasn’t bidding for me. I was bidding for someone else.”

“Oh yeah? Who?”

“My mom. It was her paddle.”

“And what does your mom want with me?”

“You know,” I said, idly gesturing with one hand, “helparound the house. Handyman-type stuff. Or maybe something with her car. I don’t know. She probably has a list.”

Still smiling, he stepped closer. “I can’t do any of that stuff. Bruised ribs, remember? I can’t even drive.”

“Of course I remember. I’ve been taking you to work every day. How could I forget?”

“Which means your mom must know I’m injured and can’t help around the house. Or fix her car.” He moved closer still.

I took a step back only to find my back against the wall. “I’m sure she’ll find something for you to do.”

His nearness made my heart race and my cheeks flush all over again. Why did he have to smell so good? His raw masculinity washed over me, turning my stomach into a whirlpool.

“What time?” he asked.

My voice was embarrassingly breathy. “What time for what?”

“Your winnings. According to the auction rules, you get me all to yourself tomorrow. Any time after noon, and no later than ten. Unless otherwise agreed upon.”

---