Page 8 of The Celebrity Bidder

“Then it’s a good thing you’re more than that.”

My lips twitch into an affectionate smile for Nadine. “I don’t pay you to flatter me, you know.”

“I know,” she says, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “I do that for free.”

“How about a helicopter?” I ask, my mind drifting back to my date with Bella.

She raises an eyebrow. “I’d prefer a new car.”

“For thedate,” I clarify. “A helicopter isn’t as flashy as a private jet, right?”

Nadine shakes her head. “You’re impossible.”

Chapter 6

Bella

Theemailpingsjustas I’m restocking puppy pads in the supply closet.

Subject line:Your Auction Date Has Been Scheduled.

I wipe my hands on my jeans and tap it open, expecting a name, maybe a vague description of the date, something likeDinner at Hawks Roost Grill, 7PM.

Instead, I get this:

Who: Wylie Cole.

What: Travel by helicopter to Nashville, Tennessee for a private rooftop dinner.

When: Leave from Wylie’s helipad at 4pm.

Please find attached directions to Wylie’s home, as well as the contact information for his personal assistant, Nadine. Please inform her of any dietary restrictions and/or food allergies in advance.

I read it again.

Then a third time, because my brain isn’t computing the combination of words:helicopter,private rooftop,Nashville, andWylie freaking Cole.

I sink down onto an unopened case of canned dog food and stare at the screen like it’s going to glitch and reveal it was all a prank.

Wylie Cole.TheWylie Cole. Movie star. Tabloid favorite. Guy from those moody, broody dramas where he always ends up in a suit with a bloody lip and a heartbreaking monologue.ThatWylie Cole.

The same man who adopted Scout from me last year. Who showed up at my shelter in jeans and boots, smelling like sandalwood and musk and looking like he just walked off a photoshoot—but acting like he had no idea he was famous.

I remember that night so clearly. How lovely he’d been to Scout, so gentle, waiting for the dog to make the first move. And the way he looked atmelike I was something special, too.

There was chemistry between us. At least, I think there was. There were definitely sparks on my side, but I’d still been with Bruce then. So, I told myself I was just a little starstruck by Wylie, and that was the end of it.

I thought that was the end of it. But maybe not?

I scroll back up and read the message again. Helicopter. Nashville.Wylie Cole.

My heart hammers against my ribs like it’s trying to make a break for it.

Of course, there has to be a rational explanation. He probably just wanted to support the charity that led him to Scout. Maybehe asked his assistant to make a donation and she got a little... overenthusiastic.

Maybe it hasnothingto do with me at all.

But a date like this?

---