Page 2 of The Celebrity Bidder

Well, shit.

I stand, still scratching behind Scout’s ears. “He’s perfect. I’ll take him.”

Bella smiles again, and the sight makes my chest ache. “Great. Let’s go do the paperwork.”

I follow her into the office, trying to focus on Scout, on the crackling fireplace in the corner, on literally anything except thetwist in my gut. She’s taken. Of course she is. A woman like her? No way she’d be single.

And anyway, I can have any woman in the world I want. Models, actresses, musicians, fans.

Not only that, but I came here today for a dog—and I got exactly what I wanted. So, there’s no reason I should be feeling the sting of loss and defeat right now.

Nevertheless, as I sign the adoption paperwork and Scout curls up by my feet like we’ve been best friends forever, I can’t help but steal another glance at Bella, wishing for what might’ve been.

Chapter 2

Bella

Themorningairsmellslike pine needles, damp earth, and dog shampoo. I’m out back behind the shelter, scrubbing out food bowls while Bluebell, our one-eyed senior beagle, snores on a patch of sun-warmed gravel. Inside, the morning feeding frenzy has calmed, and everyone’s chewing, lounging, or barking at shadows like it’s their full-time job.Business as usual.

I glance at the stack of bills sitting on the edge of the outdoor table and sigh.Also business as usual, unfortunately—and the side of the business I loathe.

I insist on being a no-kill shelter, which makes for expensive elder-care for some of our dogs. So, vet costs are up. And thevan we use to do transport runs is wheezing like its days are numbered. I’d sell a kidney if it would do any good. But we’d just be right back in this situation before long—and I’d be short an organ to boot.

My phone buzzes in my pocket.

I wipe my hands on my jeans and pull it out. Stacy, Hawks Roost’s event coordinator’s face flashes on the screen. I suppress a groan. I like Stacy, but when she calls, it’s usually because she needs a favor—and it’s impossible to tell her no.

I swear she could get a vampire to RSVPyesto a sunrise prayer circle.

“Hey, Stacy,” I answer, already wary.

“Bells! You busy?”

“I’m elbow-deep in kibble crust, but what’s up?”

“I need a favor.”Of course she does.“But really, I’d be doingyouthe favor. So hear me out before you say no.”

I narrow my eyes even though she can’t see me. “What is it?”

“You have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in the Hawks Roost Bachelor and Bachelorette Charity Auction! Hawks Roost’s most eligible bachelors will bid on the chance to win a date with you.”

I nearly drop the phone. “Excuse me?”

She barrels on. “We’re short on female participants, and I need someone local, likable, and not a total wet blanket. You’re beautiful, Bella. And everyone loves the work you do. You’d be perfect.”

“I run a rescue for traumatized dogs, Stacy. I’m not a beauty pageant contestant.”

“Exactly! You’re a real person, and the townlovesyou. You’ll fetch big money—which will be donated to your rescue, of course.”

We could certainly use the money. But an auction? I couldn’t possibly…

“You’re serious?”

“As a heart attack,” Stacy says. “Please say yes? You just have to go on one date with the highest bidder. You can even bring a dog for emotional support. I’ll throw in a spa day to help you get ready. Makeup, hair, nails… the works. On me.”

I let out a breath. My gut saysno, because public attention is so not my thing. But then my eyes fall on the stack of bills waiting to be paid. And, really, why not? A date could be fun. I’m single.

Painfully, publicly,freshlysingle.

---