Page 16 of Fake Dating the Silver Fox

The little guy is growing on me. It’s going to be one of the hardest goodbyes I’ve had in a while, but if it means Cupid gets a good home, it will be worth the heartbreak.

I spot Graham talking with a group of wealthy donors, making them laugh and hopefully reach for their wallets. Not for the first time, I thank my lucky stars Lark talked me into joining the Holidates App. If not for her pushing me, I would have never met Graham.

I can only hope he feels the same about me.

Stopping by the bidding table, I see the auction is going well. It looks like quite a few dogs will be adopted tonight.

Including Cupid.

He has a bid of three hundred dollars.

The thought of parting ways with Cupid makes me feel a little dizzy. On impulse, I pick up the pen and scratch my number down on the bid sheet. I can afford three hundred and twenty-five dollars. And it’s for a good cause.

My heart soars at the thought of keeping Cupid. He will make a perfect addition to my household. My cat, Cruz, will get used to him.Eventually.

While I’m at it, I bid on a few more items. A bakery basket of homemade treats and a spa day sounds like heaven. Graham stops me from emptying more of my funds when he comes up beside me and wraps an arm around my waist.

“Congratulations.” He drops a kiss on my cheek as if it’s the most natural thing in the world to do. “The event is a success.”

I lean into him, inhaling his intoxicating scent. “Stop me from bidding on this ceramic birdhouse.” I slip an arm around his waist. “I have no need for a ceramic bird house.”

He takes the pen from my hand and sets it down on the table. “Let someone else get the birdhouse.”

I turn into him, lifting my chin to look into his velvet brown eyes. “Have you bid on anything?”

His eyes crinkle in the corners as he smiles. “Oh, yes. I’ve got my eye on a few items.”

Lark signals to me from across the room, mouthing for me to take the stage again. “I’m sorry, I’ve got to wrap this up.”

Graham tugs my hand as I step away. “Wait. Have I done an okay job tonight?” He gestures around. “Did I fulfill my fake date duties to your expectations?”

I cock my head at him, pretending to think it over while my heart is thundering in my chest. “Well…”

“I can work the crowd again.” His brow furrows. “They could all afford to do more.”

I reach up and lay my hand on his cheek. “You’ve done an excellent job. I think maybe we can have another date.”

His eyes go soft. “A real one this time?”

I nod.

“I’m glad to hear it. But I think I can coax a few more bucks out of the Vinroots. They own half the town.”

I turn and look at the young couple standing near the bar. He’s tall, dark, and gorgeous—the serious type in a dark suit and glasses. She’s the exact opposite. In her ripped jeans, cropped sweater, and tattoos—she has a whole different vibe.

Somehow, they go together perfectly. When she leans into him, his arm encircles her waist. They speak with their heads close together, as if they’re the only two people in the world.

A little sigh escapes my mouth. “They’re a sweet couple.”

“Newlyweds.”

The microphone squawks, and then Lark’s voice booms. “Hey, y’all!”

The crowd winces as a loud squeal pierces the air.

“I’ve got to get up there.”

“Go. I’ll work the Vinroots.” He pulls me into his embrace. “You’re doing a great job, Mara.”

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