Page 22 of The Bachelor Auction

I’m so wrapped up in incredulity that it feels like the world has just slipped away from me and there is only us.

He nods again. “It was yours to begin with. That is, if you’re interested and agree to refrain from hiding in bathrooms in the future?”

I laugh until tears start to gather in the corner of my eyes.

I just can’t help it.

All those fears and worries that plagued us for two years finally lift like a big, gray cloud that’s been hovering above our heads.

I did it. Didn’t I?

Relief can’t even begin to cover what I’m feeling. Brenda was right. All our hard work has just paid off.

“I won’t disappoint you.” I take a deep breath and let the warm, glowing feeling inside me expand, and then it expands some more as I peer up into his beautiful eyes. “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity.” I can’t wait to text Brenda to tell her the good news. She’ll be over the moon, just like I am right now.

I can almost hear her voice inside my head, “I told you so. The Lord has great plans for us.”

For once, she might just be onto something.

She’s always been blessed for having faith. Maybe it was time that I started paying attention to whatever she’s usually droning on about.

“You do understand that I’ll have to monitor you closely, right?”

His voice draws me back, cutting off my trail of thoughts. I nod even though I’ve no idea what he’s talking about. Publicity campaigns aren’t usually “monitored” by a client. You pitch them, you see them through, and then you present your results.

“I expect you to stay in Vegas for the duration of this assignment,” Tyler continues. “I’ve arranged with my assistant that you get your own office. I expect to see a daily report to discuss your progress.”

I stare at him dumbfounded as realization slowly sets in. “But—”

I can’t stay in Vegas. Where would I be living? And most importantly, I can’t afford it. Besides, promoting Tyler’s site is a huge undertaking. I’ll need Brenda’s help.

“Look, I appreciate your job offer, but there’s one tiny problem.” I suck my lower lip between my teeth, wondering how to communicate the dilemma I’m in without him withdrawing his offer.

Maybe I should just keep my mouth shut rather than risk it. I might be able to make this work after all. Brenda could take out another loan while I could rent a cheap room somewhere.

Tyler cocks a brow, watching me as I silently fight my internal battles. “What’s the problem?”

Money.

I can’t afford to live in Vegas.

I take a deep breath and release it slowly. “I would be more productive from back home. I could email you a daily report and—”

“No,” Tyler cuts me off. “I need you here. Your accommodations will be provided for, if that’s what you’re worried about. You can stay in your suite for the rest of the month. All I ask is that you meet with me daily. That part’s not negotiable.”

Relief streams through me.

“You’ll take care of my accommodations?”

“Yes.” He nods. “I need you to stay. We’ll need to meet daily.”

Daily.

I blink as the meaning of the word sinks in.

I’ll have to see him every day.

It seems like nothing’s negotiable with him.

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