Page 3 of The Bachelor Auction

Okay. This guy has the sexiest voice alive, but please! Is it worththatmuch money?

I peer at Brenda who’s resembling a statue of war now. She hasn’t raised her hand yet, but her gaze darts to and fro, assessing the competition.

“It’s not a big deal,” I say to her, but she pays me no attention. I’m not even sure she’s heard me.

I resume my game of Sudoku because, really, there’s no way she’ll bid on whatever sexy Tyler is offering. Even if she wanted to, it’s already out of our price range, anyway. Hell, it was out of our price range once it hit four digits. We don’t have that much cash to waste. She’s probably angry because she’s just realized we’ve made a huge mistake by even being here.

Focusing on my game, I only notice all attention is on us as the announcer calls out, “Thank you for your generous bid, Ms. Walsh.”

Ms. Walsh?

Suddenly, a glaring spotlight is on us.

I peer at Brenda who rises to her feet, and people begin to clap.

Why would the announcer call out my best friend’s name and the words “generous bid” in the same sentence?

I blink against the blaring brightness, unable to understand the sudden attention as unease washes over me.

No, that can’t be…she would never be that stupid…

Or would she?

“What’s happening?” Frowning, I stare at her, but she’s too focused on what she’s doing. She throws her blonde hair back. Her teeth are sparkling white in the light as she smiles, obviously basking in the attention.

Maybe it’s not the attention so much as the fact she’s beaten the competition, and the expression on her face is one of pure triumph.

Like she’s just kicked everyone’s ass…by throwing us into sure bankruptcy.

“Please don’t tell me you just placed a bid…” My voice sounds faint, the words barely moving past my lips.

The announcer continues, “Ten thousand dollars for a date with Mr. Tyler Becks from Becks International. Thank you, Ms. Walsh. All proceeds will go to the Children’s…”

Ten-thousand bucks.

I can’t think. I can’t breathe.

Brenda turns and throws me a glance—a glance that says it all. We’ve won!

Unbelievable!

She’s completely serious…and insane.

And we are seriously…insanely…bankrupt.

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