Page 64 of An Irresistible Force (Vancouver Vice)

“We can discuss this later.” Her business voice was back, and she scanned the room for more bidders. I could see Julie craning her neck to see who had jumped her bid so dramatically.

“I have $25,000. Any more bids?” The auctioneer looked towards Julie, and she shook her head slightly. Maybe she figured that I was bankrolling this just to get away from her. I hoped so. “Going once, twice, and... sold to paddle number 121.”

There was a loud round of applause. James congratulated Amanda. “Well played. That’s the way to win an auction. If you need a beer league team for your opponent, call me.”

Cynthia frowned. “You don’t even play hockey.”

Amanda only laughed. “I’ll get Chris to teach me how to skate instead.” A runner came over with a form for her to fill out, and her attention was taken up for a few minutes.

“Can I have a word?” I pulled her up by the wrist, and we exited into the lobby area. There was a little alcove with chairs in it, and we went over there and sat down. “What the hell, Amanda? Why did you do that?”

“Because... you’re my friend, and you were unhappy. “

“But that’s a ridiculous amount of money. What are you going to do with the prize? I’ll pay you back.”

“Is it any less ridiculous if you pay it? I have no idea what to do with a hockey game, but I may have just bought my little brother the best birthday present ever. “

Tonight it was easier to realize she was rich, because she looked like a million bucks. But it still didn’t sit right. I protested, “I can’t believe that you spent that much money on an auction item. I mean, you don’t even have your own apartment, you bring your lunch everyday, and drive a crappy little car.”

“I’m not an extravagant person, but sometimes I like to flex my spending muscles. Why don’t you just say ‘thank you’ and we’ll leave it at that. You’re happy, and my mother will be extremely happy at how much money the prize she coaxed out made.”

It still didn’t sit right with me. “Well, thanks. But I owe you,” I told her firmly.

She only laughed. Her eyes were sparkling as she looked up at me. “Dance with me tonight, and we’ll call it even.”

Who was this woman?

28

One Enchanted Evening

Amanda

Tonight was perfect.Every single moment was exactly what I’d dreamed of: the perfect dress, the perfect event, and most of all—the perfect man. Chris in a tuxedo was utterly gorgeous. The black suit and pristine white shirt were contrasted by his masculine face with hint of dark stubble and the pale, silver seam of a scar along his jawline.

That little girl at the Mansion was right. I was Cinderella, and he was my prince. It was only for one night, but I wasn’t going to worry about tomorrow.

Right now, I was whirling around the room on a puffy cloud. Chris was a perfectly graceful dancer—not that I would have expected anything less. Many of the older couples at the gala had already left, but everyone at our table was still partying. In fact, many of Gregory’s friends had pulled up chairs and joined us. Chris was like catnip—an exciting new person who everyone wanted to meet.

The music sped up, and he looked down at me. “More dancing, or....?”

“I need something to drink,” I confessed. He nodded, and we walked back to the table. His hand was casually placed on the small of my back, and the warmth sent vibrations through my body. Once we got back to the table, Chris went off to get me a drink.

I got up to make a trip to the washroom, and Cynthia rose as well because women can never go alone.

When we were washing our hands, she looked at me in the mirror. “You look very beautiful tonight, Amanda.” Her admiration was completely sincere, probably since she always looked gorgeous. Tonight, her dark hair and complexion were set off by a creamy gown with a single shoulder strap and a dramatic crystal necklace.

“Thank you. And thank you for sending me April Cho. She’s a gem.”

“Ahhh, she worked out, did she? I’m so glad.”

“Yes, she’s making over my whole closet.”

But Cynthia wasn’t going to be distracted by my fashion stories. “What’s going on with you and Chris? You said it wasn’t a real date.”

“It’s not. We’re just friends.”

“Then why did you blow all that money on his auction item?”

---