Page 6 of Playing for Keeps
Her smile widens. “That was quite the bid, Ivy. You must be a big fan.”
I nod, unsure what else to say.
“Well, ladies and gentlemen,” the auctioneer continues, “I think we can all agree, Wyatt and Ivy make a stunning couple. I can’t wait to see the pictures!”
The audience erupts into applause, and that’s our cue to get off the stage. One glance at Wyatt tells me he’s just as ready to bolt as I am. Once we’re back on the ground, he places a hand on the small of my back and guides me toward the bar just outside the ballroom, both of us eager to escape the spotlight.
“I don’t know about you,” Wyatt says, close to my ear. “But I could seriously use a drink after that.”
I nod, still reeling from the whirlwind on stage, the auctioneer’s voice echoing in my mind.Can’t wait to see the pictures.What pictures?
“What do you want to drink?” he asks as his hand drops.
“Vodka soda, please.”
He gives a quick nod and places the order with the bartender. Moments later, he hands me the drink and grabs a beer for himself, then gestures toward a sofa tucked away in a quieter corner of the room. I follow him, gratefully sinking into the soft cushions, more than ready to get off my feet and out of everyone’s view.
“Thanks for rescuing me back there,” Wyatt says, taking a long drink. “You showed up just in time. I was definitely notlooking forward to dinner with a stranger. I was surprised to see you, though. Where’s Ash?”
I exhale and shake my head. “She told meyouknew I was coming.”
His brows knit. “I’ve been trying to get hold of her all night. As far as I knew, she and Ben were driving down. I was starting to worry something had happened.”
I explain how she called last minute, asking me to take her place. I leave out the part where I’m convinced she planned this little ambush to force us together.
Wyatt frowns. “Is she okay?”
“Yeah, I think so.” I place my still-full drink on the table. “I should probably get going. I’ve got a long drive back.”
His eyebrows lift in surprise. “You’re going to drive home? Tonight?”
“Well...” I trail off, not wanting to make things awkward.
“Ivy,” he says, prompting me to meet his eyes.
I sigh. “Ash said I could stay in your guest room, but it’s fine. I don’t want to put you out.”
“You’re not putting me out. Of course you can stay. I’m not letting you make that drive again tonight.”
Relief floods through me.
“Thanks, Wyatt. Are you sure?”
He smiles. “I’m sure. Now, drink up so we can get out of here. This scene’s not really my thing. I’ve got a much better spot in mind.”
I grin and lift my glass. “You had me at ‘get out of here.’”
Just as we finish our drinks, a striking redhead appears, hurrying toward us. She’s dressed in a strapless blue gown that shimmers under the bar’s bright lights.
“There you are,” she says, breathless. “I’ve been searching everywhere for you.” Her eyes flick from Wyatt to me. “Hi, I’m Cleo, Wyatt’s publicist. Congratulations on your winning bid.Unfortunately, Wyatt has a few people he needs to speak with, so I’m going to have to steal him for a bit.”
I glance over at Wyatt, my eyebrows raised. He gives a subtle shake of his head.
“No, Cleo,” he says firmly. “Whatever it is, it can wait. I’m done for the night. I'm leaving with Ivy.”
Cleo looks between the two of us, her lips parting in surprise. “At least let the paparazzi get a photo. She paid enough.”
“Cleo,” Wyatt snaps, shooting me an apologetic glance. “Ivy didn’tpayanything. She placed the bid for me.”
