Chapter 6
Chapter Six
Mara
Graham’s eyes lock on mine in the mirror, and something hot flares between us.
“I can’t believe I’m wearing a scarf,” he says.
I reach up and adjust the fabric around his neck. “You’re rocking a scarf.”
“I would never have picked something like this for myself, but you know what?”
“What?” I fiddle with the knot, not because it needs it, but because I want to keep touching Graham.
“I actually like it.” A sly smile lifts his lips. “I feel like a different person in this.”
He looks so sexy with that ghost of a smile; my knees go weak. I clutch his shoulders and am surprised by the muscle beneath the soft sweater.
“A different person good, or a different person bad?”
His arm slides around my waist. “I feel like I can be the type of man who does the unexpected.” He lowers his face, his lips hovering over mine.
I lean forward, rising on my toes. “Like kiss his fake date in a vintage clothing shop?”
His smile grows. “Exactly.”
He kisses me softly, his lips lingering before pressing again, deepening the kiss.
This man can seriously kiss.
His lips are soft but firm, taking control with demanding possession.
I’ve never believed in swooning, but I do now. My knees go weak, and a thrill races up and down my spine as his mouth works magic over mine.
His hands slide up my back, cinching me closer as his taste floods my mouth.
I want more. So much more.
A sharp bark pierces the air.
“Oh!” I jump back, realizing we’re crushing Cupid, who peeks up from my tote bag between us. “Sorry, Cupid.”
Graham takes a step back and affectionately rubs Cupid’s scruffy head. “I thought you were supposed to make love connections. Not interrupt them.”
Cupid ducks down into my bag.
Graham tugs my hand, bringing me in close for another kiss. “You think Cupid will let me hang around?”
“Cupid isn’t mine.” I pat the little dog on the head. “He’s a foster. He’s up for adoption tonight.” My throat gets tight just thinking about losing him. “Lucky little guy might get a forever home.”
Graham’s brow furrows. “Cupid isn’t yours?”
“Only for the time being.”
“But won’t you miss him when he’s gone?”
I don’t like to think about it too much. “I foster a lot of dogs.” I lift my shoulders in a shrug. “I get used to saying goodbye.”
“But I’m sure it takes a piece of your heart every time.”
I look up into his soulful brown eyes. Not only can this guy kiss, but he gets me. Really gets me. “Every time.”
He squeezes my fingers, bringing our palms tight together. “You must have a big heart to keep doing it.”
That big heart of mine flips, and my belly flutters with anticipation. This guy could be the one . The real deal.
I’d gone into this date thinking it would be fake, but maybe I’d been wrong.
The fundraiser is in full swing by the time we arrive. The venue buzzes with potential donors, volunteers, and the kind of chaos that comes with a room full of dogs.
I put Cupid in the small dog play area where he can meet up with friends and step into the spotlight as co-emcee of the event. It’s a role I don’t mind playing. I’m no stranger to entertaining.
As a student, I’d majored in theater. Somehow, I’d ended up loving animals more than I did acting and gave up my dreams of the stage for a pet grooming shop.
Occasionally, I get to put my skills to the test and reenact my drama days. As I climb to the stage and give a heartfelt speech about fostering pets, donating to the shelter, and volunteering with local charities, my eyes well with tears.
My gaze travels over the crowd, and I lock eyes with Graham. He watches me intently, absorbing every word I say, nodding encouragingly.
“Dig deep tonight, fellow pet lovers. The silent auction is the perfect way to contribute. Get your numbers and bid anonymously.” I smile wide through my tears. “And generously!”
When I leave the stage, Lark is waiting anxiously for me. “Don’t tell me the Matthew McConaughey look-alike over there is your Graham?”
My gaze tracks Graham as he wanders among the auction items. “He isn’t my Graham.” Then, I think of the kiss we shared and feel a tingle all over. “Not yet.”
Lark hits me on the shoulder hard enough to leave a bruise. “You like him?”
I watch as he bends over the table to bid on one of the items. His ass looks perfectly delectable in those jeans. “I think so.”
Lark gives me a push. “Then what are you doing over here with me? Go get your flirt on.”
Lark’s right, I’m wasting time watching him from across the room when I could be next to him, letting the cool scent of his cologne wash over me.
Unfortunately, I have responsibilities that keep me from Graham. I chat up potential donors, check in with the volunteers, and stop by the small dog room to make sure Cupid is holding his own.
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.”
I linger in his hug for a long moment before breaking away to join Lark. We read a few testimonials, entertain the crowd with some prepared jokes, then make the last call for the silent auction. All the while, my mind is on Graham.
I’ve got just enough time to check on my bid for Cupid before the clock runs out. To my disappointment, someone has outbid me for him.
Whoever number three-hundred-twelve is, they have been very competitive. They’ve driven the adoption price for Cupid up to thirty-five hundred dollars, outbidding the others one-by-one.
My heart sinks. I had set my sights on Cupid, and I’m disappointed not to have won him. But part of me is happy someone fell in love with the cute little ball of fluff enough to pay a designer price for him.
The auction ends with an eruption of applause, and the bidders line up to claim their prizes. I find Graham in the crowd and watch as he loads up on several items. His arms are full as a volunteer strides up to him with a huge smile.
“Congratulations!” She hands him a leash, and on the other end, is the ugliest cute dog in the room.
Graham has adopted my Cupid.