Chapter 12
Daniel.
The moment I’ve been waiting for is finally here.
The mystery woman—my woman—is about to step on the stage.
Bruce shifts in his seat next to me, like he’s ready as well.
Declan is busy whispering to Anne; she’s giggling like they are alone in the room.
My eyes are glued to the stage and the moment the curtain pulls and she walks to the light, with her hips swaying and skin glowing in the white dress that’s probably giving every unmarried man an erection, it certainly is for me. I knew it was time to battle.
Mrs DeMoore talks but I barely listen, until Bruce mutters, “Holy fuck,” like he’s already jerking to her in his fucking head.
I turn a stern look him. “Don’t even think about it,” I command in a deep voice.
“It’s a mystery lady,” he says, like we should all get a chance.
Before I can respond, Declan turns to Bruce.
“I wouldn’t if I were you. Daniel knows exactly who that woman is.” Bruce frowns and lets out a low sound of annoyance.
The bidding starts. I don’t raise my hand, but I see a few people do—bet they want the lesson—and some single guys. When it gets to forty-five, my annoyance or anxiety or eagerness—one of them—gets a hold of me and I shout “seventy-five thousand”, making the room erupt in a gasp.
“Fuck you,” Bruce whispers. I smile and lock eyes with Ms K for a moment.
The auctioneer begins for the next date before anyone can speak. I shout again “seventy-five thousand”. I hear Anne say to Declan
“Am I missing something?” and Declan chuckles and whispers in her ear. I knew he had put two and two together from the wedding and her on stage tonight.
Ms K doesn’t remember backing into me at the wedding, I’ve searched her face for recognition in the last few weeks, but nothing. While my whole being remembers the warmth of her. Now, I need to make sure she never forgets.
From tonight, I’m getting closer to claiming her. I take a sip of my drink and turn to Bruce. “She’s mine,” I mutter, and he gives me the middle finger, making me laugh.
I see my sister smiling, because she knows I just secured twenty lessons for Cara. What she doesn’t know is I’ve just secured a chance to be closer to Ms K myself.
Once the bid is over and I’ve won both dates with her, there wasn’t any option of me not winning.
I follow the lady who’s leading me to where Ms K is.
My prize. I’m so ready to collect. A few other guests are already here collecting the Cole A’s items they have won in the auction and taking pictures with him. I just want the woman of the hour.
I’m led further back to the room. The lady steps aside and signals for me to open the door.
I do and, to my surprise, she has changed into a simple black dress that hugs her figure in all the right places.
Fuck, I love that ass. Why did I think I was a boobs guy?
Her hair is still the same, her back is to me.
She turns and smiles when she sees me. The fact that she smiles makes me happy.
“You know, if you had asked me out on a date, I would have said maybe,” she immediately states with a smile.
“I didn’t want a maybe, I wanted a guarantee. Besides, how else could I have had a double win, two dates with you and twenty classes for Cara?”
“So, this was for Cara.”
“Not entirely.” Nice try, I’m not revealing my cards just yet.
“Did you know it was me or was it just luck?” her brows lift questioning.
“Oh, I never bet, unless I know what I’m winning.” My eyes openly roam her body.
“So, you knew, and here I was thinking it was sheer luck.”
I smirk.
“A little bit of luck and some guaranteed leg work gets me my win.”
“So, what do you want?”
Now that’s a question I’m not prepared to answer just yet, and I doubt she’s ready for my answer.
“I need the extra time for Cara and two dates with you. It will be a win for me, people will think I’m dating, and I can avoid the gentle nudge of my friends trying to hook me up with dates.”
“If I’m understanding you correctly, you get classes for Cara and I’m your relationship camouflage.” Ouch, that cut deep. I didn’t think through the part of making my fake date
“You got it wrong. Cara gets the classes, and I get a date with a beautiful woman.”
“Nice save, Uncle Dan.” Her voice is toneless. I don’t like the slight disappointment I see. “When do you want to go on these dates? I can add you to my calendar.” A bit dismissive.
“We have two dates; you plan one and I plan the other.” I pause to watch her expression. She’s not giving anything away. “Ladies first, you pick the first date and I’ll go wherever you pick.”
She sighs.
“Okay, since the children did very well and we raised more than our goal—which was amazing—I must have some angels thinking it’s best I stay in Chicago.” She pauses.
Yes, you do have angels like me, who want you here in Chicago.
“I want to pick up some gifts for the kids for a job well done. Tomorrow, I’m going to a flea market.
Would that be okay with you?” Her voice is calm, but I can tell she’s challenging me.
I've never navigated the labyrinth of a flea market, but I'm ready to take on the challenge.
“That’s totally fine with me. What time should I pick you up?”
“Are you sure?” she questions, probably didn’t expect me to agree.
“Very sure,” I respond, grinning.
“Ten, tomorrow morning. Dress casual and wear comfortable shoes, lots of walking.”
“Noted. Can I have your address and phone number?”
“Sure.” She calls her number out to me, and I immediately save her number and home address. I’m another step closer to her.
“First date tomorrow,” I confirm with her, and she nods. I turn to leave.
“Wait, aren’t you going to tell me when and where our next date will be?”
“After our first date. Then I’ll tell you.” She stares at me strangely.
“Should I be worried?” She asks, with a questioning brow.
I smile.
“Should I be worried about tomorrow?" I volley.
“Only if you are scared of long walks and bargaining with sellers.”
“I think I can handle some haggling.”
“Then, you have nothing to worry about.” She smiles. I notice she’s relaxed. “By the way, I wanted to thank you for pushing for Cara to join the performance. Jordan thought it was a good idea to have more kids and that helped, plus it made more kids happy.”
“You’re welcome, I was just championing for my niece.”
“That’s cool, Uncle Dan.”
“Please, call me Daniel, after all we are going on date.”
“I like Uncle Dan better, I get to tease you.” She smirks
Just great.
A knock on the door stops my reply and the tall guy that brought her to the wedding and lunch a few days ago comes in. She runs to him, and he hugs her tight, lifting her off the floor. They are both smiling. She pulls from the hug, and he cups her face.
“You did it,” he says, grinning. “So proud of you, Anu.”
She hugs him again. I stand watching them. He turns to me.
“Hi, I’m Kay.” He holds out his hand to shake mine.
“Hi, Daniel.” I grip his hand tight.
“He won the date and lessons for his niece,” MAK interjects.
“Cool,” he says and turns to MAK. “Come on, the gang is waiting.”
She turns to me, waving.
“See you tomorrow, Uncle Dan.” A soft chuckle escapes me. She’s mischievous and I find myself warming up to her teasing.