22. Melanie

CHAPTER 22

Melanie

The ballroom of the Grand Peak Hotel was a sight to behold.

A huge SPS sign hung from the ceiling, and a collection of plush squirrels was spread out across the check-in table. The volunteers all wore SPS buttons on their suits and gowns. Green plaid tablecloths adorned the tables, and the centerpieces were made of pine cones and greenery. The silent auction tables were all made of logs and raw edged wood, and their surfaces were similarly decorated—greenery and pine cones tucked in among the items available for bidding.

But it was the giant inflatable squirrel on the stage that really set the mood. It must have been at least twelve feet tall, complete with a huge tail and an acorn grasped in its front paws.

I took a sip of champagne and leaned closer to Sharla. “That’s not something you see every day.”

“Isn’t it so cute? Oh my gosh, the kids would love it. Hopefully, they’ll set it up in the park sometime.”

“I feel like Nico would try to climb it.”

“Probably.”

Although everyone was dressed up, it felt a little strange to be wandering around in a black evening gown among pine cones and plaid. But that was Tilikum for you. It certainly didn’t lack charm.

“Where did Nathan go?” I asked.

Sharla glanced around. “He’s standing in front of something he wants over in the silent auction so no one else will bid on it.”

“That’s one way to win. What is he bidding on?”

“A Blackstone grill.”

“Don’t you already have a grill?”

“We have two. And a smoker. But this one is bigger than the one we have, so obviously that means he needs it.” She shook her head.

“Men and their meat,” I said with a slight laugh.

“I swear, he’s going to get kicked out. I’m going to go make him move.”

Sharla stalked off toward the silent auction area. I took another sip of champagne, wondering if I could sneak out early. I’d put a small donation in the basket when I’d checked in. It wasn’t much, but I wasn’t exactly swimming in cash. Every little bit would help. There wasn’t anything in the silent auction that I wanted, and I certainly wasn’t going to bid on any bachelors. I’d made my appearance. I could probably just leave.

Then again, dinner was provided. Maybe I’d stay for the meal.

Mom sidled up next to me. To the surprise of no one, she wore the loudest dress in the room—a floor-length gown with bright pink sequins.

“Have you perused the bachelor photos yet?” She nudged me with her elbow.

“No. That’s weird.”

“Why is it weird?”

“I’m not going to go over there and ogle a bunch of guys, most of whom are probably ten years younger than me. ”

“Who said anything about ogling? Aren’t you going to bid on anyone?”

“No. Absolutely not.”

“There are some cute ones.”

“Do you really think I’m so desperate for a date that I have to buy one at an auction?”

“There are worse ways to meet someone.”

I rolled my eyes. “Mom. You’re killing me.”

“It’s just for fun. He doesn’t even have to take you out on a date. He could come over and help you set up your recording booth.”

“My recording booth is all set up.”

“Then why aren’t you working?”

“I don’t have a script.”

“Then why not get another voice acting job until you do?”

“I’m stuck with a noncompete,” I said. “I can’t do anything else until my contract for Enchanted Hollow is over.”

“Well, that seems silly. Do you want me to call them?”

I almost burst out laughing. “No, I do not want you to call the studio and tell them how you feel about noncompete clauses.”

“I’m just saying, I will.”

“I have no doubt.” It was time to change the subject. “So, which new pizza flavor is doing the best these days? It’s the pickle pizza, isn’t it? It has to be pickle.”

“Actually, the pickle pizza is selling enough to stay on the menu.”

“Why do you sound surprised by that? It’s amazing.”

“Not everyone loves pickles as much as you, lovey.”

I shrugged. “Not everyone has good taste.”

“People seem to be enjoying the loaded baked potato. We’ll probably make that a seasonal flavor.”

“That one wasn’t bad.” I glanced at the silent auction tables. Nathan had moved a few feet from his intended prize, but it looked like he was lingering close enough to outbid anyone else who tried. Sharla stood next to him, double-fisting wine and champagne. Seemed like a good choice.

“Good evening, friends and neighbors.” Mayor Bill Surrey stood center stage in a brown suit with a green plaid tie and spoke into the microphone. “Can you hear me all right?”

A murmur of assent rose from the crowd.

“Wonderful. If everyone could take your seats, dinner will be served, and we’ll begin our program. Thank you.”

I followed Mom to our table. Dad was already seated, and next to him were spots for Nathan and Sharla. I had a feeling Nathan wouldn’t be using his place. He looked fairly well encamped next to the coveted grill.

Rounding out our table were Doris Tilburn—Harper’s aunt—along with Louise Haven and her husband, George. Doris looked lovely in a simple black gown, proudly displaying her SPS button near her left shoulder.

Shockingly, Louise wasn’t in a tracksuit. She stood behind her husband’s chair, rocking a floor-length turquoise velour gown with a mermaid silhouette.

I hoped my butt looked that good when I was her age. Damn.

Mom kissed Dad on the cheek before taking her seat. “Hi, everyone. I’m so excited for this.”

Louise turned toward us and smiled. “Ah, Andolini family. I’m so glad you could join us at our table.”

I took my seat next to my mom and leaned closer. “I thought this was your table?”

“No, Louise invited us to sit with her. Isn’t that sweet?”

Louise winked at me. Not a quick, subtle wink. She scrunched up her entire face with a too-long, very obvious wink.

That was a woman who was up to something.

“Very sweet,” I said, still keeping my voice low. “Or suspicious.”

“Suspicious? What are you talking about? ”

“Look at her.”

Louise lowered herself into the seat next to her husband. She smiled at me again, batting her eyelashes as if to maintain her innocence.

Mom touched my hand. “Don’t worry about it. Just have fun.”

I picked up the bidding paddle off my plate and tucked it beneath my chair. “Won’t be needing that.”

Mom moved hers and set it on the table next to her silverware. “I should bid on someone just to get a rise out of your father.”

I laughed. “That’s terrible. Don’t do that to poor Dad.”

“Why not? He might make me pay for it later.”

“Okay, that’s disgusting and also adorable. You two set such a good example. How did I end up divorced?”

“That’s a great question, but it definitely wasn’t me,” she said.

I laughed again. “No, Mom. Definitely not your fault.”

Servers started bringing out dinner while Mayor Bill took the mic again. He gave a short speech about the importance of the SPS to the Tilikum community and thanked several of its members. Then he shared a few SPS success stories. Only one involved an actual squirrel. The others were locals who’d been facing difficult circumstances, including a young woman leaving a toxic relationship, and a family undergoing a contentious custody dispute that had led to kidnapping concerns. In each case, the SPS had provided security and support.

It was heartwarming. They really were doing a lot of good in the community.

Finally, he introduced the auctioneer. The room suddenly sparkled with excitement as people—mostly ladies—grabbed their bidding paddles and sat forward in their seats.

The first bachelor to take the stage was probably in his mid-twenties, dressed in a suit and tie. He played to the crowd as the auctioneer introduced him, spreading his arms wide as if to say go ahead, ladies, bid for me .

Bidding began, and paddles were thrust into the air. Mom and I laughed as we watched the commotion. The crowd clapped and cheered as the price climbed. Finally, the bidding reached a crescendo and there was a winner—a woman two tables away from us.

Next up was a firefighter who clearly understood the assignment. The crowd erupted in cheers as he took the stage shirtless, wearing only his turnouts and suspenders. All he needed was a kitten, and half the room would have swooned out of their seats.

The bidding for him was bonkers. My mom even raised her paddle a few times. Dad just eyed her with a slight grin every time her arm went up. Finally, someone was declared the winner. He ran down the steps from the stage to give her a shirtless hug. I had a feeling she already considered it worth the money.

A guy in a sheriff’s deputy uniform took the stage next. Although he was dressed, his muscular arms and aviator sunglasses were too much for the crowd to resist. Everyone went wild. Mom bid on him too, although I could tell she wasn’t serious. Eventually, after an intense bidding war between two women at the same table, there was a winner.

The auctioneer announced the next bachelor—Theo Haven. I clapped for him as he sauntered onto the stage, dressed in a blue flannel and jeans. He tucked his thumbs into his pockets, and one corner of his mouth lifted in a grin. That was all it took to get the crowd going—no bare chest or cool sunglasses necessary. Even I found myself gazing at him appreciatively. There was just something about those Havens.

After a frenzy of bidding, Theo was auctioned off. I was about to take another bite of my dinner when the next bachelor took the stage. My mouth hung open, and I dropped my fork with a clatter .

Luke Haven.

I didn’t know why I was so surprised to see him. Maybe because he was injured. Or because he hadn’t said a word about the auction all week. Of course, why would he? Our weekend plans hadn’t come up. Still, I found myself feeling slightly pouty that I hadn’t known he’d be there.

“My nephew,” Louise said, pointing at the stage. As if we all didn’t know they were related. “He’s such a catch.” She turned and made eye contact with me, eyebrows raised.

That was weird.

I looked away as the bidding began.

Paddles flew into the air while the crowd cheered them on. Luke ran a hand through his thick hair, a sheepish grin on his face.

Why did he have to be so freaking gorgeous? He wasn’t even dressed up, but the faded Haven Auto T-shirt and perfectly fitting jeans were so… him. Understated but sexy. I watched as he squinted into the crowd. It was probably hard to see from up there with all the lights. People kept bidding, and the auctioneer kept calling out numbers.

I glanced around as people dropped out, the bids getting too high for their taste. Someone across the room seemed very determined to get him. Her paddle went up instantly every time someone outbid her.

Wait. I leaned over, trying to see her through the throng of people. It wasn’t… It couldn’t be…

It was. It was Jenna.

I huffed in disgust. Jenna? Why was she bidding on Luke? Who bid on the guy they were dating?

Were they dating?

They’d been on a date, but I actually had no idea if they’d seen each other again. Was she just bidding him up, trying to raise more money for the SPS? Or did she actually want to win ?

Without thinking it through—at all—I grabbed my mom’s paddle and thrust my arm into the air.

The auctioneer pointed at me. “Bidder 131 has entered the fray.”

“What are you doing?” Mom asked.

Jenna outbid me. I raised the paddle. “I’ll pay you back when I have a real job again.”

“Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”

Jenna bid, so I bid again. “Of course not. I’m being completely irrational.”

“Okay, as long as you know.”

After I outbid Jenna one more time, she twisted in her seat to see who was giving her a run for her money. Our eyes met, and her mouth dropped open.

My eyes narrowed. So did hers.

“Bring it, honey,” I muttered. “I’ll do this all night.”

“Just know this is coming out of your inheritance,” Mom said.

“That’s fair.”

Jenna and I went back and forth, bid for bid, at least half a dozen times. How did she have so much money? Maybe she was doing what I was doing—bidding with someone else’s bank account.

At first, my hand flew up as soon as the auctioneer acknowledged her bid. But after a while, I decided I needed to slow this down. Jenna bid, and I waited, pretending like I had to think about it. The auctioneer was good. He coaxed and cajoled, encouraging me to raise my paddle again.

I did and the crowd cheered. Jenna did the same, hesitating, like she needed to think about it. When the auctioneer was about to declare me the winner, she raised her paddle again to more applause from the other guests.

My eyes flicked to Luke. He stood with his hands resting on his hips, a slight grin on his face, his gaze on me. I could see the challenge in his face. The dare .

There was no way I was losing.

Without looking at Jenna, I lifted my paddle again. Luke’s expression didn’t change. Apparently Jenna bid, but I ignored her. Just kept my eyes on Luke and listened to the cues from the auctioneer.

The crowd cheered encouragement, egging us on to bid more money. Every time I lifted my paddle, my whole table erupted with shouts. Even Nathan had joined us, and he clapped and whistled along with the rest of them.

Turning to me, the auctioneer asked if I wanted to bid again. I waited a few seconds, then raised my paddle. He turned to Jenna. She hesitated.

My heart thumped hard, and my stomach tingled with excitement. Luke’s eyes weren’t on the auctioneer or on Jenna. They were on me, his gaze intense. I waited for Jenna to bid again. For the auctioneer to point at me, asking for an even higher number.

Jenna didn’t. From the corner of my eye, I could see her shake her head and set her paddle on the table.

With a dramatic gesture, the auctioneer pointed at me. “Sold, to bidder 131.”

The room erupted with cheers and applause. Louise stood, clapping vigorously while her husband whistled.

Laughing, I stood and bowed, then waved to the crowd. When I took my seat again, I glanced up at Luke. He shook his head a little with that same subtle grin, then walked off stage.

“Well, that was exciting,” Mom said.

I brushed my hair back from my face. “It’s possible I got a little carried away.”

Sharla raised her eyebrows and gave me a knowing smile.

“Hush, you.” I pointed at her. “It’s for a good cause. I don’t want to hear it.”

“I wasn’t going to say a word.”

Nathan shook his head. “I don’t even want to know. ”

Louise clasped her hands to her chest as she sat back down. “That was thrilling. Absolutely thrilling. I knew you’d get him in the end.” She winked at me again.

I let out a slow breath. What on earth had I just done? Outbid the girl Luke was probably dating for an evening with him? It was arguably the stupidest thing I’d ever done in my life.

Actually, no. I’d done much stupider things.

But still. I was already seized with pangs of regret. What were we going to do? Did I actually have to spend an evening with him? Did I want to?

And there was the problem. I did want to. And I shouldn’t.

It was such a disaster.

Mom nudged me and nodded toward the stage. The auction continued, but I hadn’t seen who was next.

Hank. Of course it was Hank.

I watched as people bid. The energy wasn’t as frenzied as when Jenna and I had been battling it out for Luke, but that wasn’t Hank’s fault. Bidding wars tended to do that at these events. I glanced toward Jenna’s table and realized she was one of the bidders.

Huh. That was interesting.

It came down to Jenna and a woman in the back. I had a feeling Jenna was not going to lose another one. Maybe that was why she was bidding so furiously on Hank. She was annoyed at me for costing her Luke.

The two women bid back and forth a few more times before the one in the back finally gave up. She set her paddle down, and the auctioneer declared Jenna the winner. The guests applauded, and she waved, smiling like she’d just won a big teddy bear at a carnival.

My cheeks felt flushed, and the swirl of emotion was dizzying. I fanned myself and stood. “I need to use the ladies’ room. ”

The closest restrooms were just outside the ballroom. I ducked inside, grateful for the cooler air and relative quiet. And the lack of Jenna. The last thing I needed was another run-in with Miss Bathroom-Bonding-Is-Fun.

I used the bathroom, double-checked to make sure my dress was all the way down and not tucked into my underwear, and washed my hands. My cheeks were still a bit flushed, and I fanned myself again, wishing I could get it together and calm down.

This didn’t have to be a big deal. It was funny when I thought about it. Me, bidding like a rich heiress with Daddy’s credit card on one of Tilikum’s most eligible bachelors. He was my ex-boyfriend. So what? That had been a million years ago, almost in another life.

We’d have a good laugh about it and then move on.

Feeling a little less like I was about to have an early hot flash, I reapplied my lipstick, tucked it back in my clutch, and walked out of the restroom.

Right into Luke.

This time, we didn’t collide. But there he was, coming through the men’s room door. I lifted my eyes to the ceiling. Really, universe?

Before I could slip by him unnoticed, he caught sight of me, and his lips curled in that subtle grin.

I put my hand up, palm out. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t say anything.”

His grin spread. “I wasn’t going to say a word.”

“Yes, you were, but don’t bother. I wasn’t bidding for me. I was bidding for someone else.”

“Oh yeah? Who?”

“My mom. It was her paddle.”

“And what does your mom want with me?”

“You know,” I said, idly gesturing with one hand, “help around the house. Handyman-type stuff. Or maybe something with her car. I don’t know. She probably has a list.”

Still smiling, he stepped closer. “I can’t do any of that stuff. Bruised ribs, remember? I can’t even drive.”

“Of course I remember. I’ve been taking you to work every day. How could I forget?”

“Which means your mom must know I’m injured and can’t help around the house. Or fix her car.” He moved closer still.

I took a step back only to find my back against the wall. “I’m sure she’ll find something for you to do.”

His nearness made my heart race and my cheeks flush all over again. Why did he have to smell so good? His raw masculinity washed over me, turning my stomach into a whirlpool.

“What time?” he asked.

My voice was embarrassingly breathy. “What time for what?”

“Your winnings. According to the auction rules, you get me all to yourself tomorrow. Any time after noon, and no later than ten. Unless otherwise agreed upon.”

I pressed my back into the wall, trying to keep space between us. “Okay, noon, then.”

He lifted his eyebrows. “You want the whole ten hours?”

“No,” I said quickly. “I don’t know. You said noon, so I said noon. I see you all day at work. You don’t have to come over that early.”

He placed his hand on the wall and leaned in, lowering his voice. “How about this? I’ll be at your place at six. With dinner.”

My entire body was on fire. It was hard to think. Everything was swirling out of control. His face was so close, all I’d have to do is lift my chin and our lips would touch.

“Dinner is good. But how? You can’t drive.”

“I’ll get a ride. ”

“Well, that’s good at least. I paid good money for you. I shouldn’t have to pick you up too.”

He grinned again, his nose almost brushing against mine. “Great. It’s a date.”

My breath caught as he hesitated—not moving away but not moving in either. A second later, he stepped back, still looking at me like he knew all my secrets.

“It’s not a date,” I said. “I bought you.”

“All right, Mel. Not a date. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

It felt like I couldn’t quite catch my breath as I watched him walk away. Why had I let him fluster me like that? It was just Luke. I didn’t have feelings for—

And for the first time, I couldn’t finish my own lie.

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