Chapter 4
Annie
It’s warm in the town hall, everybody milling around with excitement for the big auction.
“I think I’ll head home.”
“What, no Annie, I put you up for the auction. Since we didn’t get as many people sign up as we expected.” Ireland gives me a pointed look. Like it’s my fault I couldn’t get people to sign up.
“Nobody wants a date with me.” I protest.
“No, of course not.” Nice. “But you're good with math, or you could recommend a book to read or organize someone's book shelf, right?”
I want to say no. How can I be so bold to stand up to Thorne Kingsley one day and the next be made to look like a fool in front of the whole town.
But it is what I do. I help out at all the events.
I do what people ask of me. And because I don’t want to ruin Valentine’s Day for my friends, I find myself shoved up on stage and let the bidding begin.
There is something about standing up in front of the whole town, having everybody staring at you.
Being in one of the most embarrassing moments of my life.
It has my mind whirling. I don’t want to be little Annie May any more.
My middle name isn’t even May! It’s just what people call me.
Sweet, little Annie May. Well I’m not little.
And I’m not nearly as sweet as everybody thinks I am.
I want to be stronger. Stand up for myself.
I wish I had said no when told I was going to be made to stand up here like an idiot.
And I’m sick of people just accepting that I’m okay being single.
Maybe I was for a while, but my reaction to Thorne just proves that I want someone to love.
I want to live my life, not just plod through the days. And I want a partner. And a family.
I’ll never be as put together as someone like Ireland. But look at Erika, she and I were both outcasts, the weird kids in school and yet she found her perfect match who loves her for who she is. I want that.
Just as I am thinking this I hear a voice call out and bid on me.
Coming back to earth I scan the crowd and see Bloyd sneering at me.
He has bid $10 and nobody else is joining in.
Oh geez, thanks universe. I want a man, but not bloody Bloyd.
And then I see a figure move out of the shadows in the back.
Tall, broad shoulders. I recognize that brooding glare. Thorne Kingsley.
With all the power I have within me I beg him with my eyes. Please place a bid.
A moment of silence. My heart thudding. My gaze connected with the man who makes my pulse race and my body feel like it’s on fire.
“One hundred dollars.” His voice booms out across the room.
Gasps and whispers move through the crowd.
My eyes dart between Thorne and Ireland who is the announcer for the day. My heart doing little backflips praying this is actually real.