Page 5 of Sold To My Ex's Dad

I nod in acknowledgment, though he offers no response. I turn away, leaving the silent standoff behind.

The backstage area is a hive of activity, but my mind is singularly focused. The previous encounters fade into the background, inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. My anticipation builds with every step, eagerness, and curiosity about the woman who's unwittingly turned an ordinary evening into an adventure I hadn't anticipated, guiding my movements.

Chapter 3

Allie

Backstage is a whirlwind of energy, but it's nothing compared to the storm raging inside me. I'm still reeling, unable to fully grasp that a bidding war—over me—just shattered the evening's records. Stacy, in all her mermaid glory, is practically vibrating with excitement next to me.

"Did you see that, Al? The record bid! That's you, girl! You're the queen of the auction!" Stacy's enthusiasm is infectious, her squeals of delight echoing off the walls.

I manage a laugh, though my mind is miles away, replaying the last few moments on stage. "I can't believe it either. Did that really just happen?"

"Yes, that just happened! And let's talk about Mr. High Roller," Stacy nudges me with a conspiratorial grin, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I mean, hello, is he not the hottest thing on two legs? That bidding was intense!"

Ah, Mr. High Roller. Patrick. Even his name triggers a fresh wave of butterflies in my stomach. From the moment our eyes met, something shifted. It wasn't just his bid that caught my attention; it was him.

Tall, undeniably handsome, with a presence that seemed to pull the air from the room. His hair, a perfect balance of tousled and styled, gave him a carefree yet sophisticated vibe. And those eyes—intense, captivating—as if they could see right through me.

But it was more than just his physical appearance. It was the aura around him, all confidence and mystery. He stood there amidst the opulence and the glamour like a lighthouse in a stormy sea, a beacon of calm and assurance.

His physique spoke of strength and discipline. He was the kind of man you'd imagine in a smoky, dimly lit room, a glass of whiskey in hand, discussing art, life, and love with an intensity that would cause a woman to hang on his every word.

"I wasn't expecting him to be so ... hot," I confess, feeling a flush creep up my neck. The word feels inadequate to describe the jolt his presence sent through me, the way my heart seemed to skip a beat at the sound of his voice each time he outbid someone.

Stacy's laughter pulls me back to the moment. "Girl, you hit the jackpot! Not only did you break a record, but you also got yourself a date with the most eligible bachelor in the room. This is going to be epic!"

I can't help but smile, caught up in the excitement of what's happened. Yet, beneath the chaos and the banter, a thread of curiosity weaves its way through my thoughts. Who is Patrick, really? And what does this unexpected, thrilling connection mean for both of us?

"There's more to it, Stace," I finally admit, my voice dropping to a whisper. "I want him. Like, really want him."

Stacy blinks, her excitement dialing down a notch as she misreads my jittery confession. "Hey, Al, you know just because he put in the highest bid doesn't mean you owe him anything, right? This isn't some archaic barter system. You don't have to sleep with the guy."

Lost in thought, I can't help but imagine what it would be like to be with Patrick—not just a date, but to really be with him. It's a thought that sends a shiver down my spine, an unfamiliar blend of excitement and nervousness.

Stacy catches the far-off look in my eyes and the slightest hint of a blush on my cheeks. "Wait a minute," she says, a sly grin forming. "Allie, are you thinking about sleeping with him?"

I'm caught off guard, my thoughts exposed under the bright backstage lights. My nervous chuckle breaks free, an attempt to deflect. "What? No, I mean—"

"Oh, come on!" Stacy bursts out laughing, her amusement clear. "You totally are! I can see it all over your face. You're already fantasizing about it!"

My cheeks burn hotter, a silent confirmation of my unspoken desires. Stacy's laughter echoes around us, but my own racing heart drumming in my ears drowns out the sound. The very idea that I'm considering something so bold, so unlike me, with a man I don’t know is both thrilling and terrifying.

"Stace, shush!" I hiss, glancing around to ensure no one else has caught on to our conversation. "It's not like that. I mean, I don't even know him."

"Uh-huh, sure," Stacy teases, one eyebrow raised in suspicion.

I can't help but laugh despite the embarrassment. Stacy has a way of making everything seem lighter and less daunting. "Okay, okay, you got me. But seriously, is there a rule about this? It feels like uncharted territory."

Stacy loops her arm through mine, her laughter subsiding into a warm smile. "Honey, the only rule is to follow your heart. And if your heart is currently fantasizing about a certain handsome bidder, then who am I to judge?"

Her words, meant to comfort, only stir the pot of confusion and curiosity simmering within me. Patrick has sparked something unexpected, a desire I can't quite quell. As Stacy guides me through the backstage chaos, I realize I'm standing on the edge of something entirely new, unsure but undeniably intrigued about where it might lead.

I sigh, the image of Patrick's intense gaze burning the back of my eyelids. "There's just something about him. It's not just his looks; it's the vibe he gives off. Confident, but not in an obnoxious way. It's like he knows what he wants and isn't afraid to go after it."

Stacy nods, her expression thoughtful. "Well, damn. That does sound enticing. But babe, don’t forget, you're quite the catch yourself. This guy just dropped a small fortune to spend time with you. Clearly, he sees something special."

Just as Stacy is teasing me about the nonexistent dating auction ethics, he rounds the corner.

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