Page 6 of Sold To My Ex's Dad

The sudden eye contact hits me like a live wire, sparking something wild and reckless inside me. At that moment, any thoughts about rules or what is considered proper vanish. I want this man. He's the epitome of walking, talking gorgeousness—smooth, undeniably sexy, with an aura that pulls me in like a magnet.

His voice, a low rumble that seems to resonate directly with my pulse, washes over me, turning my insides to mush.

"Hello, I'm Patrick," he says, his introduction directed at both of us, but his intense gaze locked on me. It's as if he sees me, really sees me, and I feel like the only woman in the world.

Stacy, ever the wing woman, picks up on the electricity crackling between us and makes a quick exit, her giggle trailing behind her like the perfect punctuation to this unexpected moment.

"Hi, I'm Allie," I manage to get out, my voice sounding oddly high-pitched to my own ears as we shake hands. No man has ever had this effect on me. For a second, I'm utterly speechless, a rare state for someone who usually has a quip for everything.

Patrick smiles a genuine, heart-stopping smile that makes me feel both incredible and slightly dazed. "Allie," he repeats, my name rolling off his tongue like music. "I've been looking forward to meeting you."

I blink, trying to regain some semblance of composure. "Well, here I am," I say, aiming for witty but landing somewhere closer to awkward. "And here you are, making history with your big bid tonight."

He chuckles, the sound warm and grounding. "I'd say we both made a bit of history, wouldn't you? And for a great cause, too."

"Absolutely," I agree, finding my footing again in the conversation. "Though I must admit, I never expected to be part of a bidding war. It's not exactly a typical Thursday for me."

"Nor for me," Patrick admits, his gaze still locked on mine with an intensity that's both thrilling and a tad overwhelming. "But I'm beginning to think it might just be one of my better Thursdays."

The way he says it sends a flutter through my heart. This incredibly handsome, impossibly charming man is standing here with me, and for the life of me, I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be.

Stacy's earlier teasing about rules and expectations seems a world away now. All I know is that I'm caught up in a moment that feels like the start of something, an entirely new and exciting something.

Before I can even think of what to say next, we're interrupted by a woman who must have orchestrated this whole affair. She's all efficiency and grace, a whirlwind of thanks and congratulations.

"Patrick, I cannot thank you enough for your generosity tonight," she beams at him, but his eyes never waver from me, not even for a second. "Your contribution is the highest of the evening, and it will go a long way in supporting our cause."

She then turns to me, her smile just as warm. "And Allie, thank you for being part of this. Your participation has brought us this wonderful outcome. We hope to see you again next year."

She's off before I can muster a response, leaving behind a slip of paper with Patrick that I assume details our impending adventure.

The intensity of Patrick's gaze should have me squirming, but instead, it makes me feel like we're the only two people in the room. "So, would it be all right if I picked you up for our date tomorrow evening?" he asks with a slight tilt of his head. "Friday night seems like the perfect time for a bit of fun in the sky."

"That would be great," I find myself saying more eagerly than I intended. We swap numbers, a transaction that feels both mundane and charged with anticipation.

As if the night couldn't be any more like a scene out of a movie I'd swoon over, he lifts my hand and presses a kiss to the back of it. It's old-fashioned and ridiculously charming, and it sends a shockwave right through me.

I watch him walk away, every cell in my body acutely aware of the absence of his presence. It's like all my blood has decided to take a field trip to my lady zone, leaving me lightheaded and more than a little enamored.

"Earth to Allie," Stacy's voice cuts through my stupor, a teasing lilt in her words. You look like you just saw a ghost—a very hot, very charming ghost."

I blink, trying to anchor myself back to reality. "I think I might just faint," I admit, half-joking but also half-serious. "It's like all the blood in my entire body decided to focus on one particular area."

Stacy bursts into laughter, looping her arm through mine as we navigate our way out of the backstage area. "Well, if that's the effect he has on you with just a kiss on the hand, I can't wait to hear about the date."

I can't help but laugh along; the absurdity of the situation is not lost on me. "Yeah, if I survive it without combusting, it'll be a miracle."

As we make our way out, I can't shake the feeling that I'm on the cusp of something wildly unpredictable. Patrick, with his captivating gaze and gentle manners, has already turned my world upside down, and we haven't even been on our date yet.

"Stace, what if I'm not ready for this?" I whisper, a sudden surge of nervousness washing over me.

Stacy stops, turning to face me with a serious expression. "Allie, this is about having fun, about experiencing something new. There's no pressure for anything more. Just go, enjoy the helicopter ride, and who knows? Maybe it'll be the adventure of a lifetime."

Her words are a balm helping to soothe the hurricane of emotions inside me. "You're right," I say, taking a deep breath. "Adventure of a lifetime, here I come."

Chapter 4

Patrick

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