Page 59 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 1

Really? Did you get a good look at him? Is he the tall, dark, handsome man with an accent you saw yesterday?

I waited impatiently, staring intently as the three little dots popped up while my sister responded.

From: Autumn

You bet your ass!

I fist pumped the air and squealed, “Whoo hoo” as I started to shimmy and dance, careful not to fall and break my ankle in my high heels. “I’m about to getfreakywith a tall, dark, and handsome stranger.” I wiggled my fingers and swayed my hips as I continued to celebrate.

“Nice moves. Maybe you can teach them to me one day,” an elegant,accented, voice said from behind me.

I spun around to find Jack, the hot guy from the elevator fiasco standing near the doorway, leaning against the wall, his arms crossed, looking ridiculously handsome. He was in a beautifully tailored suit. Though what caught my breath was not how he looked, but the sinful smirk plastered across his face. Thekind of smile that indicates they know something important that you don’t.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, a frown marring my face.

He pushed off the wall and stalked forward, his large frame full of powerful grace, like an alpha lion approaching his pride.

“Let me introduce myself more fully. I’m Jack Larsen.” He put his hand out for me to shake.

I placed my trembling one in his. When our palms touched, a magnet-like swirling vortex drew me a step closer.

His soft hand curled around mine and his rich, addicting scent, of bergamot, pepper and walnut invaded my nose, seeping into my lungs like a warm, comforting hug. I wanted more. Wanted to breathe him in so deep I could taste those flavors on my tongue, gorge on it until I’d had my fill.

“Hello, Jack Larsen,” I finally responded. “Giving me your full name doesn’t explain why you’re here.”

“To get freaky with you?” He grinned, using the exact words I’d said after reading my sister’s message. Then it dawned on me—the only reason he would be standing right here, is because he’s my bidder.

I yanked my hand out of his hold and put it up to cover my mouth as it dropped open. “Nooooooo!” I whispered in pure disbelief. My thoughts ran a million miles an hour.

How could this be? There’s just no way. Man, he’s good-looking.

“Yes,” he smiled wider, one of his perfect eyebrows cocked as if daring me to deny the truth.

“You!” I pointed at him and then at myself without saying another word.

“Well, I do believe I’m tall, dark-haired, and I have been known to turn a few heads,” he said, then chuckled.

“This is unbelievable,” I gasped. “You’re…YOU! How in the world could this be happening? You’re, the— the elevator guy!”

He chuckled. “I’m also bidder number five, yourfiancé.”

I dropped my purse and phone as both my hands rose to my burning cheeks. “This is so fucking wild! My family is never going to believe this. I’m not sure I believe it!” I scoffed, staring dumbly at his gorgeous, arrogant face.

He put his hands into his pockets and rocked back and forth from heel to toe, a boyish smile across his face. “I will agree this is an unusual circumstance…Rebecca.” He drew out my cat’s name, reminding me that I’d given him a fake name after he’d talked smack about me smelling like weed when we met.

“Yeah, about that…” I bit into my bottom lip and looked down, suddenly feeling a little ashamed of not being honest. He did take care of me during that small crisis. Everything was fine, and we were always safe, but it didn’t feel that way at the time. And he’d been rock solid. Held me close, made sure I didn’t go into a full mental spiral, or worse, pass out. Jack even teased me about my backup panties which ultimately took my mind off the very scary realization that we were stuck in an unreliable elevator car.

Jack reached out his hand and lifted my chin gently with a curled knuckle. “You know, I tried to call you to make sure you were okay. Only to find I’d called—”

“Eureka’s pizza.” My shoulders dropped in defeat before I mumbled, “I worked there when I was a teenager. They have really amazing pies. I’ll take you there sometime.”

His brown eyes seemed to melt as he traced one of my cheekbones with his thumb. “I’d like that very much,” he whispered, his gaze filled with something more than concern. Something I wasn’t ready to put a name to or trust, as my entire world was just flipped on its axis.

Still, I couldn’t help the shiver that ran down my back at his touch, or the way his minty breath fanned across my face. I licked my lips and shifted from foot to foot as a wave of nervous energy overcame me.

Would he kiss me? Right here? Right now?

Did I want him to kiss me?

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