Page 79 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 1

I flicked on the lights, and the crystal chandelier in the entryway reflected sparkles of light all over the space, making it seem even more inviting.

“Come, let me show you our room. Unless you want a tour now.”

“I’m beat, Summer. Sleep first. Tour tomorrow.”

“You got it. Though it’s three flights up, which should be nothing on those firm quads.” I teased.

“Touché.” He murmured and followed me up the three flights to the master bedroom.

“Go ahead and use the bathroom first, and I’ll get everything situated,” I offered, pointing to the bathroom door.

He nodded, and his shoulders seemed to slump as the lines around his eyes deepened. He really was beat. He took his suitcase into the bathroom while I grabbed mine and tossed the entire thing in the closet. I’d deal with unpacking later, or in a week or two, depending on my mood.

I turned on the end table lights and pulled back the coverlet to make my queen-sized bed seem more inviting. I wanted himto feel comfortable here. Then maybe he’d want to stay in Eureka for a while instead of carting me off to his homeland. Not that I didn’t want to see Oslo, that would be awesome. I just wanted to share more of my home with him while we got to know one another better.

Jack exited the bathroom, wearing a white t-shirt and a pair of loose burgundy sleep pants. “It’s free. Which side do you sleep on?”

“I usually sleep in the middle so pick a side.” I offered then skittered into the bathroom. Once inside, I brushed my teeth, peed, washed my face, brushed my hair and removed all my clothing before putting on my black silk robe with the badass peacock on the back; its feathers even fanned out and trailed across the arms.

I exited the bathroom to find Jack already in bed, the covers up to his waist. His shirt still on. Weird.

His gaze fell to my bare legs and then up to my face. “You’re one beautiful woman, Summer.”

“Thank you,” I said while untying my robe. I let the satin drop, revealing my naked body.

Jack made a choking sound as he sat straight up in bed. “You’re naked,” he breathed, his eyes tracing all over my bare curves like a caress.

“Yes, I know. That’s how I sleep.”

“Helvete!”

“What’s that mean?” I yawned, pulled the covers back and then slipped underneath.

He swallowed, closed his eyes and inhaled slowly. “It…uh…meansfucking hell.”

“Nice. Goodnight, Jack. Sleep well.” I tucked my hands into prayer position under my cheek and immediately fell asleep.

Episode 29

All You Can Eat

RHODES

“Whoa sweetheart, slow down,” I suggested as Maia shoveled a huge mouthful of mashed potatoes and took a monster bite of a buttery roll almost simultaneously. Her cheeks were puffed up like a chipmunk, which was rather cute, but also concerning. “The food isn’t going anywhere. It’s a buffet, you can eat as much as you want.”

Her eyes widened as she chewed and swallowed. She lifted her water and drank deeply before wiping her mouth with her napkin. “Uh, sorry. I haven’t eaten today.”

I chuckled and reached for my glass of red wine. Maia hadn’t taken so much as a single sip from the glass I’d poured for her. Perhaps she didn’t like wine.

“So, why this place?” I gestured to the all-you-could-eat buffet in Caesars Palace. It wasn’t my regular dining preference. Everywhere I looked there were tourists loading their plates to the gills, some not even waiting to start eating until they’d gotten back to their table, sampling items while picking through what was available.

Maia cut a large chunk of steak. The damn thing was practically burnt, it was so overdone. If she’d wanted a good steak, I could have taken her to the steakhouse in The Alexandra. Joel’s resort catered to those who could afford thebest. Something I’d worked very hard to ensure I could have at my leisure. I certainly would have enjoyed the experience more. Except, when I asked Maia if there was someplace in particular she wanted to eat, she’d chosen the buffet at Caesars Palace.

“I’ve always wanted to sit down and eat here officially, like a real customer. The food always smells and tastes great.”

“What do you mean it tastes great? If you haven’t eaten here officially, how have you tasted it?” I asked, confused by her response.

She bit down on her bottom lip and focused on her food. She pushed a cooked carrot around her plate randomly before tilting her head and looking up at me through her lashes. Shame and sadness filled the air around our table.

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