Page 2 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 4

He cut me off with two fingers pressed lightly over my lips as he spoke gently. “No calling in favors, Nay. I applied and did all the work for this prospective job myself. And I’m going to get the job based on my own skills and experience in the field. I do not need my very powerful, extremely connected fiancée to score me a job. I’m perfectly capable of doing that on my own.”

“I didn’t mean to overstep…” I whispered right before he dipped forward and kissed away my next words.

“I know what you meant, and I’m grateful to have my woman at my back. If I need help with this, I’ll ask. Okay?” He looked deeply into my eyes, his kind and sincere.

I nodded. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry, be happy for me. For us. Means I’ve got something worthwhile to look forward to in my career that wasn’t there before. It also means things are falling into place for both of us. Me finding a great job at a well-respected university, with a stellar athletics department, only helps settle me into my new life in New York, with you.”

That made me smile. “I’m happy for you.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m also proud of you.”

“Thank you for that too.” He kissed me again. The kiss went on until we were interrupted by a knock on the door.

Instantly my anxiety rushed back to the surface and my skin became flushed. “They’re here.” I gulped.

“Stop fretting. It’s shopping, Nay. Something about how fine you always look tells me you are no stranger to shopping.”

I smacked at his back jokingly as he went to open the door. “It’s different, and you know it!” I whisper-yelled.

Memphis opened the door and the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen in my entire life turned around and smiled. Perfect white teeth gleamed against her summery, sun-kissed umber skin tone. Her black hair was pulled into a sleek, high ponytail, the long strands hanging over one shoulder. She wore big Jackie O sunglasses and a glittery pink lipstick. Her midnight-colored turtleneck blouse was tucked into a pair of skintight black leather pants. The platform suede stilettos made the already tall woman an Amazon in comparison to me.

“Syd!” Memphis called out with what could only be considered boyish glee.

“Big Bro!” Sydney squealed and flung herself into her brother’s arms.

Memphis swung her from side to side then kissed her cheek before stepping back a couple feet. “Let me get a look at you. Damn, girl. You look like a million dollars.”

“I know.” She pursed her lips playfully in a haughty expression.

“Seriously though, NYC must be treating you good.”

“I think so too. Best city there is.” Syd slipped off her glasses and directed her gaze at me. “And this must be your fiancée.”

I held out my hand. “Naomi Shaw.”

“Oh, I know exactly who you are, and I’m so excited to meet you in person. I actually worked on one of your jewelry campaigns awhile back. Unfortunately, my face didn’t make the cut, just the jewels on my neck and hands.” She chuckled.

I started to laugh as she shook my hand, because how absurd. My team had the opportunity to show this angel’s face with my jewels, and they chose to cut her out? I would be speaking to my marketing director at my earliest convenience.

“That’s rather shocking. I can’t imagine why they would do such a thing. You’re…breathtaking,” I said on a slight gasp.

She grinned as her cheeks pinked, and her eyes shimmered with joy. “The marketing director told me my face was competing against the beauty of the jewels, and he was in the business of selling jewelry. I told them as long as I got paid, I didn’t care what made the final cut.”

We both burst into laughter. “Well, in all honesty, he was probably right. Your beauty is unmatched.”

“Uh, I beg to differ. My sister is gorgeous, even her own brother can see that. But my fiancée is no slouch in the beautydepartment either,” Memphis interjected, his gaze tracing my form up and down as though he could eat me for lunch.

Today I chose to wear a pair of wide-legged trousers in camel with an off-white button-up silk shirt, open far enough to show the delicate gold lacing around the cups of my corset underneath. A huge solitary pearl hung down between my breasts on a gold chain and a pair of strappy gold Jimmy Choo heels accentuated the look. I’d left my long hair down so I could manipulate it when trying different style dresses.

I went over to Memphis’ side and looped my arm around his waist. “Thanks, baby.”

Sydney clapped her hands together. “Okay, I’m supposed to pick you up and then meet the others at the bridal store. You ready to take on the Taylors?”

“As ready as I’m ever gonna be.” I sighed.

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