Page 9 of Wes

I say that as much to the organizer as to myself because my blood zings through my veins, making my ears ring.

What the fuck have I done? Bidding on a date with a rock star?

If only that thought didn’t set my body on fire, I could believe I did a good thing.

She smooches my cheek, bringing me back to reality. “Yes, you did. But pledging it as a bid right now saves our hard work. You’re a godsend.”

Ana and Moira join us, hugging and thanking me in turns. I repeat the words I’ve just said to Nat, downplaying my contribution.

I strain my neck up to meet Wes’s stare when he appears behind the ladies. I glance beyond him to find the crowd has parted to allow him to cross the hall to where we are.

He greets the women before turning to me. He dips his head and whispers, “Thank you for what you’ve just done. You’ve no idea how much it meant to me.”

My blood boils. The nerve of the guy! He thinks I did this to save his sorry ass?

I scowl. “No need to thank me, sir,” I spew the last word. To my consternation, a glint of something a little dark, and a lot naughty, shines in his hazel eyes. Ignoring it, I add, “I’m just helping the foundation.”

“I’m sure you are,” he agrees, but his raspy voice carries a note of amusement. Invading my personal space, he adds in a sexy whisper, “Looking forward to our date tomorrow.”

His woodsy scent fills my nostrils. Pheromones kill my brain cells. I just gawk at him when he steps away. My heart thuds against my ribs when he winks.

Raising his fingers to his forehead in a mock salute, he bids us goodnight, turns around, and heads back toward the other side of the room.

When he’s out of earshot, I grab Ana’s hand. “I don’t have to go through with the charade of a night out with him, right? I mean, I’ll write the check for the donation and everything. But we don’t have to actually go out on a date.”

She shakes her head. “Afraid that’s not going to cut. After what happened at the auction, the press will be at your heels the whole day tomorrow. Any sign of deception will compromise the fundraiser.”

When I glance at Moira and Nat, they nod their agreement. I droop my shoulders and return my gaze to Wes’s retreating back as he stalks toward the exit door behind the stage.

Fuck!I wail inside my head, biting the inside of my mouth to keep quiet.

With a deep breath, I try to calm down the erratic beating of my heart. So, the best thing I can do is give him the cold shoulder.

That’s it! I’ll go out with the man, pose for the photo-ops, and pretend I don’t despise him with every fiber of my being.

Wes gets to the exit and looks over his shoulder, straight at me. Despite the distance, I recognize the seductive quality of the smile he gives me before crossing the damn door.

My knees buckle and I swear under my breath. Ignoring him tomorrow would be so much easier if his bedroom eyes didn’t have the color of sinful decadent honey. And if his full lips curving in a simple grin didn’t turn my knees to jelly.

I’m so fucking screwed!

4

WES

Islide my arms into the sleeves of the black leather jacket, pulling it over the white Henley, that Maria bought for me earlier. As I do so, I gaze into the mirror to find Moira’s and Ana’s eyes as they stand a couple of feet behind me.

“You two sure about this?” I furrow my brow.

“Oh, please,” Moira scoffs. With a wink, she adds, “You look great in anything, but this jacket is from a special collection by this Brazilian designer. Maria has great eye.”

“Yes, I love it.” I smooth my palm over the colorful macaw logo over my heart. “But I meant go clubbing with Maria. She doesn’t seem the type.”

I bite my tongue not to tell them I find it hard to picture their benefactor letting her hair down and enjoying herself on a dance floor. Although, the challenge of making her enjoy herself in different ways and positions hasn’t left my mind since the moment we first met. Even though I fear she might be too young for me.

When I meet their stares again through our reflection, they both raise eyebrows at me.

Ana exchanges a glance with Moira before replying, “Trust us. We’ve got it all figured out so that both of you have a night to remember.” Her hands on my shoulders twirl me around and push me toward the door of my hotel suite. “Off you go, now. Have fun!”

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