Page 6 of His to Unwrap

“Sure you don’t want to stay?” He flashes a wide grin. “She’s participating.”

Participating? “In what?”

“The auction,” Everett replies. “Some of the community are going to be auctioned off. Sounds barbaric, but they’re raising money for the firefighter’s charity. Whoever bids highest gets four hours of their donated time. Have the mayor clean their house. Things like that.”

She’s talking to the woman I saw her with at the coffee shop. “Four hours?” I sound like a parrot, but all I can think of are the things I want to do to this woman for four hours.

“Nothing sexual, obviously.”

Right.

She laughs, and I’m treated to the sight of her slender neck and the rise of her breasts.

Everett moves closer and lowers his voice. “Lacey is friends with Amanda—the woman on crutches. That’s her best friend, Madison. I guess she’s some television personality from New York. She’s pretty popular, so they talked her into going on the auction block in Amanda’s place to help raise money. She’ll probably go for quite a bit.”

“Good for the charity,” I grind out. My throat feels like I swallowed rocks. I drag my gaze off her and face my friends. I should go. As tempting as it is to spend four hours with this angel, it’s not a good idea. I run a hand through my hair and touch the scar to remind myself why.

“Don’t do that, man. Don’t back away like you aren’t worthy or some shit,” Everett growls. “I’ve been there. I know what you’re thinking.”

I open my mouth to protest, but Caleb cuts in. “We’ve both been there. You see us now. We’re happier than we’ve ever been. The right woman accepts you as you are, flaws, guilt, and all.”

“She’s from New York,” I point out.

“People move all the time. Stop with the shit excuses. It’s obvious you’re attracted to her.”

I can’t help but look her way again, and this time, our gazes meet.

My angel, Madison, offers a shy smile.

My heart beats hard in response. Four hours with this beautiful woman. The thought scares the shit out of me. I should leave before I lose my mind and do something crazy, like stay and bid.

Chapter Four

Madison

“I can’t believe I'mdoing this.” The charity auction is already in progress, and I’m about to be called. I smooth my hands over my green sequin dress one more time and take a deep breath to steady my nerves. It feels like the first day I was on camera forSpiced. My stomach flutters and there's a vibration under my skin that makes me want to turn and run.

The Christmas gala is held in an old train depot that’s been renovated into a beautiful venue. Strands of white lights are woven into sheer swaths of fabric that drape the walls, while crystal chandeliers bathe the room in golden light. There’s a room set up for people to decorate Christmas trees and a silent auction, while the main room has a small stage, dance floor, andseating for guests. Poinsettias and lush garland with red and gold ribbons trim out the buffet tables.

“Just think of all the people you're helping by bringing in more money for the charity,” Amanda says as she hands Sasha and me each a glass of champagne.

I gulp down half of it.

“You're up next. Remember to smile and look excited to be helping out,” she adds.

“Smile and don't look terrified. Right.”

“The worst that can happen is no one bids and you'll have to spend that time with us,” Sasha says.

That’s the best outcome I can hope for. This is insane.

The emcee for the gala is the mayor, who is more gregarious than I expected from a short, older woman. She winks at me, then waves me forward.

“Next up is number twelve, but most of you know her as one of the stars of the reality showSpiced. She's a classically trained chef, so keep that in mind when you're bidding gentlemen. I know most of your women would love a romantic dinner cooked by someone other than themselves.” The crowd laughs, and the spotlight turns on me as I walk out onto the small stage. The bright light casts them all into shadow, making me feel even more exposed. I fight not to fidget and force myself to wave and relax.

“Timeline!” Amanda stage whisper-shouts.

The mayor chuckles. “I've been not so subtly reminded that Miss York is only in town with us for a few more days, so whoever wins her time will need to schedule with her right away. Let's start the bidding at one hundred dollars. She's worth it, right folks? Who bids-”

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