Page 5 of Dad Bods and Blizzards

Seriously? Can it be that easy? I bite my lip, hesitating before I overcommit. “I already have one job, but I could use another. Is it—being a bikini barista—safe?”

“Safety is part of my personal commitment to my employees. We’ll have cameras and rules. And the tips are insane based on the business models I’m following.”

Jasmine’s self-assurance is uncanny. We’re about the same age, but she seems so much more adult-ish than me. I listen in awe and cringe internally. I have to grow up.

Then my legs go weak, and Jasmine’s voice fades. Across the room, contrasting all of the fancy suits and tuxedos, is a group of men wearing flannel shirts and jeans. My heart skips a beat. My sex aches. And my mind is in chaos. Why am I so turned on by their dad bods?

Apparently, my attraction to Chief Hopper from Stranger Things wasn’t a one-off.

Deep down, I just want to be loved and cared for. Does that mean I’m spoiled?

“You okay?” Jasmine asks. I struggle to stop staring, and she continues, “They’d be a catch.”

Embarrassed, since I don’t want to infringe on their auction prospects, I shift my gaze to the floor. “That would solve…” I let the words trail off when I realize I said it out loud.

“They can solve it three times over,” Sabrina jokes, only partially understanding what I’m referring to.

Attempting to embrace Jasmine’s energy, I say, “Yeah. They’re so rugged, so beastly.”

“You should go talk to them.”

“We can’t support the charity if you undermine the auction.” Lazovski’s voice comes from behind me. He’s the owner of the Aubergine Affair and took over theChristmas Cherry Auctionwhen it became obvious the men from previous years weren’t buying the women to help with holiday chores as originally intended.

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to undermine it.” I hope he doesn’t kick me out.

“More importantly, I can’t protect you outside of the auction and the contract. Want to sign up?”

Me?I’m too shocked to speak. The men are so thick and burly. And look at me like they want me. Not the cheap winks from men at the diner. I feel like these men know me.

Jasmine misunderstands my hesitation. “There were originally supposed to be four women. I bet the last dress will fit you. Plus, he’s right. There’s an immediate termination clause in the contract, buyers and virgins agree to it, and you get Lazovski’s personal number in case anything goes wrong.”

He turns to me. “Are you a virgin?”

I nod, still unable to process that I’m being offered the choice. If I have sex here with witnesses, I can negate the value my father put on my virginity. And an opt-out clause… I maintain control.

Jasmine grabs my hands. “Do it. I’ll help you get their bid.”

If I’ve ever been offered a chance to take control and make the most of my circumstances, that time is now—and maybe I can even make a little history by securing my own reverse harem. I’ll never have to work for tips again. “Okay.”

“You go sign the contract and get dressed. I’ll let them know you hope they’re up for an expensive night.”

The moment is so surreal, I might be in shock as I’m led to the room where I’ll sign the contract and change clothes.

“Get your hand off me, Griz,” a deep voice growls, snapping me out of my stupor.

I glance toward the voice. It’s one of the flannel-wearing dad bods I was drooling over.

Griz.Am I about to auction myself to the men my father wants to sell me to?

Four

Griz

My teeth threaten to crack, I’m clenching my jaw so hard. When Naomi and I first locked eyes, I would have sworn there was a bond.

Something changed. When she was led away, she seemed like she was in a trance. Is she being forced to do this? Does she know who we are?

My blood boils thinking about her idiotic father.

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