Page 92 of Fall at Once

“Thank you,” I mouthed, smiling when she gave a subtle nod.

“Would anyone else like to place a bid?” Monica asked.

I squinted into the lights, scowling into the crowd with a silent warning to let it go.

“Do not even think about it,” Abigail warned Mrs. Hadley, who glared at her as she shrugged, picking up her glass and sipping it with deliberate nonchalance.

Maybe she was over her preoccupation with me now that Madi was here, and she would be risking the embarrassment of being shot down in public. One could only hope.

“Going once, twice, Cole Sutter is sold to Madison Winslow for five hundred dollars! We’ll see you two tomorrow night at dinner.”

I hopped off the platform, and we all hustled over to the side of the room.

Monica moved on to start the bidding on Pace. Lucky for me, he was a handsome motherfucker because no one except for the town’s hardcore gossips paid me any mind when I left the platform.

“Don’t worry, Madi.” Abigail pulled her in for a hug. “I wasn’t buying him for myself. Riley said to get him for you no matter what it cost. We were thinking of him as an early Christmas present. For once, we knew what you wanted.”

“You’re a nut.” Madi laughed. “But I appreciate it.”

“Oh, good lord, Abigail,” Riley burst out, shaking her head.

“What? I couldn’t let that old cougar get him either,” she muttered under her breath. “I’ve seen her in action at Bookers.She doesn’t understand the wordnoand can’t keep her hands to herself. It’s not okay for women to be that way either, you know. Everyone deserves to have boundaries.”

“Thanks, Abigail.” I smiled at her. “You had me worried for a minute there.”

“Sorry about that. I mean, yeah, I flirted with you that one time”—she aimed a glare toward the Hadleys at their table before turning back to me—“but unlike some people, I know how to take a damn hint. Friends?” She held her hand to me, and I shook it with a grin.

“Of course.”

“Let me know if you need help with that old horndog.”

“I hope I won’t have to take you up on it. I only have eyes for one woman in this town.”

“Aww! I love this.” She waved her hand between Madi and me. “It would be my pleasure. All it will cost you is a margarita at Bookers and you making my baby sister smile again.”

“Abigail! Jeez,” Madi muttered.

“Okay, okay,” Riley interrupted. “The Winslow sisters have your back, Cole. And, Mom, it took you guys long enough to get here. I thought Abigail would end up having to actually buy him.”

“Traffic was terrible,” her mother answered. “And parking was ridiculous. We should have had plenty of time. I’m glad to see you, Cole.”

“You as well. Thank you for coming.”

“Okay, okay.” Gigi clapped her hands, taking control of the situation. “Come on, girls. Let’s go to your table and leave thesetwo alone.”

I stopped her to ask. “Gigi, can you ask Quinn to drive the kids home and watch them for me? Evan is with him, and Nat is with Dexter’s family at their table. I have to talk to Madi.”

She grinned hugely. “Absolutely, and if he can’t, I will. Go. Take as long as you need.”

They went back to their table.

Madi was mine. We were meant for each other, and it was time to tell her exactly how I felt about her.

I pulled her into a dark corner. “It looks like you were the one to rescue me tonight.” When our eyes met, I knew everything would be okay. “Thank you.”

She broke into a slow, sweet smile. “You’re welcome.”

I was hers, heart and soul. No doubts were left in my mind.

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