Page 9 of Puck the Halls

"Is that what you think—that we'll throw you away once we get bored?" Tate's hurt expression guts me.

Damn it, I barely know these three guys, yet I feel such a strong connection to them. But if the morning after my birthday taught me anything, it taught me I want to find true love, get married, and have a bunch of children. And I can't do that when I'm just fooling around with three guys at the same time.

"Isn't that what happened the morning after when I woke up alone with no note or way to contact you? I deserve someone who wants to be with me for more than just one night or because I'm convenient." I can't hold back the tears as they stream down my face or the begging. "It's going to be hard enough working for the same team as it is—please don't drag out something that will never be anything more than your dirty little secret."

I don't add that once they each find that special woman who completes them and they settle down, living out the real fantasy I want from them, I'll be long gone because there is no way I could watch my men with other women.

Tate and Sam look like they want to say something, but Cooper cuts them off, "If that's what you really want, we won't stop you."

Unable to speak, I nod and leave the arena and my heart behind.

ten

Jolie

It's the night ofthe Annual Christmas Elf Charity Auction, where single women and some married women dress like Christmas Elves are auctioned off to the highest bidder to raise money for our local Children's hospital. And just what I need to get my mind off Cooper, Sam, and Tate, except theCharity Auction is being held in the ballroom of the same hotel we celebrated my birthday in.

Last night was bad enough when I had to fill in for Hank, the head trainer, while he was out sick with food poisoning and sat on the team bench during the game. Even though Cooper, Sam, and Tate stood for most of the game, I could still feel their eyes on me, especially when I had to check Fin Baxter for a possible concussion.

And after I basically told them I wanted to move on with my life, there's no way to take it all back and beg their forgiveness. Some might call it weak or a disgrace to the female population but even a few stolen nights with Cooper, Sam, and Tate would be worth a lifetime of pain.

I glance at my best friend and roommate, Anna Marie. She was a last-minute replacement for Lola, who wasn't able to participate tonight due to a family emergency. "You look hot," I tell her. "Besides, I already told you not to worry. My Dad's in town for the holidays. I told him how you so graciously agreed to step in for Lola when she had a family emergency and had to leave town—and he agreed to bid on you. Isn't that great?"

"Where's your dad staying?" Anna Marie asks.

"At the hotel where he always stays when he's in town, silly," I playfully slap her arm, feeling happier than I have in a long time thinking about setting up my father and my best friend. "You know we don't have enough room in our apartment unless you want to share your bed with him."

"Oh, right. I forgot." Anna Marie's cheeks turn a pretty shade of pink, and I hide a giggle.

I've known for a long time that Anna Marie has a crush on my Dad. Although he'll never act on it without help, my Dad has romantic feelings for my best friend.

He hasn't even looked at another woman since my mom passed away, deciding to concentrate on raising me as a single parent. Which I appreciate but never asked him to do. It's time for him to have a little fun for once, and who better to set my Dad up with than my best friend?

"Jolie, you're up next. You have three minutes before you hit the stage." Suzie, tonight's elf auction hostess, calls over her shoulder.

"How do I look?" I adjust the tiny elf hat that's perched on top of my curly blonde hair.

"Like the perfect Christmas elf." Anna Marie laughs.

"Thanks, Anna Marie," I wrap my arms around her and hug her quickly. "You look perfect, too. Dad is going to freak out when he sees you."

"What do you mean he's going to freak out?"

"I just mean, it's been a while since he's seen you. You've changed a lot. You're not the same clumsy girl he met. You're a sexy, confident woman who's going to be taking her nursingboards in three weeks." I hope my plan works. I hate to see my best friend so unsure of herself.

"Jolie, it's your turn." Suzie ushers me to the center of the stage while Anna Marie stays out of sight in the wings of the stage.

Suzie announces my name to the crowd. I decide to have a little fun and enjoy being the center of attention, if only for a few minutes. I playfully wiggle my hips and blow kisses to the crowd, driving up the bids.

I'm having a great time until my eyes land on three guys in the front row raising their hands to bid on me.

Oh, Hell no.

How did they know I'd be here? Gemma. She was the only one I told when I tried to get her to participate in the charity auction. She politely declined, telling me her boyfriends don't like it when she auctions herself off. This seemed like a strange comment, but who am I to judge?

I glare at the three of them and place my hands on my hips. They didn't listen to a word I said last night after the game. My heart flutters at the thought of them wanting to fight for me.

"And the lucky winner—I mean, winners are the three dark-haired gentlemen in the front row. Come on over and claim your prize." Suzie gives me a little shove when I don't walk to the stairs at the edge of the stage, where Cooper, Sam, and Tate are waiting for me with huge smiles.

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