Page 68 of The Game

The room is cast in a soft pink glow as I’m doing my last check to make sure every single detail is in place. I straighten out a vase full of colorful gerbera daisies for the third time, when I hear a sound that quickens my heart. Never thought loud male voices arguing would do it for me, but I know they’re a signal that Cole’s here. And he brought his chaotic crew with him. The stars of the show.

“Looks like your man is here,” Amira says, throwing up air quotes. I don’t love that. I’m glad I confessed to her, but I’m not so happy about the reminder.

I break out into a jog, weaving around the tall tables to get to the commotion at the door.

“Hey. Did you get the boxes?” My body pitches forward as I catch my foot on a stray bit of extension cord that needs to be taped down. Even the comfy shoes can’t save me from that.

Hail catches me, setting me back on my feet.

“What the fuck, man? Hands off.” Cole and Dev walk in, carrying the goods.

“Not my fault your girl fell for me,” the rookie smirks, but he releases his hold on my waist, throwing his hands up in the air.

Cole looks furious, dropping the box in his arms and taking a step forward.

“I tripped, he caught me. Not a crisis situation.”

My stomach lets out an angry rumble to further dispel the tension. Cole and Dev are surrounded by the comforting smell of fries. Maybe I’m so hungry I’m hallucinating.

He shakes his head, picking his box back up. “Right. Sorry. Thanks, rookie.”

I pull myself back together. “I’m happy you’re here. You four go report to Amira.” The boys are back to shoving at each other and bickering quietly as I point to my friend, who’s doing a sound check on the stage. “And you two, follow me.” I wave Cole and Dev after me.

I hustle off toward the auction table, doing a quick time check. We’ve got fifteen minutes until the doors open. Beau must have taken his sweet time, like Cole said he would.

“You can put the boxes down here and I’ll get them set up.” The bidding sheets for the auction are already laid out, so I just have to match the item to the correct sheet.

Cole sets his box down, pulling a bright red box of fries out of it. “I got you some fries. I figured you might not have had time to eat with your busy day.”

He’s right, and the pain in my stomach is proof. “Thanks so much. I haven’t eaten since breakfast.” And to be honest, all I could force down then was a single slice of toast. The nerves have been on high alert all day. “Let me get this stuff set up first.”

He helps me place the items in their spots, and our hands brush a few times as we’re reaching in the box. Shivers run through me with each touch and I’m having trouble remembering why it would be such a terrible idea to make this thing between us real.

Dev wandered away with a grunt after he set his box down. So, it’s just Cole and me after we get the last item on display. I take my time fluffing the cellophane to make it look perfect.

He reaches out a hand, pulls it back and then grabs the box of fries, handing it over to me. “They’re cold. I’m sorry.”

I snag a few golden sticks and the hunger monster roars again as soon as the salty goodness hits my tongue. “Best thing I’ve ever tasted.”

He’s smiling, watching every bite when my fingers hit the empty bottom. “Ugh. I was hungrier than I thought. I ate those way too fast.”

“Gotta keep your strength up. I can’t have you fainting in the middle of the auction. You’ve got to bid on me. You are going to bid on me, right?” There’s a hint of desperation in his expression.

“Of course I will. I’ve got to go clean up my hands.” I pop them in my mouth to lick the grease off, holding them up in the air so I don’t accidentally wipe them on myoutfit.

His eyes track my fingers to my mouth, and a pulse of need courses through me. I need to get him out of here before I combust.

“You need to go find Amira. Get yourself settled with the other bachelors.”

He nods, giving me one last lingering glance before he turns around to find my friend. My gaze falls to his ass, and I have to shake myself back into motion.

After I wash my hands, and dab a little cool water on my flushed neck, I head out to check on Shanna and her coffee cart.

“I knew in theory that college students love their coffee, but I don’t think I quite predicted how much until now. I’ll definitely have to think of some ways I can draw them to my events, or hit spots with a college heavy presence.”

“Oh, I could have told you that. I’m glad things are going well for you, and thanks again for your contribution to the shelter. You’re totally going above and behind.” Shanna is incredible. She owns her own business that she started from the ground up. A successful woman in business who also cares about her community. She offered to double the percentage of her sales that’s she’s going to donate to our charity. Kicking ass and giving back.

“Hey, I just want to pass my success on. I wouldn’t be in the place I am today if my family hadn’t had help from this community. I’m paying it forward.”

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