Page 66 of The Game

I loop my arm around her shoulder in a casual gesture, and she allows it, but her shoulders tense at the question. Is she hiding something from me?

“We’re going to Niche. Dancing. Girl’s night. Is that…” She trails off, checking herself. “I mean, I’m excited.”

“Sounds good. I’m glad you get to spend some time with them. You’ve been working so hard lately at your event. You need tolet loose.”

Her shoulders shift under me as she twists around, looking at me with a curious expression. “You’re okay with it?”

Now I’m just confused. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be? You’re not bringing your other fake boyfriend with you, are you?”

Her coat rustles as she shakes her head. “No. It’s just… Never mind.”

Now it’s dawning on me. That prick of an ex of hers didn’t like her going out with her friends. What a royal asswipe.

“Jazmin, look at me.” She does and I can’t help slipping a finger under her chin to tilt her head up. I want her looking me in the eye when I tell her this. “I will never stop you from going out with your friends. As long as you stay safe and look after each other, I’m happy when you’re happy. Any guy that is jealous of your friendships is a sorry excuse for a man and doesn’t deserve to stand next to you on a street corner, much less date you.”

There’s still a hint of doubt shadowing her gorgeous brown eyes, but she looks much brighter, and the excitement is back.

“Oh, I’ll be safe. We always look out for each other.”

“Good.” I drop a kiss on her nose. “You have fun.”

She babbles excitedly about her plans for the auction next week on the drive home and I’m happy to sit back and listen to her. I’m still a little nervous about having to auction myself off, but for her, no questions asked, I’m there for her. A hundred percent. Even if I can’t have her for real, I support her all the way. I know how important this is for her plans.

Chapter 24

Boyfriend For Sale

Jazz

The best part ofrunning this event as a casual coffee shop instead of a grand gala is the comfy clothes. I’m wearing the burnt orange jumpsuit I thrifted along with the all-white platform Adidas runners I save for indoor occasions. White shoes are pretty, but not exactly practical for everyday use.

Wearing comfortable shoes helps on one level, but it doesn’t ease the buzzing anxiety that’s been zipping around my belly since we started setting up this morning.

“Coffee cart is here. I’m going to get them settled into their spot before I come over to help you finish up the florals.” It’s kind of surreal speaking into the earpiece like I’m a secret agent or something.

“Gotcha. I’m dealing with the auction item delivery. I’ll meet you by the front entrance in ten or so.” Amira’s official voice crackles in my ear.

A tall woman with her dark hair smoothed into a tight bun pauses, eying up the door frame as I’m hurrying over.

“Hi, Shanna. Let me get that for you.” My fingers make quick work of the latches set into the side of the double doors to open the left side.

She gives me a bright smile. “Thanks, Jazmin. I’ve had to muscle this thing through all kinds of spaces, but why work harder, right?”

“I’ve always thought that was a great theory.” I reach out to shake her hand. “I can help you get you all settled in.”

“Thanks.” Her smile turns apologetic. “My assistant got stuck in traffic, so he’s running a bit late.”

“Well, I’m here for you.”

Between the two of us, we get the cart set up on the far side of the atrium.

“This is a beautiful space for an event.” She says, locking the brakes in place.

We’ve got it tucked away in the back left corner of the space, leaving plenty of room for people to wait in line for their coffee. Or they can roam the edges of the room to get their books signed or browse the silent auction items. The bachelor auction seems to have turned into the main attraction, though. Once we started blasting out emails and posting signs around campus about it, the tickets sold out in a few days.

I glance over at the massive windows that stretch from floor to ceiling around the curved walls. It’s a beautiful day too, the sun shining down to warm the space. Not that it will matter for the actual event, which doesn’t take place until the evening,but it’s nice to soak in some sunshine while we get things all set up.

“Anything else I can help you with here?” She looks up from her phone. “Nope. Jeff finally made it, so I’ll get him to help me unload the van.”

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