Page 76 of Getting Wrapped Up

“I’m well aware of Levi’s attributes,” Kate said dryly. “And one of the things I like best about him is that he’s in a serious, committed relationship.”

“That might be somethingyoulike about him. The other girls, I’m thinking, like very much that his girlfriend was going to be absent for Valentine’s Day,” Tucker said.

“They’ll just swoop in the second I’m not here?” she asked. “I thought Sapphire Falls girls were nice.”

“The women of Sapphire Falls are very nice girls, with the exception of one or two.” Hailey Conner materialized beside Levi, slipping her arm into his. “But you can’t blame them for noticing when a guy like Levi is all alone.”

“And are you one of the exceptions?” Kate asked before she could catch herself.

Tucker laughed out loud.

Hailey just smiled. “Depends on the subject. But when it comes to Levi, I’m one of the nice ones.”

Kate regarded the other woman up close for the first time. From her silky blonde hair to her flawless skin and figure, Hailey was like a real-life Barbie doll.

She also had a clear poise and confidence, and intelligence shone from summer-sky-blue eyes.

She might not be interested in Levi, but they did make a very good-looking couple.

“You were bidding on him as if you were interested,” Kate said.

“Hailey was bidding on me so no one else would win,” Levi said. “She used my money.”

Hailey handed him a wad of cash. Then as Levi was taking it from her, she peeled off a hundred dollar bill. “My tip,” she told him.

Levi just rolled his eyes.

“You know another way to keep other people from bidding on you?” Kate asked. “To not be in the auction in the first place.”

“It’s a fundraiser,” Levi said.

“You could have donated the money instead,” Kate pointed out.

“I promised him I would make sure I won,” Hailey said. “But I was happy to let it climb as high as it would go first.”

Levi rolled his eyes. “Hailey felt the bidding would drive the total higher than I would have given.”

“Is that true?” Kate asked.

He shrugged. “Maybe.”

Hailey laughed. “And we needed a couple more bachelors. Levi is a generous soul who loves this town. I knew I could convince him. He was way easier than TJ.” Hailey looked over her shoulder at the man who was currently climbing onto the stage.

It was clear that he was related to Travis and Tucker but Kate felt her eyes widen as she watched yet another Bennett take the stage. Dang, that gene pool was amazing.

TJ Bennett was easily two inches taller than Tucker, who had to be six-two. He was also wider through the shoulders, chest and arms—like Viking-Warrior wide or Medieval-Knight wide. Testosterone seemed to roll off of him. Very Viking or Knight-ish. Where Travis and Tucker had a more playful, flirty quality about them, TJ’s attitude seemed to be one of resigned tolerance, like he was there, willing to help out, but he wasn’t going to be enthusiastic about it. Or maybe he just knew that his appeal went beyond smiles and seductive words. He walked to the center of the stage and crossed his arms, looking big and intimidating. And hot.

Kate went for the more laid back, flirtatious type herself, but she was sure there was no female in the room who didn’t feel a little tingle looking at TJ Bennett as well.

Levi snapped his fingers in front of her nose. “Still here, babe.”

She shook her head and gave him a big smile. “Oh, I know. I only have eyes for you.”

“Uh huh.” But he put his arm around her waist and pulled her up against him.

The good thing about dating a man with a huge ego was…his huge ego. Levi could definitely handle her checking out other guys. He knew she was going home with him.

“Well, as I was saying,” Tucker said. “It seems that Katie and I are meant to have at least one date. We keep getting thrown together.”

---