Page 15 of Love, A Curvy Girl's Guide

The bids kept climbing, and Haley’s nerves twisted into a tight knot. Dean stepped forward, pressing a wad of cash into her hand. "You’ve got this."

She raised her hand again. "One thousand!"

The crowd murmured, and Ian’s eyes widened slightly. He leaned into the microphone. "Are you guys sure this is legal?"

"Don’t worry about it, Johnson," Derek called from the audience, his face slightly flushed. "Just smile and look pretty."

Haley shook her head and turned to Derek, lowering her voice. "I can’t take your money—it’s too much."

Derek flushed deeper, scratching the back of his neck. "It’s not a big deal. Really, it’s just sitting there, and if it helps you win, then it’s worth it. You can pay me back if you really want, but I’d… rather you didn’t."

Haley blinked at him, surprised. For the first time, she saw a different side of Derek—quiet, thoughtful, and maybe even a little shy. She smiled softly, her gratitude threatening to spill over. "Thank you. I mean it.""

The crowd roared with laughter, and Ian shook his head, a grin tugging at his lips. "You guys are the worst."

"Two thousand!" a voice shouted from the back, and Haley’s heart plummeted. She turned to Verity, panic etched on her face.

"We’re out," she whispered. "I can’t go higher."

Dean stepped in again, handing her more cash. "Yes, you can."

Haley hesitated, then raised her hand one final time. "Two thousand five hundred!"

The crowd erupted, and Ian’s grin faded into something softer, more serious. He met her gaze, his expression unreadable as the emcee called for final bids.

"Going once," the emcee said. "Going twice… Sold! To the lady in the front row!"

The crowd cheered, and Haley felt a mix of relief and embarrassment as Ian stepped off the stage, his brothers clapping him on the back as he approached her.

"So," he said, stopping in front of her. "Was that your plan all along?"

Haley crossed her arms, trying to ignore the heat rising in her cheeks. "What can I say? I’m a sucker for a good cause."

Ian chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Well, I hope I’m worth it."

Verity leaned in, whispering loud enough for both of them to hear. "Oh, don’t worry. She’s going to make sure you earn every penny."

Ian raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "I look forward to it."

As the crowd began to disperse, Dennis lingered near Verity, his gaze roaming over her a little too long. Verity smirked, clearly enjoying the attention. "Something you want to say, big guy?"

Dennis cleared his throat, looking uncharacteristically flustered. "Just… nice work out there."

Verity grinned. "Thanks. I aim to please."

Haley couldn’t suppress her laugh as Ian shook his head, muttering, "This is going to be interesting."

And for the first time that night, Haley couldn’t help but agree.

EIGHT

Win A Day With Your Fantasy Firefighter

Haley Wheat sat on her daddy’s back porch sipping her sweet tea and ogling Ian Johnson, tormentor of her soul and prime subject of her late-night fantasies.

“I think you missed the corner, sugar!” she called out and motioned for him to return and redo the last turn.

Ian looked ready to kill her, and it only made Haley’s smile widen. He did look rather adorable in his secondhand pink bra and booty shorts. It wasn’t Ian’s usual uniform of worn jeans and boots, but Haley was starting to enjoy the appeal.

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