Page 2 of The Silver Fox Bidder

But right now, I don’t feel like he’s trying to disappear. In fact, it doesn’t seem like he notices the crowd at all. His eyes bore into mine like I’m the only thing in the room he sees.

I swallow hard and jerk my head back toward the stage.Focus, Lucy. You’re here for Stella, not to get caught up in some ridiculous fantasy about a sexy, reclusive mountain man who’s technically old enough to be your father.

I forcibly pry my eyes away from him and turn my attention back to the auction. I’m surprised to see that the bidding has already begun for a date with my friend. Pete Callahan, a mountain man almost as handsome and mysterious as Tank glowers at his competition as he says, “One thousand dollars.” His voice is low, steady, andterritorial.

The crowd murmurs in surprise, and I whip my head toward the stage.

Stella’s face flushes a deep shade of pink. Embarrassment, sure. But also pleasure. I know her well enough to see it—the way her lips part in surprise, the way she momentarily forgets to breathe.

And honestly? Who could blame her? A rugged, sexy man dropping cold, hard cash just for the chance to take her out on a date?

I let out a slow exhale, my own pulse kicking up a notch.

For the briefest second, I imagine myself up there instead. The lights on me. The rush of anticipation. And when I picture the man standing below, bidding on me with that same quiet intensity...

It isn’t Pete I see.

It’s Tank.

I push the thought aside, mentally shaking myself for indulging in such a silly fantasy. I don’t need validation from any man, but especially not from one who may or may not be connected to the mob.

Chapter 2

Lucy

ImeetStellabackstage.The way she looks right now—flushed, flustered, like she can’t quite process what just happened—makes me grin.

"Stella,” I exclaim, grabbing her arm. “Oh my God. Pete Callahan just bought a date with you!”

She presses a hand to her chest as if she needs to catch her breath. "I know. I can’t—I still can’t believe it. What kind of date do you think he’s going to plan?"

"Something romantic and rugged. Knowing Pete, it'll probably involve a bonfire, the wilderness—” A wicked grin stretches across my face. “—and those strong, capable hands of his doing unthinkably wonderful things.”

Red splotches of embarrassment creep up Stella’s neck. “Don’t be ridiculous, Lucy.”

“I’m serious! You’ve got yourself a sexy mountain man version of a Jane Austen hero."

Stella shakes her head, but a nervous giggle passes her lips. "So, Pete Callahan is my Captain Wentworth?”

"Stranger things have happened,” I say with a shrug. “And honey, did you see the ferocity in his face as he bid on you? I feared for the lives of the other men.”

“I think he just cares about the library. He knows we need the money.”

“No way,” I say, rolling my eyes. “He spent that money onyou. You could have been raising money for the Anti-Tree League or something, and he’d still have bought that date.”

Stella raises an eyebrow. “The Anti-Tree League?”

I shrug. “It could exist. I’m sure there’s tree-hating wackos out there somewhere.”

We look at each other for a moment, and then we both burst into laughter.

Stacy, the charity auction’s organizer hurries into the room, looking slightly panicked. “There you are!”

Stella blinks in confusion. “Do you need me for something else, Stacy?”

Stacy waves a hand dismissively. “No, no. Mr. Callahan will reach out to set up the date with you this week. I’m looking for Lucy.”

She’s looking for me?“Why?” I ask, crossing my arms.

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