Page 5 of Bought by His Brother's Best Friend

“More than worked out,” she said, eyes sparkling. “Now, go thank your generous bidder while I get the check processed. He’s done us a tremendous service tonight.”

As I made my way through the backstage area toward the ballroom, my mind raced.

What would I say to Damien? We’d never been particularly close—our interactions limited to the occasional group dinner when he and Tyler got together. And now I owed him an evening of my company, purchased at an astronomical price.

But more confusing than that was the inexplicable flutter in my stomach at the thought of spending time with him. I’d always found Damien Roth intriguing—successful, composed, with an intensity that commanded attention—but I’d never allowed myself to examine that interest too closely.

Now, as I stepped back into the glittering ballroom to find him, I couldn’t ignore the nervous anticipation coursing through me. Whatever his reasons for that outrageous bid, this night had taken a turn I never could have predicted.

And somehow, I wasn’t entirely sorry about it.

TWO

DAMIEN

I adjusted my cufflinks as laughter rippled through our table—another joke from Senator Williams about his golf handicap.

I smiled politely, though I’d heard variations of the same story at several other charity events this year. These functions were always the same: elegant decorations, decent champagne, wealthy people congratulating themselves on their generosity.

I didn’t mind. The Children’s Sports Foundation did good work, and my donation would help kids who reminded me of myself before success—hungry for opportunity and access. The twenty-five thousand I’d already given when purchasing my table would provide equipment for dozens of young athletes.

“And which bachelor will you be bidding on tonight, Mr. Roth?” Mrs. Covington asked, her diamond necklace catching the light as she leaned toward me. Despite being in her seventies, her eyes sparkled with mischief. “That dancer was quite handsome.”

“I hadn’t planned on bidding.” I said, taking a sip of champagne. “I’m just here to support the foundation.”

“Pity. A successful man like yourself should have someone special.” She patted my hand. “Though I suppose you’re too busy building empires to bother with romance.”

If only she knew. Success came easily to me—relationships didn’t. When your net worth had nine figures, people saw dollar signs instead of the person beneath. I’d learned that lesson several times over.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve come to our last bachelor of the evening!” announced the emcee as the pianist left the stage.

I straightened in my chair. Tyler Bennett was the real reason I’d attended tonight.

We’d been roommates in college, remaining close despite our different career paths. When he’d mentioned this charity auction, I’d purchased a table immediately—not to bid on him, obviously, but to support him and enjoy our usual post-event drinks.

“We had advertised NHL star Tyler Bennett,” the emcee continued, his tone shifting to apologetic. “But unfortunately, he and the entire team have been grounded by weather.”

Disappointed murmurs spread through the audience. I frowned, pulling out my phone to check if Tyler had texted me about the change. Nothing.

“However!” The emcee’s voice brightened. “We are fortunate to have another Bennett with us tonight. Please welcome sports agent extraordinaire, the man behind some of the biggest deals in professional hockey, Tyler’s brother—Shane Bennett!”

My head snapped up as Shane walked onto the stage, tall and handsome in a tailored navy suit that highlighted his athletic build. He moved with a contained grace that contrasted with Tyler’s natural showmanship, his smile slightly nervous yet genuine.

Something tightened in my chest. I hadn’t expected to see Shane tonight.

“You know him?” Mrs. Covington asked, noting my sudden interest.

“His brother was my college roommate,” I explained, not taking my eyes off the stage. I didn’t add that I’d been infatuated with Shane Bennett for the better part of a decade.

We’d met at a college party when Tyler had invited me to watch hockey playoffs at his family’s home. Shane had been in his final year of high school then—bright, witty, and so fiercely supportive of his brother that I’d been immediately drawn to him. Over the years, our paths crossed at Tyler’s games or birthday celebrations, each encounter leaving me more intrigued.

But I’d never acted on my attraction.

Tyler was one of my closest friends, and I valued that friendship too much to risk complicating things. Besides, I’d never been certain if Shane’s warm smiles meant anything beyond polite friendliness.

“Bidding for an evening with Shane will start at one thousand dollars,” the emcee announced. “Who’ll give me one thousand?”

Silence fell over the ballroom.

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