Page 50 of The Unbuttoned Ranger
“He’s no longer interested. They were in a relationship in high school until it became known that she was involved with several members of the football team. Upon learning this, Sharp ended the relationship, despite her repeated efforts to reconcile and assurances that such behavior would not happen again.”
The auctioneer counted down the bidding before he struck his gavel then held up Emily’s pie.“Sold to the gentleman in the white Stetson.” She seemed thoroughly disappointed although she forced a smile on her lips.
Then it came down to CaDee’s pie. The auctioneer searched the crowd.“Where is Miss CaDee Lang?”
She attempted to hide but Marg, bless her heart, screeched through the microphone,“There she is. Get on up here, honey.”
“Sorry,” Ursula mouthed as CaDee passed.
She’d never liked being in the spotlight, and most definitely never would have voluntarily stood in front of two hundred or more people auctioning her pie.
“This is a special pie, y’all. This was made by our newest resident in Fin’s Creek.” Every eye in the place turned to her and they applauded.“Let’s show her a big Texas welcome with a yee-haw.”
Everyone in the room shouted,“Yee-haw!”
"Let's start the bidding at fifty. Fifty from the gentleman in the back," Randy announced in his trademark auctioneer style.
CaDee struggled to follow as bidding slowed at a hundred, with only Sharp and Gage continuing.
“One twenty.” It was Sharp who called out.
Gage raised the bid to one-thirty. Sharp countered. Everyone in the room was chattering with interest and CaDee felt sweat on her back.
When the bidding came to two hundred, gasps could be heard through the crowd. Gage backed off and saluted Sharp when the gavel came down to close the bidding.
CaDee and Sharp made eye contact and he touched the brim of his hat. Her body quivered. Admittedly, she‘d hoped he would bid on her pie.
She watched him stroll to the stage to retrieve his pie then came around to the stairs to help her off stage.
“Enjoy that pie,” the auctioneer said then continued to the next pie.
“I hope I didn’t embarrass you,” Sharp said next to her ear.
“The only embarrassing part was standing on stage,” she said.
“I’ve got to go pay Marg. I’ll catch up with you in a minute.”
She watched him weave through the crowd and noticed that Emily was heading in her direction.
“We haven’t been formally introduced.” The woman held out her hand.“Emily.”
“CaDee.”
“So, you’re working Piper’s farm?”
“I am.” CaDee continued to watch Sharp, hoping he hurried back before things got awkward with Emily.
“He seems to have taken a liking to you.”
Oops. Too late.
“He’s been kind enough to help me learn the ropes at Piper’s.”
“Oh, I bet he has.” She smirked.“We women need to watch out for each other. You might think he’s a great catch, I mean, look at him. Women have tried to win his heart and hand over the years but he’s not available. He loves the game, if you know what I mean.” She laughed and it almost sounded bitter.
“I’m not looking for a relationship, but I appreciate the …warning.” What more could she say?
“Sharp and I have a history.”
