Page 34 of Highest Bidder
“James and I haven’t talked since our date. After the movie, we both knew there wouldn’t be another date. He didn’t want to admit it, but it wasn’t working. I don’t think he will have an opinion on Myles, especially since we’re onlytalking.” At least, I’m hoping he won’t care. I know he had stronger feelings than I did, but that date was a disaster. I’m sure he changed his mind, especially since I haven’t received a text from him in days. He also didn’t talk to me this morning, only giving me a friendly wave.
“Girl, talking isn’t the only thing you are doing,” she says, wiggling her eyebrows.
I purse my lips and give her my sassiest look. “Yes, Jess. That’s it.” I pause and my face turns into a small smile. “At leastfor now.” She grabs my arms and squeals, making me laugh while walking off the auction block. I notice Myles going over to give Aaron a break on JT’s lane. I love watching him up there. He is so smooth. Out of the corner of my eye, I see James walking over to me.
“Hey, Hunter.”
“Hey, James. You got a lot of good cars today,” I say, readjusting my purse on my shoulder.
“Yeah, I did. I wanted to say that I’m sorry about what I said about cattle auctions. I was wrong. I’m happy you’re finding your place here.”
James is a nice guy. I know it won’t be long until he sweeps a girl off her feet. It just won’t be me.
“Thank you. That means a lot. I’d like to remain friends if that’s alright with you?”
His shoulders relax, and he exhales. “Yes. I’d like that.”
“Great. I’ll see you later, then?”
He nods, and I lightly touch his forearm and walk around him to where Jess stepped away to give us some privacy. Before walking by, I wave to JT, and he gives me a nod with his usual easygoing smile. I look up at Myles, but his back is to me, facing the dealer by the open garage door.
Jess and I walk inside the office, and I wave to a few dealers as we go. She cuts through a side door to clock out so we can go to the next auction, and I find my way to the front door to wait for her like I usually do. My phone pings with a text message. Fishing it out of my purse, I see Myles’ name light up on the screen, and I swear my heart does a flip.
Myles:
Hey, don’t leave yet. I want to ask you something.
Hunter:
Okay. I’m by the front door.
I look up and see Jess walking over, saying bye to a few office workers on her way. She is wearing a brightly colored floral skirt and a purple shirt. There is no missing her. The girl was born to stand out.
“Ready?” she asks.
“Myles asked me to wait for him. He said he needed to ask me something. Can I meet you at your car in a minute?”
Her face lights up. “Of course! Can’t wait to see what he says.” She winks and walks out the door, talking to the security officer who’s standing there.
I roll my eyes and pull out my phone to text my dad while I wait.
Hunter:
Hey, Dad. Yesterday, I had my first day at a cattle auction. It was great. It made me miss you. Love you.
My phone pings almost immediately. He’s always quick to respond.
Dad:
That’s my girl! Good job, sweetie. I’m proud of you. Love you too. Your mom wants to know when you can come home for a visit.
It’s amazing how my dad and I have a good relationship. But then my mom uses him to talk to me because our relationship is nonexistent. It’s sad, but it’s all I’ve ever known. I wish she could be proud of me. I just don’t want her approval enough to do what she wants. I’m not willing to marry someone or be someone who goes to the country club all the time. I know she loves her lifestyle, but it’s not one I’ve ever wanted. I tuck my phone back inside my pocket. I’m not ready to give him an answer right now.
“Hey.”
I look up excitedly at the sound of his familiar voice. Myleswalks a few more steps before he is standing in front of me. He has a twinkle in his eye, making it hard to look away.
“Can I walk you out?” Myles gestures toward the door.
