Page 53 of Highest Bidder
“Well, that’s a great idea and all, but Hunter is using your ticket.” My mom purses her lips.
She doesn’t want him to go, but if she won’t let him go, then I won’t go either.
“You and I both know you bought her a ticket as soon as she arrived. Now I’m tired, and this young man came all the way here. You guys are going to be late. So quit arguing and go have fun at your event.” With his arm still around me, Dad levels her with a look, warning her he isn’t backing down.
I let go after another squeeze and tuck back into Myles’ side. My mom keeps opening and closing her mouth like a fish. My dadrarely puts his foot down with her, so she’s not sure how to handle this.
“Um.” Steve clears his throat. “Hunny, your mom was planning for you to ride with me in the limo. I’m sorry, your friend won’t be able to join.”
I forgot Steve was still here. My mom’s face brightens by this turn of events. She’s still hoping she can turn this around in her favor by forcing me to spend time with Steve.
“It’s Hunter, Steven,” my dad bites out, which only makes me want to hug him again. “Here, Myles.” He pulls out a set of keys from his pocket and tosses them to Myles. “Drive my Mustang. It’s in the garage. Hunter will show you.” He gives me a smile. “Go have fun tonight. I would like to get to know this fella in the morning.” He turns toward Myles.
“Thank you, sir,” Myles says, keys in hand. “You ready?” Myles looks at me with those big blue eyes. I thread my hand in his and give him a big smile.
“Now that you’re here, I’m definitely ready.” Turning, I say over my shoulder, “See you there, Mom.”
My fingers intertwined with his ground me as I lead us out the door to the garage. I’m completely shocked to see Myles. When he said he would come, I thought it was a crazy idea. But now that he’s here, I realize I was hoping he would show up the whole time. Before I open the garage, Myles tugs me back and pulls me into his arms. Now that we aren’t in front of my parents, his hand goes to the back of my neck and his other on my lower back pressing me into him. I couldn’t be happier than I am in his arms. My whole body feels extra sensitive, finally having his hands on me again. He gently pulls away to look into my eyes.
“Is it okay I came? Your dad called, and I jumped at the chance to see you.”
He looks a little nervous as he messes with the sleeves on hiswrists before putting his hands in his pockets, and it makes me smile. I put my hands around his neck and pull him down to kiss him. He hesitates for a second, but gives in. His lips press into mine softly, but I wasn’t searching for a small peck. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about our kiss at the airport. My tongue slips against his lips, and he opens his mouth, his tongue playing with mine. I moan into his mouth, and his grip tightens. I don’t ever want this to end. The way he’s holding me, with his thumb tracing along the curves of my jaw, makes me feel like I’m all he wants in this world. I snake a hand into his hair, which elicits a moan in return. His erection against me only makes the heat between my legs grow. Reluctantly, we slow it down, as he sweetly brushes his lips across mine. Wanting to get just a few more kisses, Myles presses his lips to my forehead, each cheek, and my chin before placing one more lingering one on my mouth and stepping away. He couldn’t be more perfect.
“I guess you don’t mind that I came.” He smiles, rubbing his nose against mine.
“I love that you’re here,” I admit. “Now, I would love to stand here and keep kissing you. But I haven’t ridden in my dad’s mustang in so long. Let’s go!” I bat my eyelashes at him.
“Let’s get out of here.” He lets go for only a moment before pulling me back into his chest. He lowers his face down and brushes his lips against my ear, causing goosebumps to rise and making me shudder. “I haven’t gotten the chance to say this yet, but you are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” He delicately presses his lips right below my ear, making my heart flutter. He lets go of me, so I can open the garage on the keypad, keeping his hand on my lower back. My fingers hover over the keys, my brain fuzzy trying to remember the code as I focus on every place Myles touches me. The numbers come to me by some miracle, and I punch them in.
We drive to the gala, and I smile more during the thirty minute drive than the entire week I’ve been here. I still can’t believe he’s here! I glance at my phone, realizing Jess was in onthe surprise, as she asks for pictures of us. I can see how happy Myles is, too. We pull up to the valet, and I swear Myles must have been to one of these events before. He’s so at ease and casual while he walks around to escort me inside. I don’t know how he got a tux at the last minute, especially since this one looks tailored to his body. He doesn’t seem to be bothered by the tie either. I know even my dad, who goes to these events a lot, complains about the ties. Myles doesn’t fidget with anything, and it puts me more at ease. I didn’t want to come to this event, but having him by my side is the absolute best thing that could have happened. We walk toward the gala, only to be bombarded by photographers trying to take our photo. We pose for a few, but Myles’s eyes never waiver from me, even when each photographer tries to get his attention.
I’m not sure what kind of charity or organization this gala is for, but they didn’t spare any expense. The entire clubhouse is decorated to perfection with silk white streamers, swooping across the ceiling and down the walls. The focal point is the massive crystal chandelier in the middle. The main event is in the ballroom. Exquisitely decorated dinner tables fill the room, adorned with silk white tablecloths, crystal glasses, and fine china. Each table dons a massive bouquet of white roses and greenery. An open bar is off to the side, while servers walk around with trays of food and drinks. A large dance floor is in front of a stage where the band plays.
These events have always made me anxious. But being next to Myles with his hand on my lower back, I feel like I might actually enjoy myself. He leans toward me, and my whole body ignites in anticipation. His lips tenderly press below my ear. It’s now my favorite spot for him to kiss. I melt into him, forgetting we are in a room with over a hundred people.
“Incoming,” he whispers. My eyes flash open and look around.
I find my mother walking toward me with a scowl on her face, and Steve and his parents close behind.Oh, for the love of god.
“Darling, I hardly think you are being appropriate at a charity gala.”
Steve sneers at Myles, which makes me grip Myles’ arm as if I dare not let go. He laces his fingers with mine and squeezes, and I slightly relax.
“Hunter, your seat is over at table four, but Mitch,youare at table twelve.”
She looks at us, convinced her little scheme will keep us apart. I can’t believe she is still bent on separating us. I know she’s going to push to get what she wants. I am her daughter, after all, and I guess that’s where I get my stubborn trait from.
“Come, Hunny, I’ll walk you to our table,” Steve pipes in, thinking I won’t dare question my mother again.
He’s always tried to control and ridicule me when I wanted to do something he didn’t. He made me feel less than. All the horrible memories of losing myself slowly when I was with him come flashing back to the forefront of my mind. I look up at Myles, and he gives me the slightest nod, letting me know he will support me no matter what I decide to do.
“Oh. Well, if there’s no room at our table, I guess I’ll sit inMyles’lap.” I glare at my mother for choosing to say the wrong name. I look up at the handsome man holding my hand, and he kisses my cheek. I hate that this is how he’s meeting my mother, and I’m ashamed that she’s treating him this way.
“Sounds good to me. I have no plans to let you out of my sight,” Myles says, loud enough for everyone to hear as he gazes sweetly down at me.
“Hunter!” Steve’s mother calls over to me. “This is hardly the place to pitch a fit. Now you had your little break in Florida. Stevie has been miserable without you. It’s sad you’ve been breaking his heart this way.” She rubs her son’s back like he’s a toddler that needs consoling.
I roll my eyes.
