Page 10 of Highest Bidder
I let out a relieved breath. “That sounds perfect! Thank you. I’ll order everything online tonight. I'm hoping things will come in the next few days.”
After Jess helps me get everything set up, we’re worn out from the day and turn in for the night. As I lay down to sleep, deep blue eyes invade my thoughts long after I close mine. I came here to work. Why does this guy keep clawing his way back into my head?
My phone rings on the ground next to me, and I smile when I see my dad’s name flash on the screen.
Sitting up on the air mattress, I answer. “Hey, Dad. I was just headed to bed.” Tapping my palm against my forehead, I scrunchmy face. I meant to call him sooner, but I got caught up unpacking and talking with Jess. It totally slipped my mind.
“Hey, baby girl.” His deep voice is familiar and soothing. It makes me think back to when he would read me bedtime stories that put me right to sleep. “I wanted to make sure your first day went okay.”
“Yes, it was a great day.” I smile. I love how he’s always made sure I feel supported by him in anything I do. “I already got hired at another auction and have a few leads on some others.”
“That’s my girl! Well, I know it’s late, and I don’t want to keep you up,” he pauses before he exhales, making my heart sink. “Your mom wants to know if you’ll come home for a wedding in two weeks. It’s most likely one of her clubhouse friend’s kids getting married. I’m not sure.” I hear him let out a small groan.
I sigh. That was probably why she was calling earlier. “Tell her, no. I’m not going to travel back and forth a lot. I’m trying to make this my home now.” If my mom had it her way, she would have me move home. She wants me at the wedding so I can meet a single guy and marry someone hand-picked by her. She would prefer I suck it up and marry my ex, Steve, and follow her steps into the country club world.No, thank you. “Dad, I’m tired. I’ll talk to you another day. Love you.”
He grunts. I’m sure it’s because he hates being put in the middle. “Love you too, Sweetie. Goodnight.”
My alarm blares,startling me awake Wednesday morning. I grumble while I reluctantly pull myself out of bed and take a quick shower, hoping it will wake me up enough to function. I slide on some jeans and a simple white tee. Then, I squirt gel into my palm, generously apply it throughout my long curls, and blowdry it so the water isn’t dripping down my back. I wear simple makeup to accentuate my eyes, but I don’t bother with foundation. I walk out of my room and find Jess eating cereal at the kitchen island.
Smiling, she holds up the box and shakes it. “Good morning! Want some? I know you haven’t had time to get groceries, so please make yourself at home,” she says, taking another bite.
“You’re awfully perky at 6:15 in the morning,” I grunt as I continue to walk toward the front door. “Thanks for the offer, but I’m going to go get some coffee on the way to work. I’ll see you there.”
“Mornings are just beautiful! We get to start a new day, and I enjoy waking up refreshed.” Her eyes scan my face as she points her spoon my way. “I see you’re not in the same mind frame, though. Get your coffee before someone dies from that death glare,” she says with a smirk.
I roll my eyes. “It’s too early for this.”
“Bye!” she sings out, and her annoyingly chipper voice follows me out the door.
I head toward Orlando, but I stop at Starbucks and get a mocha frappuccino. There’s a little chocolate in it, and I absolutely love it. I think chocolate should be another food group. There's something about it that makes me happy, even when I have to wake up at such an ungodly hour. I pull up to work and park next to a sleek, classic black Ford truck. Of course,Myles freaking Johnsonsits behind the wheel. He would have one of those nice old trucks—the kind that makes you weak in the knees. I’ve always loved it when people make a vintage car look brand new. It’s exactly what I did with my Bronco. I take another glance at Myles. His hat is on backward, and his eyes bore into mine. Something stormy crosses his expression, and I scoff, turning away from him. He doesn’t deserve a truck like that. We both get out at the same time.
“Stalking me now?” he calls from the other side of his car, side-eyeing me beneath a raised brow.
“It’s too early for this.” I put my hand up to get him to stop talking. “So how about you shut your mouth until you have to actually be professional and pretend not to loathe me. Okay?” I raise an eyebrow at him before reaching back inside my Bronco to grab my drink and purse. When I straighten, he’s still standing there. I was hoping he would stomp away while I got my stuff, but no. There he is fixing me with those hypnotic eyes. “Can I help you?”
“Just waiting to see how long it takes you to climb down from the lofty podium you’ve set yourself up on.” He growls out at me.
“Are you kidding me? You are the one who started this. I innocently pull into a parking space, and you act as if I knew what you drove and wanted to play games with you.” I walk and stand right in front of him. “How about you just go off with your little buddies and leave me alone?” I begin to walk away, but turn and poke a finger right into his chest. “Also, contrary to typical auctioneer behavior, I don’t think I’m better than anyone. I’ve had to work my ass off in this male-dominated industry. So don’t think I take this for granted. I know it can all be gone in the blink of an eye. I would like some peace this morning and drink my coffee before my ears are ringing with auction noise.” I storm past him, but peer over my shoulder to find him walking right behind me. As I reach for the door to the front office, Myles' long arm snakes around me, grabbing the handle first. His body is so close to mine, I can feel his breath against my skin, and his lips ghost over my ear, causing me to hesitate with anticipation of his next move.
“Have a good day,sweetheart,” he says, smoothly and pulls the door open, nearly bumping into me and bringing me back to reality. I quickly walk inside and head straight toward the restroom. I need to get a grip.That man, that very tall, strong, handsome brick wallof a man I’d love to scale—Ah! Stop it!I have to be around him without melting under his gaze. He’s mean, grumpy, and hates me. But then he towers over me surrounding me, with his woodsy scent, and he makes me feel all lightheaded. An electric thrill goes right through me. Gripping the counter in front of the sink, I lean over and try to shake the erratic feelings rushing through me. Wetting some paper towels, I wipe my neck with cold water, hoping it will help me calm down.
Once I’m feeling under control, I wad up the wet paper and throw it in the garbage, heading toward the door when Jess comes striding through it.
“Oh, hey! Get your coffee?” She smiles.
“Yes, and ran into Mr. Grouch outside. Perfect way to start my day.” I grumble as she stands in front of the mirror, checking her reflection.
“Oh really? Well, by the looks of it, you felt something, and it sure wasn’t irritation.” Jess smirks at me while trying hard to hold in her laughter.
“What is that supposed to mean?” I put my hands on my hips. “I know you think he’s swoon-worthy, but he’s not nice, Jess. He’s been a complete jerk.”
“Come on, Hunter. I saw you watch him on the auction block. Also, did you forget I’m your block clerk, and I watched you yesterday as you majorly checked out his ass?” She chuckles. “By the way, I completely do not blame you at all. It’s a nice ass.” Now Jess is howling. After she washes her hands, we walk out of the bathroom.
“Okay, I admit it. Myles has a nice ass—” I say, but before I can complete my sentence, I’m interrupted by a masculine voice, causing our feet to freeze completely in their tracks.
“Oh, well thank you”—I can feel his eyes on me—“yours isn’t so bad either.”
Oh please, god no! This cannot be happening right now.
