Page 36 of Highest Bidder
“Oh, I am.” He pauses and tucks some of my hair behind my ear, making my eyes flutter. “Plus, I’ve been waiting all morning to get you alone.”
He slowly leans over and kisses my cheek with his soft lips, and my face grows hot.
“Let’s go, Hershey,” he whispers, stepping away to shut my door.
I release a long exhale. I’ve never liked pet names, but I like that he gave me one. Something has awakened inside me, and I’m not sure what to do with this new feeling.
I watch him as he struts around the front of the truck and gets in. Starting the truck, he takes a peek at me and smirks.
“What?”
“Oh, I’m wondering how long it’s going to take you to realize you like me. Because Hershey”—he leans across the seat, his breath tickling me when he says,—“It’s written all over your face.”
My jaw hits the floorboard. I’m shocked at how forward he is. He’s not holding back. I straighten myself in the seat and look out the windshield.
“Is not,” I murmur.
“Okay.” He doesn’t move. He’s still leaning over in my space. “Whatever helps you sleep at night, but I want to point one thing out.”
I wait for him to continue, but he doesn’t. I look over at him and raise my eyebrows, making him chuckle.
“You could have gone with Jess, but you agreed to come with me. There’s no need for you to put up your barriers now.” He sits up and faces forward, putting the truck in reverse to back out of the parking space. “So should we get some food before it’s too late?”
“Waiting on you,” I tease.
He chuckles and shakes his head. “I didn’t quite realize the mouth you have on you.” He arches a brow and laughs when he sees me drilling glare holes right into his head.
“Oh. You knew. Don’t even try to act like you didn’t. Now I’m hungry. Can we go already?” I motion toward the road to get him to drive.
“Yes, ma’am.”
17
MYLES
“So tell me about your dad.”I take a bite of my stuffed shells covered in melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce.
Her face relaxes as I watch her think of her dad. “He’s the best. Of course, there was a lot of pressure living in his shadow, but he’s always encouraging me. I remember a time where he handed me the microphone and said, “Take it home.” Then he walked off. Everyone stood there gaping. He never handed over his microphone to anyone to finish the sale. There were fifty head of cattle left. Everyone knew me, but had never heard me sell anything. He didn’t even give me a warning.”
I gape at her. “Woah. What did you do?”
A smile plays at the corner of her lips. “I took a long deep breath, squared my shoulders, and brought the microphone to my mouth. I kept my eyes scanning the men, only looking for their bids. I knew if I looked at their faces and saw the look of shock or frustration, I would fuck up. So I didn’t focus on anyone and just sold the cows.” She shakes her head and chuckles softly. “It was exhilarating.”
“That’s awesome your dad had that much faith in you.” I take a sip of my sweet tea.
Conrad Smith had been working his way up since he was eighteen years old, starting as a ringman. Over the years, he worked hard and became the best cattle auctioneer. He’ll make special appearances for TV auctions, but I heard he’s hard to convince even with all the money they throw at him.
“He’s always helped me pursue my dreams, despite it causing fights with my mom.”
My eyebrows furrow. “She doesn’t want you to?”
Her lips flatten into a straight line and there is a hard look in her eyes. “She wants me to live her dreams. Wants me to marry well and pop out kids. Even though I don’t think having kids was really part ofherdream.”
I can’t help but be confused. I’m close to my mom, so it’s hard for me to imagine a woman choosing not to support her daughter. But I’m in a similar situation with my dad, so I feel for her. My hands roll into fists under the table. “I’m sorry.” I’m not sure what else to say.
She waves me off. “That’s enough about her.”
“Okay. Then tell me, is it true your dad nailed some guys for selling sick cows?” I lean my elbows onto the table.
