Page 49 of Highest Bidder
“Okay, sweetie,” he says softly after I’m already far away from him.
Now I have to get a fucking dress to wear to a stupid event I will hate. I want to go home and cuddle up on our comfy couch with Jess and watch a Hallmark movie. I also wouldn’t mind if Myles came over and brought me some Reese’s. Now that Dad’s better, it’s time for me to start planning my trip home.
21
MYLES
“Dude,come on. You look like someone ran over your fucking cat,” JT says while we’re walking into our Wednesday morning sale in Orlando.
I haven’t been very good company recently. Hunter’s only been gone for six days, and I’ve turned into a miserable sap. Although, I wasn’t much company before that either. Iat leastwent out with the guys and hung out at JT’s. This week, I’ve jetted home after work to make sure I was available for Hunter’s calls. The guys would have my balls if they knew. I’m guessing they’re getting close to putting the pieces together. I want to make sure I’m there for Hunter. She’s going through a hard time, and not only that, but I can tell it’s taking a toll on her. She hasn’t shared much about how her mom’s treating her while she’s there, but I know it’s not good. Every time I ask, she brushes it off and makes it sound like she doesn’t see much of her. I know she’s there for her dad, but her mom is in the same house. She has to see her often enough to make an impact.
“I know, man. I’m tired,” I lie, not wanting to tell him the real reason.
“Ha. Yeah. You can say that all you want, but I know you. Iknow what you look like tired, angry, hungry, and this is none of those things. Is someone missing a certain lady I like to call Fun-Size?” He gives me a knowing look.
Sometimes I hate how well he knows me.
“Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” I roll my eyes. “Let’s get to work, asshole.” I walk faster into the office to get away from him, but his laughter invades my ears, making me clench my teeth. All the young women in the office turn their heads to look at him. We usually get a lot of looks when we show up to work. Most of the dealers are men. The same is true for ringmen and auctioneers, but most of the office workers and block clerks are women. It’s not unheard of for relationships to form here, because we all see each other often. I have no desire to be with anyone else, but that doesn’t stop JT from flirting his ass off. Jess sits behind the counter, and I wave at her before going to our meeting even though I’m early. Knowing JT, he’ll hang back and talk to any girl that piques his interest.
I grab some breakfast and coffee in the cafeteria before the meeting. I’ve been wanting my own lane for longer than I can remember, but it doesn’t change the sinking feeling I have now that Hunter isn’t here. I check my phone and go back and forth, deciding if I should call her or not. I know she’s used to waking up early, but she doesn’t seem like a morning person. Since she’s been gone, she usually talks to me later in the day or night. Not that I mind, but I wonder if she's awake right now. After going back and forth, I finally say to hell with it and call her.
“Hello?” Hunter answers, her voice groggy with sleep.
“Hey, Hershey. I’m sorry. I should have texted to see if you were awake.” Now I feel like shit for waking her up. I’m selfish for wanting to hear her voice to start my day.
“No. It’s fine, Myles. Is everything okay?”
Sheets rustle on her end, and it only makes me wish we were cuddled up in bed together. I can only imagine how gorgeous she looks with her hair a mess and a baggy T-shirt on.
“Yeah…” I pause. We’ve had tons of great conversations, but I don’t want to scare her away by coming on too strong.
“Yeah? What is it?” I hear the concern in her voice.
“I wanted to hear your voice before my day got started,” I finally admit.
She lets out a sigh. “I’m glad you called.” My shoulders relax, and I smile.
“Yeah? Even though I woke you up? I’ve noticed you don’t seem like much of a morning person.” I laugh.
“No.” She laughs with me. “I’m definitely not, but…” She pauses then, and it makes me stiffen.
“What is it?”
“I’m ready to come home.” She sighs.
My shoulders relax. “Did anything happen? Is your dad doing better?” She’s always sounded a little off while she’s been away, but she’s never sounded this down before.
“Well, kinda. My mom is pushing my dad to go to this function. He can’t go, but since he doesn’t want to disappoint her, he asked me to fill in. I hate these things, and my ex is going to be there. My mom won’t stop trying to push us back together. Then, to top it all off, my dad has always had my back with this stuff, and now it feels like he doesn’t,” she blurts out fast.
I’m sitting straight and stiff now. I don’t like to hear her like this. I want to hold her and protect her. But what makes my blood boil is the mention of her ex and her mom pushing them together. What is that about?
“Hey. Calm down and take some deep breaths.” Once I hear her exhale a few times, I go on. “Just don’t go. Your dad definitely shouldn’t go, but that doesn’t mean you have to take his place if he doesn’t. But if you need backup, I’ll be on the next flight there to go with you.” Where the fuck did that come from? But I would if she wanted me there.
“You’re the sweetest, Myles. But, no. It’s okay. He just isn’t a good guy, and I’d like to avoid him as much as possible. My momdoesn’t understand or want to believe that he’s the main reason I moved.”
Taking my hat off, I rake my fingers through my hair. “What do you need? I want to make sure you’re safe.”
“I think I just needed to rant. You’ve been the bright part of my days while I’ve been here. Thank you for calling.”
