Page 52 of Highest Bidder
“Jess, what are you talking about? You’re being ridiculous.” She isn’t even listening to me. She’s too busy teasing Myles. I’m glad they’re friends and hearing them bickering over the phone makes me smile. They’ve both told me that they’ve worked together more over this past week. Jess even said that JT has been talking with her a little more often. “Whatever. I’m going to check out. Have a good sale.” I hang up the phone before she can say anything else. I want to get the day over with.
Pulling my black camisole over my head, I shimmy into my jean shorts. I grab Myles’ green sweatshirt and bring it to my nose. I smell his woodsy scent, and it makes me miss him so much more. I pull it over my head, I have to push it up my arms for my hands to be free. It’s almost down to my knees, but the comfort I feel wearing it and having his smell around me is unmatched.
Myles ends up texting me, saying I look beautiful in the dress, and a huge smile stretches across my face. I want to go home and jump into his arms, which only makes me think about his body and tattoos. He told me a little about them and showed me some over Facetime. He has large trees with mountains on one arm. On the other arm, he has a creek with trees and a few animals. I didn’t ask, but I'm almost positive his inspiration was JT’s place, based on what he has told me about it.
I really want to go riding with him when I get back. I told mydad I would leave to go home this weekend. He didn't say much. We actually haven’t talked too much since he pressured me into going to the gala. I think he figured I wouldn’t mind it as much as I used to. Well, he was wrong. There is not a single part of me that wants to go, and I definitely have no desire to see Steve again. I already know both of our mothers are on his side, so it’s going to be hard to avoid him. Just thinking about being stuck at a table with him, my mom, and his parents makes my skin crawl.
I shake the thoughts away. I just have to get through the event, then I’ll head home. I can do this. Suck it up for two more days, and I’ll be home free. I’ll miss my dad, but he’s doing so well. He’s walking more and more every day to get back into better health. I know he still has about two more weeks till he can work again, but he promised not to go back until he’s healthy enough. He should retire, but I think he would have another heart attack if I suggested that.
I walkto the front door Friday night, greeted by my parents. “Wow! Sweetie, you look great.” My dad kisses my cheek.
“Thanks, Dad.” My hair is styled in a loose updo with small pieces framing my face, but there are at least a thousand bobby pins woven into the curls. I went to the hair appointment my mom made, but I told the stylist she had to do what I wanted. The stylist was nervous, not wanting to upset my mom since she’s such a loyal customer. In the end, she said she wanted to touch my wild hair and have fun with it. I was thankful for that.
The makeup artist was not as easy to convince. I had to keep a close eye on her and request a mirror to watch as she applied everything. She almost painted on bright red lips, but I quickly took a different color she had on her tray and applied it myself.She glared at me for that, but I wanted nude lips that match my heels and clutch. I rarely wear jewelry, so I threw on simple hoop earrings. My mom’s eyes zero in on my ears, like she wants to rip them out. Everything’s as close to my style as I could get, but still fancy enough for the gala.
“I see Michelle and Abigail didn’t give you what I asked for. What are those large silver things in your ears?” she asks.
I have a sinking feeling she’s going to fire Michelle and Abigail, but I'm pretty sure they will eventually be grateful to me for that.
“You ready to get this over with, Mother?” I ask, ignoring her dig about my earrings. I turn when I hear a knock at the door, and my mother’s face tips up into a smile. Not a warm smile, but one that makes you want to run and hide because it means she's up to no good.
“Hello, Elizabeth! It’s so good to see you! Conrad, you look great,” Steve says, stepping inside, kissing my mom on the cheek and shaking my dad’s hand.
I watch as Steve plays the part in front of my family. My heart races and a ringing rumbles in my ears. I have to clasp my hands together, so I don’t bolt from the room. I knew I would see him, but I didn’t think he would show up at the house. Of course, my mom would pull a stunt like this. She looks at him with her shoulders back and a smile forming on the corners of her mouth. My dad levels a hard look at Steve and crosses his arms. I swear I hear a growl rumble from his throat.
“Hunny!” Steve says, his nickname for me, making my skin crawl. He tries to wrap me in a hug.
I finally snap out of my shock in time to back away from his grasp. I quickly walk around him, putting my dad’s body between us. I turn and glare at my mother, who still hasn’t lost her prideful look, then turn toward Steve. The look he gives me for denying him almost makes my knees buckle. But I take a deep breath and stare right into his hateful eyes.
“It’s Hunter.” I correct, and he feigns indifference. “Mother, what the hell?” I bite out. She looks at me with wide eyes. But her expression turns hard as her eyebrows pull together, and she glares at me.
“Watch yourself. This is my event, and I will invite anyone I please.” She gives me a pointed look.
I want to scream. How the fuck did I get myself roped into this?
“Steve was sweet enough to accompany us to the gala. He came here to be your date.”
I glare at her.Like hell, he’s my date.I turn when there’s another knock at the door.
“Let me guess, another ex-boyfriend?” I snap at her sarcastically, but her eyebrows raise as she looks to the door. She opens the door, and the breath gets knocked out of my chest. Myles stands in the doorway looking devastating in a tuxedo. His hat is nowhere to be found. I feel the irresistible urge to run my fingers through his perfectly tousled hair. He looks around, but when his eyes land on me, his body relaxes. His face breaks into the most handsome smile I have ever seen. Before anyone can say anything, I rush toward him and launch myself into his arms. He drops the bag I didn’t even see he was carrying and holds me tight, nuzzling his face into my neck.
“Um. Excuse me? Who are you?”
I barely hear my mom trying to get our attention. I don’t care. I want him to whisk me away. I can’t believe he’s here! He loosens his hold on me, which only makes me tighten my grip on him. His rumbling laughter vibrates through my body, igniting something deep inside me. I have never wanted someone as much as I want him right now.
“I’m not going anywhere, Hershey. You can let go,” he whispers. I reluctantly unwind my clenched arms from around his neck, but tuck myself into his side as I face my mother.
“Mom and Dad, this is Myles Johnson. Myles, these are myparents, Beth and Conrad.” I point to each of them, smiling at my dad. Myles moves forward to shake their hands. Without hesitation, my dad shakes it, but my mom only stares at it as if she’s repulsed by him, then sets her glare back on his face.
“Why are you here?” Her eyes look him over for a flaw that she won’t find. “Hunter, did you invite this man to a closed event? I’m sorry you came all this way, but the event is full.”
My heart sinks because I was so happy to have him here, and now she’s not going to let him come. I look up at Myles, who doesn’t look worried at all. He glances down at me and gives me a wink. I can’t help but look at him in confusion.
“Well, you see, darling.” My dad’s voice makes us all look at him. “I called Mr. Johnson and told him our little girl would like him here as backup since I couldn’t go. Seeing as how I can’t use my ticket, I gave him mine.” My dad gives me a wink. I drop my hands from Myles and give my dad a big hug.
“Thank you, Dad,” I whisper and squeeze tight. I can’t believe my dad did this for me. I was so upset with him, and this feels like his way of apologizing for not having my back. I have so many questions about how he even knows about Myles, but that isn’t important right now.
“Anytime, baby girl,” he whispers back.
