Page 42 of Soulmates and Slapshots
“I want to thank you all for coming out to support our Maple Falls Bachelor Auction,” she continues, her voice full of enthusiasm. “Tonight, your generosity helps preserve the charm and history of our beloved town.”
More applause follows, even louder this time.
“Remember,” she adds, “every dollar brings us one step closer to saving Maple Falls. And hey—maybe you’ll walk away with the date of your dreams.”
I try to scan the sea of faces in the crowd, searching for Fiona. But the room is jam-packed, making it nearly impossible to see past the first few rows. Still, I hold onto the hope that she’s out there watching and cheering me on.
Backstage, the guys are trying to stay relaxed. I stretchmy arms and bounce lightly on my toes, mostly to shake off my nerves.
“Are we seriously doing this?” I mutter under my breath.
“I was thinking the same thing,” Asher replies, adjusting his tie like it’s trying to strangle him.
“We’re doing it,” Carson says firmly. “The Ice Breakers are making history in Maple Falls, whether we like it or not.”
My teammates all seem confident. I wonder if any of them are even remotely as nervous as I am. Maybe it’s easier for them. Jackson Flint is first followed by our fearless captain, Jamie. He struts across the stage with all the confidence in the world, flashing his smile like a pro. The bidding starts almost immediately and climbs fast. It’s no surprise that the ladies love him.
Cade follows, playing it up like he was born for the spotlight. He winks, he waves, and the crowd eats it up.
“And here’s your favorite Ice Breakers goalie,” Ashlyn announces as Clément’s name is called.
Clément looks like he’d rather disappear into the floor, and I feel for him. He’s had a rough couple of days, and crashing on my couch probably hasn’t done much to help.
“Go on. You got this,” I say, giving him a light nudge forward.
“Use the accent,” Asher teases.
Clément scowls at him, clearly unimpressed by the suggestion.
“If you’re lucky, the accountant will be the high bidder,” Jamie calls out with a smirk.
That gets Clément’s attention. His expression shifts, and I recognize it immediately. It’s the look I get every time I think about Fiona. The look of a guy who’s been caught off guard by someone who means more than he expected. In his case it’s Marcy, a local accountant.
Clément finally walks out, and the room explodes with cheers. Someone yells, “Say something in French.”
My heart begins to race because my name is called next.
This is it.
I step into the light, doing my best not to trip over my feet. Sometimes I think I’m safer on skates than shoes. The stage feels a mile wide, and the crowd seems louder now that I’m out here. I give an awkward wave as the announcer’s words blur into the background while I scan the room for Fiona.
And then I hear it.
“Eight thousand dollars.”
Everything freezes.
What? Did she just bid…?
I finally spot her, standing off to the side, holding her bidding paddle high in the air. Fiona just bid eight thousand dollars.For me?
I can’t move. I’m just stuck in the middle of the stage, as the announcer declares Fiona the winner. The applause surges again, but all I can focus on is her.
She catches my gaze and shrugs like it’s no big deal. Like she didn’t just spend an insane amount of money for a single date. I shake my head, a mix of disbelief and admiration falling over me. I know she’s been uncertain about her job lately, so this is shocking. I don’t want to make assumptions about her finances, but still.Eight thousand dollars?
And yet I can’t help but be grateful. Because if this is her way of saying she wants to spend time with me, I’m all in.
The rest of the auction flies by in a blur. One by one, the rest of the Ice Breakers are bid on. The women of Maple Falls showed up to support this event.
