Page 2 of Reindeer and Restraints
Jeremy might know if she's one of this year's virgins.
Focusing my sights on the corral where my reindeer are waiting to be loaded, I stay as casual as I can manage. "Speaking of crazy things that happen in this town, I heard there's a virgin auction."
He hesitates. "More proof to me that I don't understand women. But it's their body, their call, right?"
"Right." Frustration bubbles through me. How do I reconcile that truth with my need to make Jolene mine? "I've heard the women go for millions. How many millionaires are there in this town?"
"Millionaires… billionaires… I can't keep track. The auction's been drawing attention. It's not just guys from here anymore. I don't get it—at least in reality shows like The Bachelor, they go on dates. Or Love is Blind, they talk through walls. Hell, even in Naked Attraction, they strip down, eyeball the goods, and ask a couple questions. Makes more sense than jumping straight to sex for your first hello."
Needing to cover how uncomfortable this is making me, I say, "You'd know compatibility in one department right off the bat."
He shrugs.
I watch the reindeer pace, their breaths visible in the chill. He's not giving any indication Jolene's in it. Am I getting my answer about the possibility of her participating? I think of one last question that should help me tread next to my real question. If he knows she's in it, surely he won't be going. Needing to watch his expression for any hint of discomfort, I face him. "You going to it?"
"Don't make that kind of money turning wrenches. You'd have to spot me a chunk of your inheritance."
I grumble, not entirely sure what I was about to say. There's no way I'd go to the auction with him when the only woman I'd want to win is his sister.
"Just kidding man, I'm not interested. You could check with our brother, Hudson if you want company, but I think he's getting serious about someone, been talking about settling down."
Jeremy had walked me through his family dynamic a while back. I double-check my memory. "Let me get your family straight… You and Jolene have the same mom, right?"
He nods. "Different dads."
"And your mom married a third guy, Hudson's dad?"
"Yeah, but Hudson's just our stepbrother. We don't share any biological parents with him. There's too much going on with steps and halves, we just refer to each other as brothers and sisters. Our family tree is complicated."
I want nothing more than to tangle up in Jolene's world.
Chapter 2
Jolene
My Christmas Cherry Auction dress makes me feel like a celebrity, even with the hem unfinished. I emerge from Starla's bathroom, and the seamstress circles me.
Starla's busy with her eggnog recipe, and Bellamie is focused on the Krampus-themed charm bracelets she's making for a fundraiser.
I throw my arms out to the side and bend a knee, presenting myself. "All right, let's get this thing dialed in. In exactly one week, this dress is going to help me reel in my reverse harem."
The seamstress tugs the fabric around my breasts, her fingers quick and sure. Starla peeks over with her spoon and bowl in hand. "That dress is fire. Those guys will make it rain for you."
Bellamie looks up, both hands on the bracelet she's assembling. "You'll get won for sure. But what if I go on stage and nobody bites?"
I raise a finger to my lips, shushing her from across the room. "It'll work. It always does."
She fidgets with a charm. "How do you find so much confidence?"
"Confidence? Nah, just moving from one adventure to the next."
Starla laughs. "Yeah, like getting spanked by Krampus tonight, then in a week, auctioning your virginity to a pack of billionaires who'll breed you and marry you. Possibly in that order."
"No breeding for me… the implant… remember?"
"How could I forget your auction prep? Get an implant, quit your job, let the auction work its magic."
"Yep, and enjoy my final week of freedom. Well, this type of freedom. Once I snag my harem of billionaires, I'll unlock a whole new kind."
