Page 13 of To the Highest Bidder

“A drop in the ocean of his fortune, I promise. He’s worth a goldmine. I had my students do an assignment on Silverlight last year, so if you need to know anything about his net worth, I’m your girl.”

Jane shook her head resolutely. “I don’t want to know. The difference in our situations already makes me feel queasy.”

“Don’t let it, is my advice. Jane, he couldn’t stop staring at you. He was like a starving puppy. That’s got nothing to do with money and everything to do with you.”

Jane giggled. “He’s not a puppy. A wolf, maybe.”

“Whatever he is, he’s obviously into you. Just enjoy it.”

“I intend to,” she nodded. But the confidence was false. “It’s just… I’m used to keeping men captivated for a night. Maybe two. What if he loses interest after that?”

“You’re kidding me, right?”

Jane shook her head from side to side, so that her dark hair curtained about her heart shaped face.

“As your best friend, I find that highly offensive. You’re the sweetest, kindest person I’ve ever met. If he does get bored of you, then he’s an idiot. Absolutely not worth your time.”

Jane shrugged. “Thanks. I’m not getting my hopes up, and I’m not getting attached. He’ll get sick of me sooner or later.” She could see that Jenna was about to launch another pep talk and so she held up a hand to silence her. “Not because I’m a dull bore. But because even I know he has the attention span of a moth when it comes to women. The next bright light and he’ll be off. I can’t get too involved with him, Jenna. You need to remind me of that or I think I might end up with a broken heart. This is just meant to be a bit of well-remunerated fun.”

Jenna nodded sagely. “If anyone deserves a bit of fun, it’s you, Jane. Enjoy yourself and try not to overthink the consequences.”

Later that night, when she was staring out at the streetlight that gave a glow to the intersection of Morton and Hudson Streets, her phone buzzed on her bedside table.

She fumbled for it in the dark and swiped it open.

Are you awake? CMH.

A smile played on her lips. I am now.

I’m thinking of you. Thinking of tomorrow night.

She pushed up onto her elbows and focussed on the bright screen. What are you thinking about in particular?

Too many things. Endless possibilities. All of them very pleasurable. You?

She twirled her hair around her finger. I like it when you kiss me. Her finger hovered on the send button for a moment, and then she balled up her courage and pressed it.

He smiled. I like that too. What else?

No, it’s your turn.

I want to fuck you until you lose your voice from screaming.

She breathed in sharply in the soft night air. Her heart rate was accelerating dangerously, and between her legs, she felt slick moisture.

And then I want to fuck you again.

She held her phone in fingers that were shaking a little. Her mind was spinning, and her body was on fire. You scare me a little. You’re… intense.

You’ll like intense. Trust me.

She closed her eyes, and his face came immediately to mind. She couldn’t wait to see him again.

Are you on the pill?

She blinked. Yes. That’s kind of personal though, isn’t it?

I just told you I want to fuck you until you can’t speak. We’re past personal, aren’t we?

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