by Jill Lynn
Ryker’s laughter could be heard echoing down the hallway to the back door.
Now that his hands were free, Finn felt out of place. “Can I help with anything? How’s the setup going?”
“Yes.” Charlie pointed to the sign and string on the counter. “We still need to hang the charity’s sign. I want it over there, right by the raised stage area.”
The wooden platform wasn’t much, but Finn imagined that was where the cattle—like him—would stand on the auction block.
“It’s like hammering a nail in my own coffin.”
Charlie chuckled. “Sorry, brother!”
She wasn’t sorry. She was glowing with sibling victory.
He got to work hanging the sign, and Ivy came over to evaluate after he’d finished. “The right side is lower than the left.”
Finn stepped back to analyze. “No, it’s not.”
Her mouth curved. “It’s not.”
“Ah. So you’re just having fun with me.” Last time he’d seen her at the café, she’d been none too happy with him because of their almost kiss and his response to it. If only he could go back and have that conversation—and that opportunity—again. He’d do it differently, that was for sure. Ivy’s mind must have followed the same path as his, because her vision bounced from his lips as if they were on fire and she was kindling.
“The place looks great, doesn’t it?”
“It does.” Although he was far more interested in studying her than Charlie’s Pit Stop. She wore the same casual burgundy dress she’d worn the night of the cattlemen’s dinner. Back then he’d thought her pretty. Now he knew she was beautiful inside and out. “What’s on the agenda for tonight?”
“From what I’ve heard, you are.”
He groaned. “Charlie told you she forced me into doing the auction?”
Ivy’s laugh was light. “Yep, and I can’t wait to see it.”
“That’s just cruel.”
“Don’t worry, Finn. You’ll be a hot commodity. You won’t get left standing up there.”
He wanted to dissect exactly what she’d meant by hot, but his brain was firing with too much upset. “I hadn’t even thought about having to stand up front while no one bids on me. Great. Now I’m going to be sweating bullets.”
Ivy laughed again.
“You’re finding this a little too amusing.”
“I really am. I can’t help it. I’m nervous over tonight, so I’m finding distractions any way I can. And you’re one of them.”
“I’ll happily be a distraction for you.” The moment the words slipped out Finn knew he’d gone too far.
Ivy’s eyes went as wide as oversize coffee mugs, and her mouth formed the cutest little O. He’d told himself that he’d stay out of her business and decisions, and that meant not letting her know he was growing attached to her. That she was burrowing into his heart and creating a space no one but her could fill.
And yet, here he was, flirting with her.
If he couldn’t fight for Ivy, then maybe Finn could at least appreciate being with her this evening. He could give himself that extension of the rules he’d set, couldn’t he? And time with her would give him the strength to survive the auction.
Because he didn’t expect to enjoy that part at all.
* * *
Ivy made a latte behind the counter and served it to Alma Dinnerson, a quirky woman whose style had gotten stuck in the seventies on a train of polyester. But despite her interesting fashion choices that Lola would take issue with, Alma obviously had quite the business sense, because she was Kaia and Ryker’s landlord and also owned other real estate in town, according to Charlie.
When Alma moved away from the counter, Ivy’s vision landed on Finn and stuck like Gorilla Glue. From his conversation across the room, he must have sensed her attention, because his mouth gave the slightest lift.
Ivy’s stomach mimicked the movement as she focused on another patron’s order.
She and Finn had been careful to keep things platonic since the night of their almost kiss, which was smart. But she wasn’t sure she could say they were acting the definition of that word tonight. And she also couldn’t deny she was enjoying Finn’s attention.
As Ivy handed the next coffee across the counter, Finn approached with a stack of dirty dishes.
“Where do you want all of this?”
Ivy reached for it. “I’ll take it. Sorry. You shouldn’t have to be helping out.”
“What else am I going to do with myself?”
She sorted the silverware and plates into the dish tub, then tossed the paper products. “Mingle. Talk. Seems you know most of the people in this place, and yet you’ve only lived in town since fall.”
“It’s a small town, and I did live at Wilder Ranch for a stint a few years back. Have you met the Wilder clan?” He pointed to a group of couples. One of the women—Mackenzie, if Ivy had her facts straight—was holding a newborn baby. Her husband stole the little one from her, obviously enamored with both of them, and Ivy’s heart fluttered at the picture they made. What she wouldn’t give to hold that baby for a couple minutes, especially since she’d likely never have that experience again. Everything had gone by so fast when the girls were babies. She’d been in survival mode. It would be nice to rewind to that time and have the bandwidth to enjoy it more.
“No, I’ve heard of them. Seen them at church. Haven’t been introduced.”
“I’ll introduce you tonight. Luc, Gage and Jace all attend my men’s Bible study. Luc’s a Wilder, and Gage and Jace both married Wilder sisters.”
Were introductions necessary? She was leaving with the girls next week. Wasn’t she?
Today she’d told Charlie that she would give her a decision tomorrow. Ivy had been holding out, hoping an answer would come to her. It hadn’t yet. It probably wouldn’t overnight, either. Which meant she’d just have to trust her gut—the one she’d doubted for so many years—and choose.
No wrong answer, remember? Either way we’ll make it work.
Ivy still felt peace and freedom, but that didn’t mean she’d been hit over the head with an exact plan of what to do.
“You okay?” Finn squeezed her arm, his fingers lingering against her skin, heating the spot as if the sun had seared her.
“I will be. Just thinking about decisions that need to be made.” And this evening wasn’t helping anything. The vibe in Westbend was so welcoming and the café so near and dear to her in such a short amount of time. All of it was swaying her toward staying. These people—especially the man studying her with tender concern—were pulling her in.
Somewhere along the way things had shifted between her and Finn. Ivy felt the earth moving under her feet and wasn’t sure how to adjust her balance. Did she lean toward him...or away? Was he really who he said he was? Or was she missing something, like she had with Lee?
“Ivy, I wish—” Finn swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing.
“Excuse me, I’m here for the auction but I’m running late. Where do I register?” The young man who’d sidled up next to Finn across the counter from Ivy had a Clark Kent vibe. Dark-framed glasses. Espresso-colored hair parted on one side.
“I’ll talk to you later.” Finn slipped away.
Kaia must have gathered that Ivy’s tongue or brain or whole nervous system wasn’t functioning, because she swept in to answer the new arrival.
“Right here.” She pointed to the clipboard. “Was your name already on the list?”
“Yes. Charlie contacted me and asked if I’d be willing. And since I was a foster kid until my parents adopted me at age two, I couldn’t really say no.”
Kaia smiled, and the man noticed, though she had no idea she was gaining any attention, since her concentration was on the sheet.
She traced down the list with her finger. “You must be Maxwell. That�
�s the only name left.”
“Just Max.”
Kaia introduced herself, and Ivy feigned busyness while covertly watching the two of them interact.
Max was listening to Kaia explain how the auction would work, with interest that was focused not on her speech, but on her. And Kaia was still completely oblivious.
“Will you be bidding tonight?” Max’s cheeks reddened at his blatant inquiry.
“No, the staff is staying out of the auction. We’re leaving that to the guests.”
His expression morphed from hope to disappointment in a millisecond. “Right. That makes sense. Well, thank you for the help, Kaia.” He eased into the crowd.
“Poor guy.” Ivy wiped the front counter, the smell of bleach wafting from the rag. “I don’t think he’s very comfortable with the auction.”
“Right? His introversion was coming out his pores.” Kaia’s pretty features softened with empathy.
“The good news is the auction is starting in ten minutes, so he won’t have to mingle long.”
The two of them handled a rush of drink orders while George plated appetizers that were complimentary and continued serving them. Charlie flitted about behind the counter, chatting with the guests, checking on the sound system for the auction.
The turnout was excellent. No doubt Charlie was raising awareness for her business along with funds for the foster charity. Win-win.
A whistle sounded, and Charlie climbed up on a chair at the front of the room to garner everyone’s attention.
“Hello.” She adjusted the microphone so it was closer to her mouth. “Thank you for being here to celebrate the opening with us and thank you for supporting Kids’ Keepers. This is an amazing charity that provides physical items for foster children, and I’m so glad that the proceeds from tonight’s auction will be going to them. Our auctioneer this evening will be Ryker Hayes.” Charlie motioned to Ryker, who was standing next to her. “So, without further ado, let’s bring out our first bachelor and get started!”
The women in the room gave a collective cheer, and Kaia and Ivy shared an amused glance. As Kaia had told Max, neither of them had registered for bidding because, one, they were employees of the café, and two, neither wanted anything to do with snatching up a man at the moment.
Kaia had told Ivy as they’d been working and training together that she was focused on Honor. Ivy understood the sentiment, since her girls were her first priority.
Two men were quickly placed on the auction block—which was a small raised platform—and awarded to the highest bidder. Max was third in line and looked as pleased as a kid who’d been told he had to go to bed early while his friends got to stay up and play. Ivy felt for him before the bidding even started.
Ryker read his bio. “Maxwell is a computer programmer who built his first computer at eleven years old.” Someone whistled. “He’s twenty-six and hopes to marry himself off before his mom manages to do it.” Laughter followed.
The bidding started out fast, but it was quickly clear that one woman was determined to win time with Max—sweet, quirky, fiftysomething-year-old Alma Dinnerson.
Alma raised her paddle to increase her bid. “I need computer help.” Some people chuckled. “And my phone is doing something weird, too.”
Ivy groaned. “Oh, no. Poor Max.” His ears joined his cheeks, the bright crimson visible from her and Kaia’s perch behind the counter. Was it worse not to be bid on at all? Or to be bid on by Alma?
Kaia’s breath leaked out, and she lunged for the pen and clipboard on the counter that held the women’s names. She scribbled hers and took the next number, quickly lifting the paddle into the air.
“We’ve got a battle on our hands,” Ryker called out, hamming up his time on the microphone. “Remember ladies, not only is this handsome young lad single, he comes with technological skills that can’t be beat. Don’t let him pass you by.”
Ivy nudged Kaia, her voice low. “He’s cute.”
“I’m not bidding on him because of that. I just... He was sweet to sign up. And you know Charlie probably forced him to.”
“Yep. And he’s cute.”
“He’s really not my type.”
“What is your type?”
“No job, awful decision-maker, short temper.” Kaia winced.
“So maybe he’s not a terrible option.” Both of them murmured the phrase at the same time.
After a few bids back and forth, Alma must have decided she wasn’t going to beat out Kaia, because she bowed out. Once Kaia was declared the winner, Max removed himself from the platform lightning-fast, obviously ready to be anywhere but in front of the crowd.
But then, after taking a few steps, he stopped. “Alma, I’ll still help you with whatever computer need you have. No purchase necessary.”
The crowd roared with approval.
As Max made his way toward Kaia, people parted, some slapping him on the back, others congratulating him.
Ivy made herself busy wiping the table nearest to the counter so that she could give Kaia and Max space...and still overhear, of course.
“Thanks for rescuing me up there.” Even the man’s voice had an endearing quality. Not needy. Not whiny. Just low and calm and strangely resigned.
“Of course.”
“And don’t worry. I won’t make you follow through on the date or whatever it is we’re supposed to do. I know you were just throwing me a lifeline.”
Ah. Now the resignation made sense. Max didn’t deem himself to be in Kaia’s league. His professor-like vibe could be a turnoff for some, but Ivy found it appealing. Surely Kaia could see how quality Max was.
“I appreciate that, actually, because I wasn’t really planning to date anyone right now. I just gained back custody of my daughter, and I’m really focusing on her. And bettering myself.”
Knife in the heart! Ivy’s palm rested over her chest.
“I understand.” After thanking Kaia again, Max made his way toward Alma, likely to get her contact information in order to help with her technology needs.
“You’re not just going to let him go like that, are you?”
Kaia busied herself by restacking cups that were already stacked. “He wasn’t really wanting to go out with me. He just came because of the charity.”
“Kaia, the man was looking at you like he was dying of thirst and you were the only water source left in town. I get it if you don’t want to date or he isn’t your type, but shouldn’t you give him a chance?”
Kaia bit her lip as Max made his way to the door. He must have exchanged information with Alma, because he was making his escape.
The younger woman groaned and rounded the counter. She caught up to Max just as he neared the exit. By the way he lit up, Kaia was imparting good news.
Ivy swung her hips in a little happy dance, silently celebrating them. She understood Kaia putting Honor first, but she also didn’t want her to miss out on a great guy like Max because of fearing she’d repeat the past.
The similarities to her own situation with Finn walloped Ivy like a slap to the face.
Good thing she didn’t have any time to process that right now. Yes, it was a good thing she was busy working and that Ms. Lina was planning to drop off the girls any second. Because if Ivy traveled down the what-if road with Finn, she wasn’t sure how she’d ever merge back onto reality lane.
Chapter Thirteen
Finn was desperate for help, and the only person he could think of to rescue him would stomp on his foot if she knew why he was asking.
But since he had only two options—upsetting Ivy, or enduring another date with the woman from last week—he’d pick door number one...and hopefully survive to talk about it.
Ivy was so busy watching Kaia converse with the man she’d bid on by the front door of the café that she didn’t notice him approach her.
; He called her name twice before she whirled in his direction.
“Oh, hey. What’s up?”
“I’m desperate. I need help.”
Her eyes narrowed. “What kind of help?”
Admitting he’d gotten himself into a sticky situation was as cringeworthy as stepping in a pile of manure.
“There’s a woman here who I’ve gone out with.” Once. Last week. Not that he planned to share the details of that stupid decision. “She says she’s going to bid on me, and I just...” It would be terrible if she did. Finn didn’t have any remaining interest in Bethany. He only wanted one woman, but she was off-limits.
He could wait and hope that someone like Alma who needed help with manual labor would bid on him, but he couldn’t risk it. Bethany had confessed when she’d arrived that she planned to bid on him. He could attempt to reiterate to her again that he wasn’t interested, but he’d already done that once, and it obviously hadn’t worked.
After their coffee date, Finn had gently relayed to Bethany that he didn’t feel a connection. It had been hard, but he’d been up-front.
She wasn’t listening.
Saying it again would just be painful for both of them.
Ivy motioned to the front door, where Lina had just entered with the triplets. “The girls are here. I need to grab them.”
Finn was up for bidding next, and his skin was starting to crawl at the lack of control he’d have once he stepped onto that platform. Stinking Charlie. How did she talk him into this stuff?
After Ivy greeted Lina and the girls and the older woman left, she faced him again. The triplets, at least, were happy to see him...and Finn wasn’t above using that to his advantage.
“Girls, I need you to do me a favor. Hang on.” He hurried over to the counter, filled out a slot for bidding and took a paddle with the next number on it. He returned to the four of them. By Ivy’s half-amused, half-exasperated sigh, she knew what he was up to.
And because she would have to orchestrate it, he held her gaze while he pitched the girls his idea.
“When I’m up there, I need you girls to bid on me, okay? Your mom will help you know when.” Please?
