by J. M. Witt
Before I could even respond, she was dragging me toward the stage and Jane was just smiling sweetly. We were in the second row of tables, center stage. I tried to get Jane’s attention but she was busy talking to another woman.
“Mrs. Whitford, how do you know James?”
“James? Such a lovely man. You fancy him? The feeling is mutual, take my word.” The woman wouldn’t let me get a word in edgewise and she was avoiding the real question. She knew more than she was letting on and it was making me crazy.
“Cassidy, I’m so excited. I can’t believe you’re throwing Cal to the wolves! Do you know who the other bachelors are? Cecily wouldn’t tell me! This is going to be great!” Lena was overjoyed and took the seat next to me.
You could feel the estrogen clogging the air. Lena knew as much about the bachelors up for auction as I did. The MC (a local news reporter) had made her announcement that the bachelor auction would now begin.
The lights got turned down and spotlights hit the stage and it suddenly sounded like a pack of hyenas had been released into the wild. I snagged a roll from a bread basket before the wait staff cleared it away and I started to feel sorry for Cal, just a little. It’s Raining Men by The Weather Girls started playing overhead and I had to admit, I was bummed that I didn’t have money to bid—James wouldn’t like that very much—unless of course he was up for bid.
Chapter Sixteen – Bachelor…
~ JAMES ~
“I’m never going to forgive my sister for this.” Cal was checking his tie and running his hand through his short hair.
Six bachelors had already been purchased, with number seven on the stage. Cal was number nine and I was lucky number ten. I think this was the loudest I remembered the crowd ever being. I felt my cell buzz, alerting me of a text.
All set ~Aunt B
“Calvin, how are you?” We shook hands.
“Good, man, and you? Cassidy know you’re one of the bachelors?”
“Not yet. Does Jane know you’re up for grabs?” He shook his head no and we had a few laughs. I assure him that the ladies would be all over him, especially Jane.
“Cassidy told you about Jane?”
“She did. You should know one more thing.” He looked at me intently. “Jane and I are cousins. She’s been through a lot in the last year. Don’t hurt her.”
He scoffed and said he could say the same to me. “Cassidy’s really done a great job with tonight’s events.” He changed the subject as bachelor eight was welcomed to the stage.
“Yes. She’s excellent at what she does.” He looked at me as if he knew I wasn’t just referring to her job.
“Have you told her yet, James? I really think she’ll take it better than you think she will.”
“Soon.” He nodded and the backstage attendant ran over and escorted Cal to the side of the stage; he was almost up. I waved to him, “We’ll catch up later. They’ll love you.”
~ CASSIDY ~
This drama was crazy. Grown women were spending thousands of dollars fighting over one date. Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy by Big & Rich was now playing and I knew I shouldn’t complain. The more they spent, the more money I raised for the hospital. Cal was then called to the stage and looked nervous as hell. Lena and I couldn’t help but giggle and Jane immediately perked up, and she wasn’t the only one. She looked at me questioningly and I just shrugged my shoulders and winked. This was going to be interesting. Mrs. Whitford, on the other hand, hadn’t stopped smiling since the guys started coming on stage. Horny old bag!
“Please welcome Calvin Charles to the stage. Calvin is 6’3” likes long rides on his Harley, camping, and enjoying the more natural things in life. Laid back and easy going, he prefers a night in rather than a night out. You can tell by how well he wears that suit that he’s a fitness buff. He’s also an elite member of our police squad and an Army Vet. Ladies let’s hear it for Cal! Let’s start the bidding at $1000…yes, do I hear $1500, $1750…..”
Lena was squeezing my forearm and I was shocked; Calvin was a natural. He removed his jacket, threw it over his shoulder and started strutting across the stage. Oh dear Lord. He removed his tie and then threw it at me. I was humiliated, a little disgusted and laughing my ass off at the same time.
I mouthed at him to ‘stop’. He shook his head and started unbuttoning his shirt and his bid jumped even higher.
“$3000!”
I looked over to see who had jumped the bid and it was Jane! She was in a battle with some cougar in the back. I looked back and forth between her, Cal and Jane and Cal was eating it up. The bid was currently Jane’s and she had him for $3750.
“Once, twice, sold! Congrats to the lovely lady in red! I believe the lucky lady is Miss Jane Whitford. Congrats to Jane and welcome home.”
Mrs. Whitford was ecstatic as Jane rolled her eyes at her mom. She won him just in time to save my eyes; his shirt was unbuttoned and he was in the process of removing it. Jane walked to the side of the stage and Cal descended as he took her hand and they walked to the back of the ballroom. Go Cal!
“Now for the top prize of the night. Get out your credit cards, ladies. Back by popular demand, ladies, he’s finally returned to us. The one, the only, Jackson James Benedict III, better known as JB3!”
What the FUCK? No wonder he was avoiding me all evening. My heart immediately sunk and I was pissed off as the cheers and whistles were ear piercing, a reminder of his popularity with the ladies. I looked back to the stage and saw James walking out.
“Fucking hell!” Lena and I said it at the same time. I was glaring at him and he had the nerve to smile at me.
“Cassidy...”
“Lena, I love you, but shut up!”
Jackson James Benedict III, lady-killer, playboy extraordinaire, JB3 and my lover. What had I gotten myself into?
“6’4.5” former West Point Academy star football player. He enjoys concerts, rides through the country and traveling to exotic lands. Are there any exotic ladies in the house?” The MC was clearly a fan and continued taking liberties. The list went on and on, though she forgot one; he was an incredible fuck. I chastised myself for my thoughts, discovering he was built like a football player because he was one, though I missed where he went to school. This couldn’t be happening. He was eye-fucking me in front of everyone causing me to blush in response as the bidding began at $5000. There was no way…
“$5000!”
It came screeching from behind and reached $10,000 in seconds. These bitches were out of their minds. $10,000 for one date? Before I was even aware of what was happening, Mrs. Whitford joined in on the bidding. He was still eye-fucking me. What the hell was going on? Did he expect me to do something? I’m broke. I was so muddled I felt my head begin to ache and noticed Lena’s mouth was hanging open in disbelief.
“$25,000!”
“$30,000!”
“$35,000!”
Soon the bid was at $50,000 and it was down to some waif of a brunette side stage, some lady in back and Mrs. Whitford. The brunette was glaring at me and I pointed to Mrs. Whitford.
“$50,000!” The MC had ceased speaking as numbers were being thrown out without hesitation.
The brunette yelled, “$60,000.”
The room dropped to a quiet hum and the MC chimed in about making history, and JB3 beating his previous bids. James looked away from me for a split second, nodded at Mrs. Whitford who was sitting right next to me.
“$100,000!” Dead silence.
I swear I saw James’s eyes bulge for a millisecond. Everyone was staring between Mrs. Whitford and the brunette and I looked back at James.
The MC asked Mrs. Whitford if she was sure and she yelled back, “I made the bid didn’t I?” A light chuckle broke through the room.
“Going once…” Everyone was staring at the brunette now.
“Going twice…” The brunette threw her hands up in disgust.
“Sold for $100,000 to Mrs. Whitford. I hope you’re not spending $10
0,000 just to spend time with your own nephew!”
Nephew?! Mrs. Whitford yanked me to my feet and hollered, “He’s not for me, and she’s the lucky lady!”
OH. MY. GOD.
It dawned on me then that they were cohorts. I looked to the brunette who was glaring at me like I just pissed all over her cookies. The MC concluded the auction and asked the bachelors and their winning bidders to head to the dance floor. My head was still spinning as James made his way over to the three of us. Giving Mrs. Whitford, HIS AUNT, a kiss on the cheek, he thanked her before looking at me.
She returned the kiss, “Anytime, James.”
Lena’s poor jaw was going to be aching if she didn’t pick it up off the floor. James took my hand and escorted me to the dance floor as words finally made their long anticipated appearance on my lips.
“When were you going to tell me that you’re Mrs. Whitford’s nephew?” He merely chuckled and took us to the center of the dance floor.
He grabbed my hand and pulled me tight against him with his other hand on the naked flesh of my back. I did my best to hide the shiver than ran straight to the apex of thighs. I started to speak when I met his eyes, and instantly his lips were on mine and my entire body melted into his.
The kiss was over far too soon and he whispered, “You look amazing in that dress, but I can’t wait to get you out of it.”
The music finally began, Wild Horses by The Sundays, and he took the lead and started moving us slowly to the beat. I was dazed and moved along to the command of his body, noticing the lights were still so low that I could barely make out the faces of those around me. It was the perfect setting for seduction and the song was fitting. Wild horses couldn’t drag me away from him.
I gently placed my cheek against his shoulder and indulged my senses. James smelled how I thought a man should; all sex and power and fresh laundry with a little musk. I was still trying to put all the pieces together. That meant Jane was his cousin. How did I miss that? I wondered if Cal knew, but I was captivated by the song and sighed in resignation. Closing my eyes, I let James and the song carry me away, losing track of time and space while floating in his arms.
Suddenly aware of all the people staring at us, I looked around and realized the song had long ended and we were still in our embrace. “James, please.” My voice was barely above a whisper as my eyes plead with him to let me go. He released me as I looked for the nearest exit, uncomfortable with all the prying eyes.
Spotting the exit to the gardens, I started to head that way, knowing some fresh air would help, but I never made it outside. I was bombarded by inquiries—some genuine and some about James and I—before Cecily found me and hugged me. She had never hugged me before.
“Amazing work, my girl. Well done! Take Monday off and enjoy your birthday weekend. You deserve it.”
I thanked her as I was shocked by her generosity. She walked away with a gentleman I didn’t recognize as I looked for James again, but didn’t see him.
It was just past midnight. I had sent Lena home almost an hour ago when Cal congratulated me and inquired about James.
“It’s a long story for another night. Jane?”
He just waggled his eyebrows at me and I smacked his shoulder. He gave me a quick hug, kissed the top of my head and took his leave. I noticed Jane waiting for him in the hall and smiled to myself as they walked away hand in hand.
Besides a few hotel staff, I was the only one left in the ballroom. It no longer resembled the glorious space from several hours ago. The months of hard work had paid off. We raised more money than ever before—thanks to James and Mrs. Whitford—though I was still upset that he didn’t tell me. I decided to make my way to the terrace to get that breath of fresh air I so desperately needed.
As I turned, I ran into the brunette who was bidding on James. Oh crap. “Sorry about that. Excuse me.” I tried to walk around her and she blocked my path. “Can I help you?”
She was glaring at me and I noticed she was a little shorter than me, thinner—maybe too thin—long dark hair, blue eyes, and fabulous tits.
“Cassidy is it?” I nodded. “Stay away from him. He’s spoken for.” She was standing there all erect and prissy.
“Excuse me; I don’t think we’ve met?”
“Melissa, Melissa Westin.”
“Stay away from whom?”
“You know who. James. We have a long history. You’re just a phase like all the others. In the end he always comes back to me.” She was quite proud of herself.
Recognition hit me that she was the brunette I’d seen him photographed with during my internet stalking of him; the only girl I remembered seeing more than once.
I didn’t have time for this petty bullshit. “If I’m just a phase, like all the others, why do you keep taking him back? Kind of pathetic isn’t it?” That should’ve shut her up but she looked ready to strike.
“Ladies, everything ok here?” James came up to stand next me and I noticed him glaring at Melissa.
“Everything is fine.” I wasn’t going to get him involved in her ridiculous power play.
The bitch started crying.
“Cassidy, please excuse us.” He put his hand on Melissa’s back and they walked off.
Are you fucking kidding me? I was speechless. Clearly he knew her, and not just casually. Now I felt like a fool. How did I not see this coming? She was bidding on him and he didn’t even tell me he’d be a part of the auction. I decided I had to get out of there and headed to the elevator. All my belongings were in his room. I would just grab my stuff and leave before he returned.
~ JAMES ~
“Melissa, this has to stop.” I was trying to be stern yet gentle as she went on and on about us and what we had and how I was throwing it away. She was an easy comfortable fuck at one time, but I couldn’t tell her that was all it was. I was an asshole and I used her. I knew that.
“What has to stop? Who is she?” She was sniffing and wiping her tears away.
“This was never going to work between you and me. It was a mistake.” She flinched at my words. “I’m sorry I hurt you.”
“A mistake that you made over and over again? That doesn’t sound like a mistake to me.” Now she was pissing me off. “I’ll let you tie me up, I’ll try again.”
“ENOUGH!” I was escorting her to the front of the hotel, “We haven’t been together in over a year Melissa.” We made our way outside and I flagged down a cab.
“You’ll be back. You always come back.” I handed the driver a wad of twenties and pushed her into the cab before I walked back inside and the cab pulled away. Melissa hadn’t shared my bed in over a year, granted it was on and off for several years, but I could care less about her feelings. I had to make this right with Cassidy; I saw the look in her eyes. I walked to the elevator and took in a deep breath and let out a bigger exhale as the doors opened.
I was practically trampled as soon as the doors opened. “Shit.” Her voice and scent registered with me immediately.
“Cassidy, where are you going?” She looked utterly defeated the minute she saw me.
“I’m going home.” She pushed out her jaw while repositioning her bags on her shoulders.
Looking ridiculous and irresistible all at once, she was still wearing the blue dress and hauling half a dozen bags. I grabbed her arm and pulled her back into the elevator. “You’ll do no such thing.”
“Let go of me.” Though she knew it was pointless, she tried fighting me off. After the doors closed and the elevator began moving, she stopped resisting. I gathered up her bags, which she handed over willingly, though she wouldn’t look at me.
We made it back to my suite and I placed her bags by the stairs as she made her way out to the balcony. I figured she could use a few minutes alone and turned on the sound system before I headed to the kitchen to grab some water. She left the door to the balcony open and I leaned against the frame and just watched her for what must have been several minutes; a couple
more songs played as I watched her. She was just staring up into the sky.
I laughed inwardly as Wicked Game by Chris Isaak came over the speakers. I walked to her side and remained quiet. She knew I was there, but didn’t acknowledge it.
“You’re going to break my heart, James Benedict the third.” It was a statement, not a question.
Turning to look at her, she was still staring into space. “I think I’m the one who should be worried about a broken heart.” She turned and glared at me.
“Who is she?” Her tone was foreboding.
“Melissa?”
“I know her name. Who is she?”
“You have nothing to worry about.”
“So I should be worried. Perfect.” She was being obtuse now.
“Dammit, woman…” I reached for her.
She pulled away, “I’m not your woman.” Her voice was cracking.
“Cassidy, I promise, she’s in my past. She’s having a hard time letting go. I reinforced it to her tonight.”
“What did you mean when you said that you’ve tried staying away from me?” She was staring back to the stars, “You said it in the elevator the night of the masquerade.”
“I know when I said it.” I ran my hand through my hair and turned my back to lean against the balcony wall. “Cassidy. Given the circumstances and everything that happened that night, I didn’t think it appropriate to pursue you. I struggled staying away from you once I knew who you were. With the investigation and, well, everything else.”
“You mean Dan?” She was looking to me again and scoffed in disgust. “Dan was a mistake. I was lonely, he was there. End of story.” Her words were cold and distant. “Wait. Once you knew? What do you mean?”
“It’s not important.”
“IT IS IMPORTANT.” As she stared at me I could see her mentally putting the pieces together. “Oh God, I’m going to be sick.” She started pacing. “Did you have something to do with me getting the promotion and the auction? Cecily said…”
“God no, you did that on your own. I swear I haven’t interfered with your job in any way.” I took a step toward her. “Cassidy.”
