For Her Amusement Bid on Love

by Heather Anne

  “You? Never!” The mock shock in my voice has her laughing with me.

  “No matter what the outcome, we go, we drink some amazing wine, and support a great cause,” she says. I nod and smile.

  “And Ev?”

  I raise an eyebrow.

  “You never know what’s going to be hidden behind the mask. It may be someone that even our favorite authors couldn’t make up.”

  “Maybe.”

  Once I lock up and set the alarm, we walk to our cars making small talk the entire time. Sienna talks about this single dad that brings his six-year-old daughter to dance class. My thoughts keep drifting to Colton.

  When I get home and finally crawl into bed, my thoughts are still on him. I don’t want to admit it, but this auction has given me something I haven’t had for a long time when it comes to him, and that’s hope. The likelihood of me being his winning bidder is pretty thin but crazier things have happened.

  Chapter Three

  COLTON

  I look at myself in the full-length mirror on the back of my bathroom door, adjusting my bow tie for the umpteenth time, wondering yet again how the fuck I got myself into this. Fucking Jacoby! My best friend just had to cash in with THIS bullshit. Then there’s Nadine, who hasn’t stop bugging me about it since she walked into my office that day. The one who tops the craptastic cake in this entire thing is my sister, Sienna. She’s too excited for this and she won’t even bid on any of them out of fear it would be me. I shudder at the thought.

  My sister wants to date, great. She should, as long as whatever asshole she chooses passes my test. Luckily all the poor bastards she has introduced me to so far have failed.

  I check myself out much longer than any dude should, thinking I look pretty suave in a tux. I may be into books, art, and might have a slight obsession with super hero films, however, that doesn’t mean I don’t take care of myself. I played soccer all through high school and college. I play with Jacoby and a bunch of buddies whenever I’m in town. I have kept up with my body and am in pretty good physical shape. I check my hair one more time to make sure it has that just-got-out-bed kind of thing going on that, according my sister, makes the ladies swoon.

  Sienna calls up to let me know she’s going to pick up her best friend, Everleigh, and that she will see me there. I declined her offer to ride along with them. I try to avoid Everleigh as much as possible. I have always kept myself a good distance from the petite blonde. At first, because she was younger than me, and now because she’s my sister’s best friend which automatically puts her in the friend zone. I can’t even call us friends, more like acquaintances. It’s not that I don’t like her. It’s the complete opposite. She’s quirky, friendly, and over all, a fun person to be around. Not to mention she is absolutely adorable. She’s isn’t a tall girl at all, maybe around 5’2”. She has dark blonde hair and the most alluring light brown eyes that remind me of the color of spiced rum. Every time I see her, she’s wearing a different pair of glasses ranging from a deep purple to a delicate pair of silver wire frames. Whenever we see each other, we don’t really talk, although the way she says hey Colt, in her sweet yet husky voice goes straight to my groin. I have often imagined how my name would sound falling from her soft lips as she falls apart beneath me.

  I shake my head, in a failed attempt to clear my head and calm down my dick that always stands at attention whenever thoughts of Everleigh are at the forefront of my mind.

  I take one more look at myself, knowing I will pass both Nadine and my sister’s approval, then head down the stairs, grab my keys, and the black and silver mask I’m supposed to wear from the table by the front door.

  The winery is not a far drive, and, though I’d love to drink my ass off tonight to make it through this ridiculous event, I have to be at work early for a meeting.

  I pull up to the plain building and shake my head. I have a hard time believing that Nadine picked this place. Granted, a winery in an urban setting is totally unique. From the outside it looks like it could be a shoe store or even a big medical practice.

  The valet takes my keys and instructs me to go through the back entrance.

  Nadine is by the back door and checks my name off the list she has on her clipboard.

  “Well, don’t you clean up nicely?” she says. I grunt out thanks and start to walk past her but she grabs my arm, hitting me with a warning gaze. “Can’t you at least pretend like you want to be here?”

  I give her my signature crooked smile. “Of course, Nadine, I’m not that big of an ass.” She gives me another look that says ‘we’ll see’.

  She lets me go and I make my way to what appears to be a holding room for the bachelors. It’s a pretty large room with cream colored walls and mahogany accents. I look up and see the ceiling is vaulted with skylights and around the room are a few mahogany hi-top tables. My nerves start to rise as I realize how empty this room looks. I scan it further and notice everyone is gathered in the back corner around a mahogany bar, and the velvet curtain that sits along the far wall. I look around for Jacoby and don’t see him, so I shoot him a text.

  Me: Heyyyy Joker. You almost here or did you chicken out?

  Joker: Shut the hell up assface. You there already?

  Me: Yeah. Wanted to scope the place out. You coming alone?

  Joker: Cuz that’s not a weird question.

  Me: Sorry I’ve been watching videos all day. I can’t believe I’m doing this

  Joker: They call that porn nowadays and I think you need to see someone about your problem

  Me: we don’t have to get naked for this right? Just a nice suit and the damn mask?

  Joker: Nadine told me we had to wear black speedos and a bow tie. And if we needed to, make the ladies beg for more. If you feel the need to get naked, that’ll prob drive up the bids. Oooh and do the helicopter thing where you make your dick slap against your stomach. Ladies love that shit. It’s for a good cause, bro

  What in the actual fuck? I scan the room, fuming. I spot Nadine and stalk towards her.

  “What the hell Nadine?” My voice is raised, her eyes widen at my tone. She looks around when the noise dies down and everyone starts staring at us.

  “Colton.” She acknowledges me as her eyes narrow in warning. She then grabs my arm, leading me into a small room off to the side.

  “What kind of event is this? I have to wear a god dammed Speedo, letting my junk flap and do something called the helicopter, making all the desperate women of Norfolk salivate at my semi-hard member?”

  Her mouth opens in shock. She starts to speak but I don’t let her.

  “If I wanted to make a fool out of myself, I’d put a bear onesie on, go commando with the ass flap open and walk around offering spankings in exchange for a donation.”

  Her shock turns to amusement as she throws her head back in a loud laugh.

  “Let me guess, Jacoby told you about the Speedo.” It wasn’t a question. She laughs harder and I glare at her.

  “You are dressed perfectly. Lighten up! Have a good time. You may want to talk to someone about your kinks. They’re a little disturbing. Bears? Really?” With a final laugh, she walks back towards the bar.

  I head for the other end of the bar and a waiter with a tray of wine stops in front of me. I take one and down it, put the empty glass back on the tray and grab another. He looks at me stunned and I narrow my eyes. He says nothing and walks away.

  I look back down at my phone to shoot a text back to Joker.

  Me: You’re a dick! Nadine thinks I’m a perverted retard now, thanks a lot asshole!

  Joker: I don’t know what you’re talking about. See you on stage! Don’t forget your Speedo, lover boy. And stop whining to everyone about how you don’t want to do this shit. Sack up, Colton

  I spot Jacoby right away. He’s standing by the curtain and I start to make my way over to him. But instead of going straight to him, I peek out behind the curtain and see the room is filled with women, all different shapes and sizes. T
he way the lighting is, I can’t make out features and that’s okay by me. The date to the amusement park will be fun, I hope. If not, at least I didn’t have to spend a dime and I can get enough from the press event to write my article the next day.

  “You ready, bro?’ Jacoby slaps my shoulder.

  “Oh yeah.” I roll my eyes.

  “Who knows man, maybe she’ll be hot as hell and give good head,” he jokes. I know he’s goading me. I let my cynicism get the best of me.

  “I’m pretty sure if she was a master of the cock suck, she wouldn’t have to pay for a date,” I deadpan, he laughs.

  “Dude, lighten up! It’s going to be a fun time regardless. Just go into it with the idea that no matter what, it’s an experience, and make it a good one”

  I nod. I decide not to say anything and just go with it. I guess he’s right. I can make the most of it, but I’m not sure I want to. I kind of just want to go, do what I need to do for work and leave. Maybe that’s not right but really, does it matter? The money is for a great cause and I would hope that whoever is bidding sees that.

  I hear Nadine take the stage and welcome everyone to the event. A waiter passes through the holding area carrying a tray of glasses filled with red wine. I take a glass from his tray and gulp the entire thing down.

  “Damn Colt. Slow down,” Jacoby says, I shrug.

  “It’s just one glass and if I’m going to do this, I may as well loosen up a little wouldn’t you say?”

  Jacoby nods and we turn our attention to what’s going on behind the curtain. Nadine makes her opening speech and the music starts pumping a hip-hop type of beat. I listen as she introduces the first few bachelors, and the auctioneer does his thing. The amount of money raised so far, has me softening a little. This all for Kevin, for his memory. No matter how I got here, he’s my reason.

  I take a breath as I hear my introduction.

  Removing my dark rimmed glasses, I place them in my tuxedo’s inside pocket. I can’t see for shit without my glasses, but my sister says they make me look like ‘a douche bag hipster’. I snicker to myself imagining what she’s going to say about the mask.

  With my black and silver mask firmly in place, I start my short walk to the stage, taking cautious steps as not to trip with my very limited sight. I listen as Nadine lists some hobbies and starts the description of the date, using words like hair-blowing fun and I don’t know why but that sounds kind of sexy. Maybe chugging three glasses of wine wasn’t the best of ideas.

  I shake my head and give the crowd a smirk and the women scream. I’m not sure if I should feel like a piece of meat and disgusted, or completely turned on. One yells $300 before the auctioneer even starts and oh shit, it’s on! A few of them go back and forth by the hundred and I can’t help but puff my chest out a little. I laugh at myself. They can’t see my face, but I can hear their hoots and hollers when I do that. I’m tall and lean with great muscle tone. I take my tux jacket off, revealing the white button-down shirt that is tight across my pectorals. The sleeves are tight around my biceps and tapered at the wrists. I would rather have rolled up the sleeves to show off the colorful tattoos that snake up my right arm from my wrist to my shoulder. I know from experience, women dig ink. I sling the jacket over my shoulder and turn around slowly, showing off my best asset. The women go crazy and I can’t help but laugh when the bidding hits $1700. This is insane! These women must be desperate to spend that much money on a trip to an amusement park. I hear the auctioneer ask, “Do we have $1800?” One women shouts ‘$1,800’ and when he asks for $1,900, no one bids. “Going, going gone! Bachelor number five is sold to paddle number nine.”

  I slowly take off my mask, searching the room to find the owner of paddle nine but I can barely see without my glasses. I pause to put my jacket on, take my glasses out of the inside pocket and put them on. As soon as I do, my eyes widen, and my mouth drops open. Everleigh, looking stunning in a white and red dress, holds up her paddle and shrugs, giving me a small smile.

  I’m not sure if this is one of those fate or punishment type of scenarios. My palms start to sweat as I descend the stage, making my way over to where she is standing with my sister who is grinning like an idiot. “Hey Colt.” Her husky voice sounds nervous, almost vulnerable, right then and there, I know I’m screwed.

  Chapter Four

  EVERLEIGH

  When Sienna picked me up, she had a mischievous look on her face that I was going to ask about it until she interrupted me with her squeals. She went on and on about my dress. I looked down at myself and smiled. The white A-line dress with a ruched, V-neckline is trimmed with red and the skirt has a red filigree pattern on the hemline. I complete the outfit with red satin ballet flats and a matching clutch.

  My short hair is straight and slicked back to one side with a red flower clip. I did a light smoky eye with red glitter shadow and a red lip tint.

  When our Uber arrives, I can’t help the nerves that are bubbling into my belly. Do you ever get that feeling like you’re about to experience something monumental, possibly life-changing, even? Yup. That’s where I’m at. I’m not sure if it’s woman’s intuition, or the huge glass of wine I downed before I left the house. Whatever it is, it has me uneasy. Don’t get me wrong, I’m really excited for this event, the silent auction alone is going to bring in a lot of money, but eight eligible bachelors mean that even more veterans will get the services they so desperately need.

  I knew that I would be spending a ton of money tonight. Given where my brother is, I spare no expense trying to help our vets and active military.

  Looking through the program, my eyes fixate on the date with bachelor number five. It’s an amusement park date with dinner on top of the Ferris wheel and I know that’s my date. Something light, active, and fun which will be perfect for something as awkward as going out on a date with someone you paid for.

  When bachelor five walks out on that stage, I know I made the right choice. He is tall with dark hair and a five o’clock shadow. His apprehension at first puts a smile on my face and when someone yells out ‘three hundred dollars’ before the auctioneer even starts the bidding, something overtakes me and I know I need to win this date. I get into a bidding war with this big boobed, fake blonde, trampy-looking woman with determination. Whoever this man is, he won’t be taking her on any date if I have anything to do with it.

  When I’m announced as the winner, bachelor number five takes off his mask and my mouth drops open. “Holy shit!” Sienna says tugging on my arm in disbelief and excitement.

  “Did you know that was him?” I ask her and she smirks in response.

  “Sienna!” I whisper yell. “Why didn’t you stop me from bidding?”

  “I wasn’t one hundred percent sure and who am I to get in the way of fate anyway?”

  “I’m going to kill you,” I seethe. She just smiles back.

  “He’s headed this way, see you later.” She tosses her black hair back, giving me a wink. I roll my eyes, take a breath, and turn around to see Colton right in front of me.

  “Hey Colt.” My voice is breathless and the swarm of butterflies start taking flight in my belly the way they always do when he is near.

  “Hey Ev.” His voice is laced with apprehension as he bends down and kisses me on the cheek. My eyes close and I breathe in his musky scent. The chaste kiss sends a warmth to my cheek and a shiver down by spine.

  “Well, this is awkward.” I force out a laugh and look down.

  He laughs, and I look up to find amusement in his bright eyes. “Knowing the winner makes things a little easier,” he admits.

  “True.” I smile up at him, shifting on my feet.

  If only he knew how hard this actually is for me. Him being within my reach yet unable to pull him to me is already torturous and we haven’t even gotten past simple pleasantries.

  “So, the date is set for next Saturday, I take it you’re available?” he muses.

  I can’t help but roll my eyes at him. “Of course.”<
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  His smile is wide “I’ll be in touch then, Everleigh.”

  All I can do is nod and watch him walk away towards where Jacoby’s brother, Floyd, is.

  I scan the room for Sienna but she’s nowhere in sight, so I decide to browse the silent auction items.

  I bid on several items ranging from a new top of the line, fully loaded laptop to a year’s supply of beef jerky, which would be a great addition to my brother’s care packages. Then I see the holy grail – a basket of signed paperbacks and two full VIP packages for an indie author event taking place here in Norfolk in a few months. I pick up one of the books and I can’t help but smell it. There’s nothing in this world like the smell of a book – new, old, paperback, hardback – it doesn’t matter. I wish they would bottle that up or make it a scent for one of those air fresheners for the car. With my eyes closed, I inhale taking in that unique smell of fresh pages.

  “What are you doing?” A deep voice startles me from my trance and I yelp. Losing my balance from the scare, I start to fall. Fearing another broken bone or a bruise, I brace myself to hit the ground and for the embarrassment of falling in front of a room full of people, I close my eyes. They snap open when a pair of strong hands grip my waist, the touch causing an electrical tingle to course through my body. I meet Colton’s worried baby blues and give him a sheepish smile.

  His hands linger on my waist and he mumbles something I can’t make out before setting me on my feet.

  “Thanks,” I say looking up at him.

  “No problem.” He bends down to pick up the book that I dropped.

  I can feel my cheeks turn pink as he looks at the cover of a shirtless man and flips it over to read the back.

  “You read this stuff?” he smirks.

  I snatch the book from him, inspecting it to make sure it isn’t damaged.

  “I read all kinds of books, but romance is my favorite,” I say, turning to face him.