Chapter 3

Backstage is a whirlwind of energy, but it’s nothing compared to the storm raging inside me. I’m still reeling, unable to fully grasp that a bidding war—over me—just shattered the evening’s records. Stacy, in all her mermaid glory, is practically vibrating with excitement next to me.

‘Did you see that, Al? The record bid! That’s you, girl! You’re the queen of the auction!’ Stacy’s enthusiasm is infectious, her squeals of delight echoing off the walls.

I manage a laugh, though my mind is miles away, replaying the last few moments on stage. ‘I can’t believe it either. Did that really just happen?’

‘Yes, that just happened! And let’s talk about Mr. High Roller,’ Stacy nudges me with a conspiratorial grin, her eyes sparkling with mischief. ‘I mean, hello, is he not the hottest thing on two legs? That bidding was intense!’

Ah, Mr. High Roller. Patrick. Even his name triggers a fresh wave of butterflies in my stomach. From the moment our eyes met, something shifted. It wasn’t just his bid that caught my attention; it was him.

Tall, undeniably handsome, with a presence that seemed to pull the air from the room. His hair, a perfect balance of tousled and styled, gave him a carefree yet sophisticated vibe. And those eyes—intense, captivating—as if they could see right through me.

But it was more than just his physical appearance. It was the aura around him, all confidence and mystery. He stood there amidst the opulence and the glamour like a lighthouse in a stormy sea, a beacon of calm and assurance.

His physique spoke of strength and discipline. He was the kind of man you’d imagine in a smoky, dimly lit room, a glass of whiskey in hand, discussing art, life, and love with an intensity that would cause a woman to hang on his every word.

‘I wasn’t expecting him to be so … hot,’ I confess, feeling a flush creep up my neck. The word feels inadequate to describe the jolt his presence sent through me, the way my heart seemed to skip a beat at the sound of his voice each time he outbid someone.

Stacy’s laughter pulls me back to the moment. ‘Girl, you hit the jackpot! Not only did you break a record, but you also got yourself a date with the most eligible bachelor in the room. This is going to be epic!’

I can’t help but smile, caught up in the excitement of what’s happened. Yet, beneath the chaos and the banter, a thread of curiosity weaves its way through my thoughts. Who is Patrick, really? And what does this unexpected, thrilling connection mean for both of us?

‘There’s more to it, Stace,’ I finally admit, my voice dropping to a whisper. ‘I want him. Like, really want him.’

Stacy blinks, her excitement dialing down a notch as she misreads my jittery confession. ‘Hey, Al, you know just because he put in the highest bid doesn’t mean you owe him anything, right? This isn’t some archaic barter system. You don’t have to sleep with the guy.’

Lost in thought, I can’t help but imagine what it would be like to be with Patrick—not just a date, but to really be with him. It’s a thought that sends a shiver down my spine, an unfamiliar blend of excitement and nervousness.

Stacy catches the far-off look in my eyes and the slightest hint of a blush on my cheeks. ‘Wait a minute,’ she says, a sly grin forming. ‘Allie, are you thinking about sleeping with him?’

I’m caught off guard, my thoughts exposed under the bright backstage lights. My nervous chuckle breaks free, an attempt to deflect. ‘What? No, I mean—’

‘Oh, come on!’ Stacy bursts out laughing, her amusement clear. ‘You totally are! I can see it all over your face. You’re already fantasizing about it!’

My cheeks burn hotter, a silent confirmation of my unspoken desires. Stacy’s laughter echoes around us, but my own racing heart drumming in my ears drowns out the sound. The very idea that I’m considering something so bold, so unlike me, with a man I don’t know is both thrilling and terrifying.

‘Stace, shush!’ I hiss, glancing around to ensure no one else has caught on to our conversation. ‘It’s not like that. I mean, I don’t even know him.’

‘Uh-huh, sure,’ Stacy teases, one eyebrow raised in suspicion.

I can’t help but laugh despite the embarrassment. Stacy has a way of making everything seem lighter and less daunting. ‘Okay, okay, you got me. But seriously, is there a rule about this? It feels like uncharted territory.’

Stacy loops her arm through mine, her laughter subsiding into a warm smile. ‘Honey, the only rule is to follow your heart. And if your heart is currently fantasizing about a certain handsome bidder, then who am I to judge?’

Her words, meant to comfort, only stir the pot of confusion and curiosity simmering within me. Patrick has sparked something unexpected, a desire I can’t quite quell. As Stacy guides me through the backstage chaos, I realize I’m standing on the edge of something entirely new, unsure but undeniably intrigued about where it might lead.

I sigh, the image of Patrick’s intense gaze burning the back of my eyelids. ‘There’s just something about him. It’s not just his looks; it’s the vibe he gives off. Confident, but not in an obnoxious way. It’s like he knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it.’

Stacy nods, her expression thoughtful. ‘Well, damn. That does sound enticing. But babe, don’t forget, you’re quite the catch yourself. This guy just dropped a small fortune to spend time with you. Clearly, he sees something special.’

Just as Stacy is teasing me about the nonexistent dating auction ethics, he rounds the corner.

The sudden eye contact hits me like a live wire, sparking something wild and reckless inside me. At that moment, any thoughts about rules or what is considered proper vanish. I want this man. He’s the epitome of walking, talking gorgeousness—smooth, undeniably sexy, with an aura that pulls me in like a magnet.

His voice, a low rumble that seems to resonate directly with my pulse, washes over me, turning my insides to mush.

‘Hello, I’m Patrick,’ he says, his introduction directed at both of us, but his intense gaze locked on me. It’s as if he sees me, really sees me, and I feel like the only woman in the world.

Stacy, ever the wing woman, picks up on the electricity crackling between us and makes a quick exit, her giggle trailing behind her like the perfect punctuation to this unexpected moment.

‘Hi, I’m Allie,’ I manage to get out, my voice sounding oddly high-pitched to my own ears as we shake hands. No man has ever had this effect on me. For a second, I’m utterly speechless, a rare state for someone who usually has a quip for everything.

Patrick smiles a genuine, heart-stopping smile that makes me feel both incredible and slightly dazed. ‘Allie,’ he repeats, my name rolling off his tongue like music. ‘I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.’

I blink, trying to regain some semblance of composure. ‘Well, here I am,’ I say, aiming for witty but landing somewhere closer to awkward. ‘And here you are, making history with your big bid tonight.’

He chuckles, the sound warm and grounding. ‘I’d say we both made a bit of history, wouldn’t you? And for a great cause, too.’

‘Absolutely,’ I agree, finding my footing again in the conversation. ‘Though I must admit, I never expected to be part of a bidding war. It’s not exactly a typical Thursday for me.’

‘Nor for me,’ Patrick admits, his gaze still locked on mine with an intensity that’s both thrilling and a tad overwhelming. ‘But I’m beginning to think it might just be one of my better Thursdays.’

The way he says it sends a flutter through my heart. This incredibly handsome, impossibly charming man is standing here with me, and for the life of me, I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be.

Stacy’s earlier teasing about rules and expectations seems a world away now. All I know is that I’m caught up in a moment that feels like the start of something, an entirely new and exciting something.

Before I can even think of what to say next, we’re interrupted by a woman who must have orchestrated this whole affair. She’s all efficiency and grace, a whirlwind of thanks and congratulations.

‘Patrick, I cannot thank you enough for your generosity tonight,’ she beams at him, but his eyes never waver from me, not even for a second. ‘Your contribution is the highest of the evening, and it will go a long way in supporting our cause.’

She then turns to me, her smile just as warm. ‘And Allie, thank you for being part of this. Your participation has brought us this wonderful outcome. We hope to see you again next year.’

She’s off before I can muster a response, leaving behind a slip of paper with Patrick that I assume details our impending adventure.

The intensity of Patrick’s gaze should have me squirming, but instead, it makes me feel like we’re the only two people in the room. ‘So, would it be all right if I picked you up for our date tomorrow evening?’ he asks with a slight tilt of his head. ‘Friday night seems like the perfect time for a bit of fun in the sky.’

‘That would be great,’ I find myself saying more eagerly than I intended. We swap numbers, a transaction that feels both mundane and charged with anticipation.

As if the night couldn’t be any more like a scene out of a movie I’d swoon over, he lifts my hand and presses a kiss to the back of it. It’s old-fashioned and ridiculously charming, and it sends a shockwave right through me.

I watch him walk away, every cell in my body acutely aware of the absence of his presence. It’s like all my blood has decided to take a field trip to my lady zone, leaving me lightheaded and more than a little enamored.

‘Earth to Allie,’ Stacy’s voice cuts through my stupor, a teasing lilt in her words. You look like you just saw a ghost—a very hot, very charming ghost.’

I blink, trying to anchor myself back to reality. ‘I think I might just faint,’ I admit, half-joking but also half-serious. ‘It’s like all the blood in my entire body decided to focus on one particular area.’

Stacy bursts into laughter, looping her arm through mine as we navigate our way out of the backstage area. ‘Well, if that’s the effect he has on you with just a kiss on the hand, I can’t wait to hear about the date.’

I can’t help but laugh along; the absurdity of the situation is not lost on me. ‘Yeah, if I survive it without combusting, it’ll be a miracle.’

As we make our way out, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m on the cusp of something wildly unpredictable. Patrick, with his captivating gaze and gentle manners, has already turned my world upside down, and we haven’t even been on our date yet.

‘Stace, what if I’m not ready for this?’ I whisper, a sudden surge of nervousness washing over me.

Stacy stops, turning to face me with a serious expression. ‘Allie, this is about having fun, about experiencing something new. There’s no pressure for anything more. Just go, enjoy the helicopter ride, and who knows? Maybe it’ll be the adventure of a lifetime.’

Her words are a balm helping to soothe the hurricane of emotions inside me. ‘You’re right,’ I say, taking a deep breath. ‘Adventure of a lifetime, here I come.’