I know the auction is real, but Sylas wantingmeto help him sounds unreal.
She sets her phone down and stands in front of me, placing her hands on my shoulders. “In the spirit of the holidays, I’m choosing to believe this is some Christmas miracle. Or that someone’s watching out for you.” She shrugs and drops her hands. “Don’t get me wrong, it is strange and I don’t get it, but he’s rich. So, I guess let’s not question it. But if things get weird, you call me. I’ll hop in a Lyft and take care of him.”
She grabs a pencil from the counter and uses it to stab the air.
I laugh. “Okay, John Wick, chill out. If anything happens, I’ll call you and I’ll leave immediately. But is it strange that I trust him while also feeling off about the entire situation?”
Jenny shakes her head. “No, I get it. I’d feel weird about it too. But hey, you must have some kind of magical pussy powers if he wants you.”
I cringe, scrunching my nose. “Ew, never say that again.”
“Just saying. You’ve also got a fan-fucking-tastic ass…You really are making me question my sexuality.”
I roll my eyes but smile. “Have a good shift. I’ll text you when I’m out.”
“Thanks for taking one for the team.” She blows me a kiss.
I hate that Jenny isn’t here.
The auction hasn’t started, so guests are socializing, looking at the art displayed on the walls, and enjoying the live band playing Christmas music.
I’m in the restroom, staring at my reflection in the full-length mirror. I’ve been here for a few minutes and have every intention of staying here until the auction begins. I feel supremely out of place.
While I could sit at my designated table and fake that I’m having a good time schmoozing with the rich, I don’t have it in me to pretend.
“Your dress is gorgeous. Is that a Kim Liu?” an older lady asks as she washes her hands.
I glance down at my dress, not having the slightest clue who the designer is. “Uh…yeah. It’s a Kim Liu.”
She dries her hand and gives me a once-over. “I thought so. You look amazing.”
“Thanks.” I smile at her. “So do you.”
She mirrors my smile. “Thanks. Happy bidding.”
That’ll probably be the highlight of my night because I can’t imagine it getting any better.
I don’t look toward the door when I hear it swing open. I’m pretending to fix my bun in the mirror when I hear the soft snick of the lock.
I glance over and jerk back a little, stunned.
Sylas is in the restroom. And he looks…goodin his tux.
It molds to his body in a way that leaves no doubt in my mind it’s custom made. It frames and outlines his broad shoulders, long torso, and thick thighs, and his usually mussed hair is slicked back.
Wow.
“Wow.” He exhales a breath.
I blink out of the trance, realizing I’m gaping and haven’t said a word.
My cheeks burn a little. “You know, this is the women’s restroom. The men’s is just down the hall.”
His gaze works slowly down my body, stopping at the slit in my dress. His throat bobs around a thick swallow before he darts his attention back up. “Wow.”
My heart stutters. “You already said that.”
His lips part then close before they part again. “Yeah…I’m…you left me speechless.”
