I rush to help them with their bags.
"I saw Ms. Diane lugging these down the street by herself, so I ran out to help her," Nora says. She works at the hotel across the street and reminds me of my best friend, Holly, from home. She's kind and funny but doesn't take shit from anyone.
"Hello, dear." Ms. Diane kisses my cheek and calls out a hello to Whitney before moving to the table along the back wall. "Let's get to work. This auction isn't going to run itself."
"Hi, Whit!" Nora waves at her friend, then hands me a stack of brochures. "Babs is going around town, plastering these on every available space she can find."
"Winter can be cold and lonely. Warm up with one of the ladies at the Foxy Falls Fundraising Auction. Three highest bids win," I read the brochure copy out loud. "Three highest bids?"
Nora shrugs. "Depends on what the bachelorette is into. Some prefer to keep their options open and date three different guys over the winter, but some like to... share."
I huff out a short laugh and shake my head. Here I thought I was so daring for my night of passion with the guys, but Foxy Falls is ten steps ahead of me.
"Is that judgment I smell, dear?" I look up to find Ms. Diane raising an eyebrow at me, and Nora grins.
"Trust me. No judgment at all. I am pro-reverse harem situations." I shake my head adamantly. "Especially since the guys have all been vetted, and it's ladies’ choice. I hope everybody gets what they want this winter."
Ms. Diane grins in approval. "May the women of Foxy Falls be thoroughly warmed with hard cocks and may the harvest of orgasms be plentiful."
"Amen," Nora adds solemnly.
I choke on a laugh and stare at the older woman in amusement.
Ms. Diane shrugs. "Back in the day, I waited all year to be bid on in this auction. It's how I met my first husband." She winks at Nora and me. "And my third."
"Faye said that Chief Sol has had to run almost a hundred background checks so far," Whitney calls out.
Ms. Diane whistles.
We have 15 bachelorettes in the auction this year, ranging in age from 25 to 37. When the bidders submit their applications, they send their names to the police station for an official background check. Bidders also have to submit personal references and indicate at least one bachelorette of interest. That way, we ensure nobody is on stage without any intended bids.
"Will the bar hold everyone?" I ask, looking around at the enormous space.
The ladies all nod.
"Yeah, it's tight at first, but it clears out as the auction progresses," Whitney says.
"Are you hoping to find a husband this year, Nora?" I ask.
Her cheeks redden. "Not sure about marriage, but, um, I do hope to staythoroughly warmedthis winter." She glances at Ms. Diane cautiously, not wanting to inadvertently enter the gossip mill. "I should get back to the front desk. We have guests checking into the presidential suite today."
Ms. Diane jumps up from the table. "Here, take some brochures. Maybe we can still get a few bidders registered."
Nora chuckles and grabs a stack to take back to the hotel, leaving with a wave.
I shake my head, turning to Ms. Diane with a grin. It quickly disappears at her appraising look.
"Perhaps we need to add you to the list of eligible bachelorettes, Skylar. You think you'll stick around through spring?"
I let out an uncomfortable chuckle. "Do not add me to this list." I put the brochure back on top of the stack and turn toward the kitchen. "Let me get the cleaning supplies for Whitney, then I'm all yours until we open for lunch."
I've already found the only cocks I'd want to keep me warm this winter, and my poor heart still hasn't recovered.
Chapter three
Paul
"I'm surprised a town without cell reception has rooms like this." I look around with appreciation at the two-bedroom suite, courtesy of theEveningstar Hotel at the Falls.
