1
HARRISON
Increased heart rate and palpitations?Check.
Sweating and hot flashes? Check.
Feelings of terror or impending doom? Check.
“You’re not having a panic attack. You’re simply realizing that you’re a terribly stupid man with little willpower for saying no to certain people in your life.” I stare at myself in the mirror of the almost-palatial restroom of Lexington-Hall Manor.
Seriously, I’ve never been in a restroom that has framed paintings on the walls, mirrors with gilded frames, and hand towels on a heated holder.
Anyway, back to the freakout.
I haven’t had a date since…fuck, I can’t even remember.
There was the big divorce case that kept me busy for the best part of six months, I’d been trying to make senior partner at my law firm, and there was the accident and planning the move…
Thoughts of my daughter in the hospital bed, with bruises all over her tiny body and her leg in a cast, fill my head. I shake it off, forcing myself to put that painful memory aside. She’s fully recovered now. Aside from the physical therapy she’ll need to regain strength and full mobility as she grows.
I let out a calming breath. My eyes trace the outline of the old-fashioned mirror down to the copper faucets.
“It’s not a date. It’s just a bachelor auction to raise money for a good cause. No big deal. You smile, someone makes a donation, and you spend some time together. That’s it,” I mutter to myself. “Just get over yourself and go out there.”
“Are you one of the auction bachelors?”
I look up into the mirror’s reflection, my gaze locking onto the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen. How am I so lost in my pity party that I didn’t notice I’m no longer alone?
A wave of awareness comes over me as I see those eyes, bright and laser-focused on me, aren't even the most attractive feature on the man’s face. He has a straight nose, full lips, a short beard, and long straight blond hair that frames his features perfectly.
He smiles, and I swear, if I wasn’t so worried about being auctioned to a stranger, my dick would definitely take notice of the beautiful man. As it is, if the guy keeps looking at me like that, it won’t take too long. Because, yes, it's been a while since I've had any action or the opportunity.
“What?” I say, hoping my awkwardness doesn’t show.
“What's worrying you? It’s just some fun,” he replies noncommittally, walking to the sink next to mine.
The guy is even more stunning close-up.
“Are you also being auctioned?” I ask.
“Fuck no.” He snorts and turns the faucet on to wash his hands. I notice what looks like paint stains on his long fingers. “I’m here to watch the show and have a good time.”
I don’t know why, but his reply annoys me. Maybe because I wish I was in his place, just here to enjoy the show. I ignore him and walk to the door.
“Are you afraid someone will pay to spend time with you or that no one will pay to spend time with you?”
His question stops me, and I let go of the restroom door handle and turn around.
“What do you mean?”
“I can imagine that having no one bid is what would worry me. Does it worry you?”
“It does now, jackass.” I open the door with more force than necessary and walk out.
My phone picks the right time to ring because it gives me an excuse to go outside and take the call. The chilly evening air better calm me down before I decide it’s a good idea to go back to the restroom and give the gorgeous blond Jesus look-a-like a piece of my mind.
“Hey, Stella, what’s up? Is everything okay with Megan?” I keep my voice steady even as my pulse increases. She knows I’m an hour and a half away from Boston to attend this event, so if she’s calling, it must be important.
