With a final check, I felt a hand slip into mine. The noise of the guests entering the venue became a distant hum as Adam guided me away from the bustle, his fingers interlocking with mine.
We slipped through a side door into the tree peony collection.
Adam didn’t hesitate. His lips claimed mine with a passion that stole my breath. “I missed you,” he said when he pulled away.
I searched his face, the blue of his eyes darkening. Did he miss me amid the chaos of the preparation for the event, or was it more? We were still together every night, even if, in the last two weeks, I’d barely taken my fill of him in a few stolen moments before sleep took us away.
“I don’t want to be auctioned off,” he said, pouting.
“Come on,” I laughed, “you’re not selling your body, just lending your mind for a good cause.”
“I know, but it means having to schedule time with someone else. That’s less time with you.”
“Baby,” I began, my tone softening as I reached out to touch his arm. My thumb brushed over the fabric of his sleeve. “We live together, remember? You’re in my space every day and night.”
His pout grew bigger, if that was possible, so I leaned over and sucked his lower lip into my mouth, humming my appreciation of his soft lips and sweet taste.
“Have you been happy there?” I asked. “At my place, I mean. Or have you thought about finding somewhere else to live?”
Why was I bringing this up now? I hated that my insecurities and my fear of losing Adam now that I had him took over, but it had been weeks since Lex and Noah found out about us, and he still hadn’t told his parents.
“In case it hasn’t been clear from the way I search for you even in my sleep, I am very happy living with you.” His brows narrowed. “Unless…do you want me to move out? Are we doing this wrong? Is it too fast?”
I put a finger over his mouth. “Hey, I love having you with me, and I’m definitely not suggesting you move anywhere. It’s just a little hard for me to work with your parents and feel like I’m lying to them whenever they ask about you.”
He opened his mouth to talk, but I kept my finger in place. “You need to take your time deciding how and when you want to tell them. I’m just expressing my feelings because I care about you so much, Adam. I want us to be able to communicate.”
“River,” he whispered, and the way he said my name felt like a caress and an apology.
“Tonight,” I whispered against the warmth of his lips, “when all this is over, it’ll be just us, and we’ll make up for the time lost over the last two weeks.”
“I’m holding you to that,” Adam murmured, his voice husky.
Reluctantly, I pulled away, my fingers tracing the line of his jaw before dropping to my side.
“Come on, I have work to do, and you need to go out there and be charming.”
“Fine.” He sulked but then straightened and gave me his most charming smile.
I’d pay a million dollars for it every day, but knowing he gave it freely whenever our eyes met was an instant rush to my heart.
I’m in so much fucking trouble.
Outside our hideout, the event buzzed with anticipation. While Adam left me to meet up with West and Drew, I moved through the crowd, seeking familiar faces among the staff. They were a well-trained team, but without Fir at my side, I felt the extra responsibility on my shoulders.
“Jenna, remember to smile and offer the canapés with both hands,” I instructed one of the agency servers. Her nod was earnest, her eyes bright.
“Mark, pace yourself with the wine pours—generous, but not too generous,” I reminded another, who gave me a knowing wink.
As the auction drew near, I took one final look around. The botanical gardens had been transformed into an elegant backdrop for the evening.
I took my place at the side of the room, with a full view of the kitchen door and the servers as they moved around each other like a choreographed dance.
The crowd hushed as the emcee took the stage, his voice rich and inviting.
Adam was first on the list, which both thrilled and terrified me. Despite my earlier reassurance, the reality of watching others bid on his time gnawed at me with sharp teeth.
“Let’s start the bidding for Mr. Adam Spencer,” the emcee announced, his words laced with enthusiasm. “A wordsmith whose skills are only matched by his compassion and philanthropism. The winning bidder will not only enjoy his company but also have access to one of the great marketing and PR minds of this city.”
