Chapter Ten
“That was such a rush.” I tap on Gavin’s leg in the limo at the end of the night, still feeling the high from the sale.
It’s been a long time since I’ve had so much fun at the rostrum, with such low stakes. Not that I didn’t want to get a lot of money for the charity, but it’s a lot more stressful when I have the future of Loot on my gavel.
The added challenge of making up opening bids on the spot, with no previous research into the items, was exhilarating. And a nice stretch for my skills, to keep them in shape.
“I know, I had to physically move you out of the spotlight so I could get in on it.”
Gavin’s exaggerating; we seamlessly switched off taking the lead on each lot. We actually made a really good team, since we’re both genuinely good at this.
At the end of the sale, the organizer profusely thanked us for taking over. We were both glad that she decided to give us a chance and not call the cops. It would have been extra sad to be arrested while I was going to the dinner so I wouldn’t get arrested.
“We could always do that one day, if you wanted?” Gavin asks, looking out of the window so I can’t see his face when he makes the suggestion.
“Throw a charity event?”
“No. Well, if you want, sure. But a joint sale. With both of us at the rostrum. It would bring in a lot of exposure for both of our houses.”
I choke out a laugh. “Just because you had one good night doesn’t make you on my level,” I say, despite the fact that we’re definitely peers. “Plus, can you imagine how much our dads would argue? Every commission, every theme, every detail. It would be a disaster.”
“Yeah, you’re right about that.”
I still can’t see his face, but his voice sounds strangely blank. It’s a change from his usual charm, so I’m about to ask if he’s feeling okay when the limo stops in front of my building.
“We’re here,” he says, getting out of the limo to hold the door open for me.
I step out. “Thanks for not having me arrested. Not that I’m admitting to doing anything arrest-worthy.”
“You’re welcome. And thanks for helping with Gina.”
I nod at him. There’s a slight pause while we stand in the busy street, awkwardly not looking at each other. Multiple New Yorkers sigh deeply as they have to go around us on the busy sidewalk, but surprisingly I don’t want to leave Gavin.
“It was—” I say.
At the same time, Gavin says, “We should—”
We finally make eye contact. “You go ahead.” Gavin waves his hand.
“Anyway, it was a fun night.” Now that we’re looking at each other, I can’t look away from the bright sapphire eyes in front of me.
Gavin moves closer, throwing me into a panic. I tell my feet to move, but they don’t listen, snared by those unblinking eyes. He gets closer, stopping when he’s so close he could kiss me if he bent his head the last inches that separate us.
I want him to.
No! I don’t want his lips on mine. Or anywhere near me.
Without my permission, my body sways toward him, proving me a liar. Like a sunflower, attracted to the energy emanating from the man in front of me.
Attracted to the shiny thing in front of me.
Gavin picks up on the sway and moves even closer, eyes closing as his lips descend.
At the last minute, I turn my head to the side and grab Gavin for a hug. His arms come around me in response, his lips landing somewhere in my hair, and my heart races at the close call.
Or it could be because of how solid Gavin feels against me.
Those are dangerous thoughts. I would lose the little respect I get from Dad if he found out I slept with the enemy. And I’m not going to throw away my future for a fling.
