The announcer leans in, lowering his voice so only I can hear. “It’s just a promotion,” he murmurs. “It’s Vegas. It’s not like it’s real.”
It’s Vegas. It’s not like it’s real.
Why not?
I can’t even believe I’m considering this. It’s insane. And judging by Patty and her cronies pointing and laughing at me from their spot on the dance floor, it’s beyond entertaining for them.
Not that anyone has volunteered to be my groom.
A detail that my stepsister is more than happy to point out from her spot on the dance floor.
“Shocker,” she yells. “No one wants to marry you this time either!”
My face burns as more cheers rain down, my humiliation complete.
Laughter erupts around us, sharp and cruel.
Then—
A deep, calm voice cuts through the noise.
“I’ll be happy to marry the sweet little filly.”
Travis
When the crowd goes quiet,I know I’m going to do something.
The second the laughter starts, I’m done for.
I don’t know how she ended up on the stage, but the look on her face tells me that it wasn’t her choice. It only takes a moment to see that herfriendswho are laughing and pointing are responsible.
Maisey.
That’s her name.
She looks like she would welcome the floor opening up and swallowing her whole. The crowd is cheering and laughing, waiting for someone to make a move, but no one does. Not one man in the crowd is smart enough to see that she’s different.
Better than every other woman in the place.
I recognized that the moment I saw her. Unlike all these buckle bunnies, thrusting their tits in every man’s face, Maisey isreal. Her tiny, curvy body makes my hands itch with the need to touch her. To protect her. She’s gorgeous in an effortless way. She’s not hiding her beautiful features under layers of makeup. I canseeher. Her curly hair is bursting from her head in a wild mane that only highlights her bright blue eyes and draws me in.
This contest wasn’t meant for someone like her.
The silence drags on after the announcer’s call. No volunteers. Idiots. All of them.
My jaw tightens.
I set my beer on the counter behind me and step forward. “I’ll be happy to marry the sweet little filly.”
Rex’s hand shoots out. “What? Seriously, dude?”
I shake him off and keep walking, my eyes focused on Maisey, who is watching me now with an unreadable expression on her pretty face.
“Ladies and gentlemen.” The announcer waves his hand in my direction as I step up on stage. “Our groom!”
The crowd goes wild as I take my place next to Maisey. “Hi,” I mouth, but instead of responding, she blinks twice and turns back to the crowd.
She looks like a deer in headlights, ready to bolt at any moment.
