Gestures like those set off Betzy’s internal microwave, sending just enough heat through her to warm her cheeks and neck. The interactions, along with her physical response to them, would definitely have guests talking.
If they could see what was happening on the inside though, they’d know how very off-balance this whole thing was. While Sawyer was playing a part for their company, the cameras, and the public eye, Betzy battled feelings she’d had since she was a little girl.
She fought off the sadness that threatened to seep in at the thought.Just focus on the revenge, Betzy. That’s the only thing you can control.
“Have you studied this piece long enough?” Sawyer’s deep, masculine voice sounded from behind. And there he was, stepping things up a bit more by grazing his chin over the top of her bare shoulder, tickling the tender skin there with his short stubble.
A thrill shot through her at his touch.
Holy smokes.If she had any semblance of self-preservation, Betzy would abort this mission right here and now. Heck, she’d be a pile of ruins after this was through. But how could she stop when it all felt so good?
“I’m getting a little jealous of Buster, here,” he added with a laugh.
Heart swelling in heated, longing thumps, she turned her head the slightest bit toward him. The action caused his lips to ever-so-slightly graze her jaw. A flash of heat shot to her cheeks.
“It’s almost time for you to announce, right?” he asked.
“Right. Are you still okay to walk up there with me and add in a line about Mario?”
Joanne Levia, the elegant woman running the event, had loved the idea when Betzy presented it. Especially since Sawyer, being a dog person, could add his own personal touch to the intro. It didn’t hurt that he’d just earned himself yet another Bachelor title.
“Of course,” he assured.
Luckily, the auction would stream live, allowing bids to come in from all over the world. The live stream would play a key part in making their public appearance a little more public.
It wouldn’t make a giant splash, but itwouldmake a very nice ripple, which was exactly what they needed.
Betzy spun to see Sawyer push a hand through his gorgeous dark hair, an action that made her feel a little wobbly on her stilettos.
Suddenly his brow furrowed, and he sunk a hand into his tux pocket. Yes, he looked amazing in that thing. And yes, the single ladies in the building were all abuzz over him. She’d overheard several of those conversations without even trying.
“Oh no,” he mumbled while looking at his phone screen. Sawyer’s face went pale.
Betzy’s heart skipped. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s Mario. My mom says she’s rushing him to the vet.”
The vet—right now? Betzy scrambled for the right words. What were the chances something would go wrong with the poor dog at a moment like this? She shot a look to the platform across the banquet room, wondering how soon the auction would begin.
“It’s probably nothing,” Sawyer said, seeming to follow her gaze. “We can stay. I’m sure he’s fine.”
Betzy nodded. “Well, only if you’re sure.” Relief flooded in, but it fled just as quickly at his next words.
“Iamkind of worried about my mom though. Mind if I step outside and give her a call?”
She couldn’t help but swoon just a little from the concern he had for his mother. “I don’t mind at all,” Betzy assured. “Go ahead.”
Sawyer gave her a conflicted look before moving in to press a kiss to her forehead. “Thank you.” And then he was gone, leaving the zips and tingles from his touch to spark over her skin.
Ifthatwent on live TV, it might cause closer to a splash than a ripple. In her heart though, it was a full-on tidal wave.
She watched until he stepped into the foyer and out of sight. If Kellianne was taking the dog in at this hour, it was probably serious. Plus, they’d had Mario since they were back in high school. He couldn’t have too many years left in him. What if the dog was deathly ill? What if this ended up being his final hour, and Sawyer was stuck here doing Betzy an enormous favor?
At once thewhat ifsbecame too much. She spun in place and spotted Joanne Levia striding past the silent auction board, a champagne glass in one hand.
Betzy hurried over to her and, with a bit of panic in her heart, explained the situation. Luckily, the woman was quick to insist that Betzy excuse herself and join Sawyer in attending to the dog.
“If you don’t mind us mentioning that it was a dog emergency that pulled you away, we’ll be able to milk it for all its worth,” the woman assured.
