“Seriously? He’s so amazing. Not at all what you’d expect from a Hollywood type.”
“He also sent me this.” My heart skips as I pull out my phone, open his text, and show her the picture. Guilt pricks me, fairly certain this photo is for him and me alone. But how in the world do you keep something likethatto yourself?
“Wow,” she exclaims, ebony eyes snapping to mine. “He’s obviously flirting with you.”
My palms sweat so badly I nearly drop the phone on its way back into my purse.
She asks, “Can you imagine the kind of money he’s going to garner on the auction block tonight?”
My mouth goes dry, and my stomach tumbles. I press my lips tightly together, convinced that anything I say will come out like fire and brimstone.
“You look positively green. Are you feeling okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just want to get everything done so that this fundraiser’s the best ever.”
“I can’t thank you enough for your help tonight or how you got those donations and baskets from the DMV, County Recorder’s office, and courthouse.”
I shrug. “I see those folks every day, and most have at least one pet, so it was an easy sell, really.”
“Back to your tree rescue by Ambrose. It must’ve been so romantic.”
“More like mortifying. My skirt rode up, so that my underwear was showing … along with all my lumps, bumps, and cellulite. Of all daysnotto wear shapewear …” My gaze levels on Roxy’s. “Though I suppose that would’ve been another kind of death.”
“Did he say something mean to you?”
“Not at all. He made me feel beautiful, actually.”
“See? He likes you.”
“Maybe.” I shake my head, cheeks in their new perennially overheated state. “But I’m not a big fan of the whole fame vibe,andI’ve got far too much on my plate to bring a man into the mix. Dumpling, Gran, my job, paying off my student loans.”
“So, everything in your life has to be perfect before you’ll accept a visit from Mr. Perfect?” Roxy knits her brows.
I shake my head. “I don’t know what all the fuss is about Ambrose anyway.” The words come out pinched, my core revolted by the lie.
She smiles mischievously. “You never did watchSoCal Hotshots, did you?”
I shake my head.
“Here’s a paddle just in case you want to join in on the fun,” Roxy winks, handing me one of the dwindling pile she carries with her.
I squint at the words:
First Annual
Rough & Ready Bachelor Auction
Benefiting Three Nations Animal Rescue
69
Sixty-nine?
“Lucky number,” Roxy says with a knowing giggle.
Of course, Roxy would hand me that one.Kill me now.
“You have gotten so dirty since you married Hawk,” I scold semi-playfully, semi-seriously.
