Detective.
Tech CEO with a suspiciously perfect smile.
“Hmm,” I muse. “I don’t know.”
“You have to know.”
“I don’thaveto do anything.”
“You literally came here to bid on a man.”
“I came here to support a good cause.”
“By bidding on a man.”
I open my mouth to argue—and then the lights dim slightly.
A ripple moves through the room as attention shifts to the stage.
“Well,” Elizabeth says, sitting up straighter. “Showtime.”
A woman steps up to the mic—polished, poised, the kind of presence that makes you immediately want to donate money.
“Good evening, everyone,” she says, her voice carrying easily through the room. “Thank you so much for joining us tonight…”
The crowd quiets, the energy shifting from casual chatter to anticipation.
I settle back in my chair, crossing one leg over the other, booklet still open in my lap.
This is it.
One date. No expectations. No disappointment.
Just… fun.
The first few bachelors go by in a blur—cheers, laughter, numbers being called out, paddles going up.
Elizabeth bids on one.
I nudge her. “Interesting.”
She grins. “Very.”
I roll my eyes, but I’m still only half paying attention.
Until—
“And next,” the announcer says, her tone shifting just slightly, like she knows what’s coming, “we have a very special addition to tonight’s lineup…”
Something in her voice makes me look up.
Really look.
“He’s recently relocated to Las Vegas, bringing with him years of elite military experience…”
Oh.
“Oh no,” Elizabeth murmurs beside me, already leaning forward.
