Page 7

I raise my hand, casual as hell. “Five hundred,” I say, like half a million is pocket change. Hudson is going to have a fucking stroke, but I don’t care. I’ll pay part of the fee myself to take a little of the sting out.

The room goes quiet. Even the auctioneer blinks, like he’s not sure he heard me right.

Reine looks up, eyes meeting mine. The world contracts to just the two of us.

The Oklahoma guy hesitates. The mustache man deflates, lips twitching. It’s just me and Reine, locked in an invisible tug-of-war.

The auctioneer finds his voice. “Do I have five hundred ten?”

Nothing.

Reine’s chest is moving fast, but she doesn’t look away. I wink at her, and she shakes her head, mouthing, “You’re insane.”

She’s not wrong. I’m motherfucking insane for her. And I’ll take care of her no matter what it takes. It’s easy to see she loves that horse, so I know something catastrophic must’ve happened to make her sell him.

“Going once… Going twice…”

The gavel slams, and the echo is deafening.

“Sold! To Mr. Carrington!”

My body’s humming, high voltage and adrenaline. Every asshole in the room turns to glare at me, but I don’t give a shit. I just want to see her reaction. Reine is still staring at me, stunned, cheeks flushed like she’s been running. I want to drag her outside and push her up against the nearest wall. Instead, I flash her my best shit-eating grin.

Louise leans over and says something to her granddaughter. Reine’s jaw clenches. I can’t hear her words, but I know exactly what she’s thinking.

What the hell just happened?

I stand up, smooth out my jacket, and saunter over to claim my prize. When I get close, I see that Reine is breathing hard, hands clenched in her lap.

“Congratulations,” I say, low and slow.

She looks up, eyes flashing with something between gratitude and murder. “You paid way too much.”

I lean in, close enough to smell the citrusy vanilla on her skin. “I know exactly what he’s worth.”

Her lips part like she wants to argue, but I cut her off with a smile. “Maybe we can celebrate over lunch?”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Carrington, but I have other plans.” Reine doesn’t run. She squares her shoulders and walks away, eyes ahead and spine stiff. That’s just another thing I love about her.

She’s halfway down the corridor before I catch up. Even angry, she walks like she owns the damn place. I want to push her up against the wall and kiss the stubborn right off her mouth, but I rein it in and match her stride.

“Hold up,” I murmur, catching her hand. Her skin is soft and electric in mine. “Why’re you running, sweetheart?”

She snatches her hand back fast, eyes blazing like I just challenged her to a duel. Hell. Now I know I’m in love.

“I’m not running. I’m going tell my horse goodbye.” She swallows and looks up at me with tears in her eyes. “I didn’t realize how much it would hurt,” she whispers. Fuck. Her tears cause pain to slice through my chest, and I know I’ll do whatever it takes to make her happy.

“Have lunch with me and we can discuss it.” I’m so goddamn pussy-whipped already, I’ll leave the goddamn horse here if that’s what it takes to make her happy.

She takes a deep breath and squares her shoulders. “If I can choose the restaurant.”

“Choose away,” I say, and mean it.

She lifts her chin, all stubborn, like she’s bracing for battle. “I need to handle a few things first. Meet me at The Feedlot in two hours.” Her eyes dare me to argue.

I blink, confused as hell. “The Feedlot?” Am I getting pranked right now?

She actually laughs, this throaty sound that goes straight to my cock. “It’s the steakhouse in Copper Ridge. Next town over. If you’re not scared of a little drive, I’ll see you there.”

I want to insist on driving her there, but I can see that would be a mistake with my independent girl. “I’ll be there,” I growl, barely keeping the hunger out of my tone. I’d drive to fucking Alaska to spend more time with her.

She flashes a wicked smile that makes my knees go weak, then turns on her heel and heads down the hallway with my eyes following her every move.

Yeah. I’m totally, completely fucked. And I’ve never looked forward to lunch this much in my entire goddamn life.