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“Sold!”

Applause erupts and I close my eyes.

I just spent twenty thousand dollars on Ryder Hale.

Lila grabs my arm. “Holy shit.”

“This is your fault.”

“I only bid ten!”

“Helpful.”

When I open my eyes, Ryder is coming toward me. People move out of his way like Moses parting the Red Sea. And then he stops directly in front of me.

Up close, he’s even bigger than I remember.

And much more amused.

“Twenty thousand dollars, librarian?”

“It was for charity.”

“Sure it was.”

His gaze drops to the paddle still clutched in my hand. Then back to me. “So.”

I swallow. “So?”

That crooked smile returns. “What are you planning to do with me?”

And for the first time all night, my liquid courage evaporates and I have absolutely no idea what to say.

Chapter 2

Ryder

Twenty thousand dollars is a lot of money for a woman who can’t look me in the eye.

Clara Bennett is trying, though, I’ll give her that.

“So,” I say. “What are you planning to do with me?”

Her eyes finally meet mine. “Nothing.”

“Twenty grand for nothing?”

“It was for charity.”

“Could’ve donated directly.”

Beside her, Lila snorts. Clara shoots my sister a murderous look. “This is your fault.”

“I only bid ten.”

“On my paddle.”

“And then you doubled it.”