The Safe Bet (Hidden Truths #1)(27)

Michael crossed his arms and shook his head before echoing Kate’s inner thoughts. “No.”

“I agree with Michael,” Kate announced.

“Please. Kate is a respectable and successful businesswoman—practically famous from that piece in the New York Times. She’s perfect. And she is undeniably stunning. Come on.” She pressed her hands together in prayer pose, standing before her brother, not Kate, as though his answer was the final say.

“I don’t think anyone will bid much on me. I’m not a celebrity.” Kate felt a little annoyed at being left on the outskirts of the conversation.

“No,” Michael said again, ignoring Kate’s comment.

“Why not?” Julia asked him, placing her hands on her hips. “What do you care?”

“What about you, Julia?” Kate interjected.

“Thanks, but . . . I think it would be a bit weird having a brother and sister auction,” she said. “This gala is your baby, Kate. Do you want to see your vision fall apart?”

At least Julia was talking to her and not to Michael. She almost wanted to say yes just to spite him. “My flight is tomorrow, though.”

“Leaving so soon?” Julia asked.

“Yes, I . . .” Damn. She didn’t want to burden Julia with the knowledge of her stalker or tell her about the feelings she was juggling for Michael. “Okay. When is the date supposed to happen? Maybe I can come back, or the winning bidder can come to New York.”

Michael held his hands up in the air and stepped in front of his overeager sister. As he started to speak, Julia stepped around him.

“You can work out the details with your date. So, it’s settled.” She looked up at her brother, her nostrils flaring a little. She reminded Kate of a large red flag waving in the wind—and Michael was the bull.

Michael didn’t charge, though. He shook his head and stood in silence as Julia thanked Kate and left to circulate among the guests.

“I understand that you probably don’t think I’ll raise enough money, but I guess I don’t have a choice. Sorry.” Kate looked away from Michael, too afraid to look him in the eyes.

Michael reached for her face and tilted her chin toward him, demanding her attention. He stared into her eyes for a moment, and his lips parted to speak.

But no words escaped his mouth. A few awkward and silent moments ticked by before he took a step away from her and removed his hand from her face. “You’ll raise a lot of money. Thank you.” He gave her a slight nod and walked away.

You are so confusing. She released a breath, trying to control the panic that was now sweeping through her as she faced the harsh reality that she would have to stand in the spotlight while men bid on her. She wasn’t one to be self-conscious or shy, but she also hated being up in front of a crowd.

Kate forced herself to swallow her anxiety about the auction—there were more pressing matters, after all. She spent the next two hours working the room, making sure that everything was in order, that everyone had a delicious meal, and that all the guests were having a fantastic time.

As the hour for the auction drew near, Joseph appeared at her side. “May I have this dance?”

Kate couldn’t help but smile at him. He was a charming and adorable guy, and she liked him, even though he was always flirting. “I guess I could take a break.” She looked over at the dance floor and saw that Michael was with a beautiful, wafer-thin young woman. Kate knew she would never be Michael’s type—not if that was the kind of girl he went for. But why was it that every time he looked over at her, he made her feel like she was the only woman in the room?

Because he wants to screw me.

“Do you waltz?” Joseph asked. He took Kate into his arms.

“I can try,” she replied.

Joseph moved around the dance floor; his arms angled up, his elbows pointed out, holding onto her hands, clearly skilled in the art of formal dancing.

She, on the other hand, felt stiff, hating the constraints of ballroom dancing. As Joseph swirled her, Kate caught sight of Michael. His eyes were pinned on her, and she could feel the warmth and energy from his body directed toward her, even from across the dance floor.

Her mind reeled from the jumble of sensations that surfed through her body every time he looked at her.

“May I cut in?”

Kate stopped dancing and turned her attention to the man by her side. Despite being in his early fifties, he was still attractive. His hair was rich black, a touch of silver at the edges. He was tall, trim, and in great shape for his age. She studied his green eyes before turning back to Joseph.

“Thanks for the dance.” She nodded to Joseph and redirected her focus back to the mystery man.

“I heard that you’re the woman who put this whole thing together,” the man said as he placed one hand on the back of her shoulder and reached for her hand with the other.

“Yes.”

His green eyes focused on hers as a warm smile gathered over his face. “Would you be interested in working for a law firm? We host many corporate events.” He twirled her around before she could answer.

She wondered whether he was sincere or leading her on. The way he was looking at her would suggest that he was more interested in her body than in her talents as an event planner, despite the fact that he was wearing a platinum wedding band. “Is your wife here?” Why am I asking?