The Safe Bet (Hidden Truths #1)(29)
The audience was staring up at Johnathan, their attention fixated on the man as he spoke, hanging onto his every word.
“Michael invested in me financially and mentally, and his organization has truly been life-changing for so many people.” He paused for a moment. “Now, Michael may look like Superman. God knows he is built like him and is even bulletproof, I think.” He paused, grinned at the few chuckles from the audience, and continued, “But he needs help. It’s not about money—we all know that Michael is one of the richest men in the room.” Everyone laughed. “It takes more than that to transform the way our society embraces veterans when they return to civilian life. What Michael’s foundation needs is more people who will invest their time. He needs real people who care. He can’t do it all alone . . . although he’s been trying.” He smiled again at Michael.
Maybe you are Superman. Kate’s lips curved into a smile at the mental image of Michael in a pair of tights. She shelved the image to the back of her mind as Julia shoved a microphone in Michael’s hands.
“I really don’t know what to say,” he remarked while placing the mic in the stand and pushing his hands into his pockets.
Kate observed Michael, noticing that he had a habit of putting his hands in his pockets like she always bit her lip. She wondered if it was his way of dealing with nerves. What was his kryptonite? What was he afraid of—other than relationships?
“I appreciate the kind words that have been spoken about the organization. I truly believe in the work we do, and I hope you all have learned more about it tonight and will open your checkbooks at the auction. More importantly, I hope you’ll volunteer to help connect our veterans with the right people and invest your time and energy into making a difference for them. That’s what matters. Thank you all so very much for coming.” Michael’s comments were short and direct, which was consistent with his personality.
Julie patted her brother on the shoulder before stepping back up to the microphone. “Now, it’s the moment you have all been waiting for: the auction. As you know, we’ve decided to do a good old-fashioned verbal auction, rather than a silent one. All proceeds will go the foundation, of course. I thank you all in advance for your support.” She took a moment to glance at Kate before fixing her attention back toward the audience. “I’m sure everyone was very surprised to hear that I managed to rope my brother into auctioning himself for a date, as well as model Jamie Landon. But we’ve had to make a change to the line-up.”
There was some groaning in the audience from women, who probably assumed that Michael was backing out.
“Unfortunately, Jamie Landon was unable to attend.”
Now the men griped.
“We do have a replacement.” Julia waved her hand toward Kate, motioning for her to approach.
Kate had to remind herself to breathe as she walked to the center of the stage. The spotlight shone brightly in her eyes.
“This is Kate Adams, the woman who not only planned this event but got my stubborn brother to agree to be auctioned. I have begged her to step in for Jamie Landon, and I assume you gentlemen are not disappointed?”
The men in the audience applauded, and Kate’s cheeks turned candy apple red.
“Once the other items in the auction have been sold, we’ll bring Michael and Kate up here. And remember—the dates are for the foundation, so don’t be stingy with your wallets.”
The second Julia finished speaking Kate fled the stage so fast she almost tripped over her dress. “You ready for this?” she asked Michael, who was now standing dangerously close to her. It was never a good idea for her to be within arms-length of him.
“Are you?” he quipped.
“I hope these people realize that they’re bidding on a dinner date and nothing more,” she answered. Had she effectively become a high-priced prostitute in the eyes of the bidders? What had she been thinking when she suggested auctioning dates? Now that she was thrown in the middle of it all, she couldn’t help but worry.
“I’ll have a talk with your date to make sure he understands,” Michael said, clenching his jaw. He touched her shoulder before moving his hand to her cheek, staring deep into her eyes. He mesmerized her with his look and touch. “Looks like we’re up,” he said, cocking his head toward the stage.
And just like that, the intimate moment between them was gone.
She shook herself free of his spell and followed him out before the crowd. She was to go first, and Michael would follow. It had been her idea—to save the best for last. She rested her hands at her sides, trying to mask her nerves, as she stood before the auctioneer. A herd of men had gathered around the stage, their faces upturned and bright from, no doubt, the copious amounts of champagne that filled the room. She had assumed that most of the men in the audience were married and would be unable to bid, and yet, they were circling the stage like a pack of hyenas. The lawyer she’d met, Erick, was there, as well as a few other married men she’d encountered during the evening. Even Chef Joseph was standing in the crowd.
Her heart was beating fast, and she was grateful she didn’t have to speak because she would never be able to utter a clear word. As Kate’s gaze perused the audience members, her eyes fell upon James, the man who had harassed her outside of the club last weekend. Michael had warned him not to come to the event, but there he was.