It’s for charity, Ace kept repeating, his jaw muscles aching from smiling so much. No matter how many of these things he attended, he never felt like he belonged, but was more like an actor in some elaborate costume, playing a part. Sometimes he could hardly believe his life in the NFL was real with the fame, nice car, and exclusive home. He kept half-expecting to wake up only to discover it was a dream and that he was still the same determined kid, scrapping to make something of himself.

He glanced up at the sparkling chandeliers, then back down at his plate that held the remains of the filet mignon cooked to perfection and fluffy baked potato. Definitely not a dream. Even his imagination wasn’t vivid enough to concoct a meal that tasted this good. Ace and the two other players were seated at the center table on the front row, directly in front of the stage. All night long, eager women had been ogling them like they were fresh meat. Xavier or X was sitting beside Ace with Kade the quarterback sitting on the other side of X. Like Ace, X had grown up poor—had it worse than Ace’s situation to hear X tell it. This had to be tough for him too. Still, to his credit, X seemed to be taking it all in stride, whereas this whole thing made Ace intensely uncomfortable. Kade grew up wealthy, so this was probably everyday business for him. Kade wasn’t much for publicity though, always guarding his privacy. Tonight, he seemed a bit ticked off, trying to dodge some media-seeking, bloodthirsty type. Heck, all any of them could do was glue on a smile and crack jokes to ease the tension. Ace pulled at his bowtie which felt tighter than a noose around his neck. His mother would be appalled if she saw him paraded around like a fat rooster in front of all these entitled people. This time of the evening, she’d be at the restaurant—her hair scraped back in a bun, a sheen of sweat across her forehead as she worked alongside her employees, barking out orders during the dinner shift. He couldn’t help but smile at the thought. Time and time again, he’d tried to explain to his parents that he had money now, meaning they didn’t have to slave away at the restaurant to make a living. They could rest and enjoy themselves, maybe even take a few trips. But no matter how many times he told them that, it fell on deaf ears. Even now, when Ace went back to the restaurant he was expected to work right alongside everyone else. Ace didn’t mind. In fact, it was comforting because it reminded him where he came from and what it took to get here. It could all be taken away in a second with an accident or false step, so he had to constantly be on guard.

The keynote speaker’s words became a blur as he looked around the room, his eye settling on a shiny cap of platinum blond and familiar set of delicate shoulders. Silver was leaning against the wall on the far right, her arms folded over her chest, her face a mask of concentration like she was assessing every detail of the event to make sure everything was on track. Seeing Silver again evoked a tumult of emotions. She was more beautiful than he remembered with her milky skin and bright blue eyes. His gaze trailed over her black dress, and he couldn’t help but appreciate how it hugged her curves. Silver always had a beautiful figure, but she was curvier now—the girl all grown up.

He liked it.

A lot.

He laughed inwardly thinking about the sassy comments she’d rattled off about him when she didn’t realize he was there. From what he could tell, Silver seemed to have come into her own. The girl he knew before was content to sit back and let Riley call the shots. But she’d developed an opinion, and wasn’t afraid to express it. Coming from a household with a strong mother, Ace respected that.

Silver looked downright shocked when she learned Ace was responsible for getting her this event. He’d not wanted her to find out like that … didn’t want her to feel like she owed him anything. But what was done was done. At least he’d be able to see her again on Tuesday. It was a stroke of brilliance on his part forcing Silver’s hand in planning the dinner for his auction date. Having Silver there would almost make suffering through the date worthwhile.

Ace’s blood pumped faster through his veins when the keynote speaker spoke his last word and the emcees reemerged.

“And now the part we’ve all been waiting for,” America chirped as she shot a pointed look at Ace and his buddies. Ace plastered on a tight-lipped smile as all eyes turned to them. “As you know,” America continued, “three lucky ladies are going to score hot dates with the notorious Titans’ Triple Threat, who took their team all the way to the Championship Game last season and brought home the ring.” Her voice escalated to a yell as thunderous applause broke out across the room.

America held out her hand to quiet the crowd. “These guys also happen to be some of Dallas’s most eligible bachelors.”

“And one hundred percent of the proceeds benefit our children’s hospital,” Malcolm added, bringing more applause.

“Our first bachelor of the evening is …” America paused dramatically to generate excitement “… Ace Sanchez,” she boomed like he was the next contestant on The Price is Right. She waved a hand. “Come on up here.”

“Now all you ladies out there had better keep your running shoes handy if you’re gonna keep up with Ace,” Malcolm said. “He started his career when he signed on with the Titans in the second round of the draft and is going into his fourth year. He led the league last year in rushing yards. Folks, this guy is dy-na-mite,” he finished.

Ace smiled and waved at the crowd as he stepped onto the stage and strode over to stand beside the emcees.

America made a show of looking him up and down, then trilled her tongue. This brought a few catcalls from the crowd. America let out a throaty laugh that reeked of innuendo. The whole thing turned Ace’s stomach. America Star couldn’t have been a day over seventeen, and she was made up like a streetwalker with her inch-thick makeup and short dress so tight it looked like a straitjacket. Stardom certainly had its price. In this instance, it cost America her childhood.

“Ooh, girls this is good,” America squealed. “I’m just looking at my notes, and it seems that your romantic date with Ace includes a private dinner hosted by tonight’s event planner. It doesn’t get any better than this.”

Good. They’d announced the dinner in public. Now Silver had no choice but to go through with it. Ace couldn’t help but look in Silver’s direction. For a split second, her eyes connected with his, sending a spark of energy through him. She looked ticked that he’d roped her into this, and was, no doubt, wondering why he was trying to get back into her life. He’d tried to forget Silver, had convinced himself that he had. But deep down, he knew the truth—he’d never be free of Silver. She was always there, just below the surface. His feelings were brought to the forefront about three months ago as he was surfing the net and came across the online article about Silver and her up-and-coming business. Then he scoured the Internet for everything he could find on Silver and learned she’d finally gotten the courage to leave Riley. At that moment something shifted inside Ace, and he knew he’d move heaven and earth for a chance to see Silver again. Luckily, the opportunity fell in his lap when he and the other players were asked to participate in the auction. When the original event planner backed out, all he had to do was mention Silver’s name to Clarissa Lansing, and that set things in motion. He didn’t know what exactly he hoped to achieve by inserting himself back into Silver’s life, only that he couldn’t seem to stop thinking about her. If he ever did manage to score another shot with Silver, he sure as heck wouldn’t blow it like he did before.

* * *

For some strange reason, Silver tensed as she watched Ace on the stage, the live embodiment of Adonis with his chiseled features and lithe physique. His golden skin had a radiant appearance under the stage lights, and there was a magnetic quality about him that made it hard to keep from staring. The bidding started at twenty-thousand and was climbing faster than a treed cat. The price was now at an astounding two hundred and eighty-thousand dollars. It boggled Silver’s mind that people had that much money to spend at an auction. Granted it was for a good cause … and a chance to go on a date with a celebrity. But still, she couldn’t imagine having that much extra money laying around.

When the price reached three hundred, a bidding war erupted between two women, both dressed to the nines, both stunningly beautiful. The thoughts of Ace going on a date with either of these women left a bitter taste in Silver’s mouth. She laughed inwardly at the absurdity of her reaction. Why did she care who Ace went out with? He meant nothing to her. She’d host his stupid dinner with a polite smile stretched over her face. Then with any luck, she’d never have to see him again, and he’d be out of her life for good.

The willowy brunette with the stylish haircut and long, dangling earrings won the day at a whopping three hundred and twenty-thousand dollars.

“Folks, this is a great start to our auction.” Malcolm beamed as he motioned at the winner. “Stand up so everyone can see you. This gorgeous lady in the stunning red dress has paid top dollar for the date of her life.” He let out a few barrel-chest chuckles as he turned to Ace, his voice deepening into locker room talk. “From the looks of her, I’m thinking that maybe you should be the one paying for the date, know what I’m saying?” This brought a few chortles from the crowd. “Nah, man,” Malcolm said, nudging Ace in the arm with his fist, “just teasing. It all goes for a good cause. Right folks?” When no one responded, he leaned forward and cupped his ear. “I said … right folks?”

A round of applause went through the room. The brunette flashed a proud smile before fixing her gaze on Ace. Silver scowled, not liking the predatory expression on the woman’s face as her eyes devoured Ace. It was obvious this woman didn’t think she’d simply purchased a date, but rather Ace himself. A thundercloud of irritation burst over Silver when she saw the exchange that took place between Ace and the woman as he smiled back at her. No doubt Ace was pleased that a beautiful woman won the bid. Not my business, she mumbled under her breath. She folded her arms tightly over her chest, ready for this event to be over so she could go home to Gracie. Before tonight she’d felt like she was getting her life back on track. Blast Ace Sanchez for showing up and confusing things!