chapter Seven
Fundraiser
Talina
I’m still a bit thrown by the change in Nelson earlier. I even started to bail out of this after all. I mean, the way his demeanor changed. I still don’t understand what I said or did wrong.
Maybe I insulted him with my offer to bid for him. I don’t mean to imply that I was on his level or anything like that. I’m sure that my pennies won’t match the bids that will come in for Nelson.
The man oozes sex. Yup, I’m blaming him for my earlier antics, my wayward thoughts and soaked panties are all his fault. Those lashes, the way his hazel eyes seem to look through you. Shit, I fan my face just thinking about it.
I know if I could, I’d break the bank for a night with him. A thought that has me once again, wondering how I never noticed my boss before. It also has me thinking, why now?
“I would offer you some champagne, but I’ve learned my lesson,” Nelson says close to my ear and my nipples tighten against the lace of my dress. “You look as nervous as I feel.”
I turn my face up to get a good look at my boss. He does look nervous, which eases my nerves just a little. Questions still bounce around in my head. I asked Detra about the option to bid on others in the auction because I wanted to know if Nelson would be allowed to bid on me.
I know it’s probably absolutely unethical, but a girl can dream. When the weight of the reality of the auction hit me this evening, I started to wonder who the hell would bid on me. The room is filled with mostly wealthy white men and women.
It is my biggest fear that I’ll get my black ass up on that stage and no one will bid for me at all. I cringe inside, just thinking about it. My eyes land on a brother across the room.
Hope blooms until a tall blonde walks up beside him. The way she’s hanging onto him, he’ll be of no assistance to me this evening. I’m going to kill Detra.
“I could use a Scotch right about now,” I mutter.
“You have nothing to be nervous about. Look at you. I hope you don’t mind me saying that you look stunning,” Nelson replies.
I love this dress, it’s a light shade of grey, with hues of blue, depending on how the light hits it. The lace material molds to my curves, sculpting over my breasts in a deep V. The back reflects the front with the same plunge, showing off more skin. The skirts pool at my feet in a picture of lacey elegance.
I thought it would be perfect for the anniversary party for Malcolm’s parents. Sexy, but elegant. Something to show off what my man could be proud to say was his.
Now, standing in this room, with tons of wealthy women that brought their A game, I feel empowered in the graceful drape of the dress. I work hard for this body, it’s not surgeon manufactured. Something I think I would have a hard time saying about ninety percent of the guests here.
“Thank you, Nelson,” I say, feeling my cheeks burn and lowering my lashes. “I don’t mind at all. You look very handsome yourself.”
“This will be good practice for London. We’ll have plenty of elbow rubbing to do there. I’ll need you to join me for a few dinners and ball such as this,” he replies, with disdain written on his face as he looks around.
“Not your scene,” I chuckle. I also note he glossed over my complement. Again, I think I overstepped.
“I’m a dirty white boy from Jersey. I never in my life thought I’d be here. This is all Detra. She made connections that opened doors,” Nelson shrugs.
My antennas go up. I’m sensing more to that story. To my disappointment, Nelson switches gears again.
“Are you sure you’re up for the auction? Your break up is still fresh. I can have you removed,” Nelson offers, his hazel eyes, soft, but sharp, as he looks into mine.
“It’s for a good cause. Besides, it was time for Malcolm and I to move on,” I lift a shoulder.
“Nelson,” a voice booms to my left.
I turn to see a very handsome gentleman stopping to join our little party. He’s the epitome of movie star gorgeous, green eyes, dark hair, a square jaw, high cheekbones. He has those sexy bedroom eyes. He’s definitely a ten.
“Jack, how are you?” Nelson says, placing a possessive hand on the small of my back.
I promise you, my thong is liquefied with the simple touch. My brows draw in, never in my life and I mean never, has this happened to me. I look up at Nelson, but if he’s aware of the fact that he has me wetter than a slip and slide, he shows no signs of it.
I do my damnest not to melt into his touch. Instead, I force my gaze back to Jack and his handsome looks. I look at the man, waiting to see if his presence will send my mind on a dirty journey, as Nelson has done all day.
Nothing.
“Now, who do we have here,” Jack says, beaming down at me.
Nope, not a thing, and his voice happens to be very pleasant. As handsome as he is, and as smooth as that voice is, I feel nothing. It’s Nelson’s rumbling rasp that has my nipples straining.
“This is Talina. My date,” Nelson replies. I blink, as I think I detect a hint of warning in Nelson’s tone.
“Ah, I believe I saw your name on the auction board. Talina Valentine. I thought it lovely and unusual,” Jack smiles. “Now that I’ve put a face to the name, I’m all the more intrigued.”
“Too bad you’re in the auction. You won’t have time to bid,” Nelson says tightly.
“Oh, I plan to find time. It’s for charity after all, isn’t it,” Jack smiles.
“Yes, that it is,” I nod and give a small smile.
Jack seems to be nice enough. Although, he’s not very covert about his gaze lingering on my breasts. His gaze moves back up to mine, causing me to lift a brow at him. The corners of his lips turn up into a dangerous smile.
I bet that look gets him plenty. I’m just not trying to be next. Something tells me Jack isn’t one to stick around after.
Jack takes my hand and lifts it to his lips. “To an evening that has just gotten better,” he breathes against my skin.
“It’s time for an auction,” Detra sings, as she floats over, breaking up a moment that has just started to feel a little too tense.
I can feel the rigid stance of Nelson beside me. When I look up into his face, he’s watching me closely. His eyes are hard, just like earlier. Again, I feel like I did something wrong.
“Let’s go, you two. You can win each other and put out that fire later,” Detra mutters.
“What?” I turn to her, puzzled.
“I said, let’s go get those kids some money,” Detra smiles.
~B~
Nelson
That dress is going to drive me insane. Every man here has been murmuring about the chocolate goddess on my arm tonight. I truly don’t believe Talina knows how beautiful she is.
I seriously am going to kill Detra. I want to sweep Talina into my arms and run off with her. The hungry look that Jack gave her, made me want to tear his head off.
Now, I stand here watching a room full of men, giving Talina the same hungry look as she walks out onto the stage in that fucking dress. She looks like a dream, as she walks out with her head held high.
It’s at this moment that it all clicks. Talina is the woman of my dreams. It’s the reason I can’t seem to stop obsessing over her. It’s why I become unglued when it comes to her. I haven’t dared to dream about anyone since having my heart shattered so many years ago.
Wanting someone like Talina places me in a vulnerable place that I hate. Memories I won’t allow to surface, claw at the door of my mind. The door I slammed shut and won’t allow to open ever again.
“We will start the bidding with five hundred dollars,” the MC announces.
I clinch my jaw. I should leave, I don’t think I can sit here and watch this, but I’m riveted to the front of the stage, where Talina is standing. She looks nervous, but a smile is plastered on her glossed lips.
“Five thousand,” is called from the center of the room.
I ball my fist in the table cloth, my jaw clenching. Talina mouth falls open. She actually looks surprised. I’m astonished that she had any doubts.
“Ten thousand,” a deeper voice calls.
My entire being stiffens. I can feel the sweat on my brow. She’s my employee. I just gave her a promotion. I shouldn’t bid.
“You know you can bid on her,” Detra whispers in my ear. “It’s for charity. I know you don’t want anyone else to win a private date with her.”
“I’m going to ring your neck,” I hiss.
“Fifteen thousand,” a third bidder calls.
“Nelson, stop being a pussy. Bid,” Detra hisses back.
“Twenty-Five,” another bidder throws in his hat.
“One hundred thousand,” I stand and call out.
Talina’s head snaps in my direction. Her cheeks look flushed, her chest begins to heave. I swallow hard. Have I just made a mistake?
“Five hundred thousand,” a voice, I know too well, calls.
I turn to glare at Jack. His eyes are locked on Talina. I want to punch him in the throat. “One million,” I say through my teeth.
A gasp from the stage catches my attention. I turn to see Talina staring back at me. Her brows are knitted tightly and her chest is now heaving so hard it looks like it’s going to burst from her gown.
Fuck, does she want Jack to outbid me? Is she about to panic because I’m bidding for her? I look down at the table cloth and begin to lower back into my seat.
“Don’t you fucking dare,” Detra says, like a little devil on my shoulder.
“One point five,” Jack says smugly.
“Leave it alone,” I say and close my eyes.
~B~
Talina
I don’t know what the hell just happened. I didn’t think anyone would bid on me. One point five million dollars? A million and a half dollars for a date with me?
I can’t even wrap my head around that. Yet, that’s not the thought that’s screaming at the forefront of my mind. Why the hell isn’t Nelson still bidding? Is the price too steep?
“One point five million, going once,” the MC announces.
I ball my fists into gown, willing Nelson to look up at me. I didn’t think he would bid at all, but now that he has. I want that date. I want him to win.
“Going twice,” The MC continues the countdown.
To my own surprise. I close my eyes and say a prayer. He can’t stop bidding now. Not yet.
Please, Nelson, don’t give up on me.
~B~
Nelson
“Since when are you a quitter? What you want is right within your grasp. You give up now then they win, everything they did…they succeeded in breaking you,” Detra says in a haunted tone.
“Leave it,” I growl in response.
“Damn it, Nelson. If you don’t bid I will,” Detra snaps. “I’ll take your girl and turn her ass out. You know I will. I haven’t had a threesome in a while.”
“Going twice,” The MC calls.
Detra’s earlier words have already rattled my cage. I’m not worried about her threat, but the thought of someone else out bidding me for what’s mine. I won’t have it.
I lift my head and stand to my feet once again, straightening to my full height. I’ve conquered obstacle after obstacle in my life. Detra’s right, I can’t let them win.
I lock my eyes on the woman I want. Her head is down, I would swear she’s praying. It’s enough that I almost take a pause, but I don’t. Not tonight, not this time.
“Three million dollars,” I boom through the room, stopping the entire auction on its head.
~B~
Talina
I lift my head to collective gasps, as the words, Three million dollars, rock me to my core. My eyes lock with Nelson’s instantly. I can’t close my mouth.
The fire in Nelson’s eyes reveals something new. He seems to be standing taller, his shoulders straighter. The determination rolling off of him seems to have a weight of its own.
“Wow, folks, do we have another bid. Three million and one perhaps?” the MC says, sounding as stunned as I am.
Nelson keeps his gaze locked on me, seeming to be watching for my reaction. I haven’t been able to move a muscle. I’m frozen in shock.
“Well, then, three million going once, going twice, gone. Young lady, that dress has brought in a lot of money for these wonderful kids,” the MC teases, while coming to my side.
I remember to breathe, letting it swoosh past my lips. It hits me that Nelson just bid three million dollars on me. Holy shit!
I let a smile stretch across my face, as I look up through my lashes at Nelson. I watch as a cocky smile starts slow on his lips. It’s sexy as fuck. Well, damn.