Kate stood by the auctioning stage, transfixed by the warm, romantic lighting and the silky sounds of the saxophone. The night was going as planned, except that Michael hadn’t shown up yet. She had managed to keep herself busy enough to avoid thinking about her stalker, or whether or not Michael had slept with the model—well, she hadn’t thought about it every hour of the day.

“You look positively ravishing. Glad you listened to me,” a voice said behind her. She turned around. It was Joseph, of course. He leaned in and kissed her on both cheeks.

Kate wore a strapless, red taffeta mermaid gown with a sweetheart neckline and origami pleating. The seams of the dress hugged her curves, and her exposed back showed her toned and tanned body. Her hair cascaded over her one shoulder in soft, shimmering waves. She wore more makeup than usual, having enhanced her eyes with black liner and charcoal eye shadow. “Thank you,” she replied. “But you’d better get back to the kitchen.” She didn’t want him mentioning her weird reaction to seeing Michael at the restaurant last night.

“Save me a dance,” he reminded her before hurrying away.

Kate looked around for Julia, who had managed to get an earlier return flight to Charlotte so she could go over the last-minute details with Kate. She finally spotted Julia standing in a crowd of men who were donning military uniforms. Julia looked polished and exquisite in her long, flowing white gown with shoulder ruffle. Kate admired the way Julia carried herself. Her confidence and success probably threatened many men—perhaps that was why she was still single. Either that or she had been too heartbroken to move on when her ex died years ago.

Where are you, Michael? She scanned the room, knowing that when he arrived, he would be hard to miss.

And then she saw him. He was wearing an impeccable single-breasted tuxedo. Could the man get any hotter?

Yes, she realized when she saw him tilt his head back and laugh with one of the veterans to which he was speaking.

She wanted to approach him and say hello but found her feet frozen. She stared across the room at the enigmatic man and wondered what he looked like beneath the suit. She mentally harangued herself for having such a thought, yet again. It was getting exhausting beating herself up all the time. She needed to get back to New York.

Michael’s attention switched from the Marine to Kate. He patted the serviceman on the back before stalking with purposeful strides toward her, ignoring several other people who attempted to catch his attention as he passed.

“Kate.” His voice was husky. His eyes flickered with an intensity that doubled her heart rate.

She took a breath, hoping to calm the overwhelming desire that was pouring through her veins. He didn’t look pissed over last night’s rejection. That was a relief. “You clean up nicely,” she managed at last. She rubbed her hands against the sides of her dress, not sure what to do with them. She was too afraid she might press them against his hard chest or run them through his perfect hair.

“And you look . . .” He paused, running a hand through his hair (Not fair, she thought, that he gets to muss it but I don’t), “well, you shouldn’t be dressed like that,” he spat out, shaking his head.

“Gee, thanks.” She peeked over his shoulder to see Julia heading their way. She took a few steps forward to meet her.

Michael caught Kate by the elbow. “I won’t be able to think straight tonight with you in that dress,” he whispered.

Kate flushed with embarrassment. Things were still stirring between them, despite last night’s rejection—despite the fact that he’d probably gone home with Jamie Landon. “Hi, Julia. What’s wrong?” She noticed the frown on Julia’s face.

Julia looked at Michael with an expression of pained irritation. “I just got a call from Jamie Landon. She’s not coming, and she said to tell you to go to hell.”

“Shit. I didn’t think she’d take it so damn personally.”

“What did you do?” Julia asked.

“It doesn’t matter. What’s done is done,” he said, stuffing his hands in his pockets and looking around the dance floor as if nothing earth-shattering in the world of event planning had happened. “We don’t need her, anyway.”

Kate bounced her attention between Michael and Julia, trying to mask her concern.

“Yes, we do,” Julia snapped back. “We can’t just auction you.” She scanned the room, but then her blue eyes widened. “I got it.” She rested her hand on her brother’s arm.

“What?” Michael asked.

Julia plastered a huge grin on her face. “We have Kate,” she exclaimed. “Every man in here has been gawking at Kate since the gala started. I guarantee they’d be more excited to have her in the auction than Jamie, anyway.”

Kate stared at Julia and raised her brows. Hell, no.

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?

“Unfortunately, no. She’s out of town. But she would love your work, I’m sure.”

Okay, maybe he’s normal. But I’m not moving here. I’m wasting my time. “I had been thinking of opening a location in Charlotte, but I’ve changed my mind. I’m sorry.”

“Oh, well, I have offices in New York, Boston, and Chicago.”

She smiled. “I would be happy to assist you with any event planning needs you may have in New York and Boston.”

This was exactly what she had wanted to happen, although she’d hoped the networking would be to drum up business for a new Charlotte location. “When you’re in New York, please give me a call. I run Marissa Adams Events. I’m Kate Adams.” She took a step back from the gentleman to hold out her hand and shake his.

“I just have to ask you a question,” he said while reaching for her hand. “Are you related to Elizabeth Merrill?”

She pulled her hand away from his without thinking and took a step back. “How do you know about her?”

“You look like her. I was a pre-law student at UNCC years ago. Elizabeth and I were classmates.” He rubbed his hand over his jaw while shaking his head a bit. “I’m sorry. I just can’t believe the uncanny resemblance.”

“I’m her daughter.” She placed her hand on her chest, wondering if her lungs and heart were still functioning in proper order.

His eyes narrowed on her, and his lips parted. “I’m so sorry for your loss. She was an amazing woman.” He gripped the back of his neck, and she could see the look of pity in his eyes. It was such a familiar look.

“Are you okay? I’m so sorry.”

She cleared her throat and found her voice. “No, that’s okay. It’s nice to meet someone who knew my mother.”

“My name is Erick Jensen.” He reached into his back pocket and retrieved his wallet. “Listen, I would love to get together sometime. Perhaps I can share some funny stories about our college days.”

Kate reached for the business card he held out in front of her. She wasn’t quite sure what to say. She felt like so much of her mother’s past was a blank page because her father hated talking about her. She only knew stories of her mother’s childhood, which had been told by her grandparents. “I think I would like that.”

“I’ll be in Boston next week, working out the details with the mayor for this season’s winter ball. I’m one of the main sponsors for the event. Perhaps I might be able to interest you in throwing the event this year?” Erick was offering her the gig of a lifetime.

Kate longed to bite her lip, to do something to release the tension of paddling through such deep waters. But she resisted. She held her cool and remained professional, wishing she could do the same around Michael.

“So, what do you think?”

“Yes, that would be incredible.”

“Great.” He patted her arm and smiled. “How’s your father, by the way? I’ve seen him a few times in the New York courtrooms, but it’s been years.”

Of course, he would know her father. Her dad had been a pre-law student, as well. “He’s good. Busy.”

“Well, until we meet again.” He tipped his head at her and walked away, blending into the crowd.

She needed a distraction—something to ease her mind from the heavy thoughts of her mother. She looked around the dance floor for Michael but noticed he was gone. Before anyone else could ask her to dance, she hurried to the main stage.

“You good?” she asked Julia, who was near the stage. “Speeches are about to begin.”

“I’m ready,” Julia said with no evidence of nervousness.

“Perfect. Go ahead up on stage.” She looked over at the clock. The timing was flawless. The band stopped playing, and the spotlight lit on Julia. Kate gulped down a wave of nausea as she realized she would soon be under the same shining light. What had she gotten herself into?

She watched as Julia stood with poise behind the microphone. She began speaking with obvious passion about the foundation, gesturing toward Michael from time to time. He was standing across the stage from Kate, hands in his pockets—and he was looking at her, not his sister. She wet her lips and forced her gaze back to the center of the stage, away from the man who was making her shake with desire.

“I would like to present Johnathan Reese: a former, and highly decorated, colonel in the Marines,” Julia said, motioning toward the man in uniform who stood behind her.

He smiled at Julia and walked toward the microphone. “I have known Michael Maddox for many years,” Johnathan began. “He’s like a brother to me. He had my back in Iraq and Afghanistan, always putting his life on the line to save a fellow soldier. As I’m sure you all are aware, Michael doesn’t like to talk about himself. I’m amazed we’re even here tonight.” He grinned and looked over at Michael as the room murmured in agreement. “But I’m very grateful to this man. He saved my life not only in combat but at home as well. I felt empty after my military life ended. I felt hopeless. But Michael refused to let me drown. He threw me a lifeline and helped me through some of the most challenging times in my life. His organization is why I am now the successful business owner of eight fitness centers in New York City. And I’m able to help other veterans as well, now. Paying it forward.”

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.

The loud voice of the auctioneer boomed in her ears, and she focused her attention on him.

“Fifty-thousand.”

Kate looked at James, who had yelled out an obscene number, increasing the bid from ten thousand.

She glanced over at Michael. If the spotlight weren’t on the stage, she wouldn’t have been able to notice the slight twitch of muscle in Michael’s jaw. Was he jealous, or was he pissed at James for showing up?

Kate exhaled a noticeable sigh of relief when a stranger placed a much higher bid. She was in no mood to see a showdown between Michael and James because the way Michael was eying him made her wonder . . .

“Eighty-thousand,” James countered, his voice sharp.

“Ninety,” the mystery bidder was quick to respond.

Freaking seriously? Kate couldn’t see her mystery bidder. His voice was deep, but not too gravelly.

“A hundred thousand.” James wasn’t ready to give up. It was some kind of game to him, wasn’t it?

“One-twenty.”

Kate stared, open-mouthed, at the audience. Thank God the money was going to a good cause; otherwise, she would have assumed the men were outright delirious. She bit her lip and looked over at James. Please, don’t bid. Please, don’t bid.

“We have a winner,” the auctioneer announced.

Relief spiraled through her body when she realized the mystery bidder won.

“Michael, it’s your turn.” Julia stepped out front on stage and beckoned her brother. He kept his eyes trained on Kate, following her with his gaze as she backed away from the center of the stage to stand off to the side.

Kate fought back the unwarranted envy as she watched the women swarm in front of him.

There were fewer women than men, as most women at the gala were married. Unlike the men, they were not about to piss off their husbands by gawking at Michael in the way the men had admired Kate. Regardless, all twenty women who had gathered at the front began fighting tooth and nail over Michael, jostling each other as if he were about to toss a bridal bouquet.

Kate found herself tuning out the bidding. She was in no mood to watch the women fight over a man she’d never have.

Two hundred thousand was the winning bid for Michael. Kate recognized the twenty-one-year-old as the daughter of a rich Dallas oil tycoon. Sure, what’s two hundred grand for the chance with Michael Maddox? She cringed and looked away from the woman who had won herself a one-night stand with Maddox. What had she been thinking when planning the auction?

She looked over at Michael, who was now off stage and approaching James. Oh, God. She moved close enough to overhear them, without drawing their attention.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing here?” Michael asked. He crossed his arms over his chest.

A smile curled over James’s lips. “You were serious about not showing up, huh? I thought you were kidding.” His eyes twinkled with amusement. “What, you got a thing for your event planner? I didn’t see you bidding on her.”

“Get the hell out. Now!”

“Fine—don’t get your panties in a bunch. I came for the auction anyway. I thought there was supposed to be a famous model up for bid. I was surprised to see your event planner up on the block, though. I was hoping to win her, but she’s definitely not worth that much.” James smirked.

“If you don’t get the fuck out of here, I’ll remove you myself.” Michael’s voice was low enough to avoid turning heads but deep enough for it to register warning to James.

James shook his head, but thankfully, he backed down and turned away. Before she could feel relief—she caught sight of someone familiar, which had her stomach turning.

She shuffled across the floor and back onto the stage to get a better view.

It was him. The guy from the club. The guy from the street outside the Mexican restaurant. Blonde and muscular. And he was watching her again from across the room.

Was he the stalker? He had to be.

He started for the exit.

She got off the stage and hurried after him. But in a sea of black tuxedos, she lost him.

She needed some air. The room was closing in on her. She rushed away from the main exit, back toward the rose garden terrace. She drew in a deep breath as she exited the ballroom. She walked to the railing and gripped it until her knuckles turned white. She bent over, squeezing in on herself, thankful to be alone. There was only so much she could handle in one evening.

“You did a great job tonight.”

Kate turned around to see Michael standing outside the entrance to the terrace.

He removed his bow tie and shrugged off his jacket, throwing both on a nearby table. “This is just not who I am.” He stopped a few feet away. “You okay?”

“I—I don’t know.” She turned away from him and looked back out over the city.

He closed the gap between them. “Did James say something to you?” The muscles in his arms tensed as he gripped the railing. He looked over his shoulder, holding her gaze. His face was almost as taut as his muscles, as concern radiated from his body.

“What?” She shook her head. “No.”

“I have seen you look startled—maybe even scared—on a few occasions now. You’re sure nothing is going on?” He released his grip on the railing and faced her.

“I’ll be fine. The party is about over. I’d better wrap things up. You heading out now?” She rubbed her hands together and smoothed on a fake smile.

“Soon. There are a few people I still need to chat with,” he replied. “Let me walk you back to your room when you’re done.”

He wasn’t buying her act. Clearly. “If you’re still around. Sure.” Before he had a chance to respond, she walked off the terrace and back into the ballroom. She gave one last look around the room for the muscular blonde man. When she didn’t see him, she forced herself to complete the job she had been hired to do.