“It sucks, doesn’t it?” I say softly.
He gives me a faint, sad smile. “Yeah. It really does. And to top it all off, my publicist has signed me up for a charity auction. One of the prizes is… well, a night with me.”
My eyebrows shoot up. “A night with you?”
He lets out a heavy sigh. “Not like that,” he says, though his tone hints he’s not entirely convinced. “It’s supposed to be dinner and drinks, but I’m pretty sure some of the women bidding will expect it to end with more than just dessert.”
“Can’t you get out of it?” I ask. “Tell them you’re not comfortable with it?”
“I’ve tried,” he says, shaking his head. “Even offered to write a big check to the charity instead, but they’re insistent. They want me there.”
I grin. “Well then, I’ll just have to show up and bid on you. You can take me out for dinner in Phoenix.”
His eyes widen a little in surprise. “You’d actually do that?”
“Of course,” I say without hesitation. “When is it?”
“In a couple of months. You can stay the night at my place. There’ll be media coverage,” he warns. “Are you okay with that?”
I nod. “Sure.”
Relief floods his expression, softening his features. “Thank you, Ash. You have no idea how much easier that makes things.”
I smile. “It’s no trouble at all. I’m always up for a night out. You’ll just have to let me know what my bidding limit is.”
He chuckles. “There isn’t one. Whatever it takes to win.”
I nod with a grin. “Perfect. I’ve got no problem spending your money,” I say with a wink.
A few minutes later, the GPS directs me off the highway and into the parking lot of a rundown motel. Wyatt glances around as I slow to a stop.
“Do you know which car is hers?” he asks.
I shake my head, easing the car into park. “No idea. Ben just said she’s waiting inside the Starbucks.”
I turn off the engine and sit there for a second, taking a deep breath to steady myself. Wyatt’s already out of the car, and before I can move, he’s at my door, opening it for me.
“What are you doing?” I ask, raising an eyebrow at him.
He smirks. “Waiting for you to get out. What’s taking so long?”
I glance up at him. “I’m psyching myself up.”
He chuckles, offering his hand. “It’s going to be fine, Ash. Girls love you.”
I huff a laugh and shake my head. “Not this one.”
He gives me a look like he thinks I’m crazy. “Give her time. Once she gets to know you, she’s going to realize how lucky she is to have you in her corner.”
His words make my chest tighten in the best way, and I slip my hand into his. He helps me out of the car, and without thinking, I pull him into a quick hug.
“Thank you,” I whisper against his shoulder.
He squeezes me gently before stepping back. “Come on,” he says with a grin. “Let’s go find my number one fan.”
I laugh, looping my arm through his as we cross the parking lot toward Starbucks. I’m still nervous, but Wyatt’s easy confidence gives me a little bit of mine back. Normally, I’m good at holding my own, but this whole situation with Laney has me questioning everything.
CHAPTER THIRTY
