Page 34 of Auctioned to the Billionaire Surgeon

I looked up into the kind eyes of Cleo.

I shook my head, and she frowned.

“Yeah. You don’t look so good. Why don’t you take the rest of the afternoon off? I can get someone else to watch the desk.”

I wanted to kiss her. “Are you serious?”

“Sure. Besides, don’t you have a date tonight for that fancy charity ball at Salazar Nights?”

I nodded.

“Well. We’ve got to get you feeling betterfor it, don’t we?” She smiled at me, and I thought again that she was just the greatest.

“Come on out from behind the reception desk. Get your things. Do you need a ride home?”

“No, I drove.”

“And you’re okay to drive?”

“Yes.” I gave her a hug.

Cleo’s eyes widened, and I realized I’d never given her a hug before. In fact, it was very out of character for me. “Oh my God. You really are sick, aren’t you? Maybe I should get Dr. Lanetti to look you over before you go.”

“No, that’s not necessary…”

“What’s wrong?”

Shit. I closed my eyes at the sound of his voice behind us.

“Jelly just looked awful when I came in a minute ago. I told her she could go on home, and I’d find someone to cover for her this afternoon.”

“What’s going on, Jelly? You’re not feeling well?” He grabbed me by the shoulders and turned me to face him. He studied me, a slight frown marring his handsome face.

“I’ll be fine,” I insisted, pulling out of his grasp. “I just need to rest.”

He reached for me again, seemed to realize that his girlfriend was hovering to the side of him, and let his hands drop slowly. “Ah.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I, um, hope you get to feeling better.”

“Thanks. Well,” I turned away from him and Lyla and looked at Cleo, “if you’re sure that you can get someone else for this afternoon…”

“Go, go. Get out of here, honey, and go get some rest before your fancy ball tonight.”

I nodded, gave everyone a half-hearted wave and headed for the door. On my way out, I heard Paolo asking Cleo what ball she was talking about.

“Oh, that fancy one downtown at the Salazar’s club.”

“Will she be going to that?” he asked, sounding shocked.

“Of course! I’m going, too, and I can’t wait to see her date.”

“Her… date?” Paolo couldn’t have sounded less enthused.

“What, did you think she was going to go alone?” Cleo snorted.

“No. No, I just heard she wasn’t in a relationship, so I’m surprised she has a date.”

“A girl who looks likethat?” Lyla asked. “She’ll always have a date.”

“Yeah. Yes, I suppose so.”