Page 47 of Auctioned to the Billionaire Surgeon

“Sexy? You tell me,” I tossed back, to lots of whoops and clapping. “Whoever wins me will know very soon,”I said, then leaned over to blow them all a kiss, being sure they got a good view of my tits and then turned and walked off the stage to raucous applause.

I looked back over my shoulder as Carmen and I had practiced. It was just my luck that my eyes landed squarely on Paolo’s. I faltered but also knew that the very real look of lust on my face was what was making the guys stomp their feet and whistle.

As I turned and swayed back off stage, I couldn’t get the look on Paolo’s face out of my head. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he would show up to bid on me on auction day.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Paolo

It was Jelly’s last day in our office. Soon she’d have an internship somewhere else in the hospital. And she’d be auctioned off to some lucky motherfucker from the club.

We were having a small farewell party for her in the cafeteria after work. And by ‘we’I mean Cleo had organized it, told us how much we owed, and did all the decorating, gift buying, and food ordering.

At least I stepped up and paid for the whole thing.

I watched her as she smiled, laughed, and talked with people from our office as well as neighboring offices. I couldn’t help but notice that most of the employees who’d shown up were male. From Otto the cafeteria chef to Stuart the hospital director, they’d all turned up for Jelly.

Not a huge shock.

I sat at a table by myself and texted back and forth with Nico.

“Dr. Lanetti,” Cleo said,“you’re being very rude. You should come join in.”

“You’re right. Sorry about that.” I put my phone in my pocket and walked over as they cut a cake.

“Strawberry? How’d you know my favorite?” Jelly asked.

Cleo pointed at me.“Dr. Lanetti knew.”

Jelly looked at me, a small frown between her eyebrows.

Cleo’s eyes darted back and forth between Jelly and me. She’d never understood our relationship and seemed to know something was up between us.“You know,” she said,“at leastthe two of you will still see each other regularly.”

I almost gasped as I jerked to attention. Jelly didn’t know that I’d finagled her internship to be with Dr. Howard, a female doctor who was excellent and also in orthopedics. It was technically a different department since it wasn’tpediatricorthopedics. That way if I could somehow talk her into it, Jelly and I could date. If not, I worked with Dr. Howard often, so I knew I’d still be around Jelly. How did Cleo know?

My face must’ve given something away, because Cleo clarified.“You know… because of the grocery store connection?”

Jelly laughed.“Oh, I’m having to give that job up. I won’t see Dr. Lanetti anymore.” She made a sad face that seemed pretty fake to me. I wanted to snort and tell her she wasn’t getting away from me so fast, but I didn’t.

“I’m sure we’ll see each other around,” I replied mildly.

Jelly looked briefly perplexed but then recovered.“Well, this has been wonderful, but I have a previous engagement I have to get to. Thanks, y’all. For everything.”

She went around giving hugs and handshakes to everyone. When she reached me, she stuck her hand out.“Thanks, Dr. Lanetti. I’ve learned a lot from you.”

I wasn’t sure she had, but I shook her hand anyway. I didn’t let her hand go when she moved to pull away. Instead, I pulled her closer.“What’s your previous engagement?” I asked softly next to her ear.

“It’s at Sugar,” she replied, looking at me as if I was missing something obvious.

She pulled away, waved at everyone, and she was gone.

Engagement at Sugar? I thought she was done there except for the auction.

Fingers fumbling over the keys, I rushed to text Nico.

Me:When is Cinnamon? Next week, right?

Nico:Nah, it’s tonight.