Page 123 of Valentine’s Billionaire Auction

“But?” Carla prompted.

I hesitated. I did not want to dump my problems on her. They weren’t really problems. It was just a hint of sadness. “There’s still something missing. Or someone.”

Her expression softened, and she leaned closer. “You mean Roman.”

I didn’t respond right away, but I didn’t need to. Carla had always been able to read me like a book.

“I hear he’s going to be up for auction again,” she said, her tone casual but her eyes twinkling with mischief. “They moved the event to Christmas this year. And this time, you can afford a ticket.”

The laugh that bubbled out of me was more incredulous than anything. “Carla, that’s insane. I can’t just show up at a charity auction and bid on him like nothing happened. Especially considering how much he’ll go for. I’ve sold a few books but I don’t have a hundred grand lying around.”

“You’ve sold a lot more than a few,” she said. “Like a lot more.”

“You know what I mean. I just, well, I don’t want to reopen that wound. It’s best I don’t go back down that path.”

“Why not?” she asked, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

“Because…” I gestured vaguely. “Because he’s over me. He’s doing great now. I’ve seen the headlines. He’s all over the media, and he looks happy. He’s clearly done a lot of work on himself, and I’m glad for him. But we weren’t good for each other.”

“A year ago, sure,” Carla corrected. “Now?” She picked up one of my books and pointed at the animated male main character on the cover. “This guy? He might be your soulmate.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t suppress a small smile. “That’s fiction, Carla.”

“Maybe,” she said with a shrug. “But fiction is inspired by life. And from where I’m sitting, it looks like Roman inspired a lot more than just your book.”

I didn’t deny it. Roman had been a catalyst for so much change in my life. He’d forced me to confront parts of myself I’d been avoiding, to take risks, to open up in ways I never thought I could. And even though things hadn’t worked out between us, he’d left a mark on me that I couldn’t ignore.

Still, the idea of seeing him again was terrifying. What if he didn’t want to see me? What if he’d moved on completely?

“He’s probably seeing someone,” I said. “I showed him how good it can be with a woman and now he’s probably found one that makes him happy. One that won’t go into forbidden rooms.”

She snorted. “Kaira, if you started every chapter in your books with ‘he’s probably happy without her,’ do you think anyone would read them?” Carla tapped the book cover with a finger. “People crave hope. They want to see risks, they want grand gestures, they want love that conquers all odds. Maybe it’s time you start living a little more like your characters.”

I blew out a breath. She had a point. My characters always took chances, always fought for what they wanted. Could I really call myself a creator of such stories if I wasn’t willing to take my own advice?

“Life does not always imitate art,” I said.

“You don’t have to decide now,” Carla said. “But if there’s even a small part of you that still wonders what could have been, don’t let fear hold you back. Life’s too short for regrets, Kaira. Just talk to him. Maybe you’ll realize you don’t have feelings for him anymore.”

I nodded, letting her words sink in. Maybe she was right. Maybe there was still a chance to find my own happily ever after. But for now, I had my book, my best friend, and a life I was proud of. That was more than enough.

Wasn’t it? I didn’t need Roman.

Or maybe that was exactly why I was ready. I didn’t need him. I made myself successful without his connections or support. Maybe now I could have it all.

48

ROMAN

Icouldn’t believe I was doing this to myself once again. I adjusted the bow tie threatening to choke me out. The Valentine’s event had been moved to a Christmas event in the hopes of maximizing people’s generous spirit. And to catch them before they blew all their money on gifts.

Not like that was likely to happen. The people that were scheduled to attend the event had money to burn. It didn’t matter if they spent a ton at Christmas. They would have plenty left to do whatever they wanted—including buying a date with me and the other eligible bachelors.

“You look very handsome,” Marilyn said when I stepped into the foyer.

“Tonight they required black tie,” I complained.

“Well, it looks nice on you.” She stepped forward and straightened the bow tie once again. “You’ll be the one they all want.”