Page 48 of Billionaire Bad Boy Auction

I couldn’t help but grin as we approached the dunk tank, Alexis was practically bouncing with excitement beside me. Nicole was perched on the seat above the water, her perfectly coiffed hair and smug expression making her look like she owned the place. She was chatting with someone off to the side, her laughter sharp and grating.

Dean lingered a few steps behind, his hands shoved in his pockets and his expression blank. “I’m not getting involved in this,” he said flatly.

“Oh, come on,” I said, turning to him with a smirk. “You’re telling me you don’t want to see her take a dip?”

“I’m telling you I don’t care,” he replied, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—amusement, perhaps.

Alexis rolled her eyes. “More fun for us,” she said, marching up to the booth and handing over a few dollars. “Three throws, please.”

The attendant handed her three softballs. Alexis passed one to me. “Ladies first,” she said with a grin.

I stepped up to the line, weighing the ball in my hand. Nicole noticed me then, her smirk fading into a look of mild irritation. “Oh, great,” she said, crossing her arms. “Let me guess—you’re here to try your luck?”

“Something like that,” I shot back, smiling sweetly. “All for charity, right?”

Nicole loved to be the star of every show. The charity supported the library, and I was guessing Nicole was the head. She had always been about appearances. I took aim, focusing on the target just below her seat. The first throw sailed wide, hitting the back of the tank with a dull thud. Nicole let out a mocking laugh.

“Better luck next time,” she said.

Alexis stepped up next. She studied the target. She wound up and let the ball fly—it hit the edge of the target but didn’t quite have enough force to knock it in. Nicole’s laughter grew louder.

“Nail it,” Alexis hissed. “Do not let her stay dry.”

I took it and stepped up again. I wasn’t super athletic. I never played softball or basketball. I pictured her at the auction and how she had looked at me like I was a cockroach that needed to be smashed. I told myself this wasn’t being petty. She was the one who climbed into that booth for charity. I was just going to help her out a little.

I focused, took a deep breath, and threw the ball with everything I had. It slammed into the target dead center. Nicole’s smug expression turned to shock as the seat gave way beneath her, and she plummeted into the water with a splash.

Alexis and I erupted into cheers, high-fiving each other as Nicole surfaced, sputtering and glaring daggers at us. Her perfect hair was plastered to her face. She looked like a wet poodle.

“I guess I did have better luck that time,” I said, grinning widely. “Thanks for the encouragement, Nicole.”

Dean let out a chuckle behind us. I turned to see him shaking his head. “You two are trouble,” he said, but there was a hint of approval in his voice.

“Worth it,” Alexis said, still laughing as we watched Nicole climb out of the tank, dripping wet and muttering under her breath.

“Come on,” I said, grabbing Dean’s arm again. “Let’s go find something else to do before she tries to retaliate.”

Dean grunted in response, but he didn’t pull his arm away as I tugged him toward the next booth. Alexis trailed behind us, still giggling about Nicole’s impromptu swim. The festival buzzed around us. I was truly enjoying myself. I really didn’t think I would, but I was so glad Alexis pushed me to come out.

“Think she’ll come after us?” Alexis asked, her tone teasing as she caught up.

“Doubtful,” Dean said, his voice dry. “Nicole’s more bark than bite. Always has been. Plus, you won’t be the only person dunking her today.”

I raised an eyebrow at him. “You sound like you know her pretty well.”

He shot me a look. “Everyone knows everyone in this town. Doesn’t mean I care to.”

“Sure,” I said, grinning. “Keep telling yourself that.”

I knew they had dated. Or at least there had been a date.

“Three-legged race,” Alexis pointed out. “You two should do it.”

I looked up at Dean. “Think we can win?”

He hesitated. I expected him to poo-poo the idea. “I know we’ll win.”

I didn’t expect him to say yes.