Page 34

Turns out, I destroyed any spark that remained between Myles and me, because after that kiss, all I got were glares of death. Sure, he’d been annoyed with me before, but I’d angered him after that kiss. That was the night when he pretended to be Conrad. He was out for revenge.

“You kissed him for something in return. Only thing I can fathom is money. Archer has more than enough of it, and like you said, you’re in college. You probably don’t have much.” His gaze moves around the room, confirming his suspicions at least in terms of luxury.

I live simply but comfortably.

I’ve saved as much as I possibly can to open my dream bookstore. A fresh out of college grad isn’t likely going to be given a loan, even with a business plan. At least if I can afford the upfront costs and the rent for the first year, I’m hoping I’ll be able to succeed.

A hundred thousand dollars gives me a real opportunity to pursue my dream.

“Come on, Juniper. I’m on your side. Just tell me the truth.”

My eyes tighten as I size up Conrad. “No, you’re on Myles’s side. And I’m unsure he and I will ever be on the same side.”

“He likes you. I swear you like him, even if you both deny it. There’s chemistry between the two of you. Call it fate that you’re living across the hall from him.”

“Your definition of fate is very strange.”

“Why?” Conrad asks.

“I’d call it hell.”

Conrad laughs, tears burning his vision, and he wipes them from the corner of his eyes. I didn’t think my joke was that funny, but he certainly got a laugh out of it.

“Juniper, if you’re not going to tell me what happened between you and Archer, at least come to the charity event this Saturday.”

“Charity event?” He mentioned it earlier, but I don’t think me attending is some hot idea. I won’t know anyone, I don’t have anything fancy to wear, and the cost per plate is probably astronomical. “Remember, broke college student?” I point at myself.

“I’ll cover your ticket as my plus one. I’ll put you on the invite list. You just need to figure out the dress.”

“I’ll be your date?” A faint smile tugs at my lips. That would be a surefire way to piss off Myles.

“Only for the ticket. I’m not bringing anyone. But here’s the deal. I’ll donate up to twenty thousand dollars in your name for the event if you bid on him. Otherwise, the charity doesn’t get a dime from me.”

My mouth drops and the room spins at his proposition. If I don’t do as he demands, he won’t give the money to charity? That’s a shitty thing to put on me.

“You’re an asshole.”

“An asshole with a lot of money. Maybe you don’t give a crap about Myles, but I’ll bet you care about kids with cancer,” Conrad says. “All you have to do is bid on him.”

“What do you mean bid on him? Bid on him for what?” I’m afraid where this is going, and I’m really hoping Myles shows up to the apartment already. Where the hell is he? Sweat trickles on my brow. “There’s an auction?” My voice squeaks, trying to comprehend what he’s saying.

“Yes, he’s volunteering himself to be bid on for one night out on the town, a date night. You have the opportunity to really help a lot of kids, Juniper.”

I glare at Conrad; the way he’s offering the money feels dirty. “The entire team isn’t participating in the auction?” I ask, surprised that Myles would be willing to do it alone.

“Well, he thinks they are, but he’s the only one signed up. The rest offered to visit the kids at the hospital, bring jerseys, sign stuff. That sort of thing. Myles is the only one participating in the auction.”

I cough, and Bailey barks, pawing at my leg. “I don’t know…”

“How about when we get to the event, I’ll track you down and give you a check written to the charity. You’ll have the money in your hands to donate or not—depending on what you decide.”

Whether I bid on Myles or not, I’m still giving that check to the charity. Conrad can be pissed, but it alleviates a little of the pressure. Of course, it’s Myles we’re talking about.

“And if someone bids more than I do?” I ask.

Conrad shrugs. “At least it’ll get put into his head that you like him.”

“But I don’t—” There’s a firm knock at the door, interrupting me.