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Maybe because it’s in my makeup? As a quarterback, I have to assess situations all day long on the football field. Read the coverage and make split-second decisions.
That has to be it. That really has to be it. I apply those QB tactics as I replay the night, reviewing it like game video on a Monday morning.
I was dared. I responded. I threw down.
This surge in my pulse? This prickle at the back of my neck? That’s just adrenaline from a wild night. Dares send blood rushing through your body. Just like a good, tight game jacks your pulse.
That’s all. No biggie.
Whew. With that resolved, I expect the angel to pop back up on my shoulder any second, so I return all my focus to Reese, who’s holding a tablet and flashing me a smile. “So, I put you down for one hundred grand split among the three charities we’re focused on tonight—animal rescue, LGBTQ youth homelessness, and cleaning up the oceans,” she says, in a confirmation of what just went down onstage.
When I threw down one hundred thousand dollars in front of everyone for a date with one of my closest friends.
I must really dig dares, because I didn’t know I had the cojones to go that big.
“That sounds perfect, Reese,” I confirm, trying my best to stay in the moment rather than ask myself any more questions.
“Great. What an unexpected surprise to end the night. Color me shocked,” she says.
That makes two of us.
“But a total delight,” She types quickly on her tablet, then shoots Tanner a smile. “And you continue to be the top man.”
Ah, hell.
Don’t think of him topping. Don’t think of topping him. Don’t think of sex, you dog.
“Thanks, Reese. I’m just glad we raised so much,” Tanner says, and he sounds as steady and certain as he looks.
I’m the only one freaking the fuck out.
“Me too,” she says, then lets out a long and satisfied sigh. “So why don’t you two make plans for that date? Something fun, something you like to do.”
Like blow jobs?
Stop, stop, stop.
“And then take a pic on the date,” she adds.
Well, I’m not taking a pic of blow jobs.
“Will do,” Tanner says, handling the awkwardness with ease. How the hell is he pulling this off?
Oh, right. Because he’s smooth as butter, thanks to ten great years in the majors.
Meanwhile, my mind’s bombarding me with too many questions. Like when a bloodthirsty defensive line is swarming me, I scramble to get out of bounds. “Cool. I’ll, um, catch you tomorrow and we’ll make plans,” I mumble to my friend.
Reese lifts a not-so-fast finger. “Actually, I’ve already asked Tanner to talk to a reporter, and since you bid on him, I can have the two of you chat together. There’s an empty room down the hall, so we don’t have to worry about foot traffic.”
Foot traffic is the least of my worries.
I gulp, then follow Reese like a good dog, but I really feel like a lost puppy.
When we reach Trish in a small conference room, I’m hoping I don’t look as clueless as I feel.
I do my best to slap on a game face as she chatters about how great the auction was while her camera woman adjusts the shot.
Then, Trish looks expectantly at both of us. We’re standing a few feet apart. Reese is off to the side of the room.
With a patient smile, Trish says, “Just scoot a little closer, please.”
I move an inch. Tanner moves several.
“Closer. I need you both in the same shot.”
And I need to not smell that woodsy aftershave. That cedar scent is working some kind of magical charm on me. Like dirty magic.
Maybe I can just hold my breath. I step closer, and the angel has officially taken a vacation. It’s just the devil and me here with my buddy, the media, and a PR woman.
Great. Just great.
“Perfect,” Trish begins, pleased with the puppy now. “Guys, what an exciting night. That was the most anyone’s bid before in the players’ auction. Congratulations, Tanner, on being the most valuable…prize.”
He laughs lightly, his humble laugh. “Thanks, Trish. It sure was fun.”
Fun? How about fuck all confusing? Like why the hell am I trying to catch a whiff of my friend’s aftershave? Why am I suddenly…liking it so much?
Trish’s gaze shifts to me. “And Luke, tell us what motivated you up there to surprise everyone with that bid?”
Um, cedar? Don’t believe me? Just step right up and smell his neck. You’ll probably lose your mind too.
“Oh, you know…it was just such a great opportunity…to, um, donate to a good cause,” I say, or shit, did I stammer?
That’s not good.
But neither is and my buddies dared me, because then I’ll sound like some kind of jackass dude bro.
No one likes dude bros except, well, dude bros.
I’ve got to do better. “Since it was my first time hosting the auction,” I say, starting over, “I just wanted to do my part.”
