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Her hand covered mine.
"I'm sorry."
I squeezed her hand. "Thanks, but I don't want to dwell on the past. Not with the auction tomorrow."
She looked like she wanted to argue, but I wasn't willing to let my hang ups get in the way of what we really needed to focus on.
"How can I help?" I asked.
Chapter 23
Eve
Bradyhadbeenamazing,assisting me all afternoon with final auction details. The rest of the council and Ivan had joined us for setup Saturday morning. We scrambled, but managed to get all of the decorations in place and everything ready in time for the doors to open at five. Looking around the auditorium, I had to admit, at least to myself, that we'd done a good job. There wasn't much we could do about the aging theater seats, but we'd dropped the lighting and festooned the walls with paper snowflakes. The hall outside with the silent auction tables looked like a veritable blizzard. We'd painstakingly hung snowflakes from the ceiling at assorted heights, giving the impression of falling snow. Crisp white tablecloths covered the ancient laminate folding tables, transforming them from serviceable but ugly into something more dignified.
Brady dropped a quick kiss on my cheek. "I'm going to go change at home. I'll be right back."
"Thanks for everything today," I said, smiling into his warm brown eyes.
He winked. "Make it up to me by bidding high tonight, okay?"
It was on the tip of my tongue to mention that I couldn't bid, at least not directly, but Ivan interrupted us.
"Ceremonial sacrifices are due back here at 4:45, right?"
Izzy elbowed him, but judging from the way Ivan didn't even flinch, I doubted there was much oomph behind it.
"That's right," I said easily. "I'll announce each bachelor and play auctioneer at 6:00, but we want you to mingle with the guests beforehand and drum up interest in your packages."
"Heh. I've always had ample interest in my package." Ivan wiggled his brows, and I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my grin when Izzy elbowed him again.
After locking up with the key Brady had given me, I rushed home, sliding on the dress I'd picked out for the occasion.
At once demure and suggestive, I hadn't been able to resist when I saw it online. The black fabric had the sheen of leather or PVC but was made with apple leather. It hugged every curve, plunging at the neck and buttoning up the front. The midi length was perfect with boots, which were a necessity for winter in Campfire. I plucked my darkest plum lip color and smoky shadow from my makeup stash, applying them swiftly and stepping back to review the results. I pouted, admiring myself from different angles. The deep shades looked dramatic, and I felt hot. More than a match for Brady's formal attire. I couldn't wait to see him in a tux. He and the other bachelors had driven to Spokane for their rentals. None of them had much use for formal wear in Campfire, but for tonight they'd gone all out. I shivered, anticipating the fun Brady and I would have peeling him out of his formalwear after the auction.
My doorbell buzzed, and I grabbed my black clutch and jacket, hurrying downstairs to meet Brady.
"You look…"
I struck a pose, enjoying every second of his speechless response.
He looked amazing. I was used to Brady in a suit. Seeing him dressed up was nothing new. But the tux fit him like a glove, emphasizing his broad shoulders, and the unrelieved black made him appear dark and mysterious.
He advanced toward me, his brown eyes promising naughty delights if only I stayed still. I hovered in my doorway, trembling under the force of his gaze. Brady extended his index finger, tracing the neckline of my gown, sending flutters arrowing toward my belly with his gentle stroke.
"Magnificent," he finally finished, admiration clear in his gaze.
I cleared my throat, willing myself to break the spell.
"You too," I said, my voice hoarse.
His eyes darkened at the sign that I was as turned on as he was, and he swayed closer. I arched, giving him access, as he nuzzled my neck. Brady's large hands cupped my hips, pulling me closer with a fierce jerk that sent a secret shiver of delight through me. I wanted nothing more than to pull him upstairs and help him out of that beautiful tux.
My phone buzzed in my clutch, an unwelcome reminder of the outside world and my responsibilities.
"That's my alarm," I murmured, searching for the strength to pull away long enough to silence it before it escalated to the annoying trill synonymous with me attempting to arrive on time for once.
"Saved by the bell," he murmured, pulling back with a grimace. "I hate to say it, but Eve Standard Time is growing on me."
