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I take a deep breath when they call my number and introduce me.Why am I doing this again?To support the community and the charity, right?It’s all very noble of me, but I didn’t exactly think things through when I said yes.I’ll walk onto that stage in a few seconds, and men will start bidding on me.Shit.Maybe I should turn back?
I glance over my shoulder, and Sloane gives me an encouraging nod.I walk to the front of the stage on shaky legs and smile.The crowd applauds, and Benson, Sloane’s brother and co-owner of the bar, immediately starts the bidding process.
“Let’s start the bidding at one hundred dollars,” he says.
A few hands fly up, and before I can blink twice, the bids have already reached one thousand dollars.One thousand dollars!For me!I’m a bit baffled.
Then, a man steps forward, his face contorted into a scowl.“Three thousand dollars,” he calls.
I can’t believe my eyes.Is Grizz bidding on me?Outbidding all the others?
“Four thousand,” someone else calls.
Holy shit.They’re actually fighting for me?
“Wow, we’ve got some determined bachelors in the room, all vying for a chance to go on a date with the lovely Hannah here.Once for four thousand—”
“No, ten thousand,” Grizz says, gritting his teeth.
Everyone in the room gasps.Ten thousand dollars for a date with me?Is he that rich?Not to mention willing to spend that amount on me after our heated discussion yesterday?
Benson calls the final bid at ten thousand dollars.I’m befuddled.
“This is going great, everyone.Thanks again for helping us raise much-needed funding for The Ridge Wildlife and Rehabilitation Center.Next up is number eight,” Benson starts, but whatever he says next doesn’t reach my ears.All I can do is stare at Grizz.
Sloane beckons me to please get off the stage and make room for the next person.
I stumble down the steps toward Grizz.“Are you sure you want to be spending ten thousand dollars on a girl you hate?”
He arches an eyebrow.“I don’t hate you, Hannah.I just think you’ve got the wrong idea about Bearclaw Ridge, and I’m going to set things straight.Trust me, when I’m done with you, you won’t want to pour an inch of concrete in our town.”
“This is about the land for Mountain Majesty Resorts?”I ask, a pinch of disappointment running through my body.
He only sees this as a business transaction and a way to stop me from making a positive recommendation about the plot of land to my boss.He’s not interested in me as a person.I should’ve known.
“Partly,” he says, to my surprise.“I’ll try to make you change your mind, yes, but I will also hold up my end of the deal, and that means taking you on an amazing date.”
I give him a forced smile.“Don’t feel obligated to take me on a date, Grizz.I know you don’t like me.”
His jaw ticks.“We’re going on a date, Hannah.And that’s that.”
Chapter Four
Grizz
I’m relieved I had the winning bid on Hannah, even though it cost me ten thousand dollars I don’t have.I’ll have to figure out a way to find the money, but it was all worth it.At least now, I’ve got a real shot at trying to change her thoughts about recommending Bearclaw Ridge as the new hotspot for those fucking luxury lodges.
Sure, I could’ve started a petition and gone from door to door to get signatures from the locals, but that kind of thing takes time we can’t afford.As soon as Hannah’s boss signs those papers, protesting the case won’t be as easy.
I have an entire day planned for her, and I’m going to end with a bang.Not a literal one, although I wouldn’t be opposed to it.No matter how angry she made me when we first met, I still can’t get her gorgeous smile and luscious curves out of my mind.Not to mention her feistiness.I believe she was sent here for a reason, even though I realize that sounds like something Oprah would say.I just choose not to believe she’s only here to destroy the town’s nature.Surely fate can’t be that cruel.
When I arrive at The Ridge Wildlife and Rehabilitation Center, Hannah is already waiting for me in the parking lot.I offered to pick her up at her hotel, but she told me she didn’t want any favors.
I get out of my car and walk over to her.“Hi.”
“Good morning, Grizz.”
She looks nervous, even though she has nothing to be worried about.I’m not about to start another heated argument with her.
