“As we’ve been discussingthese last few weeks, the Grand Lake Library is hosting a fundraiser and the Slade brewery is providing all the drinks, but we also had another idea . . .” Milly, Trent and Tyler’s cousin, pauses briefly for emphasis before arching her arms in a rainbow, “a bachelor auction!” she says with a big grin.
A few people chuckle in confusion, but most agree it’s a great idea, especially since the theme of the fundraiser is “Nights in New Orleans.”
“I think it’s a fantastic idea and I can tell you with absolute assurance that it would be a huge hit on social media,” I chime in.
“That’s perfect, because I think we could really get some big donors from Denver and Boulder if we get the word out that some of the Slade men will be on the auction block.” She bounces her eyebrows at Trent.
“Don’t look at me, ‘cause there’s not a chance in hell, but I can guarantee some of the others will gladly do it.”
“Brook, would you be willing to put some feelers out to the guys?” Milly asks, and I agree.
We conclude our meeting and I get a chance to chat with Milly for a few. This is the first time I’ve met her in person, and she’s just as lovely as she is on the phone. Her short brown bob is styled with blunt bangs that highlight her bright blue eyes. She explains how she fits into the Slade family—her dad Colton being the eldest of the Slade brothers. We promise to catch up over coffee so she can show me around Grand Lake the next time I’m in town.
I walk down the hallway to Trent’s office and poke my head inside. “So what are your thoughts on this auction? Think it’ll be a success?”
“Yeah, I do. I just won’t be on the chopping block,” he laughs. “I’m sure Ranger and Decker will gladly do it, along with my cousins Axle and Aiden.”
I lean against the doorway and chew my lip, questioning my next suggestion. “Think Tyler will do it?”
That makes him laugh even harder. “Not a chance in hell, but it can’t hurt to ask him. Honestly, you should ask him, because I want to hear his response.”
I walk back to my office and pull my phone out of my pocket. I think about sending him a text but figure it would be easier to convince him on the phone, so I give him a call. It rings several times before going to voicemail.
“Hey Tyler, it’s Brook. I had a quick question—er, favor—to ask. The Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce is doing a fundraiser for the library and they suggested a bachelor auction. So I volunteered you as one of the bachelors. Give me call back to discuss.”
I hang up the phone and let out a shaky breath. You know what they say: It’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission.
Let’s just hope Tyler Slade is forgiving and willing to sell his sexy ass on an auction block. Then a tinge of jealousy creeps in and sours my stomach at the thought of a dozen other women bidding to take him out on a date.
Shit. What did I just do?