“If I remember correctly, I wasn’t a train wreck ten years ago. You should really stop making excuses for her. She’s spoiled and out of control.”
“You were never a train wreck.”
“Look, Dad. I don’t want to re-hash this shit again. Not today. This isn’t the All About Tanya Show. This is my gig. My work. My passion. If you could—”
“Maybe your sister would enjoy a quick trip to Las Vegas this weekend with a few friends?”
Her shoulders slumped forward as a deep sigh filled with gratitude seeped from her lips. She glanced to the side witnessing an unusual site of mute benevolence masking the hard lines of his face.
Carrie Ann smiled appreciatively. “I think she would love a quick trip to Vegas.”
The subject was settled with a small nod from each. Making their way toward the grand foyer, he lifted his palm to the blade of her shoulder, curling his stubby fingers over the top. “I have no doubt the evening will be a success. Proud of you, Carrie Ann. Your mother would be too.”
Growing up, her father passed out compliments sparingly, making each one all that more significant. She wrapped her arm behind his waist, tilting her head against his shoulder. “That means a lot to me.”
Chapter Five
‡
Pops of colorful dresses accentuated a sea of extravagant red gowns and designer black tuxes floating beneath the starry canopy. In a zip code known for its paper thin beauties, Carrie Ann flourished in a full length strapless gown crafted from delicate chiffon. Her regal beauty displayed in the sweetheart neckline and diagonally ruched bodice, making the most of her hourglass shape. She wore her dark locks swept back into a chic and sexy loose French twist.
Luckily, the storm front moving in held off a day, but she had to admit, she loved the tent. Mediterranean chic mixed with Hollywood glam creating a sophisticated cocktail lounge reminiscent of a luxurious retreat. Crystal chandeliers hung from the canopy filling the outdoor ballroom with a warm glow of intimate lighting. Spikes of energy sizzled through the atmosphere. The rush of adrenaline in her veins replaced several months’ worth of tension.
A broad smile never left Carrie Ann’s face. Her hips swayed to the soulful sound of jazz as she mingled through the guests. Jason approached her as if nothing had changed, thankfully. His gaze seemed softer, more relaxed, but he only spent a limited amount of time with her before wandering off to work the room filled with future clients.
As Carrie Ann stepped onto the raised platform at the far end of the pavilion her fingers gently cinched into the folds of her dress. The signature slit at the side of her gown exposing a hint of toned thigh. Crossing the stage, she made eye contact with Shayla, waiting in the wings to be introduced. Sara stood beside her wearing a gorgeous black dress and an irreplaceable grin. It was her assistant’s first big event and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t conceal her excitement.
Nerves fluttered in her tummy. As she reached for the microphone, the drummer of the jazz band gave a soft roll on his cymbal. A hush fell over the crowd.
“Good evening everyone.” Carrie Ann’s face heated with pride and anticipation. Her gaze surfed through the hundreds of faces, not focusing on anyone in particular, simply taking in the moment. “I’d like to thank all of you for coming out to the Have a Heart Foundation’s Fifth Annual Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction.”
The simple introduction earned a roar of fashionable applause.
“We’ve got an amazing evening in store for you. In addition to our smokin’ hot bachelors and sizzling, sexy bachelorettes, we have a room full of silent auction items ranging from surf lessons, to extravagant dinners, to luxurious spa treatments and several vacation getaways. So, make sure to put your bids in there as well.”
Carrie Ann introduced their many sponsors, giving praises for their good charity, receiving another round of applause from the crowd. Shayla joined her on stage wearing a stunning white gown, which earned a cat call from her husband, setting fire to her golden cheeks. Bachelors and bachelorettes paraded across the stage one at a time as Carrie Ann and Shayla took turns describing their best qualities and the date that would go to the highest bidder.
“We each have different reasons for being here tonight.” Carrie Ann curled her fingers over the shell of her ear, pushing back a lose strand of silky hair. “Some of you came to support friends. Others came to have a fun night out.”
“For some of you, it’s the best way to guarantee a date.” Shayla could barely contain her giggles adding her five seconds of comedic relief.
“But most of you are here because you know someone with heart disease. And unfortunately, like myself, some of you have lost someone you hold dear in your life to heart disease. A father. A mother. Perhaps a grandparent or sadly enough even a child.” She sniffed back the burning sensation threatening to spill. “So that being said, in the name of those we love, let’s make tonight’s event one to remember.”
Shayla’s husband, John, approached the stage, asking for the microphone with his long reach. Carrie Ann slipped a coy glance at Shayla. Her only response was a small shrug, before handing over the mic.
“What Carrie Ann is trying to politely say is, we know your heart is in it, but tonight…let’s open up our wallets and kick some ass for heart disease.”
Deafening cheers and applause erupted beneath the canopy, bringing a wry grin to John’s mug as he handed her back the mic.
“I couldn’t have said it better myself. Now, who’s ready to get this party started?”
“Twenty thousand.” A deep raspy voice called out from the back of the room.
A swarm of butterflies set free in her belly. She felt herself blanch, color draining from her face. Fuck! Fuckity-fuck! Her pulse hammered too fast, too hard, watching a pair of well-defined shoulders attached to a headful of sandy blond hair make their way through the crowd.
A cold ache chased through her body causing her to tremble. Carrie Ann attempted to be cognizant of the reaction splashed across her face, but she was slow to react. Countless emotions did a quick stampede through her heart.
Shayla carefully interceded, “See what I mean? I know you’re all excited, but you’ve got to wait for us to announce the first bachelor.”
A pair of whisky-colored eyes, demanded her attention as Summer moved toward the stage. His piercing stare shot straight through her, robbing Carrie Ann of her voice. Her breath caught when she opened her mouth to speak and a shaky laugh, awkward and uncomfortable, slipped from her lips.
She cleared the nerves from her throat. “You’re a little premature. Aren’t you, Ryan?”
Carrie Ann felt Shayla’s chilly fingers on her back, moving back and forth in a comforting fashion and prompting a clear reminder to keep her composure. Summer tipped his head to the side. The glow from the chandelier played over his striking features, casting spiky shadows from his lashes to the top of his cheeks.
“Never,” he taunted. The curve on his lips had nothing to do with a smile. “I’m bidding on you, Carrie Ann. In the name of charity, of course.”
Stunned faces and whispers danced around the quiet room. She looked at Shayla for backup, but her face mirrored Carrie Ann’s. Seconds felt like minutes. Her heart pounded painfully in her chest. Just beyond the side of the stage, Sara nodded hotly in the background. This triggered less than zero response from Carrie Ann. Seconds ticked by. Her assistant’s eyes bulged wide indicating she needed to do something.
“Twenty-five thousand.” Another familiar voice joined in the bidding.