“Let the bidding begin!” I announce, bringing the attention back to why we’re here and not on what Crane is likely doing with Liza right now. I hope he doesn’t rip that dress.

“Right.” The mayor shakes her head and has Erica come up first. Liza was supposed to go first. I worried that a lot might not bid in hopes of getting a date with her, so I thought it best for her to go first so bids would get spread out.

Erica steps forward, and the auction begins. I really should have put myself second. I hadn’t accounted for having to stand on the stage this long. If it’s a speech or conference, I’m more than comfortable to take center stage to do my job. This, however, feels like I’m on display. I suppose that’s because I am. I mean men are bidding money on us.

My eyes roam over the crowd when I get the sensation someone is staring right at me. I try to shake it because of course people are staring. That’s the whole point, but this feels different.

I let out a small gasp under my breath when my eyes lock with Marco’s. He’s standing at the very back. His arms folded over his broad chest. He’s not staring at me. He’s glaring.

He looks different than normal. He doesn’t have a flannel or plain black or white shirt on. He’s in a buttoned-up shirt tonight. It’s a soft blue. It only makes his dark blue eyes seem even darker like the deepest depths of the ocean.

“Eve.”

“What?” I jerk my attention from Marco. I can’t help but wonder why in the hell he’s here. Is he with someone? Why else would he be here unless a girlfriend pulled him out? That would mean he’s dating a person from town. How is that information not all over the place? I’m always up to date on town gossip. Really, it’s part of my job to know the tea in case the Mayor needs the heads-up about something. I’ve obviously failed on this one.

“Can you step forward?” The mayor motions with her eyes for me to get my butt moving.

“Oh.” I go to the center of the stage, my face flushing. How many times had she called my name? Half the girls are already gone from the stage. Jeez, how long was I in a staring contest with Marco? I shouldn’t be surprised that I got lost in those gorgeous eyes of his. Now I’m making it a point to look anywhere but at him.

“We’ll start the bidding at—”

A deep voice from the back of the room cuts the mayor off. “Five thousand.”

This time, my gasp is loud as my eyes fly back to Marco’s. He did not just bid on me. Did he? That was his voice. I may not have heard it a ton, but I could never forget the deep, husky sound of it.

“Well, then.” The mayor laughs. “I don’t think any of us saw that coming, Marco. The lovely Eve is all yours.” She bangs her gavel before my brain can even process what just happened. The sound echoes in my ears.