Reese Ryan - His Until Midnight

“Did you tell Alexis she’s a man down?”

“I did.” There was another unusual pause. Like there was something she wanted to say but was hesitant.

Ryan thought for a moment as he rummaged through his drawers for something to put on.

“Ahh...” He dragged his fingers through his damp hair. “Of course. She wants to know if I’ll take Tripp’s place.”

Tessa didn’t respond right away. “Actually, that’s why I was trying so hard to reach you. I thought I might be able to convince you to take Tripp’s place...since it’s for such a good cause. But when I couldn’t reach you, I came up with another option.”

“Which is?” It was like pulling teeth to get Tess to just spit it out. He couldn’t imagine why that would be...unless he wasn’t going to like what she had to say. Uneasiness tightened his gut. “So this other option...are you going to tell me, or should I come over and you can act it out in charades?”

“Smart-ass.” She huffed. “No charades necessary. I’m the other option. I decided to take Tripp’s place in the auction.”

“You do know that it’s women who will be bidding in this auction, right?” Ryan switched to speakerphone, tossed his phone on the bed, then stepped into his briefs. “Anything you need to tell me, Tess?”

“I’m going to give you a pass because I know you’re tired,” she groused. “And we’ve already considered that. If you check your in-box, you’ll see that Alexis sent out an email informing all attendees and everyone else on the mailing list that there is going to be a surprise at the end of the auction, just for the gents.”

“Oh.”

It was the only thing that Ryan could think to say as the realization struck him in the gut like a bull running at full speed. A few days ago, he’d been discomfited by the idea of his friend bidding on one man. Now, there would be who knows how many guys angling for a night with her.

“You sure about this?” He stepped into a pair of well-worn jeans and zipped and buttoned them. “This just doesn’t seem much like you.”

“That’s exactly why I’m doing it.” Her voice was shaky. “It’ll be good for me to venture outside of my comfort zone.”

He donned a long-sleeved T-shirt, neither of them speaking for a moment.

Ryan rubbed his chin and sank on to his mattress. He slipped on a pair of socks. “Look, I know I said I didn’t want to do it, but with Tripp being sick and all, how about I make an exception?”

“You think this is a really bad idea, don’t you?” She choked out the words, her feelings obviously hurt.

“No, that’s not what I’m saying at all.” The last thing he wanted to do was upset his best friend. He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m just saying that it’s really last minute. And because of that, it might take people by surprise, that’s all.”

“I thought of that, too. Alexis and Rachel are positive they can drum up enough interest. But I thought that...just to be safe...it’d be good to have an ace up my sleeve.”

“What kind of an ace?”

“I’m going to give you the money to bid on me, in case no one else does. I know it’ll still look pretty pathetic if my best friend is the only person who bids on me, but that’s a hell of a lot better than hearing crickets when they call my name.”

“You want me to bid on you?” He repeated the words. Not that he hadn’t heard or understood her the first time. He was just processing the idea. Him bidding on his best friend. The two of them going out on a date...

“Yes, but it’ll be my money. And there’s no need for us to actually go on the date. I mean, we can just hang out like usual or something, but it doesn’t have to be a big deal.”

“Sure, I’ll do it. But you don’t need to put up the money. I’m happy to make the donation myself.”

His leg bounced. Despite what his friend believed, Ryan doubted that he’d be the only man there willing to bid on Tessa Noble during her bachelorette auction.

“Thanks, Ryan. I appreciate this.” She sounded relieved. “And remember, you’ll only need to bid on me if no one else does. If nothing else, your bid might prompt someone else to get into the spirit.”

“Got it,” he said gruffly. “You can count on me.”

“I know. Thanks again, Rye.” He could hear the smile in her sweet voice.

“Hey, since Tripp won’t be able to make it...why don’t we ride in together?”

“Actually, I’m going straight to the auction from...somewhere else. But I’ll catch a ride with a friend, so we can ride home together. How’s that?”

“Sounds good.” He couldn’t help the twinge of disappointment he felt at only getting to ride home with her. “I guess I’ll see you there.”

“I’ll be the one with the price tag on her head.” Tessa forced a laugh. “Get some rest, Rye. And take some pain meds. Otherwise, your arm’ll be too sore to lift the auction paddle.”

Her soft laughter was the last thing he heard before the line went dead. Before he could say good-night.

Ryan released a long sigh and slid his feet into his slippers. He didn’t like the idea of Tess putting herself on the auction block for every letch in town to leer at. But she was a grown woman who was capable of making her own decisions.

Regardless of how much he disagreed with them.

Besides, he wasn’t quite sure what it was that made him feel more uneasy. Tess being bid on by other men, or the idea that he might be the man who won her at the end of the night.

Four

Tessa had never been plucked, primped and prodded this much in her entire life.

She’d been waxed in places she didn’t even want to think about and had some kind of wrap that promised to tighten her curves. And the thick head of curls she adored had been straightened and hung in tousled waves around her shoulders. Now Milan Valez, a professional makeup artist, was applying her makeup.

“I thought we were going with a natural look,” Tess objected when the woman opened yet another product and started to apply what had to be a third or fourth layer of goop to her face.

“This is the natural look.” The woman rolled her eyes. “If I had a dime for every client who doesn’t realize that what they’re calling the natural look is actually a full face.” The woman sighed, but her expression softened as she directed Tess to turn her head. “You’re a beautiful woman with gorgeous skin. If you’re not a makeup wearer, I know it feels like a lot. But I’m just using a few tricks to enhance your natural beauty. We’ll make those beautiful eyes pop, bring a little drama to these pouty lips, and highlight your incredible cheekbones. I promise you won’t look too heavily made up. Just trust me.”

Tessa released a quiet sigh and nodded. “I trust you.”

“Good. Now just sit back and relax. Your friends should be here shortly. They’re going to be very pleased, and I think you will, too.” The woman smiled. “Now look up.”

Tessa complied as Milan applied liner beneath her eyes. “You sure I can’t have a little peek?”

“Your friends made me promise. No peeking. And you agreed.” She lifted Tess’s chin. “Don’t worry, honey, you won’t have to wait much longer.”

“Tessa? Oh my God, you look...incredible.” Rachel entered the salon a few minutes later and clapped a hand over her mouth. “I can hardly believe it’s you.”

Alexis nearly slammed into the back of Rachel, who’d made an abrupt stop. She started to complain, but when she saw Tessa, her mouth gaped open, too.

“Tess, you look...stunning. Not that you aren’t always beautiful, but...wow. Just wow.”

“You two are making me seriously self-conscious right now.” Tessa kept her focus on Milan.