Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 61851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
“Exactly. At least—” Claire stopped abruptly as they came around the corner, belatedly realizing that they weren’t alone. “Oh, hey . . . hi, Jessica.”
Jessica didn’t miss the way the other woman gave her formfitting gown a flagrant once-over, her quick sneer intended to make Jessica doubt herself. But even Claire couldn’t put a dent in how confident Jessica felt in the sexy gown she’d designed—one that accentuated her breasts and hips and made her feel like a million bucks. Like she’d thought earlier, she had come a long way since high school.
“Hi, Claire. Peyton,” Jessica replied, not bothering to turn around, though she could see both women behind her in the mirror.
“I don’t suppose the two of you are going to our ten-year reunion next month?” Claire asked, knowing that they’d most likely overheard the conversation she’d just had with Peyton. Before Jessica or Avery could reply, Claire waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, you’re probably not going. I know you don’t have the greatest high school memories.”
The other woman’s tone was sugary sweet. As if she felt bad, when in reality, Claire was the reason for their crappy experience. While most people might have grown up in the past ten years and apologized for their behavior, Claire wasn’t that person. She still wore that air of superiority like a designer dress.
Jessica dropped her lipstick into her purse, snapped it shut, and finally turned around. “Actually, I have no desire to go. I have nothing to prove to our classmates.” Unlike you, she wanted to add, but knew it was implied, considering Claire was trying to shore up her appearance by winning Derek tonight. “Besides, I already keep in touch with anyone who matters to me.”
Claire’s eyes flashed with something akin to anger. “Or maybe you don’t want to go, knowing that Derek, your teenage crush, will be there with me?” Her expression turned smug.
Unfortunately, Claire knew Jessica’s secrets. Like most young girls, she’d made the mistake of writing her thoughts and dreams in a notebook, including her infatuation with Derek—which Claire had stolen and used to embarrass her—in school and on social media. It was no shock that Claire would use the dig now as an attempt to divert them from the fact that they’d just overheard Claire’s plan to buy Derek. So if he did go to the reunion with her, it wouldn’t be of his own free will.
At least that knowledge gave Jessica a small bit of pleasure.
Ignoring the snide remark, Jessica kept her composure and gave Claire a tight smile. “No matter who you end up going with, I’m sure you’ll have a great time.”
She and Avery walked out of the lounge, and Jessica didn’t realize just how tense she was until Avery touched her arm and said, “Take a deep breath. You’re better than her. We both are and you proved that in there.”
Jessica did as her friend suggested and pulled in a long breath, then let it out slowly.
“And just for the record,” Avery said, “Claire doesn’t have to be the one to win Derek tonight.”
Jessica blinked, letting that thought settle inside her, but ultimately, she shook her head. “Nope.” Snagging another glass of champagne from a passing tray, she squared her shoulders as they walked toward the staging area where the auction would be held. “I’m not going to stoop to her level and get into a bidding war over a man.”
What did they say about famous last words?
Chapter Two
Derek Bettencourt glanced around the ballroom, preparing himself for the inevitable auction that would start soon. He was surrounded by at least one hundred guests who’d attended the charity gala to support Aurora Dare’s event, and it didn’t escape his notice that many of them were wealthy single women hoping to win a three-day weekend with a well-off bachelor from the upcoming Most Eligible Bachelors of New York City event.
And he was one of the suckers about to be put on display.
When the after-dinner musicians left the stage and a few people started rearranging things to prepare for the auction, Derek turned his head and mock-glared at his sister, Nikki, who was responsible for getting him into this situation.
“I can’t believe you talked me into this,” he said, growing more uncomfortable as the bidding time neared. “Or should I say pressured?”
Nikki smiled sweetly, looking stunning in a shimmering beige gown that emphasized her modelesque figure. “You know you can’t resist me.”
She spoke the truth. His sister was young and beautiful and knew how to wrap him, and her new fiancé, Asher Dare, around her finger. Yeah, Derek would do just about anything for Nikki, just to see her happy after everything she’d been through lately, though Asher was doing a fine job of that these days.
His sister absolutely glowed—which made it easier for Derek to accept that Asher—who was twelve years older than Nikki—had made a move on his sister. Considering his friend had put a ring on Nikki’s finger and both of them looked annoyingly smitten with one another, it was difficult to hold that lapse in judgment against his friend.