Craven Cove Royalty (Craven Cove)

“I’ll write a damn check myself then.”

“We talked about this.” He levels Apollo with a stare, and Apollo doesn't look the least bit intimidated, and his hold on me tightens.

“No, you talked.” I shift from foot to foot because this is getting awkward.

There’s a silent beat between them, and I feel his chest deflate.

“I’ll do it,” Apollo bites out.

“I’ll see you downstairs.” Mr. Crew steps back and shuts the door behind him.

It doesn't go unnoticed that he didn’t introduce himself to me, or that Apollo didn't introduce me to him. I’m not sure what to make of that or the conversation they had.

“What auction?” I ask, but I’m sure it’s exactly what it sounds like.

“I agreed forever ago to be a part of a bachelor auction. Only high schoolers can bid, but whoever wins I have to take to prom.” His jaw ticks, and my stomach drops.

“Oh.” I try to pull away from him, but again he doesn't let me go.

“You’re going to bid on me.”

“What?” I shake my head no. “I mean, I wish I could, but I don’t have money for that.” I hate the feeling I get inside saying that out loud to him. I don’t think Apollo has ever had to give money a thought for a moment in his life.

“I’m going to cover it.”

“I can’t do that.” I keep shaking my head no.

“Celeste, you have to. For me, please.” He smiles shyly, and his eyes are pleading. “I don’t want to go to prom with anyone but you.”

“Isn’t prom forever away?” It’s only the first week of the school year.

“I’m always thinking ahead.”

I’m not sure he realizes what a luxury that is, and it’s one I don’t have. I don’t know how it’s possible with how tight he’s holding me, but with each second, distance grows between us. At least for me it does.

“You’ll bid for me?” he pushes.

I hesitate for only a moment before I nod. “Yes.” Even if I’m not sure how Apollo and I could ever work, it would kill me to see him out on a date with another girl. “What if it gets crazy? Is there a limit or something?”

“No limit. Not when it comes to us.”

He takes my face in his big hands before he leans down and kisses me. I can still taste my release on his lips, and I kind of love the idea of him going downstairs with me still on him. That’s when I stop trying to get away from him and melt into his embrace. When he kisses me, I forget everything around us.

“We've gotta get down there. You’re standing way too damn close to my bed. If we don’t go now, we won’t be leaving my bedroom for the rest of the night.”

“Let’s do this,” I agree as I bounce on my toes a little.

He takes my hand and leads me back downstairs and then outside. We make our way to the big top and the stage in the middle. I try not to fidget, with all the long looks we get from people. Apollo keeps me close to him and I know that’s why they are staring. All those stupid insecurities start to rise up inside of me. It doesn't help that I’m underdressed. I wish I could be more like my mom and not give a shit. I wonder if that’s something that comes with age.

Apollo stops at a table, getting me a paddle so I can bid. He glances around the room, and I try to follow his line of sight to see what he’s looking for.

“What’s up?” I ask.

“I’m trying to find someone I’m okay with leaving you with.” His eyebrows furrow together, and an adorably frustrated look crosses his face.

“You know I can be left alone, right?” I laugh.

“So someone can come hit on you?” He gives me a look like I’ve lost my mind or something.

“No one—”

“They will. Trust me,” he says, cutting me off. “You have no idea how beautiful you are.” That leaves me speechless.

“I’ll go stand with my mom.” I motion over to where I see her near the stage.

“That might work.”

I fight another laugh as he leads me over to her and then introduces himself properly. He hasn’t run into her again since she caught us making out. After that, he kisses me on the cheek and darts off toward the stage. Half a second later, his father is stepping to the front of the stage with a mic in his hands.

“You’re bidding?” Mom asks, seeing the paddle in my hand. I give her the abbreviated version of what went down in Apollo’s room, obviously leaving out the dirty stuff.

After I’m finished, her eyes search my face looking for something.

“His father is making him do the auction after he said he’s with you?” Her lips purse, something she does when she’s annoyed. “Did he say anything to you?” she asks.