Escape With Me (Love With Me 1)

“Did you even get one?” Brianna shot back. Lorna just rolled her eyes.

“He's not listed on the auction page,” Janessa assured Cassie. “They do it every year. All the single socialites and local celebrities put themselves up for a date. Last year, we even had that actor from the vampire show. He got a ton of money.”

“The blond one or the really tall one?” Brianna asked, leaning forward. “Because if it's the blond one, I will use my life savings.” She paused and then grinned. “Well, to be honest, I will use my life savings for either one of them. They are so good looking.”

The conversation between Janessa and Brianna on the workings of their favorite vampire show took over the table. It was light and easy, with a shallowness that was easy to navigate. Cassie was glad she didn't have to hold up the conversation.

As much fun as getting dressed up was, this wasn't her thing. She wasn't a high-society kind of person. She

would much rather be curled up on the couch with Wyatt watching reruns of the Twilight Zone. She had a feeling he would rather be on the couch as well.

“You doing anything interesting this weekend, Cassie?” Lorna asked. She smiled, looking almost innocent. Unfortunately, Brianna and Janessa were deep in conversation, leaving Lorna with only Cassie to talk to.

“Um, just staying in. Wyatt and I are planning on trying a new restaurant tomorrow,” she replied. “He says it will be super romantic. Then we'll just go back to his place. Like we have been all week. It's fabulous.”

Cassie knew it was shallow. She knew she was being petty, but she didn't care. She wanted to rub it in Lorna's face that Wyatt was with Cassie.

“How lucky for you.” Lorna's sour face turned away, and the conversation thankfully was over.

The lights dimmed, and Olive came out on the stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” she announced. “It's time to begin the auction.”

A drum-roll filled the ballroom as guests hurried to their seats. Lights flashed and the stage filled with swirling lights. Stage smoke rolled across the floor, and Wyatt stepped out, looking like he was made for TV lights and being the center of attention.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it's a pleasure to have you,” Wyatt said into the microphone. He walked casually across the stage, smiling and handsome. “We're about to auction off some very exciting dates. If you're single and looking to mingle, or even if you just want a chance to talk business, here's your opportunity. All proceeds will be going to the House For Home charity, so be generous and brave with your bids.”

Lorna sat with her lip between her teeth and fawning up at the stage. Cassie knew the same look was on her face. Wyatt held the stage wonderfully. He was a natural, even though Cassie knew he would rather not be the center of attention.

Cassie didn't bid on anyone. She didn't need to. Brianna put in a bid for a date with a professional football player but was quickly outbid. Lorna only bid once, and not very much. It made Cassie slightly nervous that the money and status hungry woman wasn't throwing dollar bills up on that stage to get dates. It seemed like it would be the perfect opportunity, yet Lorna wasn't taking it.

“And that's our last date,” Wyatt announced. “I'd like to thank everyone for their generous bids, and the bachelors and bachelorettes for the donation of their time.”

Olive walked out on stage and took the microphone from Wyatt.

“Can I get a hand for our emcee, Wyatt Landers?” She held open her arms to loud applause. She waited for it to die down. “But, I'm afraid Mr. Landers is incorrect. We have one more date to auction off.”

Confusion filled Wyatt's face as he looked down at his notes. It was apparent he didn't see any more names listed for auction.

“For our last date, we'll be auctioning off a night with the recently returned billionaire, Wyatt Landers!” Olive announced. The crowd went wild. Lorna looked ecstatic.

Surprise flooded Wyatt's features. Cassie could clearly see him mouthing “no” to Olive, but she just pressed on, ignoring his unhappy reaction.

“Do you want to know where Wyatt Landers has been hiding out the past few years? Ask him as he takes you to Sur la Table, where the chef will prepare a romantic dinner for just the two of you. It can't get more romantic and intimate than this, folks. Bidding starts at two thousand dollars.”

Time moved in slow motion. The bids were far more than she could afford. Even if she cashed out her 401K and took out credit card loans, she couldn't afford the prices people were shouting out.

“I have twenty-eight thousand dollars,” Olive called out. “Going once... going twice...”

“Thirty thousand,” Lorna called out, standing up. Her voice shook slightly.

Olive beamed on stage. “The record bid for our auction is twenty-eight thousand, five hundred and I now have thirty thousand! Going once... Going twice...”

Cassie closed her eyes, wishing this moment could end. Wyatt looked panicked up on stage. Brianna squeezed Cassie's hand under the table.

But there was nothing she could do. She didn't have anywhere close to thirty grand. Especially not to drop on a single date. Cassie thought she might throw up.

“Sold!”