Total pages in book: 154
Estimated words: 148473 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 742(@200wpm)___ 594(@250wpm)___ 495(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 148473 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 742(@200wpm)___ 594(@250wpm)___ 495(@300wpm)
On the eve of the Total Teamwork debut, it’d be a terrible stain on Asher’s rep if he was embroiled in a messy lie of a fake romance with someone who’s only using him for clout—especially since that someone has a dubious history of her own. With animals, no less!
“I can already see the posts spinning out of control before we have a chance to stop them,” I say.
“It could be a real mess,” Beckett agrees. He lets out a long, annoyed breath as Everly talks up date packages that include concerts, cooking classes with gourmet chefs, and an art and culture day touring the best museums and galleries in San Francisco.
I picture Snake Girl gallivanting around the city with my friend, then tossing photos online, claiming they’re together. Then Asher would have to say they’re not together, and she would no doubt throw some sort of online fit.
Frustration boils up inside me. I have to do something. There are still a few more minutes for me to pull Everly aside somehow. Tell her what I heard. Ask her to refuse Snake Girl’s bid, maybe.
It could work. Stranger things have happened.
“Next up, we have a date with the formidable and fun Alexei Volkov,” Everly says, as Beckett whispers something to Reina only. “Who’s ready to take a shot at an unforgettable evening? The bidding begins at twenty thousand dollars.”
When the first paddle lifts, I don’t wait another second. “I’m going to find someone backstage. Maybe Everly’s assistant,” I tell Beckett, pushing up in my chair, ready to jet off, to fly past my friend Leighton, who’s freelancing here tonight, snapping pictures of the event for the team.
Setting a hand on my shoulder, he keeps me in place. “No, you’re not.”
“Why not? We can’t let this happen. How else can I stop it?” I implore him.
If I can go hunting in libraries for cell service for me, I will damn well finagle my way backstage for my friend.
But as a pair of women vie for Alexei, a clever smile spreads across my brother’s face. He strokes his chin, looking like he’s got the world at his fingertips. “The money does go to a good cause. These are all causes that I support, anyway. My accountant said it was time to make a charitable donation.”
“But you’re launching your own charity,” I point out.
“Yeah, and I like these causes too.”
I connect the dots and breathe the biggest sigh of relief, wrapping an arm around him. “I knew you’d come through and do it.”
But he shakes his head, his smile turning downright wicked. “I’m not going to outbid her,” he says. “You are.”
4
MY BROTHER’S MONEY
Maeve
Fifteen minutes later, I’m on the edge of my seat as Everly begins the bidding on the last man standing.
“And now, for our final hockey player of the evening, we have a date with none other than Asher Callahan. You’ve heard all about our auction superstar. He’s gone for the highest amount the last two years. Let’s see if he can make it a hat trick.”
Asher grins, then leans closer to her mic, his trademark charm radiating across the whole ballroom as he says, “And I’ve already had two on the ice this season.”
Everly laughs. “Then this ought to be easy. Like a straight shot to the net.” She pauses and turns back to the audience, all business. “Bidding starts at fifty thousand dollars. Who’s ready to take home the night of a lifetime?”
Snake Girl doesn’t bat an eye. From her seat, a row over, she casually lifts her paddle like it’s nothing. She’s seated next to a freckled redhead. Must be the woman she was talking to in the ladies’ room.
My stomach churns with nerves but also excitement. Playing with Monopoly money is like riding a death-defying, daring roller coaster. It’s terrifying and thrilling all at once.
“Are you sure?” I ask Beckett one more time.
“Save our friend,” he says with a crisp nod.
Doesn’t have to tell me twice.
I lift the paddle I never thought I would lift. But I am not cool. I am not calm. I have zero chill as I shout, “Fifty-five thousand.”
On stage, Asher blinks. It’s the play he didn’t see coming. His green eyes lock with mine and questions flash across them. Like where did you get fifty-five thousand dollars? And aren’t you the girl with the ripped bodice who can barely make her rent?
I flash a knowing smile his way, then a take that one in the direction of my competition.
Buckle up, Snake Girl. This woman does not back down.
Without missing a beat, Miranda raises her paddle again, her voice dripping with smugness. “Sixty thousand.”
My heart pounds, but I refuse to let anyone see me sweat. I glance at Beckett, who gives me a subtle nod. I lift the paddle higher, my voice steady now, but my insides shaking. “Seventy thousand.”