Free Bachelor's Bait by Mari Carr Page B

that side of the bar.” Sophie pointed to her right.
    The original plan had always been to hold the auction at Books and Brew. Sophie had thought it would be good PR for the store and the initial intent was for a more intimate event. However, now that the charity had changed and the need to make lots of money for the center was hanging over Sophie’s head, she regretted offering up the smaller space. Unfortunately there wasn’t time to find a larger venue, given the short timeframe.
    Her friends—God bless them—had agreed they’d clear out as much space as needed, vowing they’d make the auction a success.
    “Is this the cousin who lives in Seattle?” Jayne asked.
    Sophie nodded. “Yep. I’m taking a little road trip tomorrow. Borrowing Casey’s truck to pick up all the stuff. I’ll be gone most of the day. Actually, between now and the auction, I’m not sure how much help I’ll be around the bar.”
    Stephanie threw her a quick wave of the hand. “We can cover for you. We’re closing the day before and of the auction anyway to set stuff up. If the cleanup looks too daunting, we’ll close the day after too, so don’t worry about it. We’re good to go on this.”
    Jordan agreed. “Yep. No problem. I’ve been meaning to tell you how great I think it is that you’re working so hard to save the community center. I love that place. It would be hard to picture this city without it.”
    “I think you’re brave to stand up to your dad,” Jayne chimed in.
    “Brave nothing,” Stephanie said with a big grin. “Our social butterfly is turning into queen of the ball-busters. I have to admit I prefer this new you.”
    “Yeah right. Well, don’t be too impressed. Inside, I’m a nervous wreck. What if we don’t make enough money?”
    Jordan glanced over when one of the two male customers waved for their attention. “You will. Gabe was talking about it last night. He said if anyone could do it, you could.” Jordan walked over to grab the men’s empty glasses and nodded when they asked for another round.
    Sophie took a deep breath and smiled.
    Positive thinking. That was all she needed. A little positive thinking.
    The auction would be a success.
    They’d raise the needed money for the center.
    She’d show her father that personal is always better than business.
    And she’d forget all about Marc Garrett.
    Hopefully.
    * * * * *
     
    The night of the auction arrived far too quickly for Sophie. Marc had called exactly twice since the last time they’d seen each other, both times to check in about the progress on the fundraiser. His tone had been casual and friendly, but he’d made no mention of seeing her. Instead, he’d talked about how busy he was with the trial and how sorry he was he couldn’t help more as she planned the event. It was like listening to herself whenever a guy failed to get the hint that she wasn’t interested.
    Fuck him was becoming her standard line. Anytime she felt depressed about his rejection, she just took a deep breath and said, “Fuck him.”
    “Who are we fucking?” Jordan asked.
    Sophie grinned. “No one. Unfortunately.”
    “Speak for yourself.” Jordan was the current poster child for sexually-active-and-loving-every-second-of-it women everywhere. It made Sophie want to scratch her drowsy, I-was-up-all-night-screwing-two-hot-guys eyes out.
    “Bitch.”
    Jordan laughed and continued arranging the chairs in rows.
    Sophie had just finished stringing a line of lights around the stage when Marc walked in. As one of the night’s eligible bachelors, he was dressed to the nines in a tuxedo. Sophie tried to ignore the parts of her body that stood up and took notice of how fucking hot he looked.
    More than once, she’d wondered if he was putting distance between them as a way of keeping his options open for tonight. “Asshole,” she muttered, praying she could summon the strength to play it cool.
    Marc waved to her from the front door then made a beeline for the