Free A Private Affair by Dara Girard Page B

biscuits?”
    “Can I change my mind?” Carissa asked, uneasy by how Sara had ignored her question.
    “You don’t get a second chance at this so I wouldn’t suggest it.”
    “I don’t think—”
    “This isn’t hard and it will be fun. Let me help you, it’s what I do.” Sara beamed at her. “You could call it a specialty.”
    “But who are you?”
    “An Associate. I told you.”
    Carissa held the side of her head. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
    “I know, isn’t it great? Let’s look at your package.”
    “Package?”
    Sara frowned. “Wait…that sounded wrong, right?” She playfully slapped Carissa on the shoulder. “Thank God you’re not a man or that would have been really awkward. I meant your membership kit. It’s on the table over there. I’ll join you with the biscuits in a second.”
    Carissa walked over to the box sitting on her side table. I must have lost my mind filling out that application. What am I going to do now? She sat on her couch wondering what to do next.
    “Open it,” Sara said setting the plate of biscuits down on the coffee table then taking a seat beside her.
    Carissa opened the box and found a membership card. “Put this in your purse right away. Better yet.” She snatched it and ran over to grab Carissa’s handbag. “I’ll do it for you.”
    “I really don’t think—”
    She flopped back down beside her. “What else is in there?”
    Carissa looked inside the box and saw a paper titled ‘Instructions’, three pairs of stockings and a red garter belt.
    Carissa held up the garter belt and stared at it. “I don’t think I’m a ready for this.”
    Sara grabbed the garter belt and swung it around her finger. “You’re going to be ready a lot sooner than you think. Not many ladies get the garter belt set.”
    Carissa picked up a pair of stockings. “I’m not sure I want to know what that means.”
    “Consider it an honor,” Sara said putting the garter belt away. “Not everyone gets a garter or someone like me to help them.”
    “Why me?”
    “Some special cases need more ‘hands on’ services.”
    Carissa set the stockings down and gaped at her. “I’m a special case? Why am I a special case?”
    Sara just grinned. “You ask a lot of questions. They’ll get answered, just not yet. We don’t have a lot of time, which is the real reason I’m here. We have to get you ready for the auction.”
    “Auction?” Carissa said not sure she’d heard right.
    “Yes, the bachelorette auction you signed up for. You’re a participant.”
    Panic suddenly gripped her. “I didn’t sign up to be part of a bachelorette auction.”
    Sara smiled. “Yes, you did.”
    Carissa shook her head. “No, I didn’t.”
    Sara’s smile grew. “Yes. You did.”
     
     

Chapter Nine
     
    “Just try it on,” Sara said holding up a red, low cut dress. She’d convinced Carissa to go shopping after telling her there was nothing in her closet that would suit and having her repeat the Society oath twice.
    “This is ridiculous,” Carissa said taking the dress and studying it. “What if nobody bids?”
    “Why wouldn’t they bid? You should see your profile.”
    Carissa widened her eyes. “You already posted a profile?”
    “Of course. We had to pull a lot of strings to make this happen on such short notice. How else would you have been a participant? I’m sure you’re going to make a lot of money.”
    “I shouldn’t have let you talk me into this. I shouldn’t have filled out that stupid application to join the society. I shouldn’t have—”
    “You’re not going to regret this. You wanted to shake up your routine, remember? This is your chance. You could meet your match. Now go try this on.” Sara pushed her into one of dressing rooms.
    “I doubt it,” Carissa mumbled disappearing inside.
    “Plus, you’re raising money for a good cause.”
    Carissa rolled her eyes and put on the dress. Minutes later she emerged and held out her arms. “Slutty