by Reese Ryan
When he’d been engaged to Sabrina, his parents had planned to retire to their beach house in Galveston and leave management of the ranch to him. Despite the fact that they hadn’t much liked his intended. Not because Sabrina was a bad person. But he and Sabrina were like fire and ice. The moments that were good could be really good. But the moments that weren’t had resulted in tense arguments and angry sex.
His mother, in particular, hadn’t been convinced Sabrina was the girl for him. She’d been right.
A few months before their wedding, Sabrina had called it off. She just couldn’t see herself as a ranch wife. Nor was she willing to sacrifice her well-earned figure to start “popping out babies” to carry on the Bateman name.
He appreciated that she’d had the decency to tell him to his face, well in advance, rather than abandoning him at the altar as Shelby Arthur had done when she’d decided she couldn’t marry Jared Goodman.
At least she’d spared him that humiliation.
Besides, there was a part of him that realized the truth of what she’d said. Maybe some part of him had always understood that he’d asked her to marry him because it felt like the right thing to do.
He’d been with Sabrina longer than he’d stayed in any relationship. For over a year. So when she’d hinted that she didn’t want to waste her time in a relationship that wasn’t going anywhere, he’d popped the question.
Neither he nor Sabrina were the type who bought into the fairy tale of romance. They understood that relationships were an exchange. A series of transactions, sustained over time. Which was why he believed they were a good fit. But they’d both ignored an essential point. They were just too different.
He loved everything about ranch life, and Sabrina was a city girl, through and through.
The truth was that he’d been relieved when Sabrina had canceled the wedding. As if he could breathe, nice, deep, easy breaths, for the first time in months. Still, his parents called off their plans to retire.
Maybe this trip would convince them that he and the Bateman Ranch would be just fine without them.
Ryan stretched and groaned. His muscles, taut from riding in the saddle a good portion of the day, protested as he made his way across the yard toward the house.
Helene Dennis, their longtime house manager, threw open the door and greeted him. “There you are. You look an unholy mess. Take off those boots and don’t get my kitchen floor all dirty. I just mopped.”
Sometimes he wondered if Helene worked for him or if he worked for her. Still, he loved the older woman. She was family.
“All right, all right.” He toed off his boots and kicked them in the corner, patting his arms and legs to dislodge any dust from his clothing before entering the house. “Just don’t shoot.”
Helene playfully punched his arm. “Were you able to round up all of the animals that got loose?”
“Every one of them.” Yawning, he kneaded a stubborn kink in his back. “Fence is fixed, too.”
“Good. Dinner will be ready in about a half an hour. Go ahead and hop in the shower. Oh, and call Tess when you get the chance.”
“Why?” His chest tightened. “Everything okay over at the Noble Spur?”
“Don’t worry.” She gave him a knowing smile that made his cheeks fill with heat. “She’s fine, but her brother is ill. Tess is pretty sure it’s food poisoning. She’s been trying to reach you all day.”
“I was in such a hurry to get out of here this morning, I forgot my phone.”
“I know.” She chuckled softly “I found it in the covers when I made your bed this morning. It’s on your nightstand.”
Managing a tired smile for the woman he loved almost as much as his own mother, he leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Thanks, Helene. I’ll be down for dinner as soon as I can.”
* * *
Ryan dried his hair from the shower and wrapped the towel around his waist. The hot water had felt good sluicing over his tired, aching muscles. So he’d taken a longer shower than he’d intended. And though he was hungry, he was tempted to collapse into bed and forgo dinner.
Sighing wearily, he sat on the bed and picked up his phone to call Tess.
She answered in a couple of rings. “Hey, Rye. How’d it go? Were you able to find all the steer you lost?”
Helene had evidently told her where he was and why he hadn’t been answering his cell phone.
“Yes, we got them all back and the fence is fixed.” He groaned as he reached out to pick up his watch and put it back on. “How’s Tripp? Helene said he got food poisoning.”
“Wow, you sound like you’ve been ridden hard and put away wet.” She laughed. “And yes, my brother’s penchant for late night snacks from suspect eateries finally caught up with him. He looks and feels like hell, but otherwise he’s recovering.”
“Will he be okay for the auction tomorrow?”
“No.” She said the word a little too quickly, then paused a little too long. “He thinks he’ll be fine to go through with it, but I’m chalking that up to illness-induced delusion.”
“Did you tell Alexis she’s a man down?”
“I did.” There was another unusual pause. Like there was something she wanted to say but was hesitant.
Ryan thought for a moment as he rummaged through his drawers for something to put on.
“Ahh...” He dragged his fingers through his damp hair. “Of course. She wants to know if I’ll take Tripp’s place.”
Tessa didn’t respond right away. “Actually, that’s why I was trying so hard to reach you. I thought I might be able to convince you to take Tripp’s place...since it’s for such a good cause. But when I couldn’t reach you, I came up with another option.”
“Which is?” It was like pulling teeth to get Tess to just spit it out. He couldn’t imagine why that would be...unless he wasn’t going to like what she had to say. Uneasiness tightened his gut. “So this other option...are you going to tell me, or should I come over and you can act it out in charades?”
“Smart-ass.” She huffed. “No charades necessary. I’m the other option. I decided to take Tripp’s place in the auction.”
“You do know that it’s women who will be bidding in this auction, right?” Ryan switched to speakerphone, tossed his phone on the bed, then stepped into his briefs. “Anything you need to tell me, Tess?”
“I’m going to give you a pass because I know you’re tired,” she groused. “And we’ve already considered that. If you check your in-box, you’ll see that Alexis sent out an email informing all attendees and everyone else on the mailing list that there is going to be a surprise at the end of the auction, just for the gents.”
“Oh.”
It was the only thing that Ryan could think to say as the realization struck him in the gut like a bull running at full speed. A few days ago, he’d been discomfited by the idea of his friend bidding on one man. Now, there would be who knows how many guys angling for a night with her.
“You sure about this?” He stepped into a pair of well-worn jeans and zipped and buttoned them. “This just doesn’t seem much like you.”
“That’s exactly why I’m doing it.” Her voice was shaky. “It’ll be good for me to venture outside of my comfort zone.”
He donned a long-sleeved T-shirt, neither of them speaking for a moment.
Ryan rubbed his chin and sank on to his mattress. He slipped on a pair of socks. “Look, I know I said I didn’t want to do it, but with Tripp being sick and all, how about I make an exception?”
“You think this is a really bad idea, don’t you?” She choked out the words, her feelings obviously hurt.
“No, that’s not what I’m saying at all.” The last thing he wanted to do was upset his best friend. He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m just saying that it’s really last minute. And because of that, it might take people by surprise, tha
t’s all.”
“I thought of that, too. Alexis and Rachel are positive they can drum up enough interest. But I thought that...just to be safe...it’d be good to have an ace up my sleeve.”
“What kind of an ace?”
“I’m going to give you the money to bid on me, in case no one else does. I know it’ll still look pretty pathetic if my best friend is the only person who bids on me, but that’s a hell of a lot better than hearing crickets when they call my name.”
“You want me to bid on you?” He repeated the words. Not that he hadn’t heard or understood her the first time. He was just processing the idea. Him bidding on his best friend. The two of them going out on a date...
“Yes, but it’ll be my money. And there’s no need for us to actually go on the date. I mean, we can just hang out like usual or something, but it doesn’t have to be a big deal.”
“Sure, I’ll do it. But you don’t need to put up the money. I’m happy to make the donation myself.”
His leg bounced. Despite what his friend believed, Ryan doubted that he’d be the only man there willing to bid on Tessa Noble during her bachelorette auction.
“Thanks, Ryan. I appreciate this.” She sounded relieved. “And remember, you’ll only need to bid on me if no one else does. If nothing else, your bid might prompt someone else to get into the spirit.”
“Got it,” he said gruffly. “You can count on me.”
“I know. Thanks again, Rye.” He could hear the smile in her sweet voice.
“Hey, since Tripp won’t be able to make it...why don’t we ride in together?”
“Actually, I’m going straight to the auction from...somewhere else. But I’ll catch a ride with a friend, so we can ride home together. How’s that?”
“Sounds good.” He couldn’t help the twinge of disappointment he felt at only getting to ride home with her. “I guess I’ll see you there.”
“I’ll be the one with the price tag on her head.” Tessa forced a laugh. “Get some rest, Rye. And take some pain meds. Otherwise, your arm’ll be too sore to lift the auction paddle.”
Her soft laughter was the last thing he heard before the line went dead. Before he could say good-night.
Ryan released a long sigh and slid his feet into his slippers. He didn’t like the idea of Tess putting herself on the auction block for every letch in town to leer at. But she was a grown woman who was capable of making her own decisions.
Regardless of how much he disagreed with them.
Besides, he wasn’t quite sure what it was that made him feel more uneasy. Tess being bid on by other men, or the idea that he might be the man who won her at the end of the night.
Four
Tessa had never been plucked, primped and prodded this much in her entire life.
She’d been waxed in places she didn’t even want to think about and had some kind of wrap that promised to tighten her curves. And the thick head of curls she adored had been straightened and hung in tousled waves around her shoulders. Now Milan Valez, a professional makeup artist, was applying her makeup.
“I thought we were going with a natural look,” Tess objected when the woman opened yet another product and started to apply what had to be a third or fourth layer of goop to her face.
“This is the natural look.” The woman rolled her eyes. “If I had a dime for every client who doesn’t realize that what they’re calling the natural look is actually a full face.” The woman sighed, but her expression softened as she directed Tess to turn her head. “You’re a beautiful woman with gorgeous skin. If you’re not a makeup wearer, I know it feels like a lot. But I’m just using a few tricks to enhance your natural beauty. We’ll make those beautiful eyes pop, bring a little drama to these pouty lips, and highlight your incredible cheekbones. I promise you won’t look too heavily made up. Just trust me.”
Tessa released a quiet sigh and nodded. “I trust you.”
“Good. Now just sit back and relax. Your friends should be here shortly. They’re going to be very pleased, and I think you will, too.” The woman smiled. “Now look up.”
Tessa complied as Milan applied liner beneath her eyes. “You sure I can’t have a little peek?”
“Your friends made me promise. No peeking. And you agreed.” She lifted Tess’s chin. “Don’t worry, honey, you won’t have to wait much longer.”
“Tessa? Oh my God, you look...incredible.” Rachel entered the salon a few minutes later and clapped a hand over her mouth. “I can hardly believe it’s you.”
Alexis nearly slammed into the back of Rachel, who’d made an abrupt stop. She started to complain, but when she saw Tessa, her mouth gaped open, too.
“Tess, you look...stunning. Not that you aren’t always beautiful, but...wow. Just wow.”
“You two are making me seriously self-conscious right now.” Tessa kept her focus on Milan.
“Don’t be,” the woman said emphatically. “Remember what we talked about. I’ve only enhanced what was already there.”
Tessa inhaled deeply and nodded. She ignored the butterflies in her stomach in response to the broad grins and looks of amazement on Alexis’s and Rachel’s faces.
“There, all done.” Milan sat back proudly and grinned. “Honey, you look absolutely beautiful. Ready to see for yourself?”
“Please.” Even as Tessa said it, her hands were trembling, and a knot tightened in her stomach. How could something as simple as looking in the mirror be so fraught with anxiety? It only proved she wasn’t cut out for this whole glamour-girl thing.
Milan slowly turned the chair around and Alexis and Rachel came over to stand closer, both of them bouncing excitedly.
Tessa closed her eyes, took a deep breath and then opened them.
“Oh my God.” She leaned closer to the mirror. “I can hardly believe that’s me.” She sifted her fingers through the dark, silky waves with toffee-colored highlights. “I mean, it looks like me, just...more glamourous.”
“I know, isn’t it incredible? You’re going to be the star of the evening. We need to keep you hidden until you walk across the stage. Really take everyone by surprise.” Rachel grinned in the mirror from behind her.
“Oh, that’s a brilliant idea, Rachel,” Alexis agreed. “It’ll have more impact.”
“This is only the beginning.” Rachel’s grin widened. “Just wait until they get a load of your outfit tonight. Every man in that room’s jaw will hit the floor.”
Tessa took another deep breath, then exhaled as she stared at herself in the mirror. Between her makeover and the daring outfit she’d chosen, there was no way Ryan, or anyone else, would take her for one of the boys.
Her heart raced and her belly fluttered as she anticipated his reaction. She couldn’t wait to see the look of surprise on Ryan’s face.
* * *
Ryan entered the beautiful gardens where The Great Royal Bachelor Auction was being held. Alexis Slade, James Harris and the rest of the committee had gone out of their way to create a festive and beautiful setting for the event. Fragrant wreaths and sprigs of greenery were strung from the pergolas. Two towering trees decorated with gorgeous ornaments dominated the area. Poinsettias, elegant red bows and white lights decorated the space, giving it a glowing, ethereal feel. The garden managed to be both romantic and festive. The kind of setting that almost made you regret not having someone to share the night with.
He sipped his Jack and Coke and glanced around the vicinity. Everyone who was anyone was in attendance. He made his way through the room, mingling with Carter Mackenzie and Shelby Arthur, Matt Galloway and Rachel Kincaid, Austin and Brooke Bradshaw, and all of the other members of the club who’d turned out for the event. Several of the bachelors moved around the space, drumming up anticipation for the auction and doing their best to encourage a bidding frenzy.
But Tessa was nowhere to be found. Had she cha
nged her mind? He was looking forward to hanging out with her tonight, but he’d understand if she’d gotten cold feet. Hell, there was a part of him that was relieved to think that maybe she’d bailed.
Then again, Tess had said she’d be coming from somewhere else. So maybe she was just running late.
He resisted the urge to pull out his cell phone and find out exactly where she was. For once in his life, he’d be patient. Even if it killed him.
“Ryan, it’s good to see you.” James Harris, president of the Texas Cattleman’s Club, shook his hand. “I hate that we couldn’t convince you to be one of our bachelor’s tonight, but I’m glad you joined us just the same.”
“Didn’t see your name on the list of bachelors either.” Ryan smirked, and both men laughed.
“Touché.” James took a gulp of his drink and Ryan did the same.
“Looks like y’all are doing just fine without me.” Ryan gestured to the space. “I wouldn’t have ever imagined this place could look this good.”
“Alexis Slade outdid herself with this whole romantic winter wonderland vibe.” James’s eyes trailed around the space. “To be honest, I wasn’t sure exactly how her vision would come together, but she’s delivered in spades. I’m glad we gave her free rein to execute it as she saw fit.”
“Judging from everyone here’s reaction, you’ve got a hit on your hands.” Ryan raised his glass before finishing the last of his drink.
“Let’s just hope it motivates everyone to dig deep in their pockets tonight.” James patted Ryan on the back. “I’d better go chat with Rose Clayton.” He nodded toward the older woman, who looked stunning in her gown. The touch of gray hair at her temples gleamed in the light. “But I’ll see you around.”
“You bet.” Ryan nodded toward the man as he traversed the space and greeted Rose.
“Ryan, how are you?” Gail Walker took a sip of her drink and grinned. “You look particularly handsome tonight. But I see Alexis still wasn’t able to talk you into joining the list of eligible bachelors.”