Next up: Lisa’s co-worker, Raoul. Where the hell did she get these guys? Another crazy dance tune blasted and Raoul did his thing. The room was alive with yells, whistles, clapping, and finally after some raucous bidding, Raoul was scooped up by Cloe. Paige nodded as Cloe walked by toward the bar smiling.
A few more guys came out, one by one, and they strutted their stuff. Paige’s mouth felt dry and she moved through the crowd to the bar. Oh god, she needed a drink. Just as she put a dry martini to her lips, the music struck up You Can’t Touch This. As Kent stepped into the spotlight, he seemed to glide across the stage doing some sort of crazy robot thing. The audience was screaming. The whole scene became surreal. The auctioneer mentioned Kent was a former Marine, and the women cheered louder. The bidding was ferocious. Melanie, Amanda, and Sasha wanted him. Apparently, they’d brought their lives’ savings tonight.
Paige swallowed the martini and nibbled an olive as she listened to the bids rise. The music died down and there was a palpable tension in the room. The gavel dropped when the auctioneer heard Sasha’s bid -- $2,500. No one tried to outbid her. Paige closed her eyes, not wanting to watch Sasha as she marched toward the stage with a smug smile. Sasha, being Sasha, stepped right up onto the stage and seized the moment to plant a big kiss on Kent’s handsome face. Oh god, why did it have to be Sasha? Paige turned away.
For the next hour, Paige had to play hostess to hundreds of people who were either getting drunk or leaving with their auction treasures. She noticed Sasha stayed for a while at the bar with the other women. When Paige heard Sasha loudly announce drinks were on her, the other females and bachelors decided to stay for a nightcap. Feeling like Cinderella, Paige scanned the crowd for Lisa and they tapped their appointed volunteers for clean-up.
Paige caught a glimpse of Kent as he stood at the bar with the others. He wasn’t hers. Never was. Paige kept telling herself not to glance toward the bar as laughter filled that corner of the room. She knew, eventually, she’d have to say goodnight to them. She took a deep breath and moved on with her chores, signing slips for vendors who donated, doing the things that needed to be done. Even though the event was a huge success, all the while, she felt a strange emptiness inside.
Finally, she got a moment to step into the restroom. Thank goodness, it was empty. She entered a stall and closed the door. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she took a deep breath. Stop. You’re making a fool of yourself. After crying for a few minutes, she exited the privacy of the stall and stood at the sink, splashing cold water on her face. Just as she started to brush her hair, Sasha pushed the door open and her entourage followed her in.
“Ah, there you are, Paige! We’ve been looking all over the place for you. Thank you, dahling…this was amazing.”
“Yes. Great idea, Paige!” the others chimed in.
“Wasn’t my idea, exactly. It was Lisa’s.”
“Well, we need to thank her, too!” Sasha called from the stall. When she emerged, she spent ten minutes reapplying her lipstick and tucking and fussing with every inch of her glamorous body. But, she turned and patted Paige on the head as one would a well-behaved child.
“Ta-ta dahling. I’ll let you know how he is in bed. Our date is set for tomorrow night. See you around. I’m in town for a few days doing a shoot at the cove for a new line. We must have lunch.”
Paige gave Sasha a meek little smile. Their relationship hadn’t changed much since grammar school. Sasha was the alpha chick and Paige – well, she was just one of Sasha’s many groveling minions. Sasha was always exciting, living a life filled with travel and celebrities, and Paige enjoyed hearing every detail for some weird reason. But, tonight was different. Paige felt as if she was starving and Sasha had just snatched the last morsel of food from her plate, and laughed as she did so.
Paige followed her friends out to the bar where the bachelors waited. Kent’s eyes met hers and he waved her over.
“I hope you raised a boatload of money.” He seemed nervous.
“Yeah, we haven’t gotten the final numbers yet, but it’s way more than we anticipated. You were the big payday – you guys – the luxury dinner dates. Ha! Fancy that!”
“Amazing what desperate women will do with their money!” Sasha bellowed from behind Kent. Paige noticed her claws were already on him. That $300 manicure was tracing over his muscled form beneath the linen suit, and Paige could almost see Sasha salivating.
Surprising Paige, Kent leaned toward her and whispered.
“I’ll text you…”
“No, you won’t have time for that, my dear.” Sasha said loudly, and everyone laughed.
Paige knew it was true. She’d heard every detail about Sasha’s escapades with men – she had a reputation for being demanding in the bedroom. Poor Kent had no idea what he was in for, and Paige felt a bit guilty. But, what was done was done. No stopping this now.
As the women and men left the building, Paige waved goodbye. Lisa was on cloud nine with the results, but Paige didn’t feel like celebrating.
“I’m exhausted, Lisa. Talk tomorrow, okay?”
“Sure.” Lisa grabbed a few items and walked toward the door, then paused. “Hey – you okay?”
CHAPTER 10
Kent sent many texts to Paige over the course of the next 24 hours, but only a short reply came back. He didn’t know her well enough to assume she was trying to brush him off. He wondered if there was something he did the night of the auction to offend her. He wracked his brain trying to remember. While his mind was in turmoil, he brought the hedge trimmers over to Paige’s property and cleaned it up. He noticed things were really overgrown. No one had paid attention to her landscaping for a long time. He’d love to take care of her garden and everything else in her life. If only she’d let him.
Her young son appeared as Kent was getting ready to head to the hardware store.
“Hey, thanks for doing this.”
“Sure. You’re welcome.”
“So, that blonde chick got you for the date, huh?”
“Yes. I’m sure it’ll just be dinner and a kiss goodnight. You know, the standard thing.” Kent couldn’t believe he was having this discussion with a kid who just turned eight.
“Where’re you going now?”
“To the store. I’m trying to match that paint right there.” Kent pointed. “Any chance you have the paint can here?”
Justin ran into the garage and came out with the container.
“This is it.”
“Great. Thanks.”
“Hey, why are you doing this?”
“Because…it needs to be done. Look at the paint here. It’s all worn away and the wood’s gonna rot.”
“No. I mean why are you so nice to us?”
“I’ve sort of been out of practice lately – you know – I don’t have a job or anything.” Kent started.
“Yes. I know you were wounded. Gramps told me. But, I noticed the first time I saw you. It doesn’t matter, you know. You’re smart and can do a lot of things. My father never got hurt like you and he never did the stuff you do for my mom and me.” Justin’s face was sincere. “I want to help you paint. Can I? Will you show me what to do?”
Stunned by the boy’s blunt honesty, Kent acquiesced.
“Well, I’ll get two brushes and we can do it together. How’s that?”
“Yeah. Thanks.”
Thirty minutes later, Kent pulled the Cadillac into his grandfather’s driveway and stashed the paint and supplies onto an old red wagon. He pulled it down to Paige’s house where Justin waited with a glass of lemonade for him. Thoughtful.
After a couple of hours of sanding and sweeping, Kent stirred the ivory paint in the can, thinking it looked like Paige’s skin, soft, smooth and flawless. He’d replayed that one night over and over in his mind.
For the next four hours, Justin and Kent painted. They talked and laughed and wiped drips with a rag. Justin insisted on making a sign that said Wet Paint, and Kent tied it up above the railing.
/> “Where’s your mom?”
“She’s cleaning the inn at the cove with Lisa.”
“You think she’ll be surprised when she comes home?”
“Oh yeah – this porch looks great! The yard does, too. Thanks, Kent.”
Kent shook the little man’s hand and hooked Thor on his leash for a walk. The two strolled through the neighborhood as the dinner hour approached. Kent filled the dog’s bowl with fresh cold water from the hose, lingering a little longer – hoping to catch Paige when she got home. But, she didn’t show up. Her sister, Sadie, did however.
“Hey. How are you guys? Wow, nice paint job!” Sadie blurted as she got out of her car. “Come on, Justin. You’re with me tonight.”
“Can I take Thor with me?”
“Sure. Get his dog food. And lock the door when you come out.”
Justin disappeared through the front door as Kent packed up the wagon with paint and supplies, then started to walk away.
“This looks terrific. You guys did a great job. Thanks for doing this. I was supposed to be here earlier, but got delayed in traffic. Your grandfather offered to watch Justin until I got here, but I can see you’ve got everything under control.”
Kent smiled as Sadie extended her hand in gratitude. He thought Sadie bore little resemblance to Paige, but was sweet and kind in her demeanor, just like her.
As Kent walked back to Gramps’ house, he watched as Sadie drove away with Justin and Thor. She beeped and Justin waved to him.
He most certainly needed a shower and shave. He planned to wear the same linen suit for the luxury date. He glanced at his watch nervously. Sasha had told him the limo would pick him up at 7:00 PM. He wondered if she would be in it. Gramps was standing in the doorway.
“You’ve gotta get pretty for that gal who won the date with you. Jeez, you’re a sorry looking mess right now, I’d say.”
“Thanks, Gramps. I’m hitting the shower.”
“Put some of that good smelling stuff on, too. You know, it drives women wild.”
“I don’t think I need much of that for Sasha.”
“Okay, I guess…” Gramps ran his hand through his sparse gray hair.
Many things were going through Kent’s mind while he was in the shower. For starters, he wished he was getting into a limo with Paige. But, she was busy and he had an obligation to wine and dine Sasha. Ah, what the hell, she was pretty and all of that. He might even have a good time. He tried to keep a positive attitude, but something about Sasha reminded him of someone else he knew, although, he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.
Kent McCabe slid into the black leather seat of the limo when it arrived and Sasha gave the driver instructions. As she leaned back in the seat next to him, Sasha placed her long fingers on his knee. Since she’d won him at the auction, he knew he was hers for the evening. That was the deal. The only way out he had was if either became ill or if one of them got injured in any way. A few tempting ideas ran through his mind, but he dismissed them, knowing it would be weaseling out of a promise.
“Tonight – will be fun getting to know one another. You’re a soldier, yes?” Kent loved her voice with a slight accent, was it Russian? She seemed nice.
“Yes, a marine.”
“Ah, you are a fighting man.”
“Yes, ma’am. I fought.”
For a moment, Kent realized Sasha didn’t know he had a prosthetic and shuddered at the thought of her seeing him without clothing. The way she touched him, the realization of being naked with her seeped into his mind and suddenly became an uncomfortable possibility.
“Dahling, I heard you say you’d text Paige. Is she a friend of yours? How did you meet her?”
“We just met, actually. I’ve been visiting my grandfather here in town. I love Maine, especially in summer. Paige lives nearby. She knows Gramps.”
“Ah, yes. So, what did you do in the marines?”
“Infantry, ma’am.”
“Did you kill the enemy?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Ah, I love men who are handsome and not afraid of anything.”
When her hand moved onto Kent’s knee, he swallowed hard. Thank god it was his right knee. The way she placed her hand there, he got the feeling she owned him. He felt the limo lurch to a stop and Sasha’s hand retreated. The driver was at the door helping her out. Kent exited the vehicle noticing the odor of her heavy perfume. It was the type of smell that made him want to sneeze.
“What’s that scent you’re wearing?”
“Floral Feline – you like it?” Sasha’s smile was emphasized with deep red lipstick. It might be the same shade as Sheila’s, and for a moment he imagined it might never come off his skin if she laid her lips on him.
“Um, yes. It’s very nice.” Kent uttered. He hated her perfume, and her lipstick and the condescending way she spoke to the driver. Suddenly, he realized she had attributes eerily similar to his step-mother. He’d just driven 200 miles to get away from Sheila and now he was on a date with her younger twin.
Sasha’s finger beckoned him, as one would a small child.
“Come, dahling – you must be tired. I’ll make you feel better.”
The hotel was the best on the coast, perched atop a cliff with a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. Kent stood near the elevator with Sasha as they watched her driver wheel baggage into it. He had an urge to help the guy after he transported the ninth or tenth piece, he had lost count. At this late hour, riding the glass elevator to the top floor, Kent noticed the lights on the beach had dimmed and the sound of the waves crashing below couldn’t be heard in the insulated tube.
After its long ascent, the elevator opened into a marbled entry with beautiful sconces and a mirror. Kent watched as the driver wheeled luggage into Sasha’s side of the space and she removed the wrap covering her tan shoulders. The whole top floor was an enormous suite with adjoining bedrooms – all part of the date package. He stepped onto the marble floor and managed a smile. Sasha eyed him as a wolf would a small prey animal. He wondered if she was contemplating how she’d play with him before pouncing. Gooseflesh covered his upper body. He didn’t like the feeling he was getting. He wiped the sweat from his palms on the perfect linen pants. His mouth felt dry as his eyes took in the plush penthouse where he’d spend the night with Sasha.
A woman in a black and white uniform appeared in the living room.
“All set, madam.” French accent.
“You can leave.” Sasha dismissed the woman waving her hand. Kent noticed she slipped her some money. Then, she handed the driver a note.
“Remember, I have a shoot at 9:00 AM and cannot be late.”
She swiveled from the driver to Kent.
“I’ll be modeling beachwear early, so you’ll be free to go right after breakfast… lucky you.”
Kent wondered if the look of relief showed on his face. He managed a smile and tried to avoid Sasha’s stare. But her eyes didn’t linger on him for long. Her iPhone vibrated and she became immersed in her digital world. But within a few seconds, she slipped it into her handbag.
“Oh look, a bottle of Champagne – would you pour me a glass?” Sasha’s eyes met his and he expertly twisted the cork until it popped. Without spilling a drop, Kent managed to pour two glasses and put the bottle back into the crushed ice.
Sasha held the glass in her fingers, “Oh how I love the bubbles! You’ve opened Champagne before, I can tell. You have strong fingers.”
Kent smiled and raised his glass.
“Here’s to a pleasant evening.”
“Yes, pleasant – as in pleasurable, pleasing.” Her laugh echoed.
The two sipped in unison and Kent noticed Sasha’s eyes scanning his face. She seemed to be studying him, gauging his acceptance of her, or was it more than that? After another glass of Champagne, she seemed ready to move on.
“Ready for a delicious dinner?” Sasha smiled.
She looked just like the photos he’d seen of her on magazine covers.
She wore too much make-up, was adorned head-to-toe in everything designer, but nonetheless quite pretty. Five years older than him, Sasha seemed to be a woman of the world, literally. Kent imagined how many guys sat across from her like this, dazzled by her beauty. But, he wasn’t impressed, just a little shocked and dismayed that the girl inside wasn’t as lovely as the one on the outside.
Kent had no idea what restaurant was serving them tonight.
“Um, sure…what’s the name of that place? I couldn’t pronounce it.”
“Médard Gérin-Lajoie.” She pursed her lips and said it perfectly.
“Yes, that’s the one.”
Kent stood and they rode the elevator down to the lobby. He felt Sasha’s eyes follow him.
“Ah, your suit is wrinkled.” She ran her hand over the linen. As far as Kent was concerned, linen was impossible to wear without getting wrinkled – that’s what gave it the appearance of being linen. He felt himself flex involuntarily as she touched him.
“There, that looks better. Ah, you have nice muscles, Kent.”
“Thanks.” Kent tried to smile, but it didn’t matter. Her attention was now taken with her own reflection in the lobby mirrors. She fussed and primped, even though there wasn’t a hair out of place.
Finally, by 8:00 PM they were settled at the restaurant, after Sasha explained she wanted a private corner booth. She ordered caviar and oysters right away. He thought she was a bit brash with the waiter. But her demands were met immediately and the items were served in an expedient manner.
“Come on – have a bite.”
“I’m saving my appetite for the meal.” Kent repressed a gag reflex. He wasn’t sure if it was the smell of the oysters, the caviar, or her perfume.
Sasha left her cell phone on the table and glanced at it every so often.
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