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.
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 changed 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
