Chumming with a Great White - Charlie Richards Page 0,23

for that.

Nodding his head at Kaiser’s question, Graham admitted, “He said he hasn’t seen anything, but if that changes, he’ll contact me.”

Chapter Eight

Graham made it down the runway without throwing up. He figured that was a good sign.

God, I spent days in dark dripping jungles with the threat of massive spiders and snakes attacking at every turn, not to mention enemies, and I’m stressed out by a bunch of photographers and news people? Ugh!

It didn’t help that those same news people were hollering questions the entire time Eban helped him from the limo and walked him down the aisle.

Graham suddenly missed his cane. He hadn’t needed it for a week, but it would have been nice to wield at a particularly nasty and vulgar reporter. As if he was going to comment on his big man’s dick size.

What the fuck is wrong with people? Asking intrusive questions about other people’s sex lives. Disgusting!

Focusing on getting through the evening, Graham took the bottle of beer from Eban and did his best to pay attention when William introduced him to... whoever they were talking to now.

Shit!

“Do you want to walk through the hall and view the items up for auction?”

While Graham knew Eban asked because it was part of their play to see if his stalker would be around to see him and make a move, Graham actually found himself interested.

“That would be fantastic, Eban.”

Eban took his hand and tucked it into the crook of his elbow. “Come on, my love. I heard there’s a luxury vacation package to the Bahamas available.” He winked. “You know how I love warm ocean waters.” Dipping his head, Eban rumbled into his ear. “It’d make an excellent honeymoon destination.”

Feeling Eban’s warm breath fan over his ear, Graham shivered as his blood heated. Even with his discomfort at the situation that he found himself in, his prick still managed to start to thicken.

“Lead the way, my love,” Graham muttered huskily, then grabbed his champagne flute from where he’d left it on their nearby table and downed the rest of it.

Graham set the flute down on a nearby waiter’s tray, then snagged a second one. He didn’t actually intend to get drunk, and it would take far more than two or three champagne flutes to do the job. Instead, he knew he had to keep up appearances.

If the stalker is around, I want him to think I’m relaxed and vulnerable.

Eban led Graham out of the ballroom and into a massive hall. There were tables set up intermittently along both sides of the wall. Items and pictures were propped up on the tables.

“Let’s see what else we can find,” Eban stated, drawing him toward the nearest table. “Oh, look at that. Emerald cuff links.”

Graham knew Eban feigned interest. Neither of them gave a shit about such things. Still, he hummed in an appreciative way, hoping he pulled off his role.

For the next forty minutes, Graham and Eban moseyed down the hall and looked at the different items up for silent auction. They didn’t bother bidding on anything. As far as Graham was concerned—and he could tell Eban didn’t care either—art, clothing, jewelry, and most vacation packages weren’t of interest to either of them.

Graham did notice Eban pausing a little longer before the Bahama package he’d mentioned.

When dinner was called, Eban guided him back into the dining hall. They found their table and took their chairs next to William and John. Fortunately, the beta of the pod was damn down to earth, and easily made small talk... with everyone at the table. He drew people in with amusing tales of what happened at the park and funny anecdotes.

Graham even laughed a few times. He ate his food and managed to chat a little with the others at the table. A couple thanked him for his service, while another pair ignored him completely.

Whatever.

Spotting the time on the clock—the silent auction was just about coming to a close—Graham whispered, “I need to hit the head. I’ll be right back.”

Eban smirked up at him, playing along. “Need company?”

Shaking his head, Graham gave him a fond smile. “You’re incorrigible.”

“Only for you, handsome.”

Rising from his seat, Graham squeezed his lover’s shoulder, then made his way out of the ballroom. According to the schedule, there would be announcements thanking contributors shortly. Then they would tell who’d won what.

Graham hurried to the silent auction table he wanted and took in the half-full silent auction bidding bowl on the table. While he wasn’t rich by any means,