Second Dive (Kings of the Water #3) - Jasmin Miller Page 0,4

the crowd. His bidding goes on for what feels like hours, but I’m unable to tell who won with so many people—mostly women—having pushed closer for a good look.

Just like I haven’t been able to see where my mystery woman has gone.

I was hoping to talk to her some more after Daisy barged in on our conversation. I don’t even know her name, but it seems like I will get my chance now after all. Unless seeing her win my bid was a mirage of wishful thinking on my part.

There was something about her, something that drew me in. It doesn’t surprise me that I found her in the crowd, yet I’m surprised how eager I suddenly am to go on our “date.”

I haven’t felt like that for years.

A woman—Debbie, according to her name tag—comes up to me and explains the reservations at different restaurants for the winners and that mine will take place next Saturday at Skates On The Bay, down by the marina. The highest bidder was already informed and will meet me there at six o’clock.

Debbie gives me a look that I think means I’m excused, but I’m not ready to leave just yet. “What’s the winner’s name?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Winters. I can’t disclose that. I think she’s trying to maintain the secrecy, which sounds like you’re in for a fun night.”

Although Debbie’s words are polite, I sense that she’s not really wanting to spend time educating a swimmer on the etiquette of bachelor auctions.

It’s times like these that I need Hunter. He knows how to put the flirty on. “It will be a little strange turning up at the restaurant not knowing who will be there to meet me, don’t you think, Debbie?”

She chuckles. “I hear you, and I’m sorry, but she asked if we could keep her name confidential at this moment. Actually, she was quite specific about it.”

What the hell? Debbie smiles a sheepish smile and apologizes again. I can’t be mad at her. It’s for charity, Winters.

After I say goodbye, I spot my sister across the room and hurry through the crowd to get to her, grabbing her arm gently before she can disappear again. “Look who we’ve got here.”

Her eyes go wide. “Oh hey. You looked great up there, and your auction went super well. Congratulations.”

What a bunch of horse shit.

The mask is hiding most of her face, but I’m ninety-nine percent sure her right eyebrow is doing that traitorous twitchy thing it always does when she’s nervous or when she lies.

I point my thumb to the side of the expansive room that offers more privacy. Her shoulders slump and she sighs dramatically.

When we’re away from prying eyes and ears, I face her. “Want to tell me what the hell you were thinking signing me up for this bachelor auction? I’d have happily written an extra check instead of standing up there.”

She blows a long breath through her lips. “I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable. But you’ve been so lonely lately, and I wanted to help.”

I scowl at her. “Why on earth would you think I’m lonely?”

“Noah, you’re hanging out with the boys and me more than usual.” Daisy takes a step closer and touches my arm, her voice lower than before. Soothing.

My mouth opens but she holds up a finger.

“Let me finish. We all love you. Mason and Alex say you’re their best friend—the best uncle—in the whole wide world, and I appreciate your support so much since Daniel and I divorced. But if you spend all of your time with us, how are you ever going to find someone special?”

I cross my arms over my chest. “I don’t need anyone special.”

“I think you do though, and I think you know it too.” Her voice is so gentle, I hate it.

Because I’m not looking for anyone.

I don’t want anyone.

I don’t need anyone.

I haven’t needed anyone.

Not since that night ten years ago.

Three

Chloe

“He won’t know what hit him.” My mom’s mouth curves into what can only be called an indulgent mother’s smile as she stares back at me in the mirror—unapologetically blind and sweetly optimistic.

But she’s right about the fact that Noah won’t know what hit him. It just won’t be the way she thinks it’s going to go down.

I see it in her eyes, in the spark that’s inescapable when I lock gazes with her. She’s a believer in happily ever afters and second chances.

This time for me.

I’m a believer too, just not for me.

As of right

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