6. Lewis

6

LEWIS

I couldn't believe that tonight was the 25th annual Liberty Hope Hospital charity fundraiser. I mean it doesn't seem two minutes since the last huge event that drew all the locals in from our small town of Hope Springs, but also friends and family that supported us from out of town, too. The room was dressed to impress—with luxury thick red silk draped on the surrounding walls, and large chandeliers from the ceilings. Scattered across the room large circular dining tables formed the main layout, whereas the stage at the far end of the room easily pulled in the whole room's attention. Though, you couldn't miss the sparkling gems lighting up the room as the spotlights bounced off them throughout the evening. If I was honest the event had given me a focus over the last few weeks after discovering Alexander was my new cardiologist. The moment I laid eyes on him when I saw him sitting in that chair in the consultant room, in that fitted dark black shirt and tight black pants, with his stethoscope dangling from his neck and white lab coat on, I was lost in a whirlwind of emotions. My mind just couldn't stop replaying how, even though, the night before was dirty, raw and in all honesty fucked up, I still wanted more of him. He'd entranced me.

Somehow, he'd cast a spell over me making me want him in every possible way, and in that moment seeing he was my new heart consultant, made the world collide and instantly burn to ash. I couldn't turn off the way his woody aftershave assaulted my nose, or the way he tried so hard to keep his voice at one octave, but the moment his control snapped it jumped up two. My cock twitched at the taboo thought, knowing that this man couldn't be anything to me anymore—even though I would give the last breath I took to have a chance for him to be in my life again.

I know if anyone else knew my thoughts they'd probably commit me saying that I'd lost my mind, and I'd openly welcome the silence if it eased the shattered heart within my body.

At least the guys surrounding me, constantly on my back the last few weeks with the plans for tonight's event, had kept me busy enough that I was certain no one had noticed that something wasn't exactly right with me. Eli and Kellan had managed to get some of the guys from The North Avenue Live to even show up and throw some donations toward the cause. I'd spotted Finn and Callum in the crowd already saying their hellos to Bree and Garrett, before turning my attention to Hardin and Anthony as they caught up with Remmy. It seemed like everyone was having a great time, immediately falling back into old times together.

I'd even heard a rumor that there was going to be a blind mystery bachelor auction tonight. I wonder who they managed to get to sign up for that.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, can I ask for you all to take your seats please?" the hospital CEO announced over the microphone at the front of the room as voices started to hush and feet started to shuffle quickly as everyone tried to find their seats. I found my name on the table situated at the back of the room and glanced around at the people surrounding me. "We're about to start the main event—our mystery blind date auction. Please write any bids on the slips of paper situated on your table with the mystery bachelor's number on, and don't forget to leave your contact number before placing it into the red box in the center of the room. You get an hour to do this. A member of the Hope Liberty Hospital charity team will contact you before the end of the evening to let you know if you won your date with your mystery man, or not," she announced excitedly as people began to clap. "Remember all proceeds will be going to support our hospital, so every penny bid is truly appreciated," she remarked. "Happy bidding all."

I leaned back in my chair and rolled the pen over my knuckles, back and forth, whilst bachelor after bachelor had key facts announced about each of them. They were guided out, blindfolded, to a chair and lined up on the stage by Kennedy. I didn't realize she was part of the charity team as my respect for her intensified. I scoured the guys all sitting down in the lineup and my gaze locked instantly on bachelor number nine. I don't know why, or for what reason, his key facts were basic all surrounding his family, and also the fact he was a twin and gay. Nothing rang out to me on who it could be, but I was still drawn to him, immediately.

Maybe, just maybe I thought.

As hard as it could be, could this mystery guy be the distraction I so desperately needed? He could be the guy to help me move forward, or at least help me focus on something new and bright, rather than the thoughts of him all the time. For maybe a minute I'd considered getting a different doctor, but I quickly changed my mind knowing deep down however wrong it was, that I wanted my secret connection to remain with him. I wanted to at least lock away the moments when he touched and examined me at each follow-up visit. I knew it was against my normal character, but since the heart transplant, I'd been trying to live each day by the moment, rather than being locked away and scared of my actions. I reached for the piece of paper and let my eyes gaze one more time over the mystery man who'd caught my attention and scribbled down a figure that I may regret if it's the largest in the room… but you only live once, right?

A tap to my shoulder, caused me quickly to cover my hand over my bid as I glanced to my left and saw the smirked expression of Eli.

"Add a zero to that bid," he said in a low tone. "It's for charity and you need this," Eli whispered. "Just trust me, okay?"

"B… But…," I gasped at the prospect of what he was saying. "I can't… I just…" I continued spluttering my words out, unable to pull myself together as Eli knocked my shoulder, knocking my posture so he could slide his hand under mine and grab the piece of paper as I noticed Kellan to the side chuckling, before shaking his head at his lover. "I mean it," he uttered as he quickly added the zero and pushed his chair back before going to add the bid to the box without a single care in the world. It wasn't like the money bothered him at all. This was about something else; this was about caring for his friend's happiness—my happiness—something he never thought he'd get to see.

"I take it he's up to no good," Kellan said, leaning his arm over the back of Eli's chair. "You know how much your friendship means to him," he uttered, as I nodded at his words.

I do. I really do, but this… first the business and now…

"He doesn't need to spend his money on me though to show me he cares," I carefully uttered, hoping I didn't offend him. "I remember when Eli hid his status surrounding money as he didn't want people to think…" I let out a long-drawn breath as I noticed him approaching behind me and instantly silenced myself.

"Everything okay, here?" Eli asked as he quickly looked between the two of us before heading straight over to Kellan and crouching slightly over. It was as if he'd read his taunt muscles, or worse, overheard our conversation as his gaze met his. His fingers slid down his cheek before it moves down and around his neck, instantly pulling him close and covering his mouth with his in a heated kiss. I know I should have looked away, but my heart pounded at the intimate scene of public affection between the two guys before pulling back looking rather disheveled. "Now, I'll ask again. Hopefully, I'll prefer this answer… is everything okay?"

"Much better. I think there was a slight worry with Lewis, but I'm sure he completely understands now." Kellan firmly states as Eli places a hand on Kellan's thigh, his attempt at a hidden gasp poorly hidden as a red blush forms instantly on his cheeks the moment, he lets out a chuckle once stood up.

"I do," I replied, knowing that deep down Eli was only trying to support me in his own way. "I didn't mean to offend."

"You didn't in the slightest. You were concerned," Eli uttered back as he outstretched his hand to Kellan to dance and gave me a nod as the two of them move off into the crowd amongst the rest of the swaying people moving to the beat of the music.

I'd been debating how long I could nurse this drink before finishing it and heading out for the night. The tiredness had all of a sudden overcome me, and I'd noticed that my bed was calling my name, alongside the hot, steamy dreams of my sexy doctor which I know I'll have. I know in the past I'd been a regular in supporting Hope Liberty Hospital in their charity endeavor, but I just didn't have the energy or motivation tonight. I must sound like a right bore as all my friends enjoyed the night away. I mean was there an etiquette in place or anything for attending events of this caliber on what time was suitable to slip out?

I downed the rest of my drink as a cough behind me made me turn around. "Kennedy, I was just about to head out," I began as I stood up from my seat and reached for my coat. "You did amazing tonight on the stage and I'm sure you've helped the hospital raise a significant amount of money."

"Thank you, Lewis." Kennedy uttered with a wide grin on her face. "It's the auction I've actually come to talk to you about," she said giddily, handing me a sealed red envelope. "Mystery bachelor number nine is all yours, Lewis."

"Kennedy…," I blurted out, holding out the envelope in confusion. "What's this?"

"Your details for your date," she announced. "One of our donors suggested the idea. They'll find out your details a few days before though." She squealed with excitement. "It's just a few special details about who your date is and where you'll be meeting. Enjoy the rest of your evening."

My jaw dropped instantly as Kennedy turned on her heel and Eli caught my eye. I'm guessing the guy in question had been informed of my winning status since his wallet is now considerably lighter thanks to the raised champagne glass, he's holding up in salute to me.

Fuck, what if this is all a huge mistake? What if I can't get over my hot doctor?