Chapter 11

Eliza

“You look fabulous!” Tanya says.

I manage a smile. Julia Martin’s fundraiser bachelor auction is this evening. I smooth out the front of the dress. It’s not really my taste, but I had the personal shopper at Nordstrom pull a dozen options, and this is what Tanya and I agreed on. It’s a shiny red silk dress with a keyhole neckline.

And I went back and forth over a diamond necklace, but I like the Mikimoto pearls the best.

“Steve is going to go crazy,” Tanya continues. “The front is all conservative, but those slits up the side are pretty high.”

“I know. I sat down earlier and realized my panties showed.”

Tanya’s eyes grow wide. “Does that mean you’re going commando?”

I shrug. “Even the clear-band thong showed.”

“Steve is going to jump you before you get to the party. ”

“This is a business arrangement. Sex and business don’t mix. I think it would be a mistake if we got involved that way. You need to understand. I can’t let my father rule my life. What he’s asking for is completely unreasonable.”

“Agreed, but why would you take sex off the table? What does Steve think about that?”

“Well, we still need to work out the details, but I’m sure he’ll understand.”

Tanya’s eyes grow enormously. “You gave me every detail of the night you and Steve had together, and I needed a tall glass of ice water. Why would you shut that off? You could have some of the best sex you’ll ever have.”

“Because I know me. I don’t want to confuse things, so I have to stay focused on my goal and keep my personal life separate.”

“Okay, but just don’t forget about the personal-life part while you’re busy putting one over on your dad. Maybe there’s a way everyone can win.”

“I do like to win,” I tell her.

“True that.”

We high-five just as Mom’s phone rings.

“He’s here.” Tanya squeals.

I answer. “Hello?”

“Ms. Rourke, there’s a Dr. McCormick here?” the doorman says.

“Thank you. Please let him know I’m on my way down.”

“I think you’ll want him to come up.”

“Oh, okay. Send him up, I guess. Thanks.” I hang up and turn to Tanya. “That’s strange.”

“What?”

“He said I should have Steve come upstairs.”

“Why?”

I shrug. “Beats me.”

I open the front door as the elevator pings and Steve walks out with a dozen long-stemmed roses. My mouth drops to the floor .

“Holy cow!” Tanya blurts. “I was just leaving!” She rushes into the elevator and is gone before I can form a complete thought.

“Too much?” Steve asks when the elevator closes.

I shake my head. “Those are beautiful. Come on in.”

I walk into the pantry and pull down a large vase. I don’t know if I should cut the stems while he waits or do it later. I don’t want to make a mess on my dress, and one splash would do it. I decide to just fill the vase with water and cut them later.

“Are you nervous about the auction?” I ask as I carefully turn on the sink.

“No. I know you’ll be bidding. Julia will have all sorts of eligible men from around town. She’s had to get creative since two of her sons are off the market and the other one is in trouble.”

“Why is he in trouble?” I ask, setting the flowers on the table.

“Some woman Griffin had never met showed up at his parents. She jumped a fence, which set off a dozen alarms, and by the time she was arrested, the press had arrived, so she announced she was pregnant with his child.”

“Wow. That’s a lot.”

Steve offers me his arm, and we take the elevator down. He leads me out to a Land Rover with a driver. I cross my legs, and Steve’s hand slides appreciatively over my thigh.

Then he catches the look on my face and removes it. The side of his mouth curls. “Are you nervous?”

“What have you told your friends?”

“They know about the arrangement, but they’re not going to say anything.”

I roll my eyes. “Great.”

“You told your friend.”

“I told one friend. How many did you tell?”

He recites each person’s full name. “Four people.” His eyes find mine. “But they are trustworthy. I don’t want you to be concerned. ”

“I guess I’ll just have to trust you on that, right?”

“Right. But you still seem nervous.” He eyes me.

“Okay, I’m a little nervous. We haven’t really worked out our story.”

“You won’t need that tonight. Tonight, you’re just going to bid on me. I’ll pay whatever you bid, so make my donation a big one.” He winks. “It’s for a good cause—kids with cancer.”

“I have money,” I tell him. We drive out to the cliffs in front of the University of British Columbia. The homes here sit on substantial pieces of property overlooking the Pacific Ocean. When we arrive at the Martins’, we leave the car with the driver and tour the house. The Martins own the two biggest newspapers in the country, several television stations, and the country’s largest wireless-phone network. After a moment, Steve moves us toward a group of people about our age. I recognize a few of them.

“Steve!” A woman in a baby blue sheath dress embraces him. On her left hand is a stunning diamond ring with sapphires.

“Paisley, I’d like to introduce you to my date, Elizabeth Rourke.”

She turns, and her warm smile disarms me completely. “Paisley Martin. I’m so happy to meet you.”

“Please, my friends call me Eliza.”

“I’m glad we’re friends.” She turns to two women who are chatting nearby. “This is Nadine Khalili and my soon-to-be sister-in-law, Allison Pate.”

I smile. “Nice to meet you both.”

Paisley then turns to the men and introduces Henry, Davis, Griffin, and Phillip Martin, followed by Michael Khalili and Jack Drake.

“Will all of you be in the bachelor auction?” I ask. “I’ll have a hard time deciding who to bid on.”

Jack picks up my right hand and softly kisses my knuckles. “I would be honored to take you on a romantic date in my private plane to a destination of your choice. ”

“Back off, asshole,” Steve growls.

The group laughs.

“I’m thirsty,” Allison announces. “Why don’t we leave the guys to talk about us while we go find some drinks?”

I look at Steve. “Could I bring you something?”

“Bourbon is great.” He squeezes my hand.

We walk off toward the bar.

As we wait in line, the woman in front of us is looking through the list of men. She stops at Jack Drake and nudges her friend. “Holy hotness. I’m bidding on him. He’s a doctor and spends part of his time volunteering in third-world countries. How sexy is that?”

Her friend nods. “There are a few doctors. There’s one who spends half the year working for the Vancouver Tigers. He has the most incredible blue eyes. I could stare at him all night.”

I look over at Paisley, and she’s grinning.

“I think I’m going to have some competition,” I whisper, but apparently, not quietly enough.

The woman turns around and looks me up and down. “As if.”

I draw myself up straight, but Nadine puts her hand on my arm and shakes her head. Once we have our drinks, we return to where we left the men. As we go, I take in the room’s beauty and all the incredible art. When we get back to where we started, the women from the bar line are in the corner gossiping. I walk right up to Steve and lay a big, wet kiss on him.

He’s a bit stunned, but it takes all of a half second for him to return the kiss. When we break, I struggle to stay upright.

I look back to where the women were standing.

“They left.” Nadine snickers.

“What was that about?” Steve asks.

“I was just scaring off the competition.” I take a sip of my drink.

Nadine giggles. “We were behind two women who were talking about who they were going to bid on, and they insulted Eliza.”

“What?” Steve’s eyes grow large.

“There’s some sort of program with all the bachelors,” I explain.

Just then Paisley returns with a stack of programs for the ladies in the group. She passes them out and starts reading about her two brothers-in-law who are taking part.

Soon both Phillip and Griffin are blushing.

“What does it say about me?” Jack asks.

Paisley clears her throat. “Dr. Jackson Drake is one of the top-rated plastic surgeons in Vancouver, with experience in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Personalized, high-quality care is the founding principle of Dr. Drake’s practice. He spends half the year with his practice here in Vancouver and the other half with Doctors Without Borders, helping those in need of reconstructive surgery for everything from burns to cleft palates. Dr. Drake also has his private pilot’s license, so the winner should be ready for a romantic evening on a remote island.”

Jack actually blushes a little. “Why did I agree to do this?”

“Ooh, here’s a good one,” Paisley continues. “Ladies, are you ready for the ultimate catch? We’re excited to present one-of-a-kind orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Steve McCormick, who also serves as chief medical officer for the Vancouver Tigers football team. Not only is he an expert at treating injuries and getting players back on their feet, but he’s also a charismatic and charming man who knows how to sweep you off your feet. In his free time, he likes to work with his hands as he fixes up his Victorian home. With his dashing looks, impressive intellect, and adventurous spirit, he’s the complete package. Get ready to bid on the ultimate bachelor who can provide you with adventure, excitement, and passion. Don’t let this doctor slip away.”

The group is laughing .

“What’s so funny?” Steve asks.

“How much do dates go for?” I ask.

“Davis once got the highest bid ever—before we were dating—which was ten-thousand dollars.” Paisley winks at her husband.

My heart clenches. This may be more expensive than I thought.

A glamorous woman approaches us. “What are you all doing hiding here in the sitting room? You have to go see Paisley’s latest creation. It’s out back.”

Paisley lets everyone walk ahead, but then she introduces me. “This is my mother-in-law, Julia Martin.” She turns to Julia. “This is Steve’s date, Eliza. Don’t scare her off. We like her and want to keep her around.”

Julia breaks into a glowing smile. “Thank you for coming tonight. Your date is one of our big bachelors this evening.”

“He’s told me I should bid on him, but I’ve already met two women who might scratch my eyes out if I get in their way.”

Julia laughs. “I’m sure he only has eyes for you.”

As we continue out to the back, Julia turns to several who’ve remained behind. “Go check out Paisley’s latest,” she tells them. “It’s my favorite to date.”

When we rejoin him downstairs, Steve leans over. “Since you’ve not been back in town very long, you may not know that Paisley is a world-famous artist.”

Paisley leans in. “I have only fooled a bunch of people into paying absurd amounts of money for my art.”

“This is her piece here,” Allison says.

In the middle of the room is a piece of gray driftwood that has been partially dipped in silver. It’s both natural and ethereal. Simple, yet engaging. She’s clearly very talented. “That’s beautiful.”

“What’s your latest piece?” Nadine asks.

“I did it just for Julia,” Paisley explains. “It’s a cherry blossom branch made of wood and silver.”

“Just wait until you see all the intricate flowers she designed. It’s breathtaking,” Julia says.

Somehow, she manages to be everywhere at once.

Paisley blushes, and the group begins to walk outside.

“Julia, I’d like you to meet my date, Elizabeth Rourke,” Steve calls as Julia passes.

“Paisley kindly introduced us earlier,” she says, extending her hand. “You’re Nicolette and Tom Rourke’s daughter, right?”

My eyes widen. “Yes. How did you know that?”

“I worked with your parents on a few things when you were young, and we still travel in some of the same circles.”

“I’m stunned you remember me at all.”

“You were quite young the last time I saw you, but I saw your mother before she left for Italy last year. She’s so proud of you.”

“Ah, yes. Who needs a publicist when you have a devoted parent?”

“I should make sure my children hear that.”

“They already know,” Steve assures her.

“The bidding for Steve will be fast and furious but don’t feel obligated to join in.”

“We’ll see how high it goes. Steve’s agreed to match my donation, so I’m considering how much of his money I want him to give.”

“I like this one,” she says to Steve.

In the backyard, there are tables set up in front of a large, T-shaped stage. Beyond that is a marvelous view of the ocean and the pink and orange sunset.

“What a beautiful evening,” I breathe.

Steve pulls me into his arms. “You don’t have to spend any of your money. Just bid whatever it takes to win the date. We’ll get our pictures taken, and we’ll make sure your dad sees it.”

“Thank you. ”

We’re seated with Steve’s friends for dinner, and Nadine tells us stories about her job as head of her husband’s family business. I remember reading about her and feel silly that I didn’t put it together. And Paisley is both humble and so kind.

Steve slips his hand onto my leg again, and this time I let it stay. The warmth of his palm calms me. I feel a little lost with some of the conversation. While they’ve been great about including me, I don’t know everyone they’re talking about. “The next time you all decide to get together, you should consider including Eliza,” Steve tells them. “She just moved back here from London and is getting to know the city again.”

I feel myself blushing. “You don’t have to invite me anywhere. I’m not friendless here.”

“Oh, we’d love to have you join us,” Paisley counters. “These guys get together all the time, so it’s only fair. We also include an ex of Jack’s sometimes. We loved her so much, we kept her around.”

Jack tilts his head. “Who are you referring to?”

“Laine.”

He rolls his eyes.

I’m curious about that story. I’ll have to remember to ask Steve later.

After dinner, Allison excuses herself to serve as the mistress of ceremonies for the evening.

“You probably recognize Allison. She was a very popular actress, but she quit to marry Davis’s oldest brother,” Steve whispers. “They’re tying the knot next spring. Julia is slowly handing off her community commitments to Allison and Paisley.”

I nod. “I thought she looked familiar. My brain isn’t quite tuned in yet, it seems. I remembered reading about Nadine while she was talking.”

“All right, ladies,” Allison’s voice booms over the sound system. “Let’s start the bidding.”

She begins with Davis’s brother Phillip. He’s quite handsome and works as a senior executive for Martin Communications. He looks very formal this evening in a suit and tie. The bids start conservatively, but a date with him ends up going for over seven thousand dollars.

The next two go for a little less than that, but still, very respectable donations.

When Jack walks onstage, he’s traded his tuxedo for a white T-shirt, well-worn jeans, and a black leather jacket. He looks like a bad boy, and the women eat it up. He blows the lid off of Davis’s record and goes for a stunning eighteen thousand dollars.

When Steve takes the stage, he has a bouquet of red roses like the ones he brought me. Women in the audience swoon, but he looks at me and winks.

The bidding starts at two thousand dollars, and there are about eight women in the running. For a little while, I just watch. In no time at all, Allison urges the bid up to eight thousand, and the bidders drop down to two women. One nudges it up to ten thousand, and when there’s a pause, Allison begins to close the bidding. “Ten thousand going once—”

“Fifteen thousand,” I announce.

“Eliza, good to see your bid,” Allison says.

“Eighteen thousand,” the woman counters.

I sit back, and the crowd is going crazy. Steve looks like he’s going a little crazy too. But there’s no reason not to have some fun with this.

“Eighteen thousand going once, going tw—”

Steve looks at me, eyes wide. I smile. “Twenty-five thousand dollars.”

The crowd is on their feet, urging the woman to go on.

“Are you just going to up any bid I make?” she asks.

“He’s my date this evening,” I explain. “I’ll do whatever it takes to take him home tonight.”

The crowd laughs.

“He’s all yours,” she says.

I have to grin at that.

Three more bachelors are auctioned off before the bidding concludes, and the lights come up. As the crowd mingles, the other woman who bid on Steve wanders over to me.

“Patricia Standing.” She holds out a dainty hand.

“Elizabeth Rourke,” I tell her as we shake.

“He’s a handful, you know.”

I nod. “Yes, I’m well aware of it. But he’s fun.”

“He’s a lot of fun. Last year, we went to New York City for our date and saw a Broadway show.”

“I’ll set my expectations high.”

She walks off, and Steve arrives with the bouquet of flowers. “I can’t believe you bid that up so high.”

I shrug. “It was fun.”

A photographer comes over and introduces herself, saying she’s from the Vancouver Sun. Steve and I pose for pictures, and several women stop by and congratulate me. It’s actually quite fun.

“I’ll go over and pay,” Steve says after a little bit.

I put my hand on his arm to stop him. “I’ve got this. Don’t worry about it.”

But he insists. “I told you I’d at least match it. It’s for a good cause.”

We wander over to the cashier’s table, and Julia hugs me tightly. “What a night!”

“I assume it was a record breaker,” Steve says.

“Oh, and Jack, you were a bad boy. I can’t believe you changed.” Julia is beaming with pride.

He shrugs. “It’s for a good cause.”

“Melanie Thompson apparently saw you change and made a ten-thousand-dollar donation just for that.”

“I guess that means he’s the highest price tag tonight,” Steve says with a smile.

“What are you going to do for your date?” she asks, looking between us.

But Steve is giving nothing away. “We’ll have to figure that out. ”

He gives Julia his credit card and makes an additional donation that matches mine. I’m almost sure she’s going to burst with happiness.

We talk a short time longer, and it seems every few feet we’re stopped by someone who is happy for us.

“It seems like love,” one lady says as she pinches Steve’s cheeks.

My feet are starting to throb, so I hold on to Steve and slip my shoes off. Four-inch stilettos are a killer in the grass all night.

“Would you like me to carry you?” he asks.

“Don’t you dare!” I laugh.

“Are you ready to head out?”

I nod. “Yes, but I don’t think I’ve had this much fun in a long time.”

After saying our goodbyes, we climb into the backseat of the Land Rover, and Marco, Steve’s driver, takes us back to my place.

“I’m almost positive our picture is going to be in the newspaper’s society page on Tuesday,” Steve tells me.

“I’m not quite sure where my dad is, but hopefully, he’ll see it. If not, I’m sure one of his friends will point it out.”

“You didn’t have to contribute tonight,” Steve tells me again.

“I don’t mind,” I assure him. “I earn a decent salary. and I’m living rent free until my mother returns from finding herself.”

“Would you like to come over to my place tonight?” Steve leans in and kisses me. His tongue enters my mouth and strokes softly.

My stomach flutters, and I consider taking what he’s offering. My body would really like to. But I can’t. I like Steve, but this is only supposed to get my dad off my back, so he’ll give me the team.

“As much as I’d love to, I think it’s better that I go home,” I tell him.

Dating Steve feels way too natural. I can’t lose sight of my ultimate goal.