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“You’ll have your own date. And if you touch her, I’ll kill you,” Travis grunted, just the thought of leaving Ally unclaimed for the evening making him irritable.
“Just have her bid on you and win,” Jason suggested. “I’ll cover the tab.”
That could work. Travis might have a few moments of humiliation, but Ally would do it. “I’ll cover it. I’d pay anything for a night with Ally.”
“Thanks. I’ll owe you, Travis,” Jason told him gratefully.
“No, you won’t. Just get the woman and I’ll consider us even. No woman deserves to marry someone who’s just out to use her,” he rumbled, thinking about Ally. He wanted Sutherland to be successful, both for the guy’s sake, and Hope Sinclair’s.
Travis stood, ready to get back to the guesthouse. “I need to get back and check on Ally.”
“I told you to take it easy because of the altitude, Trav. You do something to leave her breathless?” Tate asked in a pseudo innocent voice.
Travis thought about their earth-shattering lovemaking earlier in the hot springs pool. He glared at Tate as he answered, “I sure the hell hope so.” Turning to Sutherland, he added, “Good luck. I hope it all works out.” He shook Jason’s hand and headed for the door, silently hoping that this woman Jason cared about was as smart and had a heart as big as Jason claimed she did. She was definitely going to need it.
Ally couldn’t remember an occasion when she’d been more nervous in her entire life. She smoothed down the silky material of the black cocktail dress, wondering if she should change. It was sexy and dressy, but the hem ended at mid-thigh, and exposed way more of her legs than she usually showed. The black stiletto heels were extremely high, and the neckline plunged down to the valley of her breasts, making it impossible for her to wear a bra with the ensemble. Luckily, the top portion that covered her breasts had heavier material and pleats that covered everything. Still, she felt naked without a bra.
She took one last stare at herself in the mirror, murmuring to herself, “You can do this. They’re just people.”
But those people would be looking at her because she was bidding for Travis. He’d explained to her this morning about what had happened with Jason Sutherland, and what he needed her to do. She wasn’t exactly comfortable bidding with Travis’s money, but he’d looked so vulnerable that she would do anything to get him out of an obligation he obviously hated. And it really touched her that he was doing it for Jason.
They’d had a quiet day, Travis hovering over her and plying her with fluids and carbs—just what her hips didn’t need—to help her weather the altitude issue. She’d honestly felt just fine since the morning, her reaction obviously mild, and Travis’s concern had been way over the top. Strangely, she didn’t mind, finding it more sweet than irritating.
“Holy Christ! Please tell me that’s not what you’re wearing tonight.” Travis’s growl sounded from the doorway of the bedroom.
Ally looked at the displeasure on Travis’s face and her heart plummeted to her feet. “I don’t look good in it. I knew I should have picked something else,” she told him, disheartened.
“No, sweetheart, you don’t look good. You look like every man’s fantasy, a sensual goddess. I’m not sure my heart can take it.” He walked over to her and turned her to face him by taking her hand. He caressed her palm with his thumb, his eyes roaming over her body and finally stopping at her face. “There won’t be a man in the room who won’t want to fuck you. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings with that comment, or your confidence. It’s my confidence that’s in jeopardy. How am I going to keep a horde of horny men away from you?”
Ally rolled her eyes. “It’s not that revealing, and the only man who gets horny when looking at me is you,” she assured him, quietly pleased that he thought she looked hot. “And you’re looking incredibly handsome yourself, Mr. Harrison.” And he did. She saw Travis in a suit all the time, but in a tux, he was absolutely devastating. No doubt he’d have women panting all over him. And she’d definitely be one of the many. “How am I going to keep the women away from you?”
“All they have to see is the way I look at you and they’ll get the message loud and clear,” he answered, kissing the palm of her hand tenderly.
Ally nearly melted to a puddle right there on the bedroom floor. God, this man could make her feel like the most desirable woman on the planet. And she knew his assessment wasn’t even close. But it still made her want to howl with happiness.
“I don’t like your earrings, though,” Travis said thoughtfully.
Ally fingered the small studs in her ears. They were the best pair of studs she had, and as she was putting them on she was wishing she had got a prettier pair. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think to pick up—”
“I think these would look better.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box.
“Travis…you didn’t.” She took the box with a shaky hand, flipping the lid with a gasp. Nestled in the velvet interior were the most exquisite bracelet and earrings she’d ever seen. They were unique and beautiful, and she instantly suspected who had made them. “Mia?”
“Yes. She makes every item unique and I wanted them to be different from what any other woman would be wearing,” Travis answered gruffly. “Put them on.”
Ally was torn. She didn’t want to reject anything Travis gave her, but as she looked over the glittering stones—black opals and diamonds—she knew they were very valuable and rare. She looked at Travis, his eyes filled with anticipation and anxiety, and pulled the jewelry from the box. Did he really think she wouldn’t like them? She pulled out the studs and put in the dangling earrings that had two long strands, alternating the black opals and diamonds. Silently, she handed the bracelet to Travis and let him fasten it around her wrist.
“I wanted to get the necklace, too—”
“No,” she told him emphatically, fingering the diamond unicorn around her neck. “I haven’t taken this off since you gave it to me, and I never will.”
“I figured you’d say that,” Travis said with a boyish grin.
Ally looked at herself in the mirror, the sophisticated bracelet and earrings setting off the dress perfectly. “I don’t know what to say right now, Travis.” She was speechless, unable to express herself past the huge lump in her throat. Nobody had ever given her something so beautiful or so thoughtful…except Travis. “They’re so beautiful and I’ll be so afraid I’ll lose them.”
Travis shrugged. “Just tell me you like them. And if you lose them, I’ll get you some more. It’s just jewelry, Ally.”
“Anything you give me is special.” She turned and stroked his cheek. “And I want to give you something in return. But what do you give a billionaire?”